Truck wrecks are some of the most dangerous traffic accidents on the road due to the size and power of tractor-trailers and other large trucks. Commercial truck accidents often leave victims with devastating injuries, expensive medical bills, and significant pain and suffering.
Truck accident cases are complex, involving intricate trucking industry regulations. The insurance company will strive to deny your truck accident claim or minimize your payout. You need a trusted Roswell truck accident lawyer on your side to secure your financial recovery.
At Horst Shewmaker, LLC, we are dedicated to holding truck drivers and trucking companies accountable for truck accidents. Our Roswell personal injury lawyers will fight for the maximum compensation.
Our law firm has recovered millions for clients in Georgia. Contact us today for a free consultation!
How a Roswell Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help You
By choosing Horst Shewmaker, LLC, you gain access to a dedicated team of legal professionals committed to navigating the complexities of truck accident cases. Here is how we help truck accident victims.
Thorough Investigation and Evidence Collection
After a truck accident, a meticulous investigation is crucial. Our Roswell truck accident lawyers dive deep into the details to build a strong case. This involves analyzing black box data and driver logs, which can reveal critical information about the truck’s operation before the crash.
We also gather witness statements and expert opinions to strengthen your personal injury claim. In many truck accident cases, we consult with experts in fields like accident reconstruction and mechanical engineering to provide professional insights into the cause of the crash.
Negotiating with the Insurance Company
Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts. Our experienced attorneys negotiate aggressively on your behalf to seek fair compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. We understand the tactics used by insurance companies and leverage our knowledge to ensure you receive a just settlement.
Representing You in Court if Necessary
If negotiations fail to yield a satisfactory settlement, our Roswell truck accident attorneys are prepared to take your case to court. We present a compelling argument backed by thorough evidence to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Understanding the common causes of truck accidents can help in identifying the responsible parties. If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, contact a Roswell truck accident lawyer for legal assistance.
Driver Error and Negligence
Driver error is a leading cause of truck accidents. This includes distracted driving, fatigue, speeding, and impaired driving. Truck drivers often face long hours on the road, which can lead to mistakes that result in serious collisions.
Negligent behavior such as ignoring traffic signals, improper lane changes, and following too closely can also contribute to trucking accidents.
Mechanical Failures and Maintenance Issues
Mechanical failures are another significant cause of truck crashes. Faulty brakes, tire blowouts, and steering malfunctions can lead to loss of vehicle control. Regular maintenance is crucial, and when trucking companies or maintenance providers neglect this responsibility, it can result in fatal injuries.
Mechanical failure due to poor upkeep can make both the trucking company and the maintenance company liable.
Weather Conditions and Poor Road Maintenance
Adverse weather conditions like rain, snow, and fog can create hazardous driving environments. Poor road maintenance, including potholes, debris, and inadequate signage, increase these risks.
Truck drivers must adjust their driving to account for these conditions to prevent accidents. When they fail to do so, they may be held responsible for any resulting truck wrecks.
Overloading and Cargo Shifts
Overloading a truck or improper cargo loading can lead to dangerous shifts in weight, making the truck unstable. Cargo that is not secured properly can move during transit, causing the truck to tip over or lose control. Federal regulations set limits on the weight trucks can carry, and violating these can lead to severe accidents.
Both the trucking company and the loading company can be held liable for accidents caused by overloading or cargo shifts.
Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Semi-Truck Accident?
Determining responsibility in a semi-truck accident can be complex, since several parties may share fault. may be held accountable.
Truck Drivers
Truck drivers are often scrutinized for their role in accidents. Driver negligence, such as fatigue, distracted driving, or drunk driving, can lead to serious collisions. When a truck driver breaks federal regulations or engages in reckless driving, they can be held liable for the accident.
Trucking Company
Trucking companies must hire qualified drivers and maintain their fleets. If a trucking company fails in these responsibilities, they can be held responsible. This includes not conducting proper background checks, pushing drivers to exceed legal driving hours, or neglecting regular vehicle maintenance.
Maintenance Company
If mechanical failures due to poor maintenance contribute to the accident, the maintenance company may be held accountable. This includes issues like brake failures, tire blowouts, and other mechanical problems that should have been addressed.
Other Potentially Liable Parties
Several other parties might be responsible, depending on the circumstances:
- Loading Company: If improper loading or securing of cargo causes a truck accident, the loading company can be held liable.
- Truck Manufacturer: Defects in the truck or its components can lead to accidents. In such cases, the manufacturer might be held responsible.
- Government Agency: Poor road conditions or inadequate signage maintained by a government entity can also be a factor in truck accidents.
Our experienced attorneys at Horst Shewmaker will thoroughly investigate your case to ensure all liable parties are held accountable.
