Were you injured in a truck accident in Athens? A truck accident can be a terrifying experience. The physical pain, the stress and anxiety, and the uncertainty about what to do next, it can be overwhelming for anyone, but you don’t have to face this alone. Kaine Law can help you hold the liable party financially responsible for your injuries and losses. Whether you were hit on Highway 78 or Milledge Ave, an Athens personal injury lawyer can help you seek maximum compensation for your medical treatment, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
While you rest and heal from your injuries, our Athens truck accident lawyers can handle your case from start to finish. We offer free consultations, and we work on a contingency fee basis. Call us today and learn more about your options.
You Should Not Get Stuck With the Bills From a Crash You Didn’t Cause
Accident victims have the right to seek fair compensation from the party whose negligence led to their injuries and losses. For truck accident victims, injuries can be quite severe and, in some cases, catastrophic. Due to the massive size and weight disparity, accidents can often lead to the following common injuries:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Head, neck, back, and shoulder trauma
- Broken bones and dislocated joints
- Internal injuries, including organ damage
- Amputations and loss of function
- Lacerations and burns
- Torn muscles and tendons
In worst case scenarios, families have lost loved ones in these tragic events. Our attorneys can help you seek the compensation you and your family need to recover from your losses in the truck crash. You could be eligible to pursue the following damages:
We Can Demand Compensation for Your Medical Debt
If your accident was not your fault, the responsible party should pay for your medical expenses. We can help you recoup the costs associated with your medical care, such as:
- Emergency transportation and treatment
- Surgeries and medical procedures
- Medications, mobility aids, and medical devices
- Physical therapy and cognitive rehabilitation
- Hospitalizations or in-home health services
- Long-term nursing care
We Can Seek Awards for Your Lost Income
If you suffered an injury that left you unable to work, we can help you fight for the compensation of your lost wages. We can also seek compensation for all the income you missed out on, including bonuses, benefits, and tips.
We may also be able to seek compensation for missed promotional opportunities and your diminished earning capacity if your injuries keep you from returning to your old job.
We Can Request Payment for Property Damage
It is likely your vehicle sustained damage during a collision involving a large truck. We can help you seek compensation to make repairs (if possible) or purchase a replacement vehicle.
We can also request compensation for the repair or replacement of any personal effects, such as a smartphone.
We Can Help You Claim Compensation for Your Pain and Suffering
A severe injury can affect your body, as well as your mental and emotional health. Non-economic damages compensate accident victims for the various ways in which their injuries can negatively impact their quality of life and overall well-being. You may have the right to seek damages for:
- Paralysis or loss of mobility
- Loss of cognitive functioning
- Chronic pain
- Depression
- Sleeplessness
- Anxiety
- Mental anguish
- Scarring and/or disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
We Can Help Families Pursue Damages for Their Loved One’s Wrongful Death
If you are the surviving spouse, child, or parent of the deceased, you may have the right to seek damages in a wrongful death case. Georgia law allows family members, in the order previously listed, to pursue awards for the loss of a deceased family member’s guidance, care, counsel, and companionship.
Survivors may also seek the value of their loved one’s wages, benefits, and services. Your loved one’s estate may recover damages associated with their final medical care, funeral and burial expenses, and other costs arising from their death.
For a free legal consultation on how our truck accident lawyer serving Athens can help you and your family, call Kaine Law today.
For a free legal consultation with a truck accident lawyer serving Athens, call 404-214-2001
Our Athens Lawyers Focus on Traffic Accident Cases
Truck accidents can be complex. Since the trucking industry has multiple parties involved in its operation, the insurance process can be less straightforward than accidents involving two individuals.
Our law firm handles a variety of personal injury cases, but serving auto accident victims is at the heart of our practice. Our lawyers know how to help truck accident victims in Athens achieve the highest amount of compensation possible for their injuries. Our accident attorneys will:
- Investigate your accident
- Determine who is liable
- Prove negligence by gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and enlisting experts
- File your insurance claims
- Take care of the paperwork, deadlines, and communications with the insurance companies
- Negotiate to achieve a fair settlement for you and your family
- Prepare and pursue a lawsuit if we cannot reach a settlement
We can manage your case on a contingency fee basis, so you won’t pay your lawyer anything up front or out of pocket. Instead, we take our attorney’s fees if and when you receive a settlement or court award.
Athens Truck Accident Lawyer Near Me 404-214-2001
How Our Attorneys Prove Negligence in an Athens Truck Accident
When our commercial truck accident attorneys work on your case, we will seek to demonstrate how the four elements of negligence came into play. This process allows us to pursue awards for your losses. Specifically, we can work to establish the following facts:
Someone Owed You a Duty of Care
The truck driver, along with other entities in the operation of the commercial vehicle, owed you a duty of care. They have a legal obligation to take the proper precautions to keep you reasonably safe on the road. In fact, all motorists assume this duty of care when driving on the road. Truck drivers have more factors to consider since their vehicles are so large and heavy.
They Breached Their Duty of Care
Truck drivers and trucking companies may breach their duty of care in several ways. If a truck driver failed to follow traffic laws, disregarded state and federal regulations, or acted recklessly in any way, they breached their duty of care. If a company failed to follow regulations, they too can be considered to have breached their duty of care.
