Truck Accident

As is in any significant personal injury case, the investigation of the scene, incident, and vehicles are key elements to explore in preparing the case. This section will discuss the potential importance of expert assistance in investigating each of these issues.

Investigation of the Scene, Incident and Vehicles

When investigating a commercial motor vehicle case, if necessary, we engage an accident reconstruction expert to investigate the scene. We also personally visit the scene to collect evidence. You will be surprised by how helpful this action can be in preparing your case. Here are some of the items for which we are looking at the time:

Vehicle Evidence and Data Collection in Truck Accidents

You will want to inspect and obtain or document all physical evidence possible from the damaged vehicles, including third-party vehicles damaged in the accident. Make certain to note the tire wear, brake conditions, lighting systems and any other physical evidence that could demonstrate damage or relate to the cause of the accident. It is also important to personally download all of the electronic data recorded in the truck. Downloads may reveal speed, acceleration, braking, equipment malfunction and more.

Impact of Lighting and Weather on Commercial Vehicle Crashes

The weather conditions and time of day may affect the accident. Take any steps possible to record the conditions at the time of the collision. The use of camera footage (such as from dash cameras or security footage) and weather reports are two good methods. Recreating the truck accident as closely as possible is an essential element of a commercial motor vehicle case.

Road Conditions and Their Role in Truck Accident Liability

Road conditions may also affect the standard of care expected of motorists. For example, roads that are wet, poorly maintained, or covered with gravel or debris may contribute to the incident and trigger a heightened duty of care. Also, skid marks on the road are a strong indicator of when the driver began hard braking. The length of the skid marks may indicate the distance that the driver travelled once applying the brakes. This length will be affected by vehicle weight and velocity (speed) of travel. Again, this is an important topic to discuss with the crash reconstruction expert.

Analyzing Debris to Reconstruct Commercial Vehicle Collisions

Debris from the scene can also assist in accident reconstruction. Specifically, it helps determine the points of collision between the vehicles. We recommend creating an area diagram demonstrating where and how far debris from the accident is scattered.

Why the Accident Investigation Process is Critical

When there is an injury justifying the expense, scene, incident, and vehicle investigations are absolutely critical in a commercial motor vehicle case. Truck companies are well-funded and will, almost certainly, have experts on the scene immediately following the accident, if the claim appears to present significant exposure. Therefore, the plaintiff’s attorney must go to these same ends (or further) to collect evidence. Key information, such as accident debris, paint markings (from government investigation), and videos may go missing without prompt attention.

Protecting Your Rights After a Commercial Vehicle Accident

At our dedicated Atlanta personal injury firm, we know the unique challenges that come with commercial vehicle accident claims. Our team works quickly to preserve critical evidence, consults with highly qualified experts, and makes sure every detail is uncovered to build a compelling case on your behalf.

If you or a loved one is facing the aftermath of a crash, don’t navigate the legal maze alone or risk valuable evidence being lost. Reach out for a free, no-obligation consultation and let us help you take the next step. Remember: you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Your recovery is our priority. Contact us today to get the experienced, local representation you deserve.

Commercial vehicle accident lawyers have specific knowledge of the law and facts that commonly arise in truck accident cases. Truck accident lawyers also have experience in building these cases through the collection and assembly of evidence and expert review. 

The fact is that commercial motor vehicle (“CMV”) cases or “Truck Cases” are different than car wreck cases. The average personal injury lawyer knows the ins and outs of the Rules of the Road, causation, and damage issues. But, the standards in a CMV case are different. Unfortunately, we don’t know what we don’t know. This Manual will point you in the direction of what you need to learn. There are voluminous regulations that make a truck case more closely akin to a professional malpractice case than a car accident case.

With a deep dive into the regulations and standards applicable to CMV drivers and motor carriers, a lawyer of reasonable ability can, of course, develop the skillset necessary to prosecute these cases. Keep in mind, that there may be important pieces of evidence that are lost while you learn the standards and regulations. Some key pieces of evidence may be discarded within weeks, days, or even hours. This is true for even a well-intentioned trucking company.

Commercial vehicles are expensive assets, with the cost of new tractors nearing or exceeding $200,000. The average business will have difficulty holding off the road an asset of that value. 

