Trucks can be the most destructive vehicle on the road. Because of their massive size and weight, a truck accident can cause severe injuries.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, contact a Marietta truck accident attorney as soon as possible. Georgia law gives truck accident victims the right to hold negligent parties responsible. At Evans Litigation and Trials, LLC, we will fight to recover compensation for you and your family.
What Should You Do After a Truck Accident in Marietta?
We know being in an accident is stressful and can even be traumatic. You may be overwhelmed with fear and shock, and it’s easy to get confused about what to do next. The most important thing is the health of you and your family. But you should also take steps to document the accident.
Step 1: Call 911
The first step after any accident is to call 911. Doing so will bring emergency response services to the scene, including the police and paramedics.
Step 2: Seek Medical Attention
After emergency services arrive, have the paramedics evaluate you. Even if you feel fine, it is essential to get medical input. You may not realize the extent of your injuries. For example, internal bleeding or a concussion may not be immediately apparent.
You should also make an appointment with your primary care doctor. You want to make sure there are no hidden injuries from the accident.
Seeking medical attention also builds evidence. Paperwork from these healthcare visits provides documentation on your injuries from the accident. Any bills from these events can be calculated into your damages.
Step 3: Collect Evidence
If you can, the next step is to document the accident scene. Take photos of any vehicles involved in the crash, especially their damage. Take photos of other parts of the scene, such as skid marks and broken poles. This evidence will be used later to recreate the crash.
Step 4: Get Contact Information
Next, get the contact details of the truck driver and any other parties involved in the accident. You should also get the contact information of any witnesses to the accident. Their testimony will help recreate the accident to determine liability.
Step 5: Get the Police Report
The police will respond to the 911 call. They will arrive at the scene and manage it until the end. During that time, the police will talk to you, the other drivers, and witnesses. They will also note the area and time of the accident. All of this information is compiled in a police report. You can request a copy of this report at your local police station.
Step 6: Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer in Marietta
You should hire a truck accident attorney as soon as possible. We will start working on your case at Evans Litigation and Trial Law, LLC, immediately. We will stand by your side from our first consultation until we negotiate a settlement or secure a trial verdict. You focus on your recovery, and we’ll handle your truck accident claim.
What Are the Common Causes of Truck Accidents?
The cause of a truck accident is one of the most important aspects to identify because it provides evidence of liability. Typical causes include the following:
- Working long hours. Federal regulations establish time limits for truck drivers to be on the road. If these hours are exceeded, a driver’s judgment and reaction time may become slow from fatigue, leading to a higher risk of accidents.
- Drugs or alcohol. A truck driver’s faculties become impaired when under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Maintenance issues. Neglected or improper maintenance of trucks can cause serious problems, including accidents.
- Distracted Driving. Anything that takes a driver’s focus away from driving can lead to an accident. This includes using a smartphone, eating, or changing a radio station.
- Violation of traffic rules. Any traffic violation, such as speeding or improperly changing lanes, increases the risk of a truck accident.
Weather conditions can also cause truck accidents. Poor visibility from rainstorms or slippery roads are common culprits.
Our attorneys at Evans Litigation and Trial Law, LLC, are skilled in examining evidence to identify the cause of a truck accident. We will stand up for your rights and work to get you the maximum compensation possible.
Who Is Liable for a Truck Accident?
Several parties can be at fault for a truck accident. It depends on the facts of the case. Here are possible parties who may be responsible:
- Truck driver. Truck drivers who fail to drive safely and abide by federal and state laws can be held liable for a truck accident they cause.
- Trucking company. Trucking companies can be liable for the negligent actions of their truck driver employees. They can also be liable for their own negligence, including forcing their truck drivers to work overtime against federal regulations.
- Maintenance company. Trucking companies employ companies to do regular maintenance work on their trucks. If the maintenance company fails to identify an issue, it may be liable for an accident caused by it.
- Truck manufacturer. If a problem in the design or manufacturing of the truck caused an accident, the truck manufacturer may be held liable.
- Truck loader. If a truck’s contents are not properly secured on the truck, the company who loaded the truck may be responsible for the accident. For example, a truck loader that improperly secures tree logs on a truck can be liable if the logs fall off the truck and cause an accident.
At Evans Litigation and Trial Law, LLC, we understand the different parties to a truck accident and can determine which one to hold responsible in your case. It may be one party, or it may be multiple parties. Let us help you get the justice you need to get your life back together.
How Long Do You Have to Bring a Truck Accident Case in Marietta?
Personal injury claims, like truck accident claims, must be brought within a specific time frame. This deadline is called the statute of limitations. The statute of limitations for a personal injury claim in Georgia is two years. Once this deadline passes, you may no longer be able to recover compensation from the negligent party.
Contact a Marietta Truck Accident Lawyer Today
We are committed to our clients at Evans Litigation and Trial Law, LLC. Founder Alfred L. Evans III has almost 25 years of legal experience. With his unique experience working for insurance defense, he commits his practice and heart to helping personal injury victims get justice.
Contact us now and get a free consultation with a seasoned truck accident lawyer.