FAQs about Truck Accidents in Georgia

Most of us consider ourselves to be good drivers. Unfortunately, even the most conscientious drivers can find themselves involved in an accident. If you have been involved in a truck accident, you likely have many questions about what to do next. Will your insurance cover your medical bills? What about property damage? Can you file a lawsuit against the person responsible?

These are all reasonable questions after an accident. In this post, a Dallas truck accident lawyer offers some answers to these and other frequently asked questions about truck accidents and related claims.

FAQs about Truck Accidents

Take a look at some of the answers to commonly asked questions about truck accidents in Georgia.

Q: Why are truck accidents so much worse than car accidents?

A: Large trucks weigh up to 30-times more than passenger cars. When they are full of cargo, they are difficult to maneuver and take a long time to stop or turn. When an accident happens, the weight and size of the truck is formidable for passenger vehicles. Often, the result is catastrophic damage.

Q: What should I do after a truck accident?

A: Immediately after the accident, you should call 911 and have authorities come to the scene. Next, get medical attention and explain that you were in an accident. Finally, call a truck accident lawyer to discuss your situation. Truck accidents can be complicated, and a lawyer can help ensure your rights are protected.

Q: Why are truck accidents complicated?

A: Truck accidents often involve multiple parties and factors outside the accident itself. An accident claim may include the truck driver, trucking company, truck owner, parts manufacturer, and/or other drivers.

Q: Will my insurance cover my medical bills?

A: The answer to this largely depends on your insurance. While the law requires every driver to have a minimum amount of coverage, not everyone’s policy is sufficient to cover medical expenses. Catastrophic injuries from a truck accident may cost substantially more than the minimum required insurance coverage.

Q: What about property damage?

A: You will need to discuss property damage or loss with your auto insurance provider, or that of the party at-fault for the accident. We recommend speaking with a truck accident lawyer if your insurance company negotiates or offers to settle the claim for less than you feel your claim is worth. A lawyer can explore policies and make sure you get the compensation you deserve.

Q: I was contacted by an insurance company and asked to give a statement. What should I do?

A: It’s okay to provide basic information to an insurance company, but you should be very careful in what you say. Insurance companies may try to use your statement against you if you claim someone else was at-fault, argue their offer is unsuitable, or appeal a claim denial.

Q: Can I file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver?

A: In many truck accident cases, victims can file a lawsuit against whomever is responsible for their injuries. That may be the truck driver, another driver, trucking company, a parts manufacturer, or another party or parties.

Q: What kind of damages are available in truck accident lawsuits?

A: Truck accident lawsuits, or claims, often seek recovery for damages sustained in the accident, or occurring as a result of the accident. These damages may include:

• Medical treatment
• Surgery
• Rehabilitation
• Property damage
• Lost income
• Loss of earning ability
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of consortium/companionship if there is a loss of life

As you can see, there are many questions that people ask about truck accidents in Georgia. After any type of accident, it is a good idea to follow basic safety guidelines and contact appropriate parties after the fact. It is also a good idea to contact a personal injury lawyer who can advise you of your rights. You may be entitled to compensation that can go a long way toward overall recovery.