Truck accidents in Lawrenceville, GA, and the rest of the United States can be devastating on numerous levels, often leading to expensive medical care, serious injuries, and missed time at work. In some instances, victims are unable to work in the same capacity as they did prior to the injury.
If you or a loved one was involved in a truck accident in Lawrenceville, GA, you should get in touch with an experienced Lawrenceville truck accident lawyer at the Herro Law Firm. Our skilled auto accident attorneys will relentlessly fight to recover compensation for your injuries and/or losses. Call us today at (404) 433-6876 to schedule a free consultation.
Truck Accident Statistics
Truck accident data as reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) shows that fatalities related to truck accidents are on the rise in Georgia. In 2018, there were 192 fatalities in accidents involving large trucks, 204 fatalities in 2019, and 234 fatalities in 2020.
What Should You Do After a Truck Accident?
If you are involved in a truck accident in Lawrenceville, you should do the following to get the compensation that you deserve:
Call 911
Call 911 while on the scene so that police and emergency responders can come and help the victims. The police report is an important piece of evidence that can help with your compensation claim.
Help Others
If you can, provide first-aid to those that need it while you await emergency responders to provide more specialized care to those seriously injured in the accident.
Exchange Information
Gather as much information as possible on all others involved in the crash. This includes names, addresses, and identifying information about the truck driver and their employer.
Document the Scene
Use your smartphone to take as many photos as you can of the accident scene, any other surrounding objects, vehicle damage, and your injuries from multiple angles. It is hard to argue with photographic evidence.
Speak With Witnesses
If there are any witnesses, ensure that you collect statements from them since witness statements are usually incredibly helpful in a personal injury claim.
Seek Medical Attention
Not all injuries manifest immediately after the accident. The adrenaline coursing through your system can mask pains you may feel later. That’s why it is so important to be checked at the accident scene by paramedics and at a hospital by a doctor.
Contact a Lawyer
You need to talk to our Lawrenceville truck accident lawyers at the Herro Law Firm as soon as possible after the accident. We can help you recover the compensation that you deserve. Call us today at (404) 433-6876 to set up an appointment.
What Are the Laws Regarding Truck Accident Liability?
Georgia is an at-fault state, which means that drivers are required to pay for any accidents that occur due to their negligent actions. For this reason, it is important to prove who caused the accident, which is not always easy to do, legally speaking.
Proving Fault in Georgia
Here are some rules for proving fault in Georgia
- If one driver broke a traffic law but the other didn’t, then the one who broke the law is at fault.
- If one driver engaged in negligent conduct while driving such as talking on the phone, then he/she is most likely at fault.
- If one vehicle wasn’t maintained properly, such as the brake lights not working, and that led to the crash, then that vehicle’s driver is most likely at fault.
- For rear-end accidents, the driver behind is usually at-fault since they are considered to be driving “too closely” to the other vehicle.
How Can an Lawrenceville Truck Accident Lawyer Help?
If you have been in an Lawrenceville, GA truck accident, here are the various elements of a truck accident case our lawyers at The Herro Law Firm can help with:
Investigation
We will conduct investigations to establish liability as well as fault and adequately defend you.
Filing a Claim
We will then file a claim that includes compensation for damages that the defendant owes you.
Negotiations
We will do our best to negotiate a fair settlement, and ensure that you aren’t stuck with a settlement that does not cover your injuries and losses.
Litigation
If we are unable to secure a favorable settlement, we will take the matter to court and represent you to increase the chances of a favorable verdict for you.
What Types of Compensation Can I Receive?
Here are the different types of compensation you can receive in a truck accident case:
Economic Damages
The quantifiable monetary losses suffered because of the accident such as medical expenses, loss of income, loss of earning potential, damage to your vehicle, physical therapy, in-home caretakers, etc.
Non-Economic Damages
The non-financial losses suffered because of the accident, are incredibly difficult to quantify in monetary terms, such as emotional distress, pain and suffering, mental anguish, etc.
Punitive Damages
Under some circumstances, our truck accident lawyers also work towards recovering punitive damages, which are the additional compensation provided as a deterrent measure to punish the liable party.
How Much Is My Lawrenceville, GA Truck Accident Claim Worth?
The value of your Lawrenceville truck accident claim will depend on the type and severity of your injuries and the total damages incurred. Call the Herro Law Firm in Lawrenceville, GA today to find out how much your truck accident is actually worth.
Is There a Deadline for Filing a Claim?
Yes. The deadline for filing a personal injury claim, which is known as the statute of limitations, in Georgia is 2 years from the date of the accident.
How Is Fault in a Truck Accident Determined?
To determine fault in an auto accident, our lawyers will demonstrate the following 4 legal elements of negligence:
Duty of Care
Truck drivers owe a duty of care to the public and all others that share the road with them. This includes the duty to obey speed limits, not to drink and drive, etc.
Breach of Duty
If a truck driver drives while intoxicated, drives aggressively, texts and drives, etc., they have breached their duty of care.
Causation
If the truck driver’s breach of duty of care led to the accident that caused your injuries, then their breach makes them legally liable for your damages:
Damages
You suffered provable damages and losses in the accident. Our lawyers will provide various pieces of evidence such as copies of your doctor bills for this purpose.
Can a Lawyer Prove the Truck Driver Was Negligent?
Yes. Our truck accident lawyers at the Herro Law Firm in Lawrenceville, GA can prove that the truck driver was negligent by:
- Investigating your accident
- Proving negligence for your accident
- Reviewing the severity of your injuries
- Explaining your legal options
- Managing all necessary communications
- Getting statements from any witnesses to the accident
- Compiling evidence of all your damages
- Determining who is liable for your accident
Who Can Be Held Liable?
Truck accidents are unique since multiple parties may share liability. Here are the various parties that can be held liable in a truck accident:
Truck Driver
Investigations may determine that the driver alone was responsible for the accident due to their negligence, such as failing to check their blind spots, not maintaining a safe stopping distance, or driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Trucking Company
Trucking companies are responsible for hiring competent and experienced drivers as well as training new drivers appropriately. If they fail to check the employment background of their employees or provide training, they can be held liable if the driver’s negligence causes a crash.
Company Who Loaded the Truck
Cargo needs to be loaded carefully onto a truck. Suppose a truck loading company’s employee loaded the truck incorrectly. In that case, it could make the truck more susceptible to swerving on the road or flipping over, contributing to the accident. When this happens, loading companies can be held liable for the accident.
Vehicle or Parts Manufacturers
Just like all manufacturers, truck and truck part manufacturers are responsible for ensuring that their trucks and parts are safe for the road. If a defective truck or truck part causes a crash, the manufacturer of that truck or truck part can be held liable.
What Are Some Common Causes of Truck Accidents?
Truck accidents can be caused by numerous factors, but some of the most common ones are:
- Reckless Driving
- Distracted Driving
- Driver Fatigue
- Poor Road Conditions
- Equipment Malfunction
- Lack of Truck Maintenance
- Poorly Trained or Inexperienced Drivers
- Oversized or Improperly Secured Freight
- Drug Use
Injured in an Lawrenceville Truck Accident? Contact Us for Legal Help!
If you or a loved one was injured in a truck accident in Lawrenceville, the legal team at The Herro Law Firm could help you seek financial compensation to pay for your medical expenses and other damages. Our team is here to advocate for you as you concentrate on your physical recovery.
Call us today at (404) 433-6876 for your free consultation.
