The aftermath of a truck accident can be just as stressful as the collision itself. You do not have to deal with your case alone, however. Kaine Law’s goal is to help you secure a fair financial recovery for you and hold a reckless driver accountable.
An Atlanta personal injury lawyer from our team is ready to get started on your case and pursue compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Our personal injury lawyers also provide help on a contingency-fee basis. So, you pay nothing unless your case is resolved.
Types of Financial Recovery Available After an Atlanta Truck Accident
Your entire life may change after a truck accident. If you had serious injuries such as a spinal cord injury, head injury, or other physical trauma, you likely wonder how you will pay for your extensive medical bills. However, you should not need to shoulder these costs on your own.
Our goal is to help you seek compensation for all your medical care costs – and to fight for additional forms of compensation such as lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
All forms of financial compensation can be sorted into one of two broad categories. These categories are known as economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages exist for one specific reason: to return you to the financial position you found yourself in immediately before your truck accident. These damages pay for the expenses you would pay out of pocket. They also apply to losses that are covered by your insurance policy in some cases.
Economic damages are based on actual dollars spent on your case, which means you can identify the value of your claim down to the dollar. Some of the most common examples include medical bills or lost wages.
Non-economic Damages
The second type of damages is non-economic damages. These damages are not designed to compensate you for financial losses. Instead, they cover the subjective losses that are common with a serious injury.
For example, these damages could compensate you for your pain and suffering or disfigurement. Because these losses are not financial, there is no simple way to determine exactly what your case might be worth. Your attorney must make the case that you are entitled to compensation based on how your injuries have impacted your life.
Compensation Is Available for Treating Costly Injuries
One of the most important things we will do for your case is to seek fair compensation for your past, present, and future medical expenses. When we investigate your case, our team will look at the bills you are already facing and the long-term cost of your treatment and recovery. These expenses can be significant following a collision with a commercial vehicle.
Our truck accident lawyers will help you seek compensation for:
- Diagnostic testing
- Ambulance services
- Medications
- Physical therapy
- Other forms of rehabilitation, such as speech therapy
- In-home care
- Surgeries
- Hospitalizations
Compensation for Your Life Challenges
Some of the accident-related changes to your life could be emotional or psychological. Our legal team can tell you if you are eligible for compensation, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Mental anguish
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Compensation When Your Injuries Affect Your Career
When your injury affects your ability to work, you could face weeks, months, or years of reduced income.
Some of your income-related losses may include:
- Past lost wages
- Loss of future earning ability
- Disability
Compensation for Families of Truck Crash Victims
We offer our compassionate representation to surviving family members who lost a loved one in a truck accident. You could receive compensation for funeral costs, medical expenses, financial losses, and emotional hardship.
Only certain people can file wrongful death lawsuits, though. Usually, the deceased’s will names a representative of the estate. If there is no will, the court can appoint a representative. Typically, the court will appoint a spouse, parent, or child as the representative, who distributes the potential settlement or court-awarded offer among the surviving family members.
An Atlanta wrongful death lawyer can tell you more about who is eligible to seek compensation in a wrongful death case. As with a personal injury case, they can handle all of the necessary paperwork during the legal process.
For a free legal consultation with a truck accident lawyer serving Atlanta, call 404-214-2001
How Our Lawyers Can Help with Your Truck Accident Claim
A truck accident lawyer from Kaine Law will manage all the daily details of an Atlanta injury case for you. We will:
- Demonstrate the circumstances of your accident
- Determine the cost of your damages
- Write your demand letter
- Handle all communications with third parties
- Exchange evidence with the other party’s legal team
- Call upon witnesses to testify on your behalf
- Work with accident reconstructionist to build evidence
- Take your case to civil court if necessary
Our job comes down to this: we seek to recover the best possible compensation for injured people in Atlanta.
How We Investigate Your Accident
We will first start your case by determining how your accident happened. Then, a lawyer from our team will investigate the circumstances of your truck accident to decide who should be held accountable. We can establish negligence by reading the trucker’s logbook, consulting with field experts, and viewing traffic camera footage.