What Compensation Can I Get in a Truck Accident Case?
Navigating the aftermath of a truck crash can be overwhelming. A Roswell truck accident lawyer can help victims win the compensation they deserve.
Economic Damages
Economic damages cover tangible losses. These include medical expenses, lost income, and other financial burdens resulting from the accident. Truck collisions often lead to substantial medical bills and lost wages.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages address the intangible impacts of a truck wreck. Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life fall under this category. These damages are harder to quantify but are equally important.
Our Roswell truck accident lawyers understand the profound effects physical injuries can have on your life and will fight to obtain fair compensation for these hardships.
Punitive Damages
In cases where the at-fault party exhibited reckless behavior, punitive damages might be awarded. These damages aim to punish the responsible parties and deter similar conduct in the future.
Georgia law typically limits punitive damages to a maximum of $250,000. However, there are exceptions. For example, the cap on punitive damages doesn’t apply to drunk driving accidents.
Not every truck accident case qualifies for punitive damages, but our team will pursue them if the circumstances warrant.
Wrongful Death
Tragically, many truck accidents result in fatalities. Family members of the deceased may pursue a wrongful death claim to seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and other related costs.
Steps to Take After a Trucking Accident in Roswell, GA
Here are the steps you should take to protect your health and strengthen your truck accident claim.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Seek medical attention immediately after a truck wreck. Truck accidents often cause serious injuries. Even if you feel fine at first, symptoms can appear later. Medical records will be crucial for your personal injury claim.
Document the Accident Scene and Gather Evidence
Document the accident scene meticulously if you can. Take photographs of the vehicles involved, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Exchange contact and insurance information with the truck driver.
Collect contact information from witnesses and note any details that may help your case. Make sure to get a copy of the police report. This evidence will be invaluable for your Roswell truck accident claim.
Contact a Roswell Truck Accident Attorney
Reach out to a Roswell truck accident lawyer. An experienced attorney can guide you through the complexities of your case, helping you navigate the legal landscape. At Horst Shewmaker, LLC, we are dedicated to securing the compensation you deserve.
Contact us for a no-obligation consultation to explore your legal options.
Why Choose Horst Shewmaker, LLC?
Choosing Horst Shewmaker, LLC means choosing a law firm with a proven history of success, strategic insight, and a client-centric philosophy.
Every truck accident case is personally managed by an experienced lawyer, not a case manager. This direct involvement guarantees meticulous attention to detail and a personalized approach.
Our attorneys, Michael W. Horst and Zachary S. Shewmaker, are former defense attorneys for insurance companies. This background provides a strategic edge in truck accident claims. We understand the tactics used by the opposition, allowing us to anticipate and counter their moves effectively.
Our law firm has a proven track record of securing substantial compensation. We have recovered over $30 million for clients in Georgia.
We treat clients with the same care and dedication as we would a family member. This approach not only helps in building a strong case but also in making the legal process as stress-free as possible for truck accident victims.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
Should I Accept a Settlement Offer from the Trucking Company?
It’s often tempting to accept a quick settlement offer from the trucking company. However, it is advisable to consult with a Roswell truck accident lawyer before making any decisions. Trucking companies typically aim to minimize their payouts.
An experienced attorney can evaluate the offer and determine if it reflects the true value of your personal injury claim. Accepting an offer without legal guidance can result in inadequate compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Roswell Truck Accident Lawyer?
Hiring a Roswell truck accident lawyer doesn’t have to break the bank. Most truck accident attorneys, including those at Horst Shewmaker, LLC, work on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay any upfront fees.
The lawyer’s fee is a percentage of the settlement or award you receive. If you don’t win your case, you owe nothing.
What Is the Time Limit for Filing a Truck Accident Lawsuit in Georgia?
In Georgia, the statute of limitations for filing a truck accident lawsuit is generally two years from the date of the accident. This time frame is crucial. Missing the deadline can result in losing your right to seek compensation.
You should contact a Roswell truck accident attorney as soon as possible to ensure all legal deadlines are met. Quick action also aids in preserving evidence and strengthening your case.
Contact Us Today for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident in Roswell, Horst Shewmaker, LLC is here to provide the legal assistance you need. Our experienced truck accident attorneys are dedicated to helping accident victims seek compensation for their injuries and losses.
We understand the devastating impact that truck crashes can have on your life, from medical costs to lost income and beyond. Whether it’s negotiating with the insurance company for a fair settlement or representing you in court, our goal is to secure the financial compensation you deserve.
Don’t navigate the aftermath of a truck accident alone. Contact our Roswell truck accident lawyers today for a free consultation.
