Experienced Atlanta Truck Accident Lawyer
Truck accidents are severe and often fatal. Sustaining severe injuries from a truck accident can permanently change your life’s trajectory. The accident may leave you swamped with expensive medical bills that you may not be able to pay out of pocket. You may qualify to receive damages after suffering severe injuries and damages in a truck accident.
Unfortunately, dealing with insurance companies can be frustrating, and it is equally hard to navigate a truck accident case without legal help as they often involve multiple parties. You do not have to navigate your case alone. Our skilled Atlanta Turck accident lawyers at Buddoo and Associates, P.C. have years of experience successfully working on different truck accident cases. We are dedicated to fighting for our clients and ensuring they receive full compensation.
Call us 404-870-3557 now and let our truck accident attorneys help you with your claim while you take the time to recover.
Truck Accident Statistics
Truck accidents are not uncommon in Georgia, albeit less regular than other types of motor vehicle accidents. While rare, they are severe and usually involve more fatalities. Here are the Georgia truck accident statistics:
- The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety statistics shows Georgia to have 180-230 fatal truck accidents, which account for 14% of Georgia’s motor vehicle accidents.
- An NHTSA report shows that truck accident fatalities are significant, and there is a rise in pedestrian deaths due to truck accidents.
- NHTSA reported a total of 155 truck accident fatalities in 2014 and 182 in 2015
Important Steps to Take After a Truck Accident in Atlanta, GA
Getting involved in a truck accident is a scary experience. Most of these accidents cause significant damage and can be fatal. Here is what you should do after being in a truck accident:
Call 911: You must call 911 after getting into a truck accident, especially if the other parties are significantly hurt. Ensure you also call the police to the accident scene to assess the damage and write a detailed report, which can help you when you pursue a claim.
Help others: Once you confirm you are okay, check on the other involved parties and see if anyone is hurt and needs help.
Exchange info: It helps to exchange information with the other involved parties because it makes it easier for you to contact them when you pursue damages. The information you should collect includes their name, email, phone number, address, license number, policy information, employer’s information, and the insurance company.
Document the scene and speak with witnesses: Ensure you take clear videos and pictures of the accident scene. Document the severity of the damage and injuries you have suffered. It will also be best if you talk to the witnesses.
Seek medical attention: Ensure you seek immediate medical attention after being involved in a truck accident. Even if you feel fine, ensure you go to the nearest hospital and get a full body check-up. Seeking medical attention ensures insurers cannot claim your injuries did not result from the accident.
Contact an attorney: Call our skilled truck accident attorneys immediately after you have been in a truck accident. We will evaluate your case and guide you on the best course of action.
How Can Buddoo and Associates Can Assist You?
Several parties can be at fault in a truck accident, making pursuing truck accident cases difficult. Without legal help on your side, these cases can be hard to navigate. Let our Buddoo and Associates, P.C. skilled lawyers represent you and help you receive maximum damages. A truck accident attorney can help in the following ways:
Investigation: Since multiple parties can be at fault, we will work closely with other experts to help determine the party at fault in the truck accident.
Filing a lawsuit: Buddoo and Associates, P.C. truck accident attorneys will help you follow the proper legal procedures and file your claim on time.
Negotiation: Our skilled Atlanta truck accident lawyers will conduct negotiations with the insurance company on your behalf. We have extensive experience negotiating with insurance companies and will ensure you receive your rightful compensation.
Representation: If Buddoo and Associates, P.C. cannot reach a desirable settlement with the insurers, we will represent you in court when the case goes to trial. We are proficient in the law and have successfully represented our clients in court.
Litigation: A skilled attorney will inform you about your options and help guide you through the entire legal process.
Buddoo and Associates, P.C. Will Fight For Your Rights!
Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accidents
What Types Of Compensation Can I Receive?
1. Economic
This is the most common compensation truck accident victims receive. Economic damages’ value is easily calculated since they are displayed in monetary value. These damages include medical expenses, loss of income, and property damages.
2. Non-economic
Non-economic damages are difficult to calculate since they cannot be quantified in monetary value. These damages are meant to compensate you for your physical and emotional suffering after the accident. They include pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and disfigurement.