How We Prove That the Liable Party Owes You Compensation
No matter how serious your accident was, we will still need to use evidence to prove that the trucker or another party owes you compensation. We will gather evidence to demonstrate these four elements of negligence were true in your case:
- The liable party owed you a duty of care
- They breached that duty of care
- You were injured as a result
- You suffered losses and costs due to your injury
The other party may try to dispute these basic facts of your case. However, an Atlanta truck accident attorney from our firm can help you assert your right to seek a recovery.
How We Proceed with a Claim or Lawsuit
We will either seek compensation through an insurance settlement or a lawsuit. Your lawyer will take the route that presents the best possible option for your compensation.
If we take your case to trial, know that our team has experience in the courtroom that we can put to work for you. We know what goes into filing a lawsuit and are unafraid of going against a trucking company’s legal team.
If your case goes to trial, we could continue working with the insurer. Even after filing suit, your lawyer will continue fighting for a settlement on your behalf. If the insurer agrees to pay for your losses while your case unfolds at trial, our firm could resolve your case out of court.
How We Will Defend You Against Aggressive Insurance Companies
You have rights when negotiating a settlement with the insurance company. Per O.C.G.A. § 33-6-34, insurance companies are prohibited from doing the following:
- Misrepresenting certain aspects of your policy
- Refusing to pay claims without valid reasons why
- Failing to respond to your messages within reasonable periods
- Offering you compensation that does not fairly account for your losses
We are familiar with these common challenges to injury cases, and our team knows how to counter unfair claims and aggressive tactics. We will use evidence to prove what your case is worth and seek fair compensation.
Why Choose Kaine Law to Represent Your Truck Accident Case?
When you choose Kaine Law, you can expect the following:
- Availability to take your call 24/7
- A free initial case review so you can learn your options at no obligation
- Contingency-fee-based representation so you can get started with no upfront fees
- A track record of multi-million-dollar settlements and awards for past clients
Our attorneys will support you through the whole process of a claim or lawsuit. We bring personalized attention to every case our team takes on. We never apply a one-size-fits-all approach to a truck accident case because we understand how varied they can be. We will also keep you updated about your case and make ourselves available to answer your questions along the way.
We Have Experience Seeking Justice for Injured Victims in Atlanta
For multiple decades, we have worked with truck accident victims in Atlanta. Our lawyers’ local experience means that:
- We are familiar faces in Atlanta courtrooms and can work towards a smooth process for a civil lawsuit.
- Our lawyers understand local and state laws and can use this knowledge to your benefit.
- Our local resources and relationships allow us to seek strong evidence for your case.
Our attorneys know how to build your truck accident case, whether you were sideswiped on I-85 or run off the road on I-20.
Pinpointing How Negligence Caused Your Truck Accident in Atlanta
In the U.S., large trucks are involved in about 8.8% of all fatal crash accidents – and in Georgia, the problem is even worse. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), large trucks were involved in 9.8% of fatal crashes.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), most of the top reasons for truck crashes are related to driver errors. Our team will work to identify how these and other forms of driver recklessness led to your accident:
- Use of prescription drugs and over-the-counter drugs
- Speeding
- Drowsiness
- Failure to observe traffic and surroundings
- Driver distraction or inattention
- Falling asleep at the wheel
- A failure to adjust driving based on road conditions
On the other hand, many other factors can contribute to a truck accident. Our team will work to understand how your accident happened and who should be held accountable.
Other Potentially Responsible Parties for Your Accident with a Large Truck
Many parties are involved in the day-to-day operations of a commercial trucking company. If these parties do not do their part to keep others safe, they can be held financially accountable for their actions.
