How To File Truck Crash Claim! 5 Facts Every Driver Should Know!
cases can be difficult - and many very successful personal attorneys do not want to take on difficult cases due to the complexity and risk involved. At The Graham Firm, we are not afraid to take on cases, whether the defendant is a local operator or one of the nation's largest trucking companies. If a fair settlement is not reached in a reasonable period of time, we will not hesitate to take a case to trial.
We've seen firsthand the effect of trucking accidents, and how our clients' lives are changed in seconds when a collision occurs. Our law firm has nearly 20 years of experience fighting for the rights of victims in Georgia. From our offices in Marietta, GA, and Griffin, GA, we represent clients who have suffered serious or the wrongful death of a loved one. We have successfully recovered millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for our clients. Contact us for a free consultation.
Semi Statistics
The National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) produces an annual fact sheet with information and statistics. In 2019, the most recent year available, 5,005 people were killed in , almost identical to 2018 (5,006 fatalities). In 71% of cases, the individuals who did not survive were of vehicles other than the .
According to the National Safety Council, September is statistically the month with the highest number of fatal . More fatal occur during daytime hours (64.12%) than at night (35.88%).
On average, there are between 180 and 230 fatal in Georgia each year. Some common causes of Georgia include:
- Driving under the influence of alcohol
- Drug use (illegal or over the counter)
- Failure to stop
- Fatigue / falling asleep while driving
- Illegal maneuvers
- Inadequate surveillance
- Inattention / distraction (cell phone use or other distraction)
- Loss of control/ jackknifing
- Parking on the side of the road
- Pressure from trucking company/employer
- Speeding or operating too fast for conditions
- Tailgating following too close
- Unfamiliarity with highways or roadways
For more Georgia statistics, see our blog post on 9 Statistics Every Should Know.
What To Do After A or
After a , getting medical care for your injuries should be your immediate priority. Because your medical record is part of a personal claim, you should not delay going to the hospital or urgent care.
As soon as your immediate medical needs have been addressed, you should reach out to a knowledgeable and experienced Georgia wreck lawyer as soon as possible. Time is of the essence, as in the hours and days following a a may be towed hundreds of miles away and either promptly repaired or scrapped, destroying important evidence in the process. When you contact a lawyer right away, they can help you take steps to preserve evidence along with your legal rights, and ultimately recover the maximum financial compensation you deserve.
Types Of Damages That May Be Available In A Wreck Case
A collision with a semi- (may also be called a tractor-trailer, big rig, or 18-wheeler) may be overwhelming and have far-reaching effects. injuries affect victims physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially. Damages available in claims may include:
- Medical care costs as a result of your
- Future expenses for related medical care and rehabilitation
- Counseling and therapy
- Lost wages and earnings
- Pain and suffering
At The Graham Firm, we work with some of the best investigators and expert witnesses to reconstruct what happened leading up to the and determine how and why an occurred. This is necessary to understand who was at fault, and who may be liable. On the damages side, we will work with medical specialists to understand how your injuries occurred and how they will affect you in the future, and for the rest of your life. When you face a long and difficult road to recovery, we will demonstrate how your needs in the future require fair compensation now.
How Semi Claims Work
Personal claims for accidents involving are more complex than claims involving two . A number of entities may be liable for injuries or the death of a loved one. Potential defendants in a lawsuit include:
- The
- The trucking company
- The manufacturer
- Leasing companies
- Shipping companies
- Brokers
- Government entities responsible for road design or maintenance.
When multiple parties may be liable, and damages are high, much is at stake. It is almost certain that claims will be heavily defended because so much money hangs in the balance. Trucking companies like FedEx, UPS, or Amazon have experienced legal counsel who will immediately jump into action following a . If you have a lawyer representing you, they can document your injuries and negotiate a fair settlement, or represent your interests in a court trial.
Why You Need An Experienced Lawyer
You need an experienced lawyer because your entire future is at stake in your personal claim. Medical bills pile up quickly and many victims are not able to return to work for a long time after an , or may not ever work again. After a , family members may be left devastated and grieving with no way of paying final medical expenses or funeral bills. You need an experienced attorney to ensure everything possible is done to get you the money you are entitled to.
Do not accept any compensation for your injuries without first speaking with a lawyer. To speak with one of our legal representatives about your case, contact us to arrange a consultation. There is never a fee to talk to a lawyer about your case, and we are only paid if we recover money for you.