Truck accidents are inherently more severe than typical car accidents. The sheer size and weight of large trucks, including semi-trucks and tractor-trailers, dwarf a passenger vehicle. When these commercial vehicles collide with smaller passenger cars, the consequences can be devastating.
The aftermath often leaves victims with serious injuries and expensive medical bills. If you were in a truck collision, hiring an experienced Sandy Springs truck accident lawyer is crucial.
At Horst Shewmaker, LLC, we understand the intricacies of truck accidents and are dedicated to securing fair compensation for victims. Contact our Sandy Springs personal injury lawyers today for a free consultation.
What to Do After a Truck Accident in Sandy Springs, GA
In the chaotic aftermath of a semi-truck accident, knowing what to do can be crucial. Here are the immediate actions you should take to protect your rights and well-being.
Steps to Take at the Accident Scene
Your first step should always be to call 911. Reporting the accident ensures that emergency services arrive promptly. This not only provides immediate medical attention but also creates an official accident report, which is essential for any future truck accident claim.
If you’re able, gather as much evidence as possible at the scene. Take photos of the truck crash scene, the vehicles involved, and any visible injuries. This documentation can be invaluable when dealing with insurance companies or in court.
Exchange insurance details with the truck driver and any other involved parties. This information is necessary for filing a claim with the truck driver’s insurance company. Be sure to also note the name of the trucking company and any identifying details of the commercial vehicle.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
It’s crucial to seek medical attention right away. Truck collisions can cause devastating injuries, including broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and internal injuries. Medical records are important evidence for your personal injury claim.
Contact a Sandy Springs Truck Accident Lawyer
Legal representation is vital for navigating the complexities of a commercial truck accident case. A Sandy Springs truck accident lawyer can help you recover the financial compensation you deserve.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Sandy Springs
Semi-truck accidents in Sandy Springs can be triggered by various factors, many of which are preventable. Here are some of the major reasons why truck accidents happen.
- Driver Fatigue: Commercial truck drivers often face grueling schedules, leading to fatigue. Long hours without adequate rest can result in slower reaction times and poor decision-making.
- Distracted Driving: Distracted driving, including texting, is a significant hazard.
- DUI: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can lead to devastating tractor-trailer crashes, making it crucial to hold truck drivers accountable.
- Poor Vehicle Maintenance: Commercial trucks require regular maintenance to function safely. Neglecting routine checks can lead to equipment failures, such as brake malfunctions or tire blowouts.
- Improper Loading and Cargo Shifting: Incorrectly loaded cargo can shift during transit, destabilizing a large truck and causing an accident.
Who Can You Sue for a Truck Accident in Georgia?
Understanding who is liable in a truck accident is crucial for seeking justice and compensation. Multiple parties can be held responsible for a trucking accident depending on the circumstances.
Truck Drivers
The truck driver may be held liable if the trucking accident resulted from negligent behavior like driving while fatigued, speeding, or violating traffic laws. If the truck driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they are also at fault.
The Trucking Company
Trucking companies are responsible for ensuring their fleet is in good condition and their drivers are well-trained. A trucking company can be held accountable if they failed to maintain their vehicles properly, did not comply with safety regulations, or pushed drivers to exceed legal driving hours.
Truck Manufacturer
If faulty parts caused the truck crash, you could sue the manufacturer of the truck or the parts.
Mechanic and Maintenance Crew
Mechanics and maintenance crews play a vital role in the safety of commercial trucks. If a truck accident occurs due to poor maintenance, the individuals or companies responsible for the upkeep of the vehicle can be held liable.
Loading Crew and Cargo Handlers
Improper loading and cargo shifting are significant factors in many trucking accidents. If the loading crew fails to secure cargo correctly, it can cause the driver to lose control. In such cases, the loading crew and cargo handlers can be held responsible.
Determining liability in a truck accident is complex and requires thorough investigation. A Sandy Springs truck accident attorney can help identify all responsible parties and build a strong case for maximum compensation.
