Though driving is common for many people, it is still a dangerous venture. Hundreds of car accidents happen every day, and that’s especially true of the metro Atlanta area. Many of these collisions are preventable. Fortunately, when cars collide, there is a fair chance that the drivers will not sustain an injury or perish in the collision. However, the results are often serious when a car collides with a tractor-trailer.
Though trucks are necessary for our economic system, they can be a significant hazard on the road. These vehicles have large blind spots, need a long time to stop and start, and weigh much more than the average car. The injuries that result from collisions between trucks and regular vehicles are usually severe and sometimes lethal. This is why finding a firm with experienced DeKalb County truck accident attorneys is so important.
If you have been in an accident that involved a truck or if a loved one died as a result of a trucking accident, it is important to know your rights and to take legal action. Our lawyers are here to help you fight your case and gain the compensation that you rightfully deserve.
Franks Gerkin Ponitz & Greeley: Your DeKalb County Truck Accident Lawyers
Our team at Franks Gerkin Ponitz & Greeley has been fighting car and truck accident cases for many years. We have seen circumstances of all kinds and know how to fight these cases with an expert hand. Our experience gives us an advantage over other law firms in the area, as well as state prosecution and defense attorneys. We are confident that we can handle any truck accident case that you may have encountered.
We understand the extreme trauma that truck accidents cause. Many people sustain serious injuries or die as a result of these collisions. Because of this, we take the time to provide compassionate legal support to all our clients. You can trust us with your experience and story and rely on us to create a strong case in your favor.
We are the best firm to meet your needs if you are looking for a DeKalb County personal injury lawyer. Though we are kind and understanding with our clients, we are aggressive in the pursuit of justice. Our team will not rest until we achieve the settlement or insurance payout that you deserve following a truck accident.
What Is a Truck Accident Claim?
A truck accident is any collision between a regular vehicle, such as a car, van, or SUV, and a tractor-trailer. A semi-truck driver responsible for an accident could be held financially responsible for the damage through a truck accident claim because they neglected to fulfill their duties and responsibilities as a driver. These cases are part of personal injury law.
The key in these cases is negligence. In order to charge a truck driver with a claim, you must prove that they were engaging in negligent behavior while they were driving. Common types of negligence in truck accidents include:
- Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Ignoring sleeping requirements and driving while tired
- Driving for long stretches of time without breaks
- Failing to check mirrors and navigate carefully
- Engaging in other activities other than driving while operating the truck
There are strict laws surrounding semi-truck driving. If a driver fails to follow these laws, they are at fault for the accident and need to be held liable for any injuries, damages, or death that results.
Why Do I Need a DeKalb County Personal Injury Lawyer?
Personal injury cases are complicated and require an expert hand. Without an attorney to represent you, you will likely be unable to develop a case that convinces the court that you deserve a settlement. Though the situation may seem obvious from your perspective, the court has specific criteria that must be met to find someone liable for a truck accident.
If you have been injured in a truck accident, your top priority needs to be your health and safety. For proper recovery, you need time and space to relax and rest. If you do not give yourself this time, you may heal slowly or not at all. Adding stress by developing your own case may even reverse your healing progress.
If you lost a loved one in a truck accident claim, you are in no position to create your own argument. You need to grieve, not assemble a legal argument. There may be photos, videos, and other pieces of evidence that are disturbing to you and best left to your attorney.
Finally, if you win your case, you will likely receive a significant amount of money. The settlement for these cases can include the following:
- Reimbursement for medical bills associated with the accident
- Compensation for time off from work to heal
- Pain and suffering payments if the situation was particularly horrific
These settlements can make a significant difference for you and your family, and you should make every effort to win your case. The best way to do that is through an experienced personal injury law firm like Franks Gerkin Ponitz Greeley.
Truck Accident Deaths
As noted, semi-trucks have the ability to create a significant amount of damage. Because of their bulk and momentum, they can easily cause serious accidents. Many people do not survive a collision with a tractor-trailer.
If your loved one died in a collision with a semi-truck, you could seek compensation through a wrongful death claim. These claims are similar to personal injury claims but are intended for the family of someone who did not survive their personal injury. The compensation from these claims can include the following:
- Burial expenses
- Funeral expenses
- Compensation for lost income
- Ongoing payments
This financial support is key for most families, especially if your loved one was the main breadwinner in your household.
Truck Accidents and Insurance Companies
After an accident of any kind, insurance companies often get involved. Though you may believe that insurance companies aim to help their clients, in reality, they are only looking out for their own profits. This means that they will sometimes go to extreme lengths to avoid paying for an accident.
It is very common for insurance companies to pressure victims into giving a statement. They may call repeatedly or imply that you are obligated to give a statement in a definitive time frame. They do this to try and get you to waive your rights or take responsibility for what happened. They will twist your words to fulfill their own purposes, and even the most innocent statement can be used against you.
In some cases, insurance companies have victims followed by private investigators to make sure that their daily activities match their injury claims. This is a violation of your privacy and trust and makes many people feel unsafe.
Having an attorney can combat all of this. When you have legal representation, you can direct the insurance companies to your lawyer for statements. This way, a professional can interact with the insurance company and be sure to maintain your innocence and preserve your case. Do not speak with an insurance company without your personal injury lawyer.
How Much Do Injury Lawyers Cost?
The cost of legal representation varies from situation to situation. Some attorneys and law firms charge by the hour, while others take a percentage of your settlement. It is difficult to say how much your claim will cost without knowing the details of your situation. It is extremely important to discuss finances with potential attorneys so you can be sure that you can afford their services throughout the entirety of your case. If you find that you cannot afford their services halfway through the case process, you could lose representation, and your case will fall apart.
It is important to note that most people get higher settlements when they have an attorney than they do without one. Because of this, it is often financially advantageous to hire an attorney for your truck accident case. Though it may seem like a significant expense, the reality is that you are more likely to get a fair settlement when you have an attorney on your side.
Most attorneys are very comfortable speaking about finances and welcome the discussion. If you find an attorney who will not disclose their fees or give you a straight answer about their costs, you should continue to look for someone else.
Contact Franks Gerkin Ponitz & Greeley Law Firm Today
Hiring an attorney can be difficult. You must find someone with whom you feel comfortable and who listens to your story. Some attorneys are not qualified to represent truck accident clients or do not have experience in these types of cases.
Our team at Franks Gerkin Ponitz & Greeley is different. We have vast experience in this field and can provide expert representation in your case. Our track record is a stellar example of our capabilities, and our standing in the community speaks for itself. If you are looking for a truck accident attorney in DeKalb County, our team is your best option.
For more information about our firm, our services, or how we can help you with your truck accident case, contact Franks Gerkin Ponitz & Greeley online today.