And, without a proper preservation letter and scene investigation, information that may be important (such as ECM data) could be lost. The FMCSR contains key provisions that limit the amount of time certain records, such as hours of service logs, must be kept. These, and other issues, make quick movement by the lawyer key in a truck accident case.

Why Are Commercial Motor Vehicle Cases More Complex?

Commercial truck accidents tend to be more complicated than accidents involving civilian motorists. Throughout this book, we focus on the more procedurally complex aspects of handling a commercial vehicle case.

The following are factors that make commercial vehicle cases more complex: 

Evidence and Investigation 

Perhaps the most demanding aspect of handling a commercial vehicle case is the intense investigation surrounding the accident. There are far more potential causes of accidents associated with a commercial vehicle. Also, the collection of evidence often requires knowledge of all the means, methods, and places where information may be stored. It generally requires employing the services of technical, operational, and medical experts.

Responsible Parties 

There are more potentially responsible parties in a commercial vehicle accident than in a civilian vehicle accident. For example, responsible parties might include: the truck driver, the trucking company (and its employees), the truck or trailer manufacturer, a vehicle maintenance company, a broker/dealer, any vehicle or trailer part supplier or manufacturer, a cargo manufacturer, distributor or shipper, cargo loader, intermodal equipment provider, private property owner, local, state and Federal governments, and insurance companies. 

Licenses, Standards, and Regulations 

Commercial drivers, trucking companies, and intermodal equipment providers are subject to a combination of Federal and state law, as well as industry-specific requirements or standards. Notably, you will need to be very familiar with FMCSA rules and regulations dealing with nearly every conceivable aspect of commercial motor vehicle operations. 

Employee vs Contractor Status 

Commercial vehicle accidents often involve an employer-employee or independent contractor relationship between the truck driver and the trucking company. An early hurdle in this type of case is demonstrating that the driver is an actual or statutory employee of the motor carrier. 

Insurance 

The insurance in a commercial vehicle case is significant and (at times) complex. There can be multiple policies applicable. There are also unusual responsibilities that an insurance carrier has to provide payments, despite available coverage defenses.  

Businesses

The defendants in commercial vehicle litigation cases are generally businesses — either commercial motor carriers or insurance companies. These businesses routinely face litigation and have a great deal of experience in defending such cases. They are well-versed in the regulations and how they affect operations. These realities make it more difficult to litigate against commercial motor carriers. Commercial motor carriers also tend to have more resources available to defend themselves in the event of potential legal action than individual defendants in non-commercial vehicle accidents.

Severity of Damages 

Because of the large size and heavy weight of the vehicles involved, commercial-vehicle accidents tend to be more serious (concerning injuries) than small-vehicle or non-commercial accidents. Given the potential amount of damage awards, defendants necessarily invest far more resources in fighting these cases. In turn, this requires greater effort and more resources by the plaintiff or plaintiff’s counsel in pursuing the case and demonstrating the extent of damage suffered.  

The first step in handling a motor vehicle accident is to understand the nature of the task at hand. Being aware of these complexities will help you prepare for the undertaking.

Next, let’s look at the unique role of experts in a truck case.

Expert Issues in Truck Accidents

The cost of handling a commercial motor vehicle case, even without litigation, is generally high. One of the main reasons is the need for expert assistance at many stages of such cases. When reviewing a case, an experienced attorney will ensure that there are damages adequate to justify the expense.

When our firm signs onto a commercial motor vehicle case, we consider the need for several distinct expert types, including an accident reconstructionist, biomechanical engineer, and human factors expert. An accident reconstructionist will typically be a former police officer or an engineer specializing in reconstruction. A biomechanical expert focuses on the mechanics of the interaction of the body with the force of the accident. In layman’s terms, they are crash-dummy scientists. A human factors expert opines as to the reaction of a driver in a collision.

Each of these experts is discussed further in this Manual. And, each can be critical to your case. Unfortunately, expert assistance does not come cheap. We routinely spend tens of thousands of dollars on expert advice and work product. Thus, the attorney must conduct a cost-benefit analysis at the outset. 

Standards in Commercial Motor Vehicle Cases

A complex statutory scheme governs CMV cases. The corresponding regulations are a maze of Federal and state authorities. There are also several publications that establish industry standards and can inform a truck lawyer’s prosecution of a case.

