The consequences of a truck accident can last for months or even years. In some cases, it can change the victim’s life forever. From serious injuries to burdensome financial obligations, you shouldn’t have to bear the consequences alone. If your accident was the result of negligence, a Decatur truck accident attorney can help you hold the responsible party accountable and get you the compensation you deserve. Call us today at 404-975-1775 for immediate assistance. Our office is located downtown at 1 West Court Square, Suite 750.
Injured? You May Be Entitled to Compensation
Many accident victims assume that their accident was unavoidable and therefore no one is at fault. Unfortunately, this is often not the case. Many accidents are the result of someone else’s carelessness, and those who fail to pursue claims wind up with uncovered losses.
If your accident was caused by negligence on the part of the truck driver, the trucking company, or some other party, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. Your claim could include compensation for the following:
- Your medical expenses. These include both those covered by health insurance as well as your out-of-pocket costs such as copays and deductibles. It also includes your current and future medical expenses.
- Your lost income. If you are unable to work for any period of time, you may be entitled to be compensated for any lost wages. This includes having to take days off to go to doctor’s appointments as well as extended leave due to disability.
- Lost earning capacity. For those who are unable to work due to permanent disability, you may be entitled to compensation for what you would have earned had you been able to continue in your career.
- Loss of consortium. You may be entitled to compensation if your injuries have affected your relationship with your partner.
- Pain and suffering. You may also be entitled to compensation for the physical pain and mental anguish you suffer as a result of your accident.
People who are not represented by attorneys typically settle their claims for a fraction of what they are worth. If you have been injured in a truck accident caused by negligence, you deserve to be made whole. An experienced Decatur truck accident attorney will be able to provide you with an estimate of the value of your claim at the initial consultation.
Potential Liability Issues in Your Truck Accident Case
One of the things that make truck accidents unique is that they are often far more complex than a passenger vehicle accident. Some of the potential issues that may be involved in your case include the following:
- There may be more than one vehicle involved. As a result, there may be more than one party responsible for causing the accident. For example, the truck driver may have started the accident when they swerved to avoid another vehicle. If you were struck by another vehicle that collided with the truck, they may have been following too closely and may be partially at fault for any injuries you suffered. Lastly, if multiple parties were injured, you may have multiple claims competing for the same limited pool of funds.
- Trucking companies attempt to shield themselves from liability by hiring drivers as independent contractors. Generally speaking, employers are liable for the negligence of their employees. This means that the trucking company can be held liable when its drivers are negligent. Hiring drivers as independent contractors means that they are not employees of the trucking company, and can therefore complicate the situation.
- Trucking accidents can be caused by more than just negligence on the part of the driver or trucking company. The truck may have suffered a mechanical failure due to poor work by a mechanic or by defective parts. Or these issues could have been contributing factors. Determining what caused the accident and therefore who should be held responsible is a complex analysis, and you may have to pursue a claim against multiple parties or entities.
It is often the case that the trucking company will try to quickly settle your case. They do this in order to limit their exposure and pay as little as possible on your claim. If you have been injured in a truck accident, a Decatur truck accident attorney can help you get fair compensation to cover your medical bills, lost income, and your pain and suffering.
What a Decatur Truck Accident Attorney Can Do for You
They Can Determine Whether You Have a Claim
Most people have no idea as to whether or not they have a claim, or how strong their claim may be. An experienced Decatur truck accident attorney can give you a candid assessment of your case and identify its strengths and weaknesses. This way you will know what your options are from the start.
A Decatur Truck Accident Attorney Can Help You Gather the Evidence You Need
In order to get fair compensation, you need to be able to prove that the driver or the trucking company was negligent, and their negligence caused the accident that resulted in your injuries. Working with a lawyer means that they can gather the evidence you need to prove your case so that you can focus on your recovery.
Your Lawyer Can Handle Every Step of the Insurance Claim Process
Missteps and misstatements can undermine the value of your claim. An experienced truck accident attorney will know what needs to be done to get results as quickly as possible. From documenting and submitting your claim to negotiating a settlement, a lawyer can handle all of the work associated with the insurance claim process.
Your Lawyer Can Fight for You in Court
Unfortunately, not every case can be settled out of court – sometimes your best option is to file a lawsuit. An experienced Decatur truck accident attorney will know when is the right time to file suit and how to navigate the court system in order to obtain the best possible result.
A Decatur Truck Accident Attorney Empowers You to Make the Decisions
Ultimately, this is your case and all of the decisions about how to proceed are yours. Your lawyer provides you with the information and legal advice you need to make an informed decision about what’s best for you and your family.
Call Merritt & Merritt Law Firm to Speak with a Decatur Truck Accident Attorney Today
We’ve been helping accident victims get fair compensation for their claims since 1973. If you have been injured and don’t know where to turn, give us a call at 404-975-1775 – let’s schedule a free consultation to discuss your case and your options.
