How Much Is Your Settlement Worth After Being Rear Ended By a Semi Truck?
In need of a Georgia semi-truck accident lawyer? Call Blasingame, Burch, Garrard & Ashley, P.C. today for a free case evaluation: (706) 354-4000
Rear-end collisions are one of the most common types of traffic accidents reported in the United States.
According to data published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), rear-end collisions account for nearly 28 percent of all motor vehicle crashes.
While most rear-end collisions involve passenger cars, some also involve large commercial trucks.
Unfortunately, if an eighteen-wheeler rear-ends your vehicle, it is likely to cause significant damage — and, potentially, serious injuries. Fortunately, those hurt in a truck accident can seek a settlement for their losses. However, understanding the intricacies of a semi truck settlement can be daunting.
In this article, our top-rated Georgia semi-truck accident lawyers provide an overview of the key factors that may impact the value of your rear-end truck accident settlement.
For immediate assistance, please call (706) 354-4000 or send us an online message today to schedule your free consultation.
- How Much Is Your Settlement Worth After Being Rear Ended By a Semi Truck?
- You Deserve Compensation for Your Damages
- Possible Liable Parties After a Truck Accident
- Plaintiffs Must Prove Liability
- How to Deal With The Insurance Company
- How Blasingame, Burch, Garrard & Ashley, P.C. Can Help
- What Is the Average Payout for a Rear-End Collision?
- How Long Does It Take to Get a Settlement?
- Were You Rear-Ended by a Large Commercial Truck in Georgia?
You Deserve Compensation for Your Damages
After being rear-ended by a semi-truck, motorists have a right to seek financial compensation for the complete value of their losses. The settlement will depend on your ability to prove that you suffered damages in the crash.
Damages must be documented.
Among other things, truck accident victims in Georgia may be eligible to recover financial compensation for:
- Vehicle repairs and replacement
- Emergency room treatment
- Other healthcare expenses
- Lost current and future wages/income
- Pain and suffering
- Long-term disability or impairment
- Wrongful death of a family member
Possible Liable Parties After a Truck Accident
Determining who is liable for your rear-end truck accident is crucial for securing a fair settlement.
In Georgia, multiple parties could be held responsible, depending on the circumstances of the crash:
- Truck driver. If the driver’s negligence, distracted driving, fatigue, or speeding caused the accident, they may be a liable party.
- Trucking company. Trucking companies are responsible for their drivers’ actions. They can be liable for negligent hiring or training practices, failing to maintain the truck, or pressuring drivers to violate safety regulations.
- Truck manufacturer. If a defect in the truck’s design or manufacturing, such as faulty brakes or malfunctioning safety features, contributed to the accident, the manufacturer could be held liable.
- Cargo loaders. Improperly loaded or secured cargo can shift during transit, causing the truck to become unstable and leading to an accident. In such cases, the company responsible for loading the cargo may share liability.
Identifying all liable parties and proving their negligence can be complex, especially in truck accident cases. An experienced Georgia truck accident lawyer can help you navigate this process, build a strong case, and negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you receive the maximum settlement you deserve.
Don’t go it alone – contact Blasingame, Burch, Garrard & Ashley, P.C. today for a free consultation to discuss your options and protect your rights.
Plaintiffs Must Prove Liability
Under Georgia law (Ga. Code Ann. Sec. 51-12-33), parties will be held liable for their share of the blame for an accident. With rear-end collisions, it is typically presumed that the rear-end driver was at fault for the crash.
That being said, liability is not automatic. Even with a rear-end collision, proving liability still requires strong supporting evidence. In some cases, large trucking companies may try to shift part of the blame onto the injured victim.
As an example, a trucking company or its insurer may try to argue that you or your family member made an unreasonable or negligent stop or an unsafe maneuver.
Ultimately, all major motor vehicle accidents should be carefully investigated. Our Georgia truck accident lawyer will help you prove liability in a rear-end collision so you can maximize your truck accident settlement.
Were you rear-ended by a semi truck?
BBGA provides free consultations. Our team is ready to go to work for you today.
How to Deal With The Insurance Company
Your rear-end collision truck accident settlement will depend on your ability to deal with the insurance company. Trucking companies are represented by especially aggressive insurance companies.
Even when liability is indisputable, they will try to settle your claim for the lowest dollar value possible. Insurance adjusters have been carefully trained to use a wide range of different strategies and techniques to minimize settlement offers.
Injured victims should always deal with insurance company representatives directly through an experienced Georgia truck accident attorney.
How Blasingame, Burch, Garrard & Ashley, P.C. Can Help
The aftermath of a semi-truck accident is overwhelming. Let our experienced team at Blasingame, Burch, Garrard & Ashley, P.C. take the burden off your shoulders. We understand the complex legal landscape surrounding truck accidents, and we’re here to help.
Here’s how we can help:
- Thorough investigation. We don’t just accept the insurance company’s story. Our team digs deep, analyzing accident reports, driver logs, maintenance records, and even black box data to uncover the truth and build a rock-solid case.
- Skillful negotiation. Insurance companies are notorious for lowballing victims. We know their tactics and will negotiate fiercely to ensure you get a fair settlement that covers all your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Aggressive litigation. If the insurance company refuses to play fair, we’re not afraid to take them to court. Our trial attorneys have a proven track record of success in the courtroom, and we’ll fight tirelessly to secure the maximum compensation you deserve.
- Compassionate support. We know this is a difficult time for you. We’ll guide you through every step of the legal process with clear communication, honest advice, and unwavering support.
Your recovery and financial well-being are our top priorities. Don’t settle for less than you deserve. Contact our firm today, and let us fight for you.
What Is the Average Payout for a Rear-End Collision?
There is no “average” payout for a rear-end collision with a semi-truck. Each case is unique, and your compensation will depend on various factors.
That said, some of our truck accident settlements include:
- $3,450,000 for a truck accident that caused the death of a railroad engineer;
- $2,250,000 for a tractor-trailer crash that led to the death of an 8-year-old boy;
- $1,700,000 for a truck accident causing serious injuries to two people; and
- $1,063,000 for a tractor-trailer accident resulting in a herniated disk requiring surgery.
As you can see, settlements can vary widely. That’s why it’s crucial to have an experienced legal team on your side to assess the unique factors of your case and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Blasingame, Burch, Garrard & Ashley, P.C. has a proven track record of securing significant settlements for victims of semi-truck accidents. We’ll thoroughly investigate your case, evaluate your damages, and negotiate with the insurance company to ensure you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Settlement?
It can take anywhere from a few months to well over a year to receive a truck accident settlement. Factors that influence the timeline include the severity of your injuries, the insurance company’s willingness to negotiate fairly, and whether your case proceeds to litigation. Working with an experienced attorney can often help expedite the process and ensure you receive the maximum compensation you deserve in a timely manner.
Were You Rear-Ended by a Large Commercial Truck in Georgia?
We can help. At Blasingame, Burch, Garrard & Ashley, P.C., our Georgia eighteen-wheeler accident lawyers are committed to helping clients maximize their financial settlement.
If you or your loved one was rear-ended by a semi-truck, please contact our legal team online or call (706) 354-4000 today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
From our law office locations in Athens and Lake Oconee, we handle personal injury claims throughout the state of Georgia.
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