We recommend proceeding as described below. First, review the Federal regulations in detail to determine which of the many hundreds of provisions may apply. Most of the applicable regulations are found in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Act (FMCSR). Second, following a review of the Federal standards, review all applicable state-specific regulations to determine where the state and Federal standards may differ. Remember, the Federal regulations establish the minimum standard – state standards may be more stringent. Third, review the applicable industry guides. The Federal and state governments create guides to educate drivers. For example, the FMSCA produces a handbook on hours of service written for the benefit of drivers. And, the Georgia Department of Driver’s Services produces a driver’s handbook. These resources can be extremely helpful in understanding the factors for evaluating the standard of care and potential breaches.

Valuation in Truck Accident Cases

Truck cases often entail major damage awards. But, how do you value them? 

We have evaluated dozens of commercial motor vehicle cases for some of the largest trucking companies in the United States. There are numerous factors to consider. Like any good case valuation, the starting point is always jury verdict research. Look for cases with similar fact patterns, similarly skilled counsel, and relevant jurisdictions.  

The reality of case valuation is that it is a very subjective undertaking. In most scenarios, there are several factors that can be pushed to sway the insurer (or ultimately a jury) as to the harm suffered and, thus, the value of a case. Identifying those facts and uncovering evidence to support them is where experienced truck-crash attorneys excel.

Another factor, not to overlook, is the experience or reputation of the opposing counsel. How the adversary (the insurance company or defense counsel) assesses your competence in mounting a successful case matters quite a lot. It may not be fair — but, it’s true. If confronted with a reputable lawyer with experience and demonstrated skills in commercial motor vehicle cases, the insurance company or defense counsel likely takes a harder look at the proposed valuation. Of course, a lawyer with an unproven reputation in CMV cases can still move the needle. But, it will be more challenging. Accordingly, the lawyer and his/her skillset are noteworthy factors in the valuation of cases.

Also, the reputation of the commercial driver and/or the commercial motor carrier are important factors. An insurer will view an accident involving a well-run trucking company (employing a well-trained driver) much differently than one involving a trucking company that is pushing the limits of the law. 

The question becomes: how does one move the insurer (or a jury) to view the trucking company and/or the driver in their true (negligent, reckless, or unfavorable) light? There is no single answer to this question. Using the regulations, depositions, and written discovery as evidence of standards and violations thereof, an experienced commercial motor vehicle lawyer can increase the valuation substantially. 

By way of example, the employment application submitted by the commercial driver often proves useful in shifting a valuation. An application, by Federal law, is certified as true and correct by the driver. Unearthing falsehoods related to prior citations, for example, can help in moving the valuation. This is just one of many tactics discussed further in this Manual. 

Partnering with a Commercial Motor Vehicle Attorney

Like most personal injury firms, we routinely co-counsel with other lawyers to handle cases. Our partners refer cases to us because we’re lawyers they can trust. And, we bring the truck accident expertise necessary to properly prosecute these complex cases.  Whether you partner with us or another firm, make certain that you find a partner that brings both of these qualities to the relationship. Knowledge and experience is important, but ethics are crucial.

Any attorney can refer a personal injury case to us and receive a referral fee. Per the applicable law, it does not matter if you are a divorce lawyer or worker’s comp. lawyer, corporate lawyer, or criminal lawyer. 

Rule. 1.5(e) Governs Fee Splits in Georgia 

As it states: A division of a fee between lawyers who are not in the same firm may be made only if: the division is in proportion to the services performed by each lawyer or, by written agreement with the client, each lawyer assumes joint responsibility for the representation;

the client is advised of the share that each lawyer is to receive and does not object to the participation of all the lawyers involved, and the total fee is reasonable.

Speak With a Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyer Today

If you wish to partner with us, we make referring a case easy. Simply call 404-793-0026 or email Alex at alex@weatherbylawfirm.com. We will evaluate your case within one business day and let you know if we can partner with you on it.

It’s a scenario no one wants to imagine: you’re driving down the highway, perhaps on your daily commute or a long-awaited road trip. Suddenly, the unthinkable happens — a massive 18-wheeler veers into your lane. In a split second, your world turns upside down.

