Traffic fatalities are increasingly common in Georgia. In 2021, 1,797 people died due to car or truck accident injuries. That is a 51% increase from 2012, when only 1,192 Georgians passed away due to traffic accidents.
These statistics only account for traffic-related fatalities. The number of non-fatal injuries from truck and car accidents is much higher. So, if you or a loved one were injured in an accident that was not your fault, you aren’t alone.
What’s more, you may be able to get compensation for your truck accident injuries. As long as the injury occurred fewer than two years ago, a personal injury attorney can help you file for damages.
Why do you need a lawyer’s help when filing a personal injury lawsuit in Georgia? In this guide, we are counting down the top benefits of hiring a truck accident lawyer in Atlanta, so keep reading to find out.
Truck Accident Lawyers Can Negotiate With Insurance Companies on Your Behalf
Georgia is an at-fault state. That means the person(s) who caused the wreck must pay damages to the injured party. The injured party can collect these damages through an insurance claim submitted to the at-fault driver’s provider.
Negotiating with trucking industry insurance companies can be tricky, whether you are working with your provider or the at-fault party’s insurer. This is where legal assistance comes in.
An experienced Georgia truck accident attorney knows what to do and say in negotiations with insurance companies. That way, you get the full compensation you need for your medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses.
Truck Accident Attorneys Collect Evidence to Support Your Claim
Like all legal claims, personal injury cases hinge on good evidence. Without evidence, you may have no grounds for your truck accident claim.
The good news is that a Lawrenceville truck accident lawyer can help you collect proof of the truck driver’s negligence, including:
- Photos from the scene
- First-hand witness accounts
- Police reports
- Medical bills
- Doctor’s reports
Texting and driving is an unfortunately common cause of truck accidents. If you believe the other driver was texting when the accident occurred, your Georgia truck accident attorney can obtain their phone records as evidence, too.
It is always a good idea to take pictures and call 911 after an accident. But sometimes, this isn’t possible, especially if you have severe injuries. Your lawyer can dig up this information when you can’t collect it yourself.
Truck Accident Lawyers Understand Personal Injury Laws
Pro se representation or self-representation is legal in Georgia. That means you can technically represent yourself in your truck accident case. However, this strategy is not recommended for people who are not legal experts.
Why? People who represent themselves in Georgia don’t get a break just because they aren’t lawyers. Self-litigants are expected to know the laws relevant to their cases.
For example, you must know the modified comparative fault rule. In Georgia, this rule means that a victim of someone else’s negligence must be less than 50% at fault for the accident that caused their injuries.
You also need to understand the statute of limitations for truck accident lawsuits. Further, you need to understand whether you can file a lawsuit against the company that employed the truck driver who caused your injuries.
Going after trucking companies is always a better idea. Judges tend to provide more compensation when more parties are at fault. And in Georgia, there is no cap on compensation for truck accident victims.
Truck Accident Attorneys Help Clients Reach Favorable Settlements
There are two situations where truck accident victims may need to settle. The first is if insurance companies refuse to offer the compensation you deserve. The second is if you need to sue the liable party or parties.
A Lawrenceville truck accident lawyer is invaluable for the settlement process. Your attorney can help you calculate how much compensation you deserve for your expenses, pain and suffering, and more.
Then, your lawyer will negotiate the truck accident settlement on your behalf. Having a legal professional by your side is even more crucial if you plan to go after the trucking company. You can guarantee that even if you don’t have an attorney, a big corporation will.
Truck Accident Lawyers Can Take Your Case to Trial
When settlement negotiations are not successful, you may need to bring your case before a judge. The primary reason why this might happen to you is if the defendant fails to offer favorable settlement terms.
The vast majority of truck accident cases settle outside of court. After all, insurers and big trucking companies don’t want a PR disaster on their hands.
But if the other party refuses to offer the compensation you deserve, going to court is the next logical step. That is why it is essential to hire a trial-ready lawyer from the get-go, even if you think your case will settle.
Punitive damages are another reason why bringing your case before a judge can be beneficial. Punitive damages are also known as non-economic damages. This type of compensation doesn’t repay victims for financial losses.
Instead, judges order punitive damages exclusively to punish the defendant in the case. For example, Ford was recently forced to pay $1.7 billion in punitive damages for a fatal crash involving one of their trucks.
Truck Accident Injuries? Scholle Law in Georgia Can Help
It is crucial to hire a lawyer after obtaining truck accident injuries. Your attorney can help you negotiate with insurers, collect evidence, and get the settlement you deserve. A lawyer can also bring your case to court if necessary.
Are you searching for a truck accident lawyer in Atlanta? The personal injury attorneys at Scholle Law represent victims of truck accidents like you. Schedule a free consultation to get started.