What Should You Expect from Your Case if an 18-Wheeler Hits You in Georgia?

What Should You Expect from Your Case if an 18-Wheeler Hits You in Georgia?

Accidents involving 18-wheelers are among the most severe crashes you can experience on Georgia roadways. Commercial vehicles can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, and when they hit smaller SUVs and passenger cars, the damage can be catastrophic. Many accident victims suffer traumatic physical and psychological injuries. As if recovering from these wounds isn’t difficult enough, victims must also contend with a newfound sense of financial instability as medical bills grow and income shrinks.

At Kaufman Injury Law, our legal team understands the tremendous impact a commercial truck accident can have on a person’s life. However, what most accident victims don’t know is what to expect from their case when an 18-wheeler hits them. We want to shed light on the process and prepare you for what’s ahead.

What to Expect from the Trucking Company, Insurers, and Your Attorney

First and foremost, do not expect the trucking company or their insurance company to play nice. Although you may be coping with tremendous physical injuries and financial hardships, these entities don’t care. They aren’t looking out for you. They are looking out for themselves and need to decrease their liability as much as possible to save money and keep profits high. Never accept a settlement from a trucking company or insurer without discussing your situation with an experienced Georgia commercial truck accident attorney.

You can expect an insurer to offer you a low-ball settlement in hopes that you will be desperate to accept the money. Once you sign on the dotted line, you release them from further liability and typically cannot seek additional compensation via a personal injury lawsuit.

Your attorney may feel that a personal injury lawsuit offers you the best opportunity to recover maximum compensation for your injuries. If that is the case, expect your attorney to advise you of your legal rights and immediately get to work collecting and preserving evidence to build your case. Crucial evidence, such as black box data from the truck, cargo logs, and safety inspections, can be lost or destroyed, preventing you from using these items to establish and prove liability. An attorney can use their resources to request and secure this information before that happens.

You can also expect your attorney to take the time to calculate the value of your medical expenses and financial losses. Before your case goes to court, expect your attorney and the opposing side to engage in settlement negotiations. Most cases settle outside of court once both sides evaluate each side’s strengths and weaknesses. If the opposing side does not negotiate in good faith or a suitable arrangement cannot be made, expect to see the inside of a courtroom where your attorney will advocate for you.

Contact a Georgia Truck Accident Lawyer Today

The legal team at Kaufman Injury Law is passionate about fighting for you. When a commercial trucking accident causes devastating losses, don’t wait for the trucking company or an insurance company to make it right. Seek legal help from a knowledgeable Georgia personal injury attorney. Contact our office now and arrange a free case evaluation.