The Breach Led to Your Truck Accident
We can then work to illustrate how the at-fault party’s failure led to your accident. For example, if cargo fell off the truck and hit your vehicle, an employee of the cargo loaders may have failed to secure it properly.
You Suffered Injuries and Losses Due to the Truck Accident
Finally, we can gather evidence to connect your truck accident to your injuries. Medical documentation can link these two events, for example. Other documents, such as the police report, can support your claim for losses.
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Who Is Financially Responsible for Your Truck Accident in Athens?
When it comes to truck accidents, multiple people or entities could bear responsibility. In some cases, these parties could share the blame for an accident. When we investigate your case, we can pinpoint the liable party and work to hold them accountable. If there are multiple parties, our truck crash attorneys in Athens can file claims with each insurer and seek compensation from them all.
Liable parties may include the following:
The Truck Driver
The driver of the truck may be liable for your injuries if their negligent driving led to your accident. Negligent driving may include:
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence
- Driving distracted
- Driving drowsy
- Failing to obey the rules of the road
The Trucking Company
The truck driver’s employer is typically liable under the doctrine of respondeat superior. However, the trucking company may also be liable for the accident if their own actions contributed to the accident. Examples of employer negligence include:
- Failing to properly train drivers
- Failing to perform alcohol and drug testing
- Failing to maintain their vehicles
- Not executing background checks during the hiring process
A common negligent action by trucking companies is pressuring their drivers to make speedy deliveries, possibly resulting in reckless driving or a violation of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) hours of service regulations.
The Truck’s Owner
Not all drivers or trucking companies own their vehicles. If another entity owns the truck involved in your crash and a problem with the vehicle led to your accident, they may be liable.
Examples of owner negligence include improper or negligent maintenance and/or lack of safety features, like mirrors for visibility and underride guards.
The Owner/Loader of the Truck’s Cargo
Shippers must load and pack cargo according to safety standards. Shifting cargo, dangerous or flammable cargo, overweight cargo, and improperly secured cargo can all lead to accidents.
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Liability Could Affect the Statute of Limitations
The party responsible for your accident could impact how long you have to take legal action. While we will make every effort to resolve your case without going to court, if we cannot secure compensation through an insurance claim, we can help you with a personal injury lawsuit.
However, you have a limited amount of time to file your case. According to O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33, you generally have two years to pursue a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit.
If your case is against a government entity (such as an accident involving a government vehicle), the statute of limitations is shorter:
- O.C.G.A. § 36-33-5: You have six months to sue a city.
- O.C.G.A. § 36-11-1: You have one year to sue a county.
- O.C.G.A. § 50-21-26: You have one year to sue the state.
What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?
If you do not file within the statute of limitations, the court could dismiss your lawsuit. Remember, this may be your last chance to take legal action against a liable party. Don’t let it slip away.
Keep in mind that it takes time to build a case. Our Athens lawyers must investigate your accident, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurers. None of these actions stall the deadline, though.
We can help you abide by any deadline that applies to your case. We can begin working immediately after your free consultation.
What to Do After a Truck Accident in Athens
If you have been in a truck accident, there are steps you can take at the accident scene to protect yourself, both your health and your rights:
- Make sure you’re safe until EMS arrives: If you can move, try to get out of the way of traffic. If you can’t, stay put until the police arrive.
- Start collecting evidence: While at the accident scene, you can take pictures of the vehicles, your injuries, and anything relevant around you. You can ask for contact information from witnesses and insurance information from the truck driver. You can also note if there are any cameras in the area.
- See a doctor and follow their treatment plan: As soon as possible, have a doctor diagnose you and start you on a treatment plan. Attend all your appointments and finish the treatment.
- Don’t admit fault: When you speak to the police, just let them know the facts as you know them. If you must speak with the insurance companies, do not admit fault. You should also stay off social media until your case is resolved.
It would be best if you consulted our legal team before speaking with the insurance companies. We can protect you from saying anything that might hurt your case.
Common Questions Regarding Truck Accident Claims
The following are frequently asked questions truck accident victims ask. Hopefully, these answers can help, but you can also call Kaine Law for additional information and support.
How Much Is My Truck Accident Settlement Worth?
Your truck accident settlement should cover all the damages you have suffered. Once we investigate your case, then we can compile a list of damages and determine a fair settlement value based on your losses.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Lawyer?
Our personal injury law firm offers legal representation on a contingency fee basis. Under this agreement, you pay nothing up front. Instead, we receive a preapproved portion of your settlement or court award when you win. It incentivizes us to seek the best possible resolution for your case.
Do I Need a Lawyer for My Truck Accident Claim?
Technically, no. You do not need a lawyer. However, a lawyer can provide many services that could be difficult for you to do while you are recovering. They also have knowledge of the insurance and legal process, ensuring your case is handled properly and meeting all deadlines.
In essence, they can relieve you of stress and allow you to recover while they seek compensation on your behalf.
Our Truck Accident Lawyers Can Get Started on Your Case Today
Our legal team is ready to help you seek fair compensation. To find out how the lawyers with Kaine Law can help you get the recovery you deserve following your truck accident in Athens, call our offices. The first consultation is free and without obligation.
Call or text 404-214-2001 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
