DeKalb County Side Impact Truck Accident Lawyers
When a side impact collision involves a commercial truck and a passenger vehicle, affected parties are especially likely to suffer catastrophic physical harm. If you were hurt in a recent side impact truck accident, an attorney from our team could help you seek compensation for your financial, personal, and emotional losses. A DeKalb County side impact truck accident lawyer could offer sound advice to help you determine the best way to proceed with your claim.
Common Causes of T-Bone Truck Wrecks
Driver negligence is one of the most common causes of side impact commercial vehicle wrecks. Reckless driving, disobeying traffic signs, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and speeding also frequently lead to T-bone truck collisions.
Sometimes, other individuals or entities besides the truck driver contribute to a side impact crash. For example, if overweight cargo caused the truck driver to lose control of the vehicle, the shipping company could be held liable with the help of an attorney. If a faulty vehicle part like defective brakes contributed to the wreck, the equipment manufacturer may also be legally responsible for any subsequent damages.
Recovering Compensation
In order to recover damages after an accident, an injured person must file their case within the statutory deadline established by Official Code of Georgia Annotated §9-3-33. According to this law, potential plaintiffs have two years from the date of the incident to initiate a lawsuit. Fortunately, a side impact truck collision lawyer in DeKalb County could ensure a claimant’s compliance with the filing deadline in order to protect their eligibility for compensation.
The injured party may be able to collect damages for their lost income from time missed at work, medical bills, pain and suffering, diminished earning capacity, scarring, disfigurement, and other losses. Punitive damages may also be awarded in particularly egregious cases. Unlike the other types of compensation, punitive damages are intended to punish a defendant for malicious or wanton behavior as well as to discourage others from acting similarly in the future.
The Impact of Contributory Fault
An at-fault party may allege that an injured plaintiff is partially responsible for their own damages in order to avoid paying compensation. O.C.G.A. §51-12-33 states that as long as the injured party’s percentage of blame is not equal to or greater than the defendant’s, they would still be entitled to financial recovery.
However, any legal blame assigned to the victim would proportionately decrease their recoverable damages. For instance, if the court finds the victim 30 percent liable for their own injuries, their compensation amount would be diminished accordingly. A T-bone truck crash lawyer in DeKalb County could work diligently to prove the liability of the at-fault party or parties and mitigate any percentage of fault attributed to the plaintiff.
Reach Out to a DeKalb County Side Impact Truck Accident Lawyer Today
A DeKalb County side impact truck accident lawyer could provide unwavering support and guidance during your case. One of our attorneys could investigate the cause of your crash and determine who may be accountable for your injuries.
A lawyer from our firm could help you understand the legal process and vigilantly defend your interests. Call today to book your appointment with a DeKalb County attorney.