How a Sandy Springs Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help
Here’s how our law firm can help you after a large truck crash.
Investigation and Filing a Claim
After a truck accident, a thorough investigation is essential. An experienced truck accident lawyer will scrutinize every detail. This includes reviewing police reports and gathering witness statements. Additionally, we will examine the truck driver’s logbooks, maintenance records, and any available electronic data from the truck’s black box.
Our Sandy Springs truck accident lawyers will prepare and submit a comprehensive claim on your behalf to maximize your financial recovery.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Dealing with insurance companies can be daunting. Our experienced truck accident lawyers have a deep understanding of the tactics used by insurance adjusters. We will negotiate aggressively to secure fair compensation for your injuries and losses. Whether it’s the trucking company’s insurance or the truck driver’s insurance company, we have the skills to handle complex negotiations effectively.
Court Representation
If a fair settlement cannot be reached, our team is prepared to represent you in court. With a proven track record of success, our attorneys will advocate tirelessly on your behalf. We understand the intricacies of truck accident cases and will present a robust case to the judge and jury.
From filing the lawsuit to the final verdict, we are committed to achieving the best possible outcome for you.
Compensation for Truck Accidents
Our law firm will fight for the compensation you deserve, covering all aspects of your economic and non-economic losses.
Medical Expenses
Truck accident victims often face severe injuries and substantial medical bills. These expenses can include emergency room visits, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and long-term rehabilitation. An experienced truck accident attorney can help you recover compensation for these costs.
Lost Wages and Reduced Earning Capacity
You can recover compensation for lost income during your recovery from a trucking accident. Additionally, if your ability to earn a living is affected due to the accident, you may be entitled to compensation for reduced earning capacity.
Truck accident lawyers will meticulously calculate these losses to maximize your compensation.
Property Damage
The force of a truck collision often leads to significant damage to passenger vehicles. Compensation for property damage covers the repair or replacement of your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the accident. Your truck accident attorney will work to ensure you receive a fair settlement for these damages.
Pain and Suffering
Beyond the tangible costs, truck accident victims endure physical pain and emotional suffering. This category of damages compensates for the distress and life-altering impact of the accident. An experienced truck accident attorney will present a compelling case to secure compensation for your pain and suffering.
Punitive Damages
In cases where the truck driver’s actions were particularly reckless or malicious, punitive damages may be awarded. These damages are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future. Truck accident lawyers will pursue punitive damages if the circumstances of your case warrant it.
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. Our experienced truck accident attorneys bring a wealth of knowledge to each case.
Every truck accident case is personally managed by a seasoned attorney, 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.
Horst Shewmaker, LLC has a history of achieving significant settlements and verdicts for our clients. We have recovered over $30 million for clients in Georgia.
Our law firm operates on a client-first philosophy. We treat every client 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 our clients.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Deadline for Filing a Truck Accident Claim in Georgia?
In Georgia, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is generally two years from the date of the accident. After a fatal truck accident, families have two years to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
It’s crucial to act promptly and consult a Sandy Springs truck accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Will I Have to Go to Court?
Many truck accident claims are settled out of court through negotiations with the insurance company. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, a lawsuit may be necessary. Our skilled truck accident attorneys are prepared to represent you in court and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
How Much Will a Sandy Springs Truck Accident Attorney Cost?
At Horst Shewmaker, LLC, we operate on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no upfront costs. Our fees are a percentage of the settlement or verdict we obtain for you. If we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing.
Contact Our Sandy Springs Truck Accident Lawyers Today
If you’ve been involved in a truck accident in Sandy Springs, immediate legal assistance is crucial. At Horst Shewmaker, LLC, our experienced truck accident attorneys are here to guide you through the complexities of your case. We understand the severe impact such incidents can have on your life, from mounting medical bills to lost wages.
Our team is dedicated to providing personalized legal representation to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and outline your options. Don’t navigate this challenging time alone; contact our Sandy Springs truck accident lawyers today for expert assistance and peace of mind.
