After being hurt in a truck accident in East Point, victims can recover compensatory damages by filing an injury claim against a negligent party.
Truck accidents tend to be the most serious types of motor vehicle collisions in East Point and elsewhere, leading to broken bones, head injuries, spinal cord injuries, and even death. While truck accidents can happen anywhere, they occur most frequently on highways along delivery routes. When approaching your truck accident case, it will be crucial to document the incident and your losses. Filing your claim on time will also be necessary if you wish to recover compensation. The defendant in your case might be any number of parties, such as the truck driver, their employer, or another driver. Our lawyers can prepare you for settlement negotiations and a possible trial so that you can recover the damages you deserve in East Point.
For help with your case from our East Point, GA truck accident lawyers, call Howe Law at (844) 876-4357.
Severity of Truck Accidents in East Point, GA
Semi trucks, trailers, and other large vehicles can cause catastrophic damage during accidents and collisions in East Point. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) annually publishes reports regarding these types of accidents across the country and in specific states.
According to the FMCSA, in 2021, there were 494,000 truck accidents reported to the police across the country, resulting in 5,149 fatalities and 110,000 injuries. In Georgia, specifically, there were 222 fatalities caused by truck accidents in 2021.
These types of accidents can result in a wide variety of injuries. Those involved in truck accidents might sustain crushing injuries, broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, internal injuries, and any number of injuries that might alter their quality of life and require extensive medical treatment.
Because trucks are so big, accidents involving them might turn into multi-vehicle collisions quickly. They tend to occur more frequently on highways, like Route 166 and Route 29, where truckers might be traveling across the state or country to deliver goods. When truckers are on a tight schedule, fatigued, or otherwise operating vehicles recklessly, they might be more likely to get into accidents that harm victims in East Point.
What to Expect from Your Truck Accident Claim in East Point, GA
For you to recover the damages you need following a truck accident in East Point, there are certain things you must do. Furthermore, by familiarizing yourself with the recovery process, you can have a higher chance of success.
Documenting Your Accident and Losses
Begin by documenting the accident and your losses. You can start doing this immediately after the crash takes place by calling 911 and going to the closest medical facility. All truck accidents that cause injuries need to be reported to the East Point Police Department. Give officers as much information as you can about the accident. Our truck accident lawyers can contact the police if you need to include additional details in the coming days.
Documenting your injuries by going to the hospital will also be necessary, as medical records are crucial in any injury claim. Do not worry about the cost of treatment at this time, as you will likely be able to get compensation in your claim for expenses related to your medical treatment.
As you incur losses, document them. You will need to submit proof of damages to confirm you have sustained financial and emotional losses from the accident.
Filing Your Claim on Time
The next step will be to file your claim on time. In East Point, the statute of limitations for most truck accident lawsuits is two years. If you were hurt by a government truck, like a trash truck, you would have a shorter amount of time to initiate your case. Claims against counties must be brought within 12 months, according to O.C.G.A. § 36-11-1, while claims against cities must be initiated within six months in Georgia.
Before you file the complaint, you have to determine who is to blame for your injuries. While truck drivers are often largely responsible for these types of accidents, their employers might share some fault because of vicarious liability. Furthermore, it could be that a third party, like another driver on the road, contributed to your accident. We will explore all possibilities regarding liability so that you can bring your claim against the proper negligent party in East Point.
Preparing for Negotiations and Going to Court
Many civil claims are settled out of court during the course of negotiations between both sides. Preparing for negotiations is crucial so that you do not accept a settlement that does not properly compensate you. Our lawyers will evaluate the value of your claim so that it does not take place. We can help advise you during negotiations, oversee those conversations, and identify when negotiations are stalling. Going to court might be prudent if you do not receive an appropriate settlement offer. Though sometimes daunting for victims, taking a case to trial can result in greater damages and, in some cases against grossly negligent trucking companies, punitive damages for victims.
Recovering Compensatory Damages
The final step in your case will be recovering compensation. You will get your settlement or award through a lump sum payment or structured payments. Your settlement payment type will likely depend on the defendant’s financial ability. Regardless, you will still recover your total damages, even if you do so according to a different schedule. Lump sum payments are paid at one time, while structured payments are made over time. If you have questions or concerns about how settlements and awards are paid to victims of truck accidents in East Point, ask our lawyers.
Call Our East Point, GA Lawyers About Your Truck Accident Case
Call Howe Law’s truck accident lawyers at (844) 876-4357 to schedule a free assessment of your case today.
