Marietta Truck Accident Lawyer

Marietta Truck Accident Attorney

Getting into an automobile collision of any kind can be traumatic. However, getting into a semi-truck accident is even more so. The size and velocity of tractor-trailers, especially on the highway, result in a significant amount of injuries and damage. If you are involved in such an accident, it is vital to enlist the support of a Marietta truck accident lawyer.

If you have been in a truck accident, it is important to understand that you are not alone. Though you may have sustained serious injuries and damage to your vehicle, you may not need to be financially responsible for the aftermath. In fact, if the collision was not your fault, you should not have to pay for the results.

Our Marietta truck accident lawyers at Barnes Law Group are here to represent you after a trucking accident. Regardless of your circumstances or the situation surrounding the collision, you should not be responsible for medical and auto repair bills that result from a crash that was not your fault.

Barnes Law Group: Marietta Truck Accident Lawyers

With decades of combined experience, our team is well-qualified to represent you in your truck accident case in Marietta, GA. We work closely with each of our clients to right the wrongs that have been done to them. We are passionate about this concept and work diligently to achieve justice for each of our clients who have experienced a truck accident that was someone else’s fault.

Though personal injury law is complicated, our team is confident in our ability to create a strong case for you. We have had clients of all types and believe that our broad legal experience can benefit your claim. Our team works tirelessly in our pursuit of justice for you and your family.

Motor vehicle accidents result in serious consequences, but our GA personal injury attorneys can help you get the settlement that you deserve to move forward and recover.

What Is a Truck Accident Claim?

A truck accident occurs any time a semi or tractor-trailer gets into a collision. In some cases, these collisions happen between two trucks, while in other scenarios, they may happen between a truck and a car, a motorcycle, or even a pedestrian.

Though truck drivers are highly trained in their jobs, they can still make critical mistakes when on the road. Unfortunately, even a small mistake can result in catastrophic consequences, as semi-trucks are large and can cause a serious amount of damage.

A truck accident claim is a type of personal injury claim in which a driver presses charges against another driver for causing an accident that led to an injury or other damages. In some truck accidents, the injured party is the car or motorcycle driver, while in other scenarios, it is the truck driver themselves. In any scenario, the victim acts as the prosecution while the responsible party acts as the defendants, as these are usually civil claims rather than criminal ones.

The key to all personal injury claims, including truck accident cases, is that the prosecution must establish that the defendant acted negligently to cause the accident and resulting injuries. This is distinct from accidents that occur because of mutual mistakes or acts of nature.

Why Do I Need a Truck Accident Lawyer in Marietta, GA?

The truck accident claims process aims to achieve compensation for victims of truck accidents and their families. Because trucks are so large and potentially destructive, the resulting damage is often severe. This means that repair and medical bills are usually very high, even with insurance coverage.

The cost of the accident is an expense that few families can afford without warning. The most effective way to avoid financial insecurity is by filing a truck accident claim with the help of a truck accident lawyer. With so much on the line financially, it is important to make a strong effort to win your case.

Those who represent themselves often end up with low settlements if they are able to get one at all. The court requires you to present evidence and information in a specific manner if they are to legally find the defendant liable. Without years of training and experience, it is very difficult to meet the court’s requirements, and it is possible to lose even the most straightforward cases this way.

Most importantly, however, you should avoid all extraneous stress and activity while you are healing. Representing yourself can be a significant stressor, and truck accident victims often have serious injuries from which they need to recover. Adding the task of representing yourself in court will likely impede both your case’s success and your healing process.

Protect your claim and your health with a truck accident attorney from Barnes Law Group.

Who Is at Fault in a Truck Accident?

Many people believe that truck drivers cannot be responsible for a truck accident because they are highly trained before they are permitted to drive their vehicles. This is not the case. Truck drivers can easily act negligently while behind the wheel, causing avoidable collisions.

Types of negligence from a truck driver include:

• Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Falling asleep at the wheel
• Skipping breaks or rest times
• Distracted driving
• Failing to follow signs or weight restrictions for their vehicles.

This is not an exhaustive list of the ways that truck drivers can cause accidents. In any case, it is important to know that truck drivers are not automatically exempt from liability just because they are professionals.

Other motorists can easily be responsible for collisions as well. Despite the size and threat of semi-trucks, many drivers try to race around them or drive in their blind spots. This can lead to serious consequences.

Common types of car and motorcycle driver negligence include:

• Distracted driving
• Using one’s phone while driving.
• Operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Engaging in road rage
• Speeding
• Disobeying road signs or signals

Any time a driver does not follow all road laws, they are neglecting their responsibility as a driver. If the driver’s negligence causes someone harm or results in damage, the driver is liable.