3. Punitive
Punitive damages are not intended as compensation but rather a form of punishment to the defendant and to discourage them and the general public not to undertake similar action. Although rare, they may be awarded in specific cases.
How Much Is My Truck Claim Worth?
There is no fixed figure for the damages that truck accident victims receive. The damages you receive are relative to the injuries and damages you suffered due to the accident. Factors that may impact how much your claim is worth include:
- Extent of the injuries you sustained
- Pain and suffering
- The damages you suffered
- Loss of income
- Medical expenses
Each truck accident is different, and the damages victims receive vary. Let Buddoo and Associates, P.C. truck accident attorneys help you obtain your rightful compensation. We have worked on other truck accident cases and have the knowledge and skill necessary to analyze your case and determine what your claim may be worth.
How long do I have to file a truck accident claim?
The statute of limitation for filing a personal injury claim from a truck accident is two years. Failure to file your lawsuit within the statute of limitation renders your case invalid and bars you from receiving compensation. If you have been in a truck accident, contact our attorneys and let us help you file your claim on time.
How Is Fault In A Truck Accident Determined?
Georgia uses a modified comparative fault rule. According to this rule, you are only entitled to receiving damages if you are less than 50% responsible for the accident. It will be best to work with our attorneys closely to establish the negligent party in your truck accident case.
Here are the elements of negligence that are used to determine fault:
Duty of care: Duty of care legally demands that the driver operates their vehicle safely and reasonably. A driver can only be held negligent when you prove they owe you a duty of care.
Breach of duty: A truck driver failing to fulfill their duty of care to you is a breach of duty. You could prove they breached their duty of care if they were speeding or driving under the influence.
Causation: The truck driver can be held negligent if you can prove that their actions directly resulted in the accident.
Damages: You are entitled to damages if your attorney can prove that the truck driver’s negligence caused the accident, which resulted in you suffering injuries and damages.
Determining fault in a truck accident can be challenging because multiple parties can be at fault. At Buddoo and Associates, P.C., we help you navigate your truck accident case. We have the knowledge and skills to help you determine the at-fault party. We have years of experience working on truck accident cases and have successfully helped truck accident victims receive the compensation they deserve.
Can A Lawyer Prove The Truck Driver Was Negligent?
It is vital to work with our skilled truck driver attorneys. We can help you prove that the truck driver was negligent. Here are the different ways a qualified truck accident lawyer can help you prove the truck driver was negligent:
- Prove that the truck driver owed you a duty of care
- Prove that the truck driver’s failure to fulfill their duty of care resulted in the accident
- Prove that the driver breached their duty of care
- Investigate the driver and the accident
- Prove your injuries were directly caused by the accident
Who Can Be Held Liable?
Truck accidents are often complex, and it can be difficult to establish liability because multiple parties can be at fault. Our truck accident attorneys can help you determine the liable party. The following parties can be at fault in a truck accident:
Truck driver: A truck driver may be held responsible for the accident if their actions contributed to your injuries. For instance, if they were driving while fatigued, under the influence, distracted, or speeding, they could be responsible for the accident.
Trucking company: A trucking company will be held liable if it is discovered to violate laws that protect truck drivers and others on the road. Trucking companies may be guilty if they push truck drivers to stay on the road for extended periods, fail to inspect the trucks, or hire underqualified drivers.
Company who loaded the truck: When cargo is not properly loaded, it can upset the truck’s balance, leading to an accident. Suppose the accident results from overloading or improper loading, the company that loaded the truck can be held liable for the accident.
Vehicle or parts manufacturer: A vehicle component may be manufactured or designed with a defect resulting in an accident. Vehicle or parts manufacturers can be held responsible if the accident results from a defective part, such as a faulty brake.
Contact The Truck Accident Lawyers At Buddoo and Associates Today
After getting into a truck accident, you may sustain damages and severe injuries that will leave you swamped with expensive medical bills. You must file your claim within the statute of limitation if you intend to receive damages. Buddoo and Associates, P.C. has extensive experience successfully recovering maximum damages for truck accident victims.
Call Buddoo and Associates, P.C. at 404-870-3557 and set up a free initial consultation. Let us evaluate your case and help you determine whether you have a strong claim and what legal options are available.
