Common Injuries From Truck Accidents in Alpharetta
According to the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, truck-involved accidents resulted in over 200 fatalities in one recent year — accounting for 14 percent of all fatalities in the state.
When an 80,000-pound fully loaded tractor-trailer collides with a passenger car in Alpharetta, it’s no wonder that devastating injuries occur, such as:
What to Do After a Truck Accident near Alpharetta, GA
If you are involved in an accident with a truck, here are the essential steps you should take immediately:
- Call 911 — Truck accident scenes can be chaotic and dangerous. Police and emergency medical services are necessary to secure the scene and treat serious injuries. As soon as an accident occurs, call 911. The responding police officer will complete a crash report about who was involved in the accident, what occurred, and why it happened. This crash report could be vital evidence in your truck accident claim.
- Get medical attention — Severe injuries can have life-long consequences, especially if they are not promptly treated. Immediately seek medical attention at an emergency room, urgent care, or physician’s office. A medical professional can properly diagnose your injuries and ensure you receive the appropriate treatment. The records of the care you receive can help establish the losses you suffered in the accident.
- Gather information and evidence — To the best of your ability, gather information and evidence at the accident scene. Take photos and videos, get contact and insurance information from the truck driver and others involved, and write down your memories of the accident. The smallest detail may be relevant to your claim, so be thorough.
- Prioritize your health and well-being — Truck accidents can harm your physical, mental, and financial health. Make sure you are taking care of yourself after an accident. Follow your doctor’s orders and rest as much as possible.
- Be careful with insurance companies — You may receive a call from an insurance adjuster asking to “check on you.” Be cautious of this outreach. Insurance companies are profit-driven businesses and make money by minimizing the amount they pay to claimants. They may try to catch you in a statement that they can use to undermine your claim. You can decline to speak to an insurance company representative and direct them to your lawyer instead.
- Consult a truck accident attorney — A serious truck crash lawyer can reduce your stress by handling your legal claim, dealing with the insurance company, and fighting for your rights while you focus on healing and recovery.
Who Is Legally Liable for Damages From Truck Accidents?
Truck accident cases are more complicated than the average car crash because of the multiple entities involved in most trucking operations.
Any of the following parties may be legally liable for a truck accident in Alpharetta:
- Truck driver — Truck driver negligence is frequently the cause of truck accidents. Examples of negligence include speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, exceeding hours-of-service regulations, and not obeying traffic laws.
- Trucking company — Trucking companies can be held responsible for their employee’s negligent actions and their own actions. Some examples of trucking companies’ negligent actions include hiring unqualified truck drivers, pressuring drivers to exceed their hours-of-service limits, and skipping required maintenance.
- Truck manufacturer — Truck defects and malfunctions can lead to accidents for which the truck manufacturer could be legally liable. For example, the manufacturer could be responsible if a truck’s brakes malfunction and contribute to an accident.
- Other drivers — A motorist other than the truck driver could be responsible for a truck accident. Suppose the driver of a passenger vehicle runs a red light, forcing a truck driver to slam on their brakes and jackknife the truck. If the jackknifed truck hits other vehicles, the driver who ran the red light could be held responsible for injuries.
- Government agency — A government agency could be responsible for a truck accident caused by its failure to design and maintain safe roads.
Types of Damages You Can Sue for After a Truck Accident
By pursuing a legal claim against the at-fault truck driver, you may be able to recover compensation for the following accident-related losses:
- Current and future medical expenses to treat and manage your injuries
- Lost wages for time off work due to your injuries
- Loss of future earning capacity if your injuries result in a permanent disability
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Physical impairment
- Lower quality of life
- Property losses, such as car damage or replacement
How Long Do I Have to Hire a Lawyer and File a Truck Accident Claim in Alpharetta?
Under Georgia’s statute of limitations, you have two years from the date of injury to file a truck accident claim. To meet this deadline, you need to hire an accident lawyer long before that. It can take several months to prepare a case that is ready for filing. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to gather the essential evidence to prove your claim. Do not delay. Consult a truck accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Call an Alpharetta Truck Accident Lawyer at Geiger Legal Group, LLC for Help Today
If you were injured in a truck accident in Alpharetta, contact Geiger Legal Group, LLC today. We can put our considerable skills to work on your behalf. Consultations with our Alpharetta truck accident lawyers are free and come with no obligation.
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