Truck accidents are no ordinary fender benders. When a 40-ton behemoth collides with a passenger vehicle, the aftermath can be devastating. Not only are you dealing with potential injuries and vehicle damage, but you’re also thrust into a complex web of insurance claims with multiple parties, legal questions, and mounting bills.

But being prepared can make all the difference. That’s why knowing what to do after a truck accident isn’t just helpful — it’s crucial.

In the chaos following a crash, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. Should you call the police? Move your vehicle? What about gathering evidence? And how do you protect your rights when you’re up against a trucking company with teams of lawyers at their disposal?

These are the unique challenges that set truck accidents apart from typical car crashes. The stakes are higher, the injuries often more severe, and the legal landscape far more complex.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to take after a truck accident. Whether you’re reading this as a precaution or you’re facing the unfortunate aftermath of a collision, our goal is to equip you with the knowledge you need to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your future.

Remember: in the world of truck accidents, being informed isn’t just an advantage — it’s your best defense. Let’s dive in together and explore step by step what you need to know.

1. Ensure Safety and Call 911

The moments immediately following a truck accident can be chaotic, but your priority should always be safety. Here’s what you need to do:

• If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location off the road to prevent further accidents.
• Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
• Check yourself and your passengers for any obvious injuries.

Once you’re in a safe spot, it’s time to call 911. This isn’t just a good idea — sometimes it’s a legal requirement. In Georgia, for instance, you must report any accident involving injuries, fatalities, or property damage exceeding $500. Given the size and weight of 18-wheelers, most truck accidents will easily meet this threshold.

When you call 911, clearly state that you’ve been in a truck accident. Provide your location as accurately as possible and answer any questions about injuries or the number of vehicles involved. Be ready for the responding officers to create an official accident report. This document is typically the first official record of what happened and can play a significant role in future legal proceedings.

2. Check for Injuries

After ensuring everyone’s immediate safety and calling 911, it’s time to stay calm and wait for professional medical help to arrive for a more thorough injury check. Here’s why this step is so important:

• Adrenaline can mask pain, meaning you might be injured without realizing it.
• Some injuries — particularly those involving the neck, back, or head — may not show symptoms immediately.
• Prompt medical attention can prevent minor injuries from becoming more serious.

3. Document the Accident Scene

If you’re physically able and it’s safe to do so, document the accident scene from multiple angles. Here’s how:

1. Take Photos

Use your smartphone to capture:

• Damage to all vehicles involved
• The overall accident scene, including road conditions and traffic signs
• Your visible injuries
• The truck’s license plate and any company information on the vehicle

2. Gather Information

Collect and write down:

• The truck driver’s name, contact information, and insurance details
• Names and badge numbers of responding police officers
• Names and contact information of any witnesses

3. Make Notes

While the details are fresh in your mind, jot down:

• The exact time and location of the accident
• Weather and road conditions
• Your recollection of how the accident occurred

4. Obtain the Police Report Number

This will make it easier to get a copy of the report later.

Remember: you’re not trying to prove fault at this stage. You’re simply gathering as much information as possible. Be thorough but don’t interfere with police investigations or emergency medical services.

Also, while it’s important to exchange information, be cautious about discussing the details of the accident or admitting fault. Stick to the facts and avoid speculating about what happened.

4. Exchange Information with the Other Driver

While you wait for police to arrive, obtain the truck driver’s name, contact information, insurance details, and license plate number. You should also get the driver’s employer’s name and contact information because accidents involving commercial vehicles may include multiple liable parties — yet another reason why it is so important to know what to do after a truck accident.

5. Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Even if you feel fine, it’s crucial to get checked out by a medical professional as soon as possible following the accident. It creates an official record in the form of a medical report, documenting your injuries and linking them directly to the accident. This can be vital for insurance claims or legal proceedings. For example, if you delay seeking treatment, insurance companies might argue that your injuries weren’t serious or weren’t caused by the accident.

Keep in mind that your well-being is more important than any potential settlement. Don’t put off medical attention in hopes of increasing a future payout — it could backfire and leave you with inadequate compensation for your injuries.

6. Notify Your Insurance Company

After you’ve documented the scene and received appropriate medical care, it’s time to contact your insurance company. Here’s why this step is crucial and how to handle it:

• Prompt reporting: Most insurance policies require you to report accidents promptly. Failing to do so could jeopardize your coverage.