Potential Evidence in a Truck Accident Case

As mentioned, negligence is a key factor in personal injury cases, including truck accident claims. As the prosecution, you must prove that the defendant was behaving negligently and is therefore responsible for the damages; defendants are assumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

To prove your case, you will have to assemble significant evidence supporting your claim. The types of evidence that you include will depend on your unique scenario. The truck accident lawyer on your case will work to assemble the necessary evidence to prove your claim.

Common types of evidence in a truck accident case include:

• Video or CCTV footage of the accident
• Photos of the damage and debris
• Medical records
• Photos of injuries
• Eyewitness testimonial

There are more types of evidence that may be relevant in your case. Ask your experienced truck accident lawyer what types of evidence are necessary for your claim.

Potential Compensation in a Truck Accident Claim

Though an insurance company may pay for some of your medical expenses, there are often other costs that fall on the patient.  These costs can still be devastating for a family’s finances, which is why it is important to seek compensation through a personal injury case. The settlement should account for extra expenses that are not covered by insurance.

If you win your truck accident claim, you should receive compensation that reflects the severity of your accident and the damage that the other driver did to you. The more severe the injury or damage that resulted, the higher the compensation is likely to be. Despite this variability, there are some basic considerations that are part of most truck accident compensation. They include:

• Medical bills associated with the accident.
• Ongoing necessary care as a result of the injury, such as physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Compensation for time spent out of work because of the injury.
• Compensation for any vocational retraining that is required after the injury.

Because there are several factors, it is difficult to say how much your claim is worth. However, when you meet with a qualified truck accident attorney from Barnes Law Group, we can give you a more accurate idea of what your compensation might be if you win.

Types of Injuries in a Truck Accident Claim

As noted, all truck accidents are different. Therefore, the injuries that result from these accidents will vary as well. However, due to the nature of auto accidents, some injuries are more common than others for car accident victims. Being aware of these injuries can help you to watch for symptoms and seek medical help as soon as you realize that you are hurt.

Common injuries resulting from truck accidents include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Burns and scrapes
• Broken bones
• Dental injuries
• Lacerations

Though many of these are acute injuries, there are truck accident injuries that appear over time. It may take days or weeks for a condition to fully develop. Because of this, it is important to monitor your health closely after getting into an accident.

Preserving Evidence After a Truck Accident

If you get into a truck accident, there are steps that you can take to preserve your opportunity for a settlement, such as:

• Take photos and videos of the damage to the vehicles, the surrounding area, debris, etc.
• Exchange contact and insurance information with others involved
• Note any traffic signs and signals involved in the traffic patterns that led to the collision
• Seek medical help
• Call your attorney

It can be beneficial to seek medical help right away, even if you do not feel as though you are injured. Injuries can appear days or weeks after the incident, and having a medical record helps to tie the injury to the collision. If you wait too long, the defendant’s attorney will claim that you sustained the injury elsewhere and are falsely blaming it on your collision with their client.

It is important that you speak to as few people as possible in the aftermath of a collision. Do not apologize or make statements unless ordered to by law enforcement. Try to have your truck accident lawyer present if you do need to make a statement.

Truck Accidents and Insurance Companies

Though many people believe that insurance companies aim to support their clients’ health and wellness, most do not. Insurance companies are businesses that look out for their own interests first and foremost, often at the disadvantage of victims.

In order to benefit their own profits, insurance companies aim to get victims to admit fault. They can skew anything you say in your statement or conversations with them into an admission of guilt. Their attorneys are highly experienced in this area and can make even the most obvious situation seem questionable in court.

In some situations, insurance companies will track a victim’s daily activities to ensure that they coincide with the injury claim. Not only is this intrusive, but it also leads to many false conclusions on behalf of the insurance company. It is important to understand that insurance companies are not on your side and that these businesses will stop at nothing to preserve their profits.

You must work to protect yourself from these tactics. By having your truck accident lawyer present or on the line for every interaction with an insurance company, you can work to avoid saying anything that may be construed as admitting fault and ultimately preserve your opportunity for a legal settlement.

Wrongful Death and Truck Accidents

Because trucks are so large, they can cause serious damage. Unfortunately, this means that many people do not survive the injuries that they sustain in these accidents. This is often devastating for the deceased’s friends and family.

Though no amount of legal work can make the pain okay, you may be able to receive a settlement if you lost a loved one in a truck accident that was caused by negligence. These are called wrongful death claims, and they function similarly to personal injury claims but are filed by the family of the victim rather than the victim themselves.

A settlement from a wrongful death claim can cover funeral and burial expenses for the victim. You may also receive compensation for lost income as the family of the deceased, especially if they were your home’s main breadwinner.

These expenses are significant and can give a family the necessary time, space, and freedom to grieve properly. It is important to speak with an attorney if you believe that you have a wrongful death claim.

How Much Does a Truck Accident Lawyer Cost in Marietta, GA?

