Thomasville Truck Accident Lawyer
Truck Accident Attorney, Thomasville, GA
Tractor-trailer accidents, unfortunately, occur every day throughout the state of Georgia. Semi-trucks serve an important role in delivering goods to stores and individuals throughout the state. However, the same tractor-trailers can, unfortunately, inflict serious damages upon an accident on the roadways. Tractor-trailer drivers are typically protected after an accident involving a passenger vehicle; unfortunately, the drivers and occupants of a smaller passenger vehicle fare the worse after an accident and often require serious medical care. After an accident, aside from being physically injured, you may be confused and concerned about your financial future. That is where a Thomasville Truck Accident Attorney can help. Call the skilled and caring legal professionals at The Rodd Firm. Chris Rodd and his team are here to help you pick up the pieces.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
According to the IIHS, some of the many factors that may contribute to semi-truck crashes are:
- Driver fatigue
- Inadequate truck maintenance
- Aggressive drivers
- Distracted drivers
- Impaired driving
- Inexperienced drivers
Tractor-trailer fatal accidents throughout the state of Georgia have experienced a subtle rise in the frequency, from about 150 in 2012 to over 180 in 2015, according to the Governor’s Office Of Highway Safety In Georgia. This only considers the fatal accidents, and injuries caused by trucking accidents are several degrees higher. The impact of a tractor-trailer against a standard motor vehicle can lead to catastrophic injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Spinal cord injury
- Burns
- Broken bones
The minutes after an accident are often chaotic and involve checking on vehicle occupants and loved ones who may have been involved in the crash scene. It is important to try and get a police report, either at the accident scene or at a later date, if you are severely injured. In serious accidents, police will come to the accident scene regardless and will have a report for the accident. This report will be helpful in pursuing a claim for damages.
Civil Actions for Truck Accidents in Georgia
A personal injury claim will examine all sides of the accident in considering the appropriate liability. Georgia is a modified comparative negligence state, which means that a victim of a tractor-trailer accident will be able to recover the full amount of damages even if it is determined that they were partially at fault. However, if a court determines that the victim was more than 50 percent at fault, no damages will be able to be recovered.
A claim for damages may include the following:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Future earnings
- Mental anguish
- Punitive damages
Tractor-trailer accidents are serious accidents that can cause lifelong injuries to victims. It is therefore important to bring a claim for damages to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for the resulting injuries.
Insurance companies will often attempt to settle after an accident occurs. However, keep in mind that insurance companies are in the business of making money, and often will not consider all aspects of the injuries. Insurance settlements will often only consider the existing medical expenses and a small good faith amount of damages. However, this fails to consider ongoing medical treatment and any impact the accident might have on your livelihood. A Thomasville personal injury lawyer will consider all potential outcomes and can present the lasting impact of your injuries on your future to insurance companies or to a jury, should it go to trial.
Christopher Rodd – The Thomasville Truck Accident Attorney Who Will Advocate For You
If you have a loved one was involved in a tractor-trailer accident, you are entitled to bring a claim for damages against the driver and the company which employed the driver. Call our Thomasville, Georgia office today for your initial free consultation.