How Does Truck Driver Negligence Affect My Injury Claim?
If you’re involved in a truck accident and want to seek compensation from the at-fault party, proving negligence on the part of the truck driver is key. Put simply, negligence occurs when someone fails to act with reasonable care and harms someone else. But proving truck driver negligence isn’t so simple.
That’s where the seasoned Commerce, GA, truck accident attorneys come in. They will know how to apply the right laws and collect proper evidence to ensure your truck accident case is as strong as possible. Below is a breakdown of how truck driver negligence can impact your injury claim and how experienced Commerce, GA, truck accident lawyers can help you prove it.
What Exactly is Truck Driver Negligence in Commerce, GA, Truck Accident Cases?
In Commerce, GA, truck accident cases, truck driver negligence means that the driver acted carelessly and harmed another motorist or road user because of their carelessness. It can take various forms, such as the following:
- Failure to Yield – Failing to follow right-of-way rules
- Speeding – Driving too fast for the conditions
- Distracted Driving – Eating, texting, fiddling with the radio or GPS
- Tailgating – Following another vehicle too closely
- Impaired Driving – Driving while drunk, fatigued, or drugged
In these situations, the truck driver will be considered negligent because they failed to act with reasonable care. However, negligence is not just about proving that the truck driver acted carelessly because it will directly affect the amount of compensation you can get.
Georgia uses the comparative negligence doctrine when handling fault in accident cases. That means your compensation can be reduced if you were partly at fault for the accident. For instance, if you were slightly speeding during the crash and you were found to be 10% at fault for the crash, and the truck driver was running a red light and was found to be 90% at fault, you may receive only 90% (the driver’s percentage of fault) of the compensation.
How Can I Prove Truck Driver Negligence?
Unfortunately, proving truck driver negligence is not always straightforward, particularly when the driver is denying fault or blaming you for the crash. That’s where having Commerce, GA, truck accident attorneys fighting for you can make a massive difference. They can gather crucial evidence, including police reports, eyewitness statements, and pictures and videos of the crash scene, video from the truck driver, electronic data from the truck “black box,” such as vehicle speed, engine performance, driver behavior, and more.
Your Commerce, GA, truck accident lawyers understand how the state handles fault in injury claims and will use that knowledge to strengthen your case. They will also deal with insurers on your behalf. Insurers are notorious for downplaying their client’s fault and pressuring injured victims into settling their claims for the lowest possible amount before they hire an attorney. However, your attorneys will know how to negotiate with insurers and push back for compensation that makes you whole for all your losses.
If it’s impossible to reach a fair settlement, your Commerce, GA, truck accident attorneys will take your case to trial to ensure you get all the damages that the law provides for you.
Connect With Our Reputable Commerce, GA, Truck Accident Lawyers For Legal Advice
For help sorting out your injury claim after getting hurt in a truck accident, our Commerce, GA, truck accident attorneys can be your greatest ally. Reach Banks, Stubbs & McFarland online or at 770-887-1209 to schedule your free consultation today.