• Provide only the basic information: Give your insurer the basic facts about the accident, but avoid going into detail about faults or injuries at this stage.

• Be cautious of early settlement offers: The trucking company’s insurance provider may reach out quickly with a settlement offer. While this might seem tempting, it’s important to remember:
  • These early offers are often lower than what your claim might be worth.
  • You may not yet know the full extent of your injuries or damages.
  • Accepting an offer could waive your right to seek further compensation.

Pro tip: If you’re contacted by the trucking company’s insurer, be polite but firm. Let them know you’ve received their offer, but you’ll need to consult with your attorney before making any decisions. 

This brings us to our next crucial step…

7. Consult a Truck Accident Lawyer

Before you make any decisions about your case or accept any offers, it’s vital to speak with a truck accident attorney. Here’s why:

• Specialized knowledge: Truck accident cases are often more complex than typical car accidents. They involve federal regulations, industry standards, and potentially multiple liable parties. An attorney with relevant truck accident experience understands these nuances and leverages their knowledge to get you the maximum compensation you deserve.

• Proper valuation of your claim: A skilled attorney can help you understand the true value of your claim, considering factors like:
  • Current and future medical expenses
  • Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Long-term care needs

• Protection of your rights: Your attorney will ensure you don’t accidentally say or do anything that could harm your case.

• Negotiation skills: If a settlement is appropriate, your attorney can negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive fair compensation.

Remember: most reputable truck accident attorneys offer free initial consultations so you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. 

8. Gather and Preserve Evidence

In addition to the police records, medical records, witness statements, and accident scene photos you’ve already collected, truck accident lawyers have the resources to conduct their own investigations. For example, they can consult with accident recreation specialists to provide third-party, unbiased testimony that supports your account of the events leading to the accident responsible for your injuries. 

With the additional support of a truck accident lawyer on your side, you might uncover evidence that would have otherwise been inaccessible, further strengthening your claim and increasing your chances of fair compensation.

Speak with a Truck Accident Attorney Today

By following these steps — ensuring safety, documenting the scene, notifying your insurance company, and contacting a truck accident lawyer — you’re setting yourself up for the best possible outcome after a truck accident. While the aftermath of a truck accident can be overwhelming, you don’t have to navigate it alone. 

With the right approach and support from an experienced truck accident lawyer, you’ll know exactly what to do after a semi-truck accident.  

Weatherby Law is a personal injury lawyer with specialized truck accident experience. We will protect your rights while fighting for the compensation you deserve so that you can focus on what’s most important: your recovery. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.

In the aftermath of truck accidents, victims often find themselves dealing with legal headaches while trying to recover from their physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial burdens. Hiring a reliable truck accident lawyer can help clarify this complex healing process. Understanding their crucial role is the key to securing the justice and compensation you deserve following a truck accident.

Truck accident cases are inherently more complicated than car accidents involving passenger vehicles. They involve intricate federal and state regulations, and multiple potentially liable parties, and often result in more severe injuries due to the sheer size and force of commercial trucks. These complexities demand specialized legal expertise that goes beyond general personal injury law.

A skilled truck accident lawyer brings knowledge and resolution to your case, including:

1. In-depth understanding of trucking industry regulations
2. Expertise in identifying all potentially liable parties
3. Experience in handling complex insurance negotiations
4. Ability to gather and analyze technical evidence specific to truck accidents
5. Proficiency in dealing with large trucking companies and their legal teams

So, what does a truck accident lawyer do? Above all, they’re committed to providing personalized legal representation, ensuring that truck accident victims’ rights are protected and their voices are heard throughout the legal process.

In this article we’ll delve into the specific roles and responsibilities of a truck accident lawyer, helping you understand how to choose the right one for your case to receive the maximum compensation you’re owed by law.

The Role of a Truck Accident Lawyer

From start to finish, truck accident lawyers oversee and resolve personal injury cases involving large commercial vehicles. They handle negotiations with insurance companies, ensuring their clients don’t inadvertently say anything that could harm their cases. Along the way, they prepare and file related legal documentation and evidence, adhering to all related deadlines.

