404-636-4900 In a moment, a truck accident can drastically change your life, leading to not only serious physical injuries but also deeply impacting your ability to work, enjoy life’s pleasures, and support your loved ones. The recovery journey is often long, filled with medical procedures, rehabilitation, and the struggle to reclaim a sense of normalcy.
In the face of such adversity, an experienced truck accident lawyer from Deming Parker can be your advocate, fighting for the fair compensation you deserve through insurance claims or litigation. At our firm in Columbus, we understand the stakes of your case, and we’re committed to helping you and your family find justice and financial stability in the wake of a truck accident.
Need expert legal advice? Our experienced team of injury attorneys are here to help. Call our personal injury lawyers in the state of Georgia at (404) 636-4900 or contact us online.
Truck Accident Attorneys Serving Columbus, Georgia
In our bustling city where trucks frequently traverse the highways and streets, accidents can and do happen. These incidents often leave victims facing a barrage of questions: How will I pay for my medical bills? Can I recover lost wages? What if I can never return to work?
Our team of personal injury lawyers is here to provide answers and action. Drawing on our deep knowledge of Georgia’s regulations and our sincere empathy for each case, we’re ready to offer you support.
Our approach includes:
- Personalized case evaluation: Understanding the unique aspects of your situation is our first step.
- Strategic evidence collection: We gather all necessary documentation, from medical records to accident reports, to build a compelling case.
- Expert collaboration: Working with medical and accident reconstruction experts, we ensure your claim is backed by authoritative insights.
- Skilled negotiations: Our experience with insurance companies means we know how to fight for a settlement that covers the full extent of your losses.
- Determined legal representation: If going to court is in your best interest, we’re prepared to advocate passionately on your behalf.
Regardless of the specific circumstances surrounding your case, we are here to build a solid strategy to claim the compensation you are entitled.
What to Do After a Truck Accident in Columbus
Truck accidents are a significant concern nationwide, contributing to thousands of injuries each year. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports highlighting the alarming frequency of these incidents, showing the risks faced by everyday road users.
If you are in the unfortunate situation of facing a trucking accident, understanding the right steps to take immediately after such an incident is crucial not only for your physical recovery but also for safeguarding your legal rights and ensuring you’re adequately compensated for your losses.
Immediate Steps to Take Following a Truck Accident
We recommend to follow these steps:
- Ensure safety: First and foremost, assess your immediate safety and that of any passengers. Move to a safe location if possible and turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
- Call for help: Dial 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance if needed. The police report will be a vital document in any future legal claims.
- Document the scene: If you’re able, take photographs of the accident scene, including vehicle positions, damage, road conditions, and any relevant signs or signals.
- Exchange information: Collect contact and insurance information from the truck driver and any other involved parties. Be cautious not to discuss fault or details of the accident.
- Seek medical attention: Even if you don’t feel injured, it’s essential to get a medical evaluation as soon as possible. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
- Consult with a truck accident attorney at Deming Parker: Before accepting any settlement offers, speak with a truck accident attorney who can evaluate your case and advise on the best course of action.
- Notify your insurance: Inform your insurance company about the accident, but refrain from making any statements about fault until you’ve consulted with an attorney.
Whether it’s interstate or intrastate trucking, we can help you hold responsible companies and individuals accountable for the negligent actions that caused your injuries and damages. However, it’s worth mentioning that you must act quickly, as there are strict timeframes to present a valid claim – two years from the date of the accident in most cases.
Common Types of Truck Accidents
At Deming Parker, we have extensive experience handling a wide range of truck accident cases, leveraging our knowledge of Georgia’s trucking laws to advocate for our clients’ rights and secure the compensation they deserve.
- Rear-end collisions: Often resulting from a truck’s inability to stop quickly due to its size and weight.
- Jackknife accidents: Occur when a truck’s trailer swings out and forms an acute angle with the cab, often during sudden braking or turning.
- Rollovers: Trucks can roll over due to improper loading, high speeds, or sharp turns, posing significant risks to nearby vehicles.
- Underride accidents: Happen when a smaller vehicle slides underneath a truck’s trailer, often due to sudden stops or lack of proper underride guards.
- Blind spot accidents: Trucks have larger blind spots than passenger vehicles, leading to collisions when changing lanes or merging.
- Lost load accidents: Improperly secured or overloaded cargo can fall off, creating hazardous conditions for other road users.
Who is Liable for Your Truck Accident?
Determining liability in a truck accident involves a detailed examination of the roles and responsibilities of various parties. Each entity involved in the operation, maintenance, and regulation of commercial trucks can potentially contribute to the circumstances leading to an accident. Here’s a closer look at who might be held liable:
Truck Driver
The driver’s actions are often the first to be scrutinized following an accident. Factors such as fatigue, distraction, impairment, or violation of traffic laws can directly lead to collisions, making the driver a key figure in liability discussions.
Trucking Company/Operator
Trucking companies are responsible for ensuring their drivers are properly trained, adhere to safety protocols, and comply with federal and state regulations. They can be held liable for accidents resulting from failures in these areas, including inadequate supervision or pushing drivers to ignore Hours of Service regulations.
Cargo Loaders
The parties responsible for loading the truck’s cargo play a crucial role in ensuring safety. Improperly secured or overloaded cargo can shift during transit, causing the driver to lose control. Liability may fall on these individuals or entities if their negligence contributed to the accident.
Truck Manufacturer
Manufacturers of the truck and its components can be held liable if a defect in design, manufacturing, or failure to warn of potential risks contributed to the accident. This includes everything from brake failures to tire blowouts.
Maintenance Providers
Regular maintenance is essential for keeping commercial trucks safe on the road. Maintenance providers can be liable if their failure to perform necessary repairs or conduct thorough inspections leads to a mechanical failure that causes an accident.
Other Motorists
Sometimes, the actions of other drivers on the road can contribute to or cause a truck accident. This includes reckless driving, driving under the influence, or making unsafe lane changes that force truck drivers into hazardous situations.
How Much Are Most Truck Accident Settlements?
Every truck accident case is different, and compensation can greatly vary, but it’s crucial to understand that substantial settlements are a real possibility. At Deming Parker, we have a proven track record of securing substantial settlements for victims of motor vehicle accidents, including a recent $12,000,000 settlement for a vehicle accident victim.
Need expert legal advice? Our experienced team of injury attorneys are here to help. Call our personal injury lawyers in the state of Georgia at (404) 636-4900 or contact us online.
Contact our Columbus Truck Accident Attorneys – Trust our 50+ Years of Experience in Georgia
If you’ve been involved in a truck accident in Columbus, Georgia, contact Deming Parker today to discuss real case amounts related to your specific case. Our experienced personal injury lawyers are ready to evaluate your case, guide you through the legal process, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
