After Your Truck Accident: What You Need to Know

Whether they take place in Atlanta, or somewhere else in the U.S., truck accidents change lives and cause enormous physical and financial damage to those involved.

If you have been in an accident with a tractor trailer or semi-truck, it’s very important to get the right legal representation. There are many factors that make a commercial vehicle accident different than one involving only cars, and having the best truck accident attorney on your side will always significantly affect your recovery.

Having strong opinions about what you believe caused or contributed to your crash is natural. It’s also common to be confused about the chain of events leading up to your wreck, and also who exactly is accountable for the damage. Possible liable parties in your crash include:

• The driver who caused the truck wreck.

  Many truckers operate while under the influence of caffeine, methamphetamines or other drugs. Why? For one thing, the industry's compensation system motivates truckers to push themselves to the limit of endurance. Truckers also frequently engage in other bad habits, such as texting while driving, overloading cargo, driving recklessly and speeding.

• The trucking agency or company.

  Truck companies have a legal (and ethical) duty to screen potential drivers, properly train them, and monitor their progress. If a trucking company allowed a dangerous driver on the road, and that driver hit you, the company could be liable for your injuries and property damage.

• The truck's manufacturer, designer, or mechanic.

  Trucks are incredibly complex vehicles. They have enormous mass, and they can wreak tremendous destruction. It takes as much force to stop a 20 ton truck going 60 miles an hour as it does to stop a two-ton passenger vehicle driving at 600 miles per hour, which is nearly the speed of sound! If a defective or worn-out truck part caused or contributed to your crash, the mechanic, designer or engineer could be liable.

• Insurance companies.

  All commercial vehicles and drivers are required to carry insurance, and their insurers must deal with accident victims fairly… or face stiff fines and legal damages.

Your first instinct might be to trust the insurance companies to sort out the mess. Unfortunately, insurers strive to pay out as little as possible to claimants like you. In fact -- especially if your crash was serious -- odds are that the liable insurer is already busy laying the groundwork to defend against, delay, or deny your potential claim. In addition, trucking companies are often required to keep records only for a limited amount of time. If they are able to delay long enough, it is possible that evidence which could help you will be destroyed.

To fight back, you need to understand your rights and how to maximize your recovery through the right legal counsel. At Attorneyclientmatch.com, we are committed to matching you with the best Atlanta truck accident lawyer, or a skilled attorney in the area where your case will be handled. Our network of lawyers brings skill, commitment, and competence to each client’s case, and all have a proven track record of results in serious vehicle accident litigation. Complete our contact form or call (888) 636-6700 to get help today.