If, after negotiations with insurance companies, a fair settlement can’t be reached, your case may go to trial at which point truck accident attorneys will provide representation in court.

Investigating the Truck Accident

Evidence collection is the most important step in investigating truck accidents. Truck accident lawyers investigate every aspect of your truck accident case by gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and consulting with unbiased accident reconstruction experts. They examine telltale documents like logbooks, maintenance records, and even the truck’s “black box” data to identify all contributing factors. An effective truck accident attorney will act quickly, securing the evidence before it’s lost or erased and ensuring the strongest possible cases for our clients.

Determining Liability in Truck Accident Cases

One of the most complex aspects of truck accident cases is determining liability. Unlike typical car accidents — where fault often lies with one or two drivers — truck accidents can involve a web of potentially responsible parties, including the truck driver, the trucking company, vehicle manufacturers, cargo loaders, and third-party maintenance providers. The relationship between these various parties can be intricate, sometimes involving independent contractors or multiple subcontractors. Additionally, the trucking industry is heavily regulated at both federal and state levels which makes understanding these regulations yet another key to identifying violations and proving liability.

To establish liability, a truck accident lawyer must prove negligence. This involves demonstrating that:

• The party had a duty of care
• They breached that duty
• This breach directly caused your injuries
• You suffered damages as a result

For example, if a truck driver failed to obey traffic signals or a cargo loader didn’t secure their payload properly, and this led to your injuries, truck accident lawyers will work to prove their negligence.

To do this, they use their specialized knowledge to examine technical factors, such as vehicle maintenance, cargo loading, and equipment malfunction. An experienced truck accident attorney will also investigate: 

1. The truck driver: Was driver fatigue, distracted driving, substance abuse, or violations of traffic laws and industry regulations a contributor to your accident?
2. Trucking Company: Companies may be held liable for negligent hiring practices, inadequate training, encouraging drivers to violate hours-of-service regulations, or failing to maintain their fleet properly.
3. Vehicle Manufacturer: If a defective part contributed to the accident, the manufacturer of that part could be held accountable.
4. Cargo Loaders: Improperly loaded or secured cargo can cause accidents, making the loading company potentially liable.
5. Maintenance Providers: Third-party companies responsible for truck maintenance could be liable if poor maintenance contributed to the accident.

Negotiating with Insurance Companies

Dealing with insurance companies following a commercial truck accident can be one of the most challenging aspects of your case. While you’re obligated to report the accident to your insurer, it’s crucial to approach these interactions with caution and preparation. Truck accident lawyers guide their clients through this process to protect their rights and maximize their potential compensation.

After a truck accident, you’re typically required to contact your insurance company within 24 hours, though this timeframe can vary depending on your policy. It’s important to remember that insurance companies — including your own — may attempt to minimize your claim amount from the very beginning.

Key Points to Remember:

• Be Cautious: Insurance adjusters may try to take advantage of your post-accident state of mind to gather information that could devalue your claim.
• Limit Information: Provide only the basic facts about the accident. Avoid giving detailed statements or admitting fault.
• Don’t Sign Anything: Never sign any documents from the insurance company without first consulting a truck accident attorney who will brief you on what to say and outline the minimum disclosure required.

Navigating insurance negotiations without legal representation can be risky. Insurance companies have teams of adjusters and lawyers whose job is to minimize payouts. So what does a truck accident lawyer do to level the playing field?  As skilled negotiators, they understand the tactics used by insurance companies and make sure that all your damages — including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future costs — are properly accounted for in the settlement offer. They shield victims from common insurance company tactics, such as pressure to accept low offers or using victims’ statements against them.

Filing a Lawsuit and Trial Representation

If a fair settlement can’t be reached, your truck accident lawyer will file a lawsuit and represent you in court. Most injury victims don’t know how to protect their rights when communicating in the legal system, but experienced truck accident lawyers do this all the time and will litigate confidently on your behalf. In certain cases where the accident was a result of willful wrongdoing or the truck accident resulted in wrongful death, a formal lawsuit, and trial may also be necessary to prevent future misconduct.

Calculating Damages and Compensation

Truck accidents often result in severe injuries such as catastrophic back and neck injuries, burns, broken bones, internal damage, or head trauma. These injuries not only have physical consequences but can also cause emotional distress due to the loss of enjoyment in life resulting from long-term impairment.

