Macon Truck Accident Lawyer

Trusted Macon Truck Accident Attorneys, Macon, Georgia

Besides making a shipwreck of your truck in an accident, truck accident leaves you in a distressed and helpless state. These are circumstances you do not have control over and they can have a toll on your health and finances. Accident victims face numerous challenges following a truck accident, emphasizing the complexities involved in personal injury claims and the importance of legal representation. Your insurer can not be trusted to cover for your damaged property as they would do everything they can to avoid incurring the expenses.

Getting a Macon truck accident lawyer can mitigate the risk and help you get compensation for your property. However, finding a lawyer who specializes in truck accidents can be a little daunting because you can’t tell which one to work with without some assessment. An experienced truck accident lawyer is crucial for establishing liability, ensuring timely legal action, and effectively advocating for your rights and compensation following an accident.

At Wetherington Law Firm, we have trained lawyers who specialize in truck accident cases with years of experience and track record of success.

We are compassionate and understanding, and we will make your recovery easy for you. We will work tirelessly to take legal complexities off you, handle your case with bespoke expertise, and secure your entitlement for you.

We operate on contingency fee basis, which means you do not have to pay for any expense until we win your case. Get in touch with us now. 

We offer free consultation for our prospects and you can take advantage of this to discuss your legal options, get insights into how we can help you, and understand our mode of operation to further aid your decision making.

What are the types of Semi-Truck Accidents?

While many accidents occur Some of the most common semi-truck accidents in Macon include:

• Overrides: A truck can collide with the vehicle in front of it, sometimes even riding up onto the car. Those sitting in the back can suffer serious, often fatal, injuries.
• Rear-end Collisions: Trucks colliding with the backend of a vehicle can cause horrific damage to both the vehicle and those inside of it.
• Underrides: Trailers sit high enough off the ground that a smaller car can slide underneath. The guard on the back of the trailer might fail, and there are no guards to prevent an underride on the side.
• Rollovers: A semi can roll onto its side when cargo shifts in the trailer, or the truck takes a turn going uphill or downhill.
• Jackknifes: The trailer can swing out at an angle and slam into traffic in adjoining lanes.
• Tire Blowouts: Truck tires are under tremendous stress, and a truck is difficult to operate when tires explode.

Fatal truck accidents can have devastating consequences, leading to wrongful death claims and the need for legal support to hold negligent parties accountable and seek appropriate compensation.

Because these trucks are so large, any collision can seriously injure pedestrians and other motorists.

If you or a loved one has sustained injury in a truck accident, consult us now to know what to do next.

Why You Need a Truck Accident Lawyer in Macon

Navigating the complexities of truck accident cases in Macon can be overwhelming, making it essential to hire an experienced attorney who specializes in the area. Truck accidents often involve multiple parties, including trucking companies, drivers, and insurers, with their own interests and motivations. A knowledgeable attorney can help you understand your rights, gather necessary evidence, and build a strong case that highlights the negligence involved in the accident, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.

In Macon, truck accident litigation can also be complicated by specific state and federal regulations governing the trucking industry. These laws dictate everything from driver qualifications to vehicle maintenance, and any violations can significantly impact your case. An experienced personal injury lawyer will have a deep understanding of these regulations, enabling them to identify any breaches that may have contributed to your accident. This expertise is invaluable in establishing liability and securing a favorable outcome in negotiations or court.

Moreover, dealing with insurance companies after a truck accident can be daunting, as they often aim to minimize payouts. A skilled truck accident attorney in Macon can effectively negotiate on your behalf, ensuring that you are not pressured into accepting a low settlement. They can also provide critical guidance throughout the legal process, advocating for your best interests and allowing you to focus on recovery. Overall, having a competent lawyer by your side can significantly increase your chances of a successful resolution in your truck accident case.

Filing a truck accident claim involves understanding the procedural aspects and adhering to the state’s statute of limitations. Promptly gathering evidence and seeking legal assistance are crucial steps to strengthen your claim. Thorough documentation and immediate actions post-accident can significantly impact the outcome, given the complexity and severity of injuries typically involved in such incidents.

What are the Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Macon?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration performed a study to uncover what causes truck accidents. This causation study identified associated risk factors for critical events like leaving a lane or losing control of a truck. Some of the most common associated risk factors were:

• Brake problems: 29%
• Driving too fast for conditions: 23%
• Lack of familiarity with the road: 22%
• Road defects or problems: 20%
• Over-the-counter drug use: 17%
• Driver fatigue: 13%

Truck drivers play a critical role in preventing accidents by ensuring they are well-trained and accountable for their actions on the road. Negligence or lack of training among truck drivers can lead to severe consequences for themselves and other road users.

Sometimes multiple things go wrong at once, causing a collision. This is true if a driver is fatigued from driving too long but also takes over-the-counter drugs which makes him even sleepier.

We also need to consider a victim’s own contributory negligence. Some motorists pass in a blind spot or drive too closely to the truck. Georgia law states that you can sue only if your negligence is less than the negligence of all defendants combined. In practice, this means you need to be less than 50% at fault for your crash.