If you get into a truck accident, it is important to have an truck accident attorney to represent you. Having legal representation can help you to win your case, as well as increase the settlement that you achieve. However, attorney services are still an investment.

It is difficult to say how much your attorney will cost. Many law firms take a preplanned portion of your settlement, while others charge an hourly rate meaning that the total will depend on the length and complexity of your case.

To protect yourself and your finances, discuss rates with any potential attorneys that you interview. Most truck accident lawyers are happy to discuss their fees with potential clients, and this conversation can give you a better idea of how much you may owe.

It also ensures that you are able to afford your legal services for the duration of your case. Many people who do not ask about fees in advance end up losing their representation during their case because they are unable to pay.

Driving Safely Around Trucks

One of the most effective ways to protect yourself against truck accidents is by driving mindfully around semis and tractor-trailers. This means remaining out of their blind spots when you can, as well as giving them plenty of room. Semis require a long distance to come to a stop, so cutting them off or crowding them can lead to an accident. It is also important to exercise patience, as these vehicles are hard to maneuver.

It is also important to remember that many semi-truck drivers make mistakes or break the law, and they are not exempt from liability because they are professional drivers. In fact, their companies have systems in place to protect them, and these systems can jeopardize your access to a settlement. Always use an attorney if you wish to gain a settlement from a truck accident claim.

FAQs

Q: How Much Are Most Truck Accident Settlements in Georgia?

A: The amount of compensation you are awarded as a result of a truck accident can vary. There is no fixed amount because every case is different. There are a number of factors that go into deciding how much compensation is owed, such as the severity of the affected party’s injuries, the damage to their vehicle, the trucking company’s insurance policy, the amount of pain and suffering afflicted, and many more. In cases of catastrophic injury or death, settlements will likely be much higher.

Q: How Much Do Truck Accident Lawyers Charge in Georgia?

A: Most truck accident lawyers in Georgia are personal injury lawyers who work on a contingency fee basis, meaning that they only get paid if they successfully win your case. That means no upfront charges or hourly fees. Once the case is won, your lawyer gets a certain percentage amount of your total compensation. It is usually between 33% and 40%, depending on the severity of the case and other details specific to you and your case. This will be worked out between you and your lawyer before you start building a case, and they agree to represent you.

Q: Can You Sue for a Truck Accident in Georgia?

A: Yes, you absolutely can sue for a truck accident in Georgia. In fact, if you have been severely injured, your vehicle has been damaged, or your life has significantly changed for the worse in some way since the accident, you should contact a lawyer and start building a case for compensation as soon as possible.

You are lucky to have even survived an auto accident with a truck, and you should fight for what you are owed in terms of damages. An experienced truck accident lawyer can walk you through your options in pursuing a case, help you gather evidence, and represent your interests in court if it comes to that.

Q: What Percentage Does a Lawyer Get in a Settlement Case in Georgia?

A: Georgia personal injury lawyers are typically awarded somewhere between 33% and 40% of your total compensation, depending on a number of deciding factors. That includes the difficulty of the case, the severity of your injuries, the attorney’s experience handling cases like yours, and any agreement you and your lawyer may have agreed on before hiring them.

There are often a number of additional expenses your lawyer may charge you along the way, such as costs for investigations, printing and photocopying, filing appeals, obtaining police reports, and other expenses that may arise during the case.

Q: What Causes Most Truck Accidents?

A: Truck accidents are caused by many different factors, most of which add up to simple negligence. But here are several of the most likely causes of truck accidents:

• Driver Error: A simple mistake, falling asleep, distracted driving, speeding, and panicking all fall under the umbrella of driver error.
• Incomplete Training: Driving a truck is not easy work, and it shouldn’t be taken lightly. Drivers are trained to operate a huge vehicle that could cause a lot of damage if improperly operated. Sometimes, drivers do not finish training, or the training does not stick.
• Equipment Failure: If the truck is not properly maintained, the odds of it causing an accident go way up. Proper maintenance is key to ensuring nothing bad happens.
• Company Urgency: Meeting delivery deadlines can be stressful. It could also be the driver’s top priority, causing everything else, including attention to the road, to fall by the wayside. Delivery doesn’t matter if the truck crashes.
• DUIs: Driving under the influence is wrong, illegal, and can damage many lives. If you are drunk or high, do not get behind the wheel. Simple as that.

Contact Marietta Truck Accident Lawyer Now

Our team at Barnes Law Group has many years of experience in truck accident law. We have represented clients in a myriad of unique situations, and each claim has given us new insight into the legal system.

This training and experience can benefit your case and help your family to get the compensation that you deserve after a serious accident threatens your health, finances, and income. We are committed to making things right for those who have been wronged, and we are confident that we can help in your case.

For more information or to schedule your first consultation, contact Barnes Law Group today.