After completing our investigation, we may find that one or more of the following parties owe you money:
- The trucking company
- The cargo loading crew
- The truck’s manufacturer
You could even hold a government agency responsible for your losses if they did not maintain safe road conditions.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Our Atlanta Truck Accident Lawyers Can Help if You are Facing These Catastrophic Injuries
Truck accidents can lead to some of the most devastating injury accidents on the roads. In our work with truck accident victims, we have seen the many costs involved with catastrophic injuries. Our team is prepared to help victims with the lifelong costs of injuries, such as:
Brain Injuries
Serious traumatic brain injuries can result from direct trauma to the brain (such as a skull fracture) or indirect forces on the head in the wake of a crash. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can cause significant disruption to the brain and much of the body.
Healthline reports that you might require any of the following medical attention if you face a TBI:
- Initial emergency care: You may have needed an MRI, CT scan, or other neurological tests to diagnose your injury. Your ER care may have addressed the life-threatening complications of a TBI, such as bleeding or fluid build-up in the brain.
- Ongoing care: You may need one or more types of therapy to heal from a TBI. These include speech therapy, physical therapy to improve physical coordination, and cognitive therapy to regain your memory and other brain function. You could also need medications for mood regulation and more. Such care could be necessary for months, years, or the rest of your life.
Spinal Cord Injury
Spinal cord injuries can require costly medical procedures immediately after a crash. As time goes on, spinal cord injuries can also leave survivors with many other costs, including those for modifying a home or vehicle and adapting to a new way of life.
According to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, spinal cord treatment and care could entail:
- Initial emergency care: In the wake of a spinal cord injury, you could have had surgery to remove pressure in the spinal cord or address other potential complications. You may have had other experimental treatments, such as steroid injections.
- Ongoing costs: Your doctors could recommend many types of therapy, including physical therapy and rehabilitation to help you practice new motor skills and other independence skill-building. You may require adaptive equipment such as computer-based assistive technology, car, and home modifications to accommodate a wheelchair or powerchair, and more.
Other Serious Injuries
Other injuries may not require lifelong or long-term care, but they could also be painful and costly. If you face any of the following serious injuries, our team could help you seek the settlement or award you deserve:
- Broken bones or fractures
- Burns or disfigurement
- Lacerations
- Sprains and strains
- Internal injuries
- Back and neck injuries, including whiplash
What You Can Do to Protect the Value of Your Atlanta Injury Case
You could be overwhelmed by the aftermath of a truck crash. But, at the same time, you can take several important steps to protect your right to compensation.
Consider the following:
Follow Your Doctor’s Recommendations
When you are getting treatment, your doctor may recommend any of the following:
- Resting
- Taking medications
- Seeing specialists
- Attending follow-up appointments
- Getting lab work
- Attending physical therapy
- Surgery
The best thing you can do for your injury case is to follow these recommendations. Take prescribed medications and attend necessary appointments. This is important for two reasons: your health and your injury case.
An insurance company could claim that you made your injuries worse if you do not get all the advised care. You can avoid this situation by heeding your doctor’s orders.
It is rarely enough to seek medical care once and then move on with your life. Most doctors require ongoing care for serious injuries. Keeping up with this care is as important as visiting the doctor immediately following a truck accident. If you fail to follow your doctor’s orders, the other side could use it as evidence that your injuries are not as bad as you claim.
Avoid Making Statements That Can Be Used Against You
There are several situations where the other party could use your words to harm your case, including:
- Phone calls with insurance companies
- Recorded statements collected by an adjuster
- Social media posts following your accident
Keep conversations with an insurance company to a minimum. If they ask you to speak about the crash, only offer basic details. You do not have to comment about your suspected level of fault or your actions during the crash.
Also, refrain from posting on social media after the crash. The other party could use your statements to mischaracterize your accident, your injuries, or your level of fault for the collision.
Georgia Law Limits Your Time to File a Truck Accident Lawsuit
O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33 details Georgia’s statute of limitations. As the injured party, you generally have two years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit. However, this deadline may not apply to you, especially if you plan on suing a government entity.
