Studies by the NHTSA reveal that in 2020, there were up to 2,387 motor vehicle accidents involving large trucks in Augusta, Georgia. It is because of the expansive transport network in Augusta that truck accidents are so frequent there.
If you or your loved one has sustained any injuries in a truck accident, your best chance of getting a fair damage award is hiring an Augusta truck accident lawyer.
Here is what to expect during your consultation with a truck accident attorney.
1. Inquiry About What Happened
The first time you meet with a truck accident lawyer, they will want to hear your account of the accident. You must write down your recollections about the incident to avoid forgetting important details.
Some of the details your lawyer will require include the accident’s date, location, and nature. Apart from your recollection of the accident, the lawyer will also need documentation to support your claim. These include a police report, medical report, witness statements, photos or video footage, and insurance policy documents.
2. Inquiry About Your Injuries and Losses
To determine the validity of your case, your lawyer will inquire about the extent of your injuries and losses. The truck accident lawyer will review your medical records to understand your injuries.
The medical records will form the basis of your claim for damages. The lawyer will use your medical records and evidence of vehicle damage, loss of income, and other inconveniences caused by the accident to determine the value of your compensation. Therefore, you should also provide your pay slip, copies of estimates for repairing your vehicle, and any other relevant documentation.
3. Explanation of the Legal Complexities of the Case
To succeed in a truck accident claim, you must prove all the elements of negligence. Your lawyer will interpret the law on negligence and all the guidelines about your lawsuit. The essential elements of negligence you should show to receive damages include the duty of care, a breach of duty of care, causation, and injuries.
First, you should show that the defendant owed you a duty of care but violated their duty. Also, you should prove that you sustained injuries because they breached your duty of care and need compensation.
Apart from the legal concept of negligence, your lawyer will explain to you about statutory limitations. Every personal injury lawsuit has a time limit, which varies depending on your location. Your lawyer will advise you about the statutory limitation period for your case.
Therefore, you should act immediately after a truck accident; otherwise, the court will rule that your case is time-barred. For example, many states require car accident victims to file lawsuits within two years of the incident.
Additionally, your attorney will prepare you for questions you will face in court. They will also prepare you for an encounter with an insurance adjuster. Your attorney will advise you on what you should or should not disclose. Lastly, your lawyer will discuss potential damages, including medical bills, loss of income, car bodywork, and pain and suffering.
4. Preparation for Possible Defenses
During your initial meeting with a truck accident attorney, they will prepare you for possible defenses by the opposition. One of the common defenses in truck accident cases involves comparative negligence. The defendant will claim that you were partially liable for the accident.
Also, the insurance adjuster may claim that your policy does not cover the accident or that the claim is beyond your policy limit. Therefore, your lawyer will brief you on some possibilities that may lower your damage award. At this point, your lawyer will advise you on situations where you are better off accepting a settlement than going to trial.
Work With a Truck Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one suffers injuries in a truck accident in Augusta, GA, you should seek legal counsel to ensure you get fair compensation.