Truck accident lawyers carefully assess all damages suffered and work hard to secure financial compensation that accurately reflects the extent of these damages and all related medical bills. Since every case is unique, the type and amount of compensation can vary based on the specific circumstances of the truck accident.

Truck accident victims may be entitled to the following types of compensation due to their injuries:

1. Medical Expenses: This includes all reasonable medical bills incurred as a result of the accident, including current treatments and estimated future medical costs.
2. Lost Wages: Compensation for any work time missed due to the accident, including decreased earning capacity if the injury affects the ability to work in the future.
3. Pain and Suffering: This non-economic damage is determined by the jury and often constitutes the largest portion of the award. It compensates for physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.

How to Choose the Right Truck Accident Lawyer

When selecting the right truck accident lawyer for your case, look for essential qualities such as years of experience and success rates. You should also take time to read through client testimonials. For better or worse, these serve as references or endorsements.

When researching truck accident lawyers, look for those who offer free consultations. This is your opportunity to schedule a time to meet your potential lawyer and evaluate how they treat you. Pay attention to how they communicate with you and how available they are to you, as this is a telling indicator of how they will eventually handle your case.

Speak with an Expert Truck Accident Attorney at Weatherby Law Firm

At Weatherby Law, we would be honored to speak with you and learn more about the truck accident that caused your injury. We recognize that each truck accident case is unique, with its own set of challenges and nuances, so we fight compassionately to ensure fair settlements that capture the full extent of damages.

Weatherby Law is selective about the cases we handle. When choosing who to call for help after a truck accident, you should be selective too.

Our firm’s track record is a testament to our expertise and personalized approach. Our team of truck accident lawyers has decades of combined experience, having recovered millions for our satisfied clients. 

After a truck accident in Atlanta, you may wonder what steps you should take to protect your rights, preserve evidence, and prove the facts of what happened. Even if a truck accident in Atlanta doesn’t result in devastating injuries, it’s essential to take the right steps after your accident. 

Seek Medical Attention

If you suffer a medical injury after your truck accident in Atlanta, it’s crucial, first and foremost, to seek medical attention for those injuries. In many situations, injuries may appear minor. However, only a qualified physician can review your injuries and determine what treatment is necessary. Therefore, it’s important not to dismiss any medical injuries after a truck accident in Atlanta. A medical professional may be able to determine if you suffer from internal injuries or other injuries that you may be unaware of due to the accident’s shock. 

Contact the Police

In general, Georgia law requires you to contact the police after an accident. Police report to the scene to collect facts, interview witnesses, and obtain all parties’ names and contact information. Additionally, a police officer evaluates the location of the accident and may be able to determine fault. After a truck accident in Atlanta, the police report serves as an essential piece of information for your attorney. If you decide to file a lawsuit, the police report may aid your attorney in acquiring facts surrounding your accident that you may have forgotten or been too injured at the time to acknowledge. 

Stick to the Facts

After a truck accident in Atlanta, you may be contacted by the police, your insurance company, or the insurance company for the other party involved. In those situations, it’s essential to talk with your attorney before speaking further. Anything you say can, and will, be used against you. Talk to an attorney before providing any statement to an insurance company.

Gather Information at the Scene

If you are able, attempt to gather as much information as possible at the truck accident scene in Atlanta. Collect the names and contact information for parties involved, as well as their insurance provider. Additionally, if you are able, take photos of the scene of the truck accident in Atlanta. Any photographs of the damage to the vehicles are also helpful in maintaining a record of the accident. 

Provide your attorney with the evidence you obtained at the scene after your truck accident in Atlanta to help them build the facts of your case. 

Contact Us 

Weatherby Law Firm, P.C. is an Atlanta-based law firm specializing in personal injury claims, including truck accidents. Our firm provides high-quality representation when working cases for our clients. We understand the difficulties you face after a truck accident in Atlanta and strive to improve your life. The attorneys at Weatherby Law Firm, P.C. take immense pride in solving your complex legal problems. We exist to help honest individuals move toward recovery for the injuries they suffer after a truck accident in Atlanta. Contact our office today to discuss your case’s facts and find out how we can help you.