Whether you’re driving through Fayette County or leaving Georgia to visit another state, you’re bound to see several commercial trucks on the road along the way. After all, these trucks are responsible for getting necessities to their destination on time across the country. But as important as tractor-trailers are for our economy, they’re also much heavier than passenger cars and can, therefore, cause a lot more damage when they collide with smaller vehicles. If you’ve seen this type of devastation firsthand in a crash with a big rig, you have legal options to consider.
When you call Overman & Overman, LLC, you’ll meet with a skilled truck accident attorney who will look closely at the details of your case before letting you know if you’re entitled to compensation as an accident victim. If you didn’t cause the crash, you could seek damages from the at-fault driver’s insurance company, along with anyone else who may be partly to blame for the wreck. Call our law firm to learn more about truck accident claims in Fayette County.
What Are Common Causes of Truck Accidents?
Considering how much time they spend on the road, truck drivers are supposed to be skilled drivers who can safely operate commercial vehicles that weigh up to 80,000 pounds. But sometimes, even the most experienced truck driver makes a mistake behind the wheel, causing a collision that results in severe injuries or fatalities. Examples of such errors that can lead to truck accidents include:
- Fatigued driving
- Drunk driving
- Distracted driving
- Insufficient driver training
- Reckless driving
- Speeding
- Poor vehicle maintenance
- Defective truck parts
- Incorrectly loaded cargo
Determining the cause of the crash won’t change the fact that you were injured or lost a loved one in a tragic accident with an 18-wheeler. But it can play a role in your truck accident case since it will help determine who is liable so your lawyer knows who to seek compensation from on your behalf. Contact our Fayette County law offices to talk to our team about who and what caused the commercial truck accident that injured you.
Who May Be Held Liable for a Truck Accident?
As we discuss the details of your case with you, we might discover that more than one person is at fault for the wreck. In fact, this is not an unusual outcome with many truck accident claims, since the truck driver is not the only person responsible for getting a commercial vehicle to its destination safely.
For example, the driver’s employer could be found partially at fault for pressuring employees to ignore safety regulations, federal laws, or FMCSA regulations to meet unrealistic deadlines. Truckers who are worried about losing their job or not getting bonuses may be tempted to keep driving even when they’re exhausted or impaired due to drugs or alcohol. For this reason, trucking companies may be named as a liable party even if the crash was mainly due to driver error.
In some cases, there’s another party at fault, in addition to the driver and the trucking company that employs them. For instance, if a different individual at the company loaded the tractor-trailer improperly, they could be named in the truck accident claim if their actions are found to be negligent and a partial cause of the crash.
Similarly, if the semi-truck was not properly maintained or equipment failure was found to cause the accident, the vehicle repair shop or manufacturer can be held liable. Your Fayette County truck accident lawyer will review your case to determine liability before initiating a claim for compensation.
What Damages Can You Pursue in Your Claim?
Truck accident victims often face expensive bills after crashes with large trucks. This is because truck accident injuries are often severe or potentially fatal, leading to extended hospital stays that require victims to take time away from work.
So, if you’re concerned about how you’ll afford your expenses as you recover from a truck accident in Fayette County, you’re not alone. Our attorneys have represented dozens of injured accident victims looking for fair compensation from the individuals or companies that put their lives at risk on the road. We’ll help you recover damages that include:
- Lost wages
- Medical expenses
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
Whether you need money to replace your car or pay for your future medical costs after the accident, we’ll pursue all the economic and non-economic damages you’re entitled to. You deserve to feel confident you can pay your bills as you recover from your injuries, so we encourage you to contact us for an initial consultation to talk about your personal injury case.
Should You Hire Fayette County Truck Accident Lawyers?
If a truck accident left you seriously injured and in need of financial help, you may be entitled to compensation from the at-fault party’s insurer. However, it won’t be easy to get the money you deserve from them without help from a legal team. Companies in the trucking industry deal with injury claims and lawsuits often, so they’re prepared to quickly challenge any legal action taken against them. If you want a chance to get the compensation that’s rightfully yours, you’ll have to be persistent in sending in evidence and communicating with insurers, which can be difficult when you’re still in pain from your injuries.
That’s why you should let our legal team handle your truck accident lawsuit. We know what evidence to gather to prove liability, including police reports, medical records, photos, and lab results. Our personal injury lawyers also know how to negotiate with insurers to get our clients the damages they deserve. If you’re ready to learn what kind of compensation we can pursue for you, contact us at 770-501-7425 for a free consultation.