5 Things You Need To Know About Trucking Accidents And Injuries
If you have been involved in a trucking accident, then pay attention. This one’s for you. Truck accidents are common in the US – more common than you might think. An estimated 500,000 trucking accidents take place in the US every year. The US also sees an average of 102 car crashes every day.
So, with these horrifying statistics at the forefront of our minds, how do we stay safe against truck accidents in the state of Atlanta? We can come to terms with the facts and use them to protect ourselves. With this in mind, let’s talk about the five things you should forewarn yourself about trucking accidents and injuries so that you can forearm yourself against them.
The Top 5 Things to Know About Trucking Accidents and Injuries
Let’s dive straight in with the most important thing you need when it comes to trucking accidents… and Atlanta truck accident attorney.
Hire an Attorney – Don’t Argue, Do It
Only a fool thinks they can represent themselves in a court of law. Even lawyers have lawyers. The first thing you should do once you are safe after your accident is to seek professional law advice. You may be entitled to compensation – you may not even be able to claim it for yourself in your medical state – and your medical bills have to be paid.
If you had a trucking accident and it wasn’t your fault, you shouldn’t be liable to pay for it. Damages plus medical expenses can soon add up. Your truck accident attorney will go over the accident details, build a case, file a deposition on your behalf, and make sure you get the best deal for yourself. That’s the kind of resource you need in your corner… particularly if you cannot represent yourself.
The Leading Causes of Trucking Accidents? Driver’s Distraction, Fatigue, or Alcohol/Drug Use
If you have been injured in a trucking accident, your attorney needs to have the opposite driver checked for all of the above. If the trucker hit you while fatigued, while they were distracted or under the influence, your claim could be significantly more and your case airtight.
This is another example of one of those things that a trained professional knows about but that your average Joe does not. If you don’t follow the correct post-accident protocol, you might miss this.
Attorneys Gather Evidence on your Behalf
If you are incapacitated, or even if you don’t know anything about evidence gathering, then your attorney can advise you. A truck accident is a serious affair. They are bigger, heavier, and more cumbersome than other motor vehicles – and can therefore do more damage. If you are out cold, you need someone on your side.
They gather witnesses together, and they look at tire tracks in the road. They will record photographic evidence and gather any other parts of the story together to help the judge put together an accurate picture of the scene. Your truck accident attorney can help you with all of this… so don’t miss out.
There’s a Statute of Limitations
In Atlanta, you have a two-year statute of limitations on your case. What does this mean? It means that from the moment you are injured, your clock is ticking. You have only two years from the moment of the accident to make your claim for restitution. If you haven’t done it before the two years are up, you won’t get a dime.
To avoid this, hire a truck accident attorney and file a complaint as soon as you can. It’s a simple fix, but this way of working stops people from claiming historical compensation. Normally, a child can’t claim until they are 18 when that two-year clock starts ticking.
The Truck Driver isn’t Always Liable
The truck driver isn’t liable if there are certain circumstances in play. If they are jack-knifing, for example, and have turned to avoid another driver or something else, the driver probably wasn’t at fault. In this case, it might be the third driver who is at fault.
Similarly, if a truck driver is turning and causes an accident by occupying the two lanes – they may well not be at fault. Drivers should stay back when a truck turns, and if you don’t, even a good attorney won’t be able to get your medical bills paid for.
Keeping Right in Truck Accidents
As mentioned, the best way to keep right during a trucking accident lawsuit is to hire an attorney. If you suffer injuries, get yourself treated and get better so you can fight your case. 1% of all truck accidents in the US are fatal… If you are lucky enough to be alive, then someone owes you for your trouble.
