How Atlanta Truck Accident Settlements Are Calculated: What Goes Into Your Claim
When a truck accident occurs in Atlanta, the damage can be severe. You have the right to hold those at fault accountable, and getting the maximum compensation in a claim can play a major role in your ability to recover.
Wondering how much your claim might be worth? There is no one answer, as no two cases are the same. However, our experienced Atlanta truck accident lawyers explain common types of economic and non-economic damages available and how to get the total amount you deserve.
Economic Damages in Atlanta Truck Accident Cases
The Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety reports that over 25,000 truck accidents happen throughout the state. As a major hub for truck traffic, Atlanta is among the most likely places for crashes to occur.
When an Atlanta truck accident occurs due to the negligence of a truck driver, trucking company, or others involved, you have the right to seek compensation under the Georgia Code. Any settlement should reflect the full scope of your losses. Economic damages that factor into the amount include:
- Emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, surgeries, and prescription costs.
- Ongoing and future medical expenses, including physical therapy and long-term care.
- Lost wages for time missed