What are the Common Truck Accident Injuries

Truck accidents are often more catastrophic than smaller automobile accidents due to their weight, speed, cargo, and overall size of the vehicle. Even “minor” fender-benders with a truck can result in whiplash, lacerations, bruising, and more. Accidents on freeways or other main roads can result in more serious, long-lasting injuries such as:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Broken bones
• Vision impairment
• Internal bleeding
• Burns
• Spinal cord damage
• Nerve damage
• Paralysis
• Wrongful death
• Neck injuries
• Back injuries

A truck wreck can lead to catastrophic injuries and potential wrongful death claims, emphasizing the complex legal landscape and the need for experienced legal assistance to navigate compensation for victims and their families.

Many of these injuries may not be known until the days following the incident. It’s crucial to seek medical attention directly following an accident to ensure any injuries do not go untreated.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Truck Accident?

Anyone liable for the crash is legally obligated to pay compensation to victims. For this reason, our Macon truck accident attorneys get to work right away trying to identify who is to blame. Their expertise and commitment in holding negligent truck drivers and companies accountable for preventable injuries and deaths ensure that clients receive comprehensive support in pursuing compensation.

Truck accidents are complex events. Any number of businesses or individuals could share blame for the collision. Some of the more common liable parties include:

• Truck Driver: The trucker could have been negligent, reckless, or intoxicated while driving.
• Trucking Company: The trucking company could be liable because they did not maintain their fleet of trucks or they did not perform necessary background checks on drivers. A trucking company is often automatically liable when its employee injures someone.
• Loading Companies: An unsecured or unbalanced load in the trailer can cause a rollover, jackknife, or other collision. We can sue loading companies when their negligence contributes to a wreck.
• Mechanics: A mechanic could have done poor work on a truck or failed to identify a problem when inspecting it.
• Tire Manufacturer: If a blown tire had a defect, the manufacturer could be responsible for the collision.
• Truck Manufacturer: The manufacturer might be liable for putting a dangerous product on the marketplace. We can sue the manufacturer or the manufacturer for a defective part.
• Government: A road defect might have contributed to a crash. We can sue the entity responsible for the road.

As experienced Macon truck accident lawyers, we excel at sifting through the evidence to identify liability. For example, we can review any photographs or police reports describing the accident. We will also listen to you describe what happened.

What should I do immediately after a truck accident?

If you’re involved in a truck accident, acting quickly and carefully is crucial. Here’s what to do:

1. Check for Injuries: First, check if you or anyone else is injured. Call 911 for medical assistance if there are any injuries.
2. Move to Safety: If possible, move to a safe area to avoid further harm, but don’t leave the accident scene.
3. Call the Police: It’s essential to report the accident to the police. They will document the scene and create an official report, which is crucial for any claims.
4. Exchange Information: Get the truck driver’s details, including their name, contact information, trucking company details, and insurance information. If there are other vehicles involved, get their information too.
5. Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident scene, including all vehicles involved, any skid marks, road conditions, and your injuries.
6. Look for Witnesses: If there are any witnesses, get their contact information. Their accounts can be valuable later.
7. Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, get a medical check-up. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
8. Notify Your Insurance: Inform your insurance company about the accident, but be cautious about discussing fault or details.
9. Avoid Quick Settlement Offers: Be wary of quick settlement offers from insurance companies or trucking companies.
10. Consult a Truck Accident Lawyer: Before making any statements or agreements, talk to a lawyer who specializes in truck accidents, especially for complex cases involving large trucks.

Truck accident victims often face significant challenges, including serious injuries and dealing with commercial insurance companies that may minimize payouts. Choosing experienced legal representation is crucial to navigate these complexities.

Should I negotiate with the trucking company’s insurance myself?

It’s usually not a good idea to negotiate with the trucking company’s insurance on your own. Here’s why:

• Complex Negotiations: Dealing with trucking companies and their insurers can be tricky. They have a lot of experience and might use tactics to pay you less.
• Understanding Your Claim’s Worth: It can be hard to know how much your claim is really worth. You might not consider future medical costs or lost wages.
• Legal Nuances: Truck accident claims involve legal details that can be complicated. Without legal knowledge, you might miss important aspects of your claim.
• Pressure to Settle Quickly: Insurance companies often try to settle fast and for less. Without a lawyer, you might feel pressured to accept a low offer.

What Should I Look for in a Macon Truck Accident Lawyer?

Getting a lawyer that has the following qualities is a step toward getting victory for your case.

• Specialty: Ensure that you’re not just getting a lawyer, but one with a specialty in handling truck accident cases.
• Track record: Before you decide on wiring with a lawyer, do your findings to ensure that they have a track record of not only victories but excellence as well. The success rate of a lawyer will greatly determine the outcome of your truck accident case.
• Personal rapport: Your lawyer should have a close relationship with you and be willing to explain every legal jargon to you for transparency and accountability. 
• Macon jurisdiction knowledge: A lawyer who is familiar with the courts in Macon can come in handy when filing for a truck accident. They understand the intricacies of the legal processes peculiar to Macon.
• Access to experts: A good lawyer should have access to experts such as analysts or forensic. This help facilitate some processes that requires more than just legal expertise to undertake.

Call Our Macon Truck Accident Lawyers Today

The days and weeks following a truck accident are disorientating. Let us help. If you call the Wetherington Law Firm, we can meet to discuss your case. Based on what we hear, we’ll analyze your odds of bringing a successful claim for compensation. Contact Matt Wetherington, our dedicated Macon truck accident attorney today to get started