What Happens If I’m Partially at Fault in a Truck Accident?
Posted by Wetherington Law Firm | Articles, Truck Accidents
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Key Highlights:
If you’re partially at fault in a truck accident, you can still recover compensation, but it will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you. For example, if you’re found 20% at fault, your compensation will be reduced by 20%. In Georgia, as long as you’re less than 50% at fault, you can still receive compensation. However, if you’re 50% or more at fault, you may not be able to recover damages.
Accidents often involve more than one person making mistakes. Sometimes, you might be partly to blame for a truck accident, which can make the situation feel overwhelming. It’s natural to wonder how this could affect your ability to recover compensation for your injuries and other losses.
We understand how confusing and stressful this can be. This guide breaks down the process and explains how, even if you share some of the blame, you may still be able to receive compensation under Georgia’s modified comparative negligence law. The key is proving the level of fault, and we’re here to help with that.
If the insurance company claims you’re partially responsible or if you believe you might be, reach out to our experienced Atlanta truck accident lawyers. We’ll guide you through the legal process and fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Let us protect your rights during this difficult time.
Understanding Comparative Fault
In a truck accident, sometimes more than one person can be responsible for what happened. This is called “comparative fault.” It means that if you were partially to blame for the accident, you might still be able to get some money for your damages, but it could be less than if you were not at fault at all.
Comparative fault works by figuring out how much each person involved in the accident contributed to the crash. For example, if you were 30% at fault and the other driver was 70% at fault, you might get 70% of the money you would normally receive for your damages. It’s important to understand how this works because it helps you know what you might be able to recover and what you need to prove to get compensation.
Recovering Losses in Georgia if You Are Partially to Blame for an Accident
In Georgia, even if you are partly to blame for an accident, you might still get compensation. It depends on how much fault you have.
Here’s how it works:
- Less Than 50% at Fault: If you are less than 50% at fault, you can still get money for your losses. But, the amount you get will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are 20% at fault, you’ll get 20% less than what you originally asked for.
- 50% or More at Fault: If you are 50% or more at fault, you can’t get any money from the other party. You might need to use your own insurance or pay for the losses yourself.
These rules follow Georgia’s comparative negligence law, which adjusts how much you can get based on how responsible you are for the accident.
How Being Partially at Fault Affects Your Compensation
If you are partly responsible for a truck accident, it can affect how much money you get for your injuries. Here’s how it works:
- Shared Blame: If you share some of the blame, you might get less money. For example, if the accident was partly your fault, your compensation could be reduced.
- Insurance Decisions: Insurance companies look at who is at fault. They might offer you less money if they think you’re partly responsible.
- State Laws: Different states have different rules about shared blame. Some states may still give you compensation even if you’re partly at fault, but it might be less than if you were not at fault at all.
At Wetherington Law Firm, our truck accident lawyers can help you understand how being partially at fault might affect your case. We work hard to make sure you get the best possible compensation, no matter what.
Steps to Take if You’re Partially at Fault
- Ensure Safety: First, make sure you and everyone else are safe. If you’re in a dangerous area, move to a safer place if possible.
- Stay Calm: Take a deep breath and try to stay calm. Panicking won’t help the situation and can make things more stressful.
- Collect Evidence: Take photos and videos of the accident scene, including the truck and any damage. Write down details about what happened and gather contact information from witnesses.
- Report the Accident: Call the police to report the accident. They will write a report that can help with insurance claims and legal issues.
- Get Medical Help: Even if you don’t feel hurt, see a doctor to check for injuries. Some injuries might not show up right away.
- Talk to a Lawyer: Contact a truck accident lawyer at Wetherington Law Firm. They specialize in handling cases like yours and can help you understand your rights and work to get you the compensation you deserve.
- Keep Records: Save all documents related to the accident, including medical bills, repair costs, and any communication with insurance companies. This will help your lawyer build a strong case.
What to Do If They Won’t Settle
If the insurance company won’t give you the money you deserve, your lawyer can help by filing a lawsuit. Our team will stand up for you, especially since trucking companies often have strong legal teams working against you. We’re here to make sure you get the compensation you need. Contact us today or call us at (404) 888-4444 for a free consultation and let us help you through this tough time. Let us help you today.
Don’t Assume You’ll Get Compensation Easily
Just because the other party is mostly at fault doesn’t mean the insurance company will quickly give you a lot of money. They might try to lower the amount they owe you by claiming there’s missing information or errors in your claim. Trucking company insurance companies are often very persistent in paying less.
That’s why you need a skilled lawyer to fight for you. We’ll work hard to help you get all the money you deserve for things like:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Long-term recovery costs
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Lower quality of life
- Loss of companionship
We will also try to prove you might not be at fault at all to get you even more compensation.
Why You Should Get a Lawyer if You’re Partially at Fault in a Truck Accident
Even if you’re partly at fault for a truck accident, having a skilled lawyer can make a big difference. Here’s why you should consider getting one:
- Gathering Evidence: A lawyer can help collect important evidence like videos, photos, and witness statements to show how much you were at fault or prove you were less responsible.
- Determining Fault: Your lawyer will check if the blame assigned to you is fair. They might find new evidence to lower the amount of fault you’re given or argue that you should be considered less at fault.
- Calculating Your Damages: A lawyer makes sure all your losses are counted. This helps you avoid missing out on money you’re owed for things like medical bills or repairs.
- Negotiating or Going to Court: Your lawyer will ask the insurance company for the right amount of money and work to get you the best deal. If needed, they can also take your case to court.
At Wetherington Law Firm, our experienced Personal Injury Lawyers can guide you through this process, making sure you get the compensation you deserve, even if you’re partially at fault.
Set Up a Free Consultation with Our Truck Accident Lawyers
If you’re worried about being partially at fault for a truck accident, don’t stress. At Wetherington Law Firm, our experienced lawyers are here to help. We’ll work hard to get you the compensation you deserve, even if you’re partly at fault.
Contact us today for a free consultation. Remember, you don’t have to pay us anything until we win your case. Let us help you through this tough time.
Conclusion
Even if you’re partially at fault in a truck accident, you might still be able to get compensation. It’s important to work with an experienced attorney who can help you navigate the process and fight for your rights.