There are thousands of truck accidents in this country every year. Sadly, according to the NHTSA, that number is expected to go up again this year. It has risen 1-2% per year for the last few years. This means that there’s always the chance that you can be injured in a truck accident. If that happens, the best thing to do is to contact an Atlanta truck accident lawyer at TorkLaw.
The problem with these accidents is that they tend to cause very serious injuries. If you’re involved in a truck accident, you could end up in the hospital for some time. You may need surgery. You may even need long-term physical therapy. If that’s the case, you’ll be out of work for a while. This means your Atlanta truck accident lawyer will need to demand compensation for this time.
In order to do this, it’s important that you go to the emergency room immediately after your crash. This way, you have medical records to prove your injuries. It also ensures that you get the medical attention you need. Some injuries, if left untreated, can prove dangerous or even fatal. Your health has to be the first priority. Once you’ve been treated, you can call an Atlanta truck accident lawyer at TorkLaw.
How Does Your Atlanta Truck Accident Lawyer at TorkLaw Prove Fault in Your Case?
In almost any truck accident case, your lawyer is going to need to prove that the other driver was careless. In other words, they need to prove negligence. This requires that they show four (4) things:
- The truck driver owed you a duty of care
- They breached this duty
- You were injured
- Your injuries were a direct result of the defendant’s breach
If you can prove this, then there’s a good chance you’ll win your case. Your Atlanta truck accident lawyer has handled this type of case before. They know what signs to look for. They also know what it takes to prove a negligence case.
Why Are There So Many Tractor Trailer Accidents?
It wouldn’t be fair to say that all tractor-trailer accidents are caused by truck drivers. But it is true that the people in the car or SUV are the ones who suffer the brunt of the impact. That’s because a car or SUV simply can’t withstand the impact of a large truck. There is a lot of metal on an 18-wheeler. It protects the truck driver. There just isn’t enough there to protect you.
The main causes of these accidents are similar to the ones for any other traffic accident. The common reasons for tractor-trailer accidents include:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Drunk driving
- Too heavy a load
- Driver fatigue
- Driver inexperience
- Equipment failure
Regardless of the reasons, if your Atlanta truck accident lawyer at TorkLaw can prove fault, you have a good chance at collecting damages. They will have to prove negligence, as explained above.
Are You Automatically Entitled to Damages?
Just because you’re involved in a truck accident, that doesn’t mean you’re automatically entitled to damages. You have to prove two things first. You need to show, as mentioned above, that the defendant was at fault. Second, you have to prove that you were hurt. Once your Atlanta truck accident lawyer does this, you can demand the following types of damages:
- Medical bills
- Future medical bills
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
- Lost future income
- Property damage
Keep in mind- if you sustain very serious injuries, you may be entitled to a lot of compensation for your pain and suffering. The general rule is that your Atlanta truck accident lawyer will demand three times as much for pain and suffering as the rest of your case. So, if your damages are estimated to be $100,000, your attorney may demand about $300,000 in pain and suffering. That does not mean you’ll get that much. It will more than likely be a starting point for settlement negotiations.
What Kind of Evidence Will Your Chicago Truck Accident Lawyer Use?
As we mentioned earlier, it’s not enough that you’ve been involved in an accident. Your Atlanta truck accident lawyer at TorkLaw will still need to prove that the truck driver was at fault. They’re going to use a variety of tools to do this. That’s why it’s so important that you provide as much information as possible in your initial consultation. Some of the evidence they’ll submit to show fault include the following:
- Medical records
- The police report
- Witness statements
- Pictures of the accident scene
- Videos or camera footage from intersection cameras
The good news is that your Atlanta truck accident lawyer knows what it takes to prove your case. They have a lot of experience in dealing with insurance companies. They have your best interests at heart and will do what it takes to get you justice.
Talk to a Skilled Chicago Truck Accident Lawyer at TorkLaw Today
Nobody wants to deal with insurance adjustors for weeks or months on end. But that’s exactly what can happen if your claim is denied. That’s why it’s a good idea to talk to one of the Atlanta truck accident lawyers at TorkLaw. They can handle the legal side of things for you. They’ll negotiate with the insurance companies. They’ll also file a lawsuit if need be. This way, you and your family can focus on what’s really important – getting better.
All you have to do is call our office and schedule your free consultation. Sit down with someone who has handled cases just like yours in the past. They know how to evaluate your case and know which questions to ask. They can give you an idea of what your case is worth. And, if they don’t think your case is strong, they’ll be honest. This way, you don’t have unrealistic expectations of what may happen. The consultation is free, so you have nothing to lose.