For instance, if a truck owned by the city hit you, you could have only six months to file a lawsuit, as explained under O.C.G.A. § 36-33-5.
Our team can identify the liable party and determine how long you have to file your case. While many Atlanta truck accident cases are resolved through insurance negotiations, we advise that you act promptly and prepare to bring a case to trial if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions in Truck Accident Cases
We can answer your questions during your free case review. First, however, here are some answers to top questions from our truck accident clients:
How Much Is My Accident Case Worth?
The first question for most people involved in a truck accident claim is, “how much is my case worth?” Unfortunately, there is no easy way to determine the exact value of your potential settlement. However, our firm could review the facts and provide a helpful estimate of what the case might be worth.
The value of an injury case varies based on the details of the accident and injuries. When we investigate your case, we will give you a sense of its potential value based on the following:
- The cost of your medical care
- How serious your injuries are
- Whether you had to change jobs or reduce your hours
- How the accident affected your family life
- Who is responsible for paying you
In other words, calculating a potential settlement or award amount is complicated and depends on each person’s situation. However, we can tell you more about your case’s possible value after investigating your accident.
Should I Hire a Lawyer?
You are not obligated to hire legal counsel following a truck accident. Even though acting as your attorney is an option, that does not mean it is in your best interest. Pursuing a truck accident injury claim is complex, and you can count on the other side relying on the support of lawyers and insurance adjusters. This can put you at a disadvantage in your case.
Hiring a lawyer is a personal choice. However, our lawyers’ help could benefit you if you were facing any one or more of these circumstances:
- You have serious or catastrophic injuries.
- You are not well enough physically or mentally to take on a case.
- You want help understanding your rights and legal options.
- You do not want to deal with insurance companies on your own.
- You do not have time to handle settlement negotiations or a lawsuit during your recovery.
Our team can take care of all the legal details while you focus on your well-being.
Can I Sue the Truck Driver?
As mentioned, we may advise taking your case to civil court or proceeding with an insurance claim. For example, our team could bring a lawsuit against the truck driver and another liable party, such as a trucking company.
In that case, we may file suit against both the truck driver and the trucking company. Then, our staff can explain more about when it makes sense to take your case to trial and the advantages a trial offers (and the disadvantages it presents).
We Will Go Over Your Legal Options During a Free Truck Accident Case Review
We offer all of our clients free initial case reviews. This allows you to ask our team any questions about your case, our services, and the types of damages you can recover.
Your case review also comes at no obligation. If you do not think that we are a good fit, you are under no obligation to work with us.
You do not need to be uncertain about your legal options any longer. Let our team address any concerns you may have about the financial recovery process. This can give you insight into your case’s prospects and alleviate your stress.
If you are like most first-time accident victims, you likely have many questions. Your free consultation is the chance for you to get the answers you deserve. The best approach is to come up with written questions to ensure you receive all the answers you need. Some of the questions worth asking include:
- How many truck accident cases have you handled?
- What is your billing practice?
- What is my truck accident case worth?
- How much time do I have to file my truck accident lawsuit?
- Do you have much trial experience?
When to Retain Our Truck Accident Team’s Services
You do not have to wait to seek legal help. No matter where you are in your process after an accident, you can give our team a call.
Contact us if:
- You were just in an accident and do not know what is next.
- You have started the insurance claims process but want to learn more about your options.
- You are being contacted by insurance companies and want to understand your rights.
- You are facing aggressive or unfair insurance tactics.
- You want help with your injury case.
Our team is ready to help.
Contact an Atlanta Truck Accident Attorney for Help with Your Case Today
Truck accident cases can be complicated and intimidating, but they do not have to be. Our team can stand up for your right to compensation in the face of a major trucking company.
Contact our office to learn more about working with an Atlanta truck accident lawyer from Kaine Law. In addition to Atlanta, we also serve truck accident victims in Conyers, Lawrenceville, and Stockbridge. We are ready to get acquainted with you and your legal goals. Call us today.
Call or text 404-214-2001 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
