A serious truck accident can turn your life upside down in an instant. One moment you’re driving through Douglasville. Next, you’re facing injuries, time away from work, and a confusing flood of paperwork, phone calls, and unanswered questions. You may wonder how you’re supposed to recover while dealing with a trucking company that already has its legal team in motion—this is when a Douglasville truck accident lawyer can make all the difference.
At Evans Litigation and Trial Law, LLC, we know what you’re up against and we know how to respond. Led by Douglasville truck accident lawyer Alfred L. Evans, III, our firm represents individuals and families harmed by negligent trucking companies and unsafe drivers. With over two decades of experience—including years spent defending trucking companies—Alfred brings insight and determination to every case he handles.
The following information is here to help you understand your legal options, what to expect, and how to move forward after a trucking accident in Douglasville.
What Should I Do After a Truck Accident in Douglasville?
Your steps after a truck accident can significantly impact your health, financial recovery, and the strength of your legal claim. Commercial trucking companies and their insurers often act quickly to protect their interests. You should do the same. If you’ve been injured in a collision with a tractor-trailer or other large truck in Douglasville, here’s what you should do to protect yourself and your case:
- Call 911. Report the accident to law enforcement. The police will create an official accident report, which can be key evidence in your case.
- Seek medical care. Even if you feel fine, get evaluated by a medical professional. Some injuries may not be immediately noticeable, and delaying treatment could affect your health and claim.
- Document the scene. Take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, and any visible injuries (if you can). Make note of the trucking company’s name and license plate number.
- Get contact information. Exchange details with the truck driver and collect names and phone numbers from any witnesses.
- Avoid talking to insurance adjusters. Do not give a recorded statement or sign anything before speaking with a truck accident lawyer.
- Contact a Douglasville truck accident lawyer. An attorney can take steps to preserve evidence, investigate liability, and protect your right to full compensation.
Taking the proper steps from the beginning protects your health and financial stability. It also gives you and your attorney the tools to build a stronger, more effective case.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Trucking Accident?
Unlike typical car crashes, truck accidents often involve multiple parties. Depending on the circumstances, any of the following may be legally responsible:
- The truck driver. The truck driver may be liable if they were speeding, driving while fatigued, distracted, or failing to follow traffic laws or federal safety regulations.
- The trucking company. The company may be held responsible for negligent hiring, inadequate training, improper supervision, or encouraging drivers to violate hours-of-service rules to meet delivery deadlines.
- The vehicle manufacturer. If a defective part or mechanical failure caused or contributed to the crash, the truck’s manufacturer or its components may be liable.
- The maintenance provider. A third-party repair or service company may be liable if it fails to inspect or maintain the truck properly, and a mechanical issue leads to an accident.
- The cargo loading company. If cargo was improperly loaded, unsecured, or imbalanced, the company responsible for loading may be liable for causing or contributing to the crash.
Determining fault in a trucking accident often requires a detailed investigation and familiarity with industry standards. A Douglasville truck accident lawyer at Evans Litigation & Trial Law can help you uncover who was at fault.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
Every case is unique, but common forms of compensation in a truck accident case may include:
- Medical expenses,
- Lost wages,
- Loss of earning capacity,
- Pain and suffering,
- Property damage,
- Emotional distress,
- Permanent disability or disfigurement, and
- Wrongful death damages (if a loved one was killed in the crash).
We work closely with medical professionals, financial experts, and accident reconstruction specialists to determine the full value of your losses. Trucking companies and insurers will often offer lowball settlements early on. Our goal is to help you understand what your claim is truly worth and fight to get you fair compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Read on to learn more about hiring a truck accident lawyer in Douglasville.
What Is the Deadline to File a Truck Accident Lawsuit in Georgia?
In most cases, you have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit in Georgia. This legal deadline is known as the statute of limitations. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to pursue compensation, regardless of how strong your case is.
Because the statute of limitations is strictly enforced, it’s essential to speak with a team of trucking accident lawyers as soon as possible to avoid missing critical deadlines.
What If I Was Partly at Fault?
Georgia uses a modified comparative negligence rule. You can still recover compensation for your injuries if you were less than 50% at fault for the accident. However, your total compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if you are awarded $100,000 but found to be 20% at fault, you would still recover $80,000. But if you are found to be 50% or more responsible, you are barred from recovering anything.
Insurance companies often try to shift blame onto injury victims to minimize payouts. Experienced truck accident attorneys can resist these tactics and work to ensure fault is accurately assessed.
Will My Case Settle or Go to Trial?
Many truck accident cases settle before going to trial. Settlement allows both sides to avoid the time and expense of courtroom litigation.
However, we treat every case as if it will go to trial. This level of preparation helps us negotiate from a position of strength. If the trucking company or its insurer refuses to offer a fair settlement, we will be ready to take your case before a judge or jury.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Douglasville Truck Accident Attorney?
At Evans Litigation & Trial Law, we represent truck accident victims on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing up front, and we only collect a fee if we recover compensation for you. You will not owe us anything unless we win your case.
Contact a Georgia Truck Accident Lawyer Today
If you’ve been injured in a trucking accident, you don’t have time to navigate legal red tape or battle insurance companies on your own. Commercial carriers and their insurers will act quickly to limit their liability. You need a legal advocate who understands their tactics and knows how to fight back.
At Evans Litigation and Trial Law, LLC, truck accident litigation is not just part of what we do: It’s the heart of our practice. Founding attorney Alfred L. Evans, III, spent years defending trucking companies and insurers. He uses that insider knowledge to stand up for Georgia injury victims and their families.
Alfred is widely recognized as a leader in trucking litigation. He has been named one of the Top 100 Super Lawyers for multiple consecutive years and is one of the Top 10 Trucking Lawyers by the National Trial Lawyers. He has recovered millions of dollars for the injured residents of Georgia.
Contact us today to schedule your free consultation. Let us handle the legal battle while you focus on your recovery.