While car accidents and semi-truck accidents share some important similarities, there are also some key differences.
Before moving forward in the personal injury claims process, it is useful to have a basic understanding of how truck accidents are similar to, and different from, standard car accidents.
How Semi-Truck Accidents and Car Accidents are Similar
You Have Two Years to File a Legal Claim
As a starting point, car accident claims, and truck accident claims are both subject to the same statute of limitations.
Under Georgia law (Ga. Code Ann. Sec. 9-3-33), injured victims have two years from the date of their crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. If they wait too long to take action, then their case may be automatically dismissed without a hearing.
Plaintiffs Must Establish Liability
Georgia is a comparative negligence state. These liability rules apply to both commercial truck accidents and to standard passenger car accidents.
Regardless of what type of claim you are bringing, you must be able to prove that another party was ‘at fault’ for your crash in order to hold them financially responsible for your damages.
Compensation is Based on Damages
Under Georgia law, injured victims can seek the same types of damages in both car accident claims and semi-truck accident claims.
Specifically, financial compensation may be available for emergency room care, medical bills, rehabilitation, mental health treatment, lost wages, diminished earning potential, disfigurement, disability, and the wrongful death of a family member,
How Semi-Truck Accidents and Car Accidents are Different
Truck Accidents are More Likely to Result in Severe Injuries
Commercial truck accidents are far more likely to result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities. There are some special considerations that must be addressed in catastrophic injury claims and wrongful death claims. These are more complex legal cases.
Trucking Companies Have Higher Insurance Policy Limits
With a car accident claim, an injured victim is far more likely to hit the defendant’s insurance policy limit than they are with a tractor trailer accident claim.
While there is some variation based on the size of the truck and the specific materials that were being hauled, most eighteen-wheelers carry at least $750,000 in liability coverage.
Truck Company Insurers are More Aggressive
While all insurance companies are trying to protect their own bottom line, truck company insurers sometimes take it to another level. These are aggressive companies.
If you are making a claim against a semi-truck’s insurance coverage, it is imperative that you seek guidance from an experienced truck accident injury lawyer.
Contact Our Georgia Personal Injury
Attorneys Right Away
At Blasingame, Burch, Garrard & Ashley, P.C., our Georgia motor vehicle accident attorneys handle the full range of personal injury claims. If you were involved in a car accident or truck accident, we are here to help.
To set up a free review of your personal injury claim, please contact our law firm today. With office in Athens, Atlanta, and Greensboro, we handle motor vehicle accident claims throughout North Georgia.
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