Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer: Frequently Asked Questions
Hiring a Georgia semi-truck accident lawyer following a truck crash may be one of the most important decisions you ever make. The experienced attorneys at the Graham Firm have recovered millions of dollars for tractor-trailer and semi-truck accidents. One of our truck accident cases resulted in a $4,500,000 settlement just prior to the case going to trial.
Trucking accidents across the country have increased in the last decade. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, there was a 34-percent decrease in the number of fatal crashes involving large trucks or buses between 2005 and 2009, followed by an increase of 40 percent between 2009 and 2017. From 2016 to 2017, the number of fatal crashes involving large trucks or buses increased by 8 percent.
Below are some of our most frequently asked questions about semi-truck accidents:
What To Do After A Semi-truck Accident?
Following a semi-truck accident, it is critical that you receive medical care as soon as possible. Although your medical records are private, if you are pursuing a lawsuit, you must provide them to the party you are suing. If you go to an emergency room quickly following an accident, it is more likely they can be accurately diagnosed. If you do not visit a doctor for several days, it is likely that the trucking company will make the argument that your injuries were not that serious to begin with, and do not warrant a substantial financial settlement.
Should I Post On Social Media About My Truck Accident?
If you hire any reputable personal injury lawyer to represent you, they will likely caution you about posting on social media about your semi-truck accident, or anything else. Even if your social media accounts are private, there is no expectation of privacy on social media. In recent years a number of courts have concluded in various rulings, that once you post something viewable by anyone else on Facebook / Instagram / Twitter / Snapchat / Youtube / TikTok etc, you have forfeited any privacy interest in it. Even if you are not posting about your accident, something harmless like a group photo at a holiday party may be used against you. Use your time of healing while your lawsuit is ongoing to enjoy life off of social media.
Can I Sue For Being Hit By A Semi-truck?
If you have been injured in an accident (or a loved one has passed away), yes you can sue. A personal injury lawyer can help you pursue compensation for your medical care, lost earnings, pain, and suffering, or a loved one’s wrongful death.
Should I Speak To The Truck Driver's Insurance Company?
There is no reason for you to speak directly with the truck driver’s insurance company. Although you need to report the accident to your own insurance company, per the terms of your policy, once you hire an attorney, your lawyer can handle all communications and negotiations on your behalf. You should never provide a recorded statement.
Who Is Liable For Truck Accidents? The Trucking Company Or The Driver?
Multiple parties may be liable for a semi-truck accident, including the trucking company or driver, depending on the cause of the crash. Your attorney will review your accident report and decide if an independent investigation is necessary.
Do Semi-truck Accidents Go To Trial?
Most semi-truck accidents settle out of court, before trial. It is in the interest of trucking companies to settle cases, as they may do so for confidential amounts, and spare the expense and significant time preparing for trial. However, a case may go to trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
How Long Does A Truck Accident Lawsuit Take?
“How long will this take?” Is one of the most frequently asked questions in personal injury compensation. It is almost impossible to predict at the start of a case when it will settle. Although you will likely be anxious to resolve your case, rushing into a settlement isn’t advisable. Sometimes, it takes months or even years to determine how your injuries will heal, and what kind of support and therapy you’ll need over the course of your lifetime.
How Long Do I Have To File A Truck Accident Claim?
Each state has a statute of limitations that governs the amount of time you have to file a lawsuit. In most cases in Georgia, this time period is two years from the time of the person’s injury or death.
What Is The Average Semi-Truck Accident Settlement?
Because accidents and injuries vary so greatly it is impossible to predict how much a case will settle for. A soft-tissue injury that heals on its own after a few weeks will settle for far less than a spinal cord injury that causes permanent disability. If you are employed, you can be compensated for lost earnings based on what you would have earned during the time you were out. Other factors include the severity of your injuries, how much treatment you needed and for how long, and how your injuries will affect you for the rest of your life.
Do I Need A Semi-truck Accident Attorney?
Not all legal situations in life require a lawyer. It may be possible to settle a traffic ticket, small claims dispute, or even an amicable divorce without a lawyer. But a serious injury involving a semi-truck is a time when you need a lawyer. If your injuries will affect you for a long time or permanently, your lawsuit will result in your financial compensation for that time, including the income you will lose from being unable to work. An experienced attorney can advocate for you and negotiate the maximum possible settlement, or take your case to trial. Fortunately, you can hire a lawyer without paying hourly fees. A contingency fee arrangement means the attorney is only paid at the conclusion of the case, at the time when money is paid out to you.
How Much Does A Truck Accident Lawyer Cost?
Personal injury attorneys are paid a portion of the amount of money recovered in a settlement or verdict. The law firm advances all costs and expenses so there is never anything out of pocket. Typically, the attorney will be paid 25% to 40% of the verdict amount, depending on the case and circumstances. One major advantage of a contingency fee is a level playing field for victims. You can hire the best attorney to represent you, with nothing out of pocket.
What To Look For When Choosing A Semi-truck Accident Lawyer?
Look for an attorney who is knowledgeable, experienced, and has a demonstrated history of success in semi-truck accident claims.
Why Choose The Graham Firm For Your Semi-truck Accident Case?
Our team of Georgia semi-truck accident lawyers take pride in not just results but providing our clients with the best service and experience. Our clients choose us for the results and recommend us to others based on the results and experience they've had with our firm.
If you’d like a free truck accident consultation, call us at 404-526-9955 or complete our contact form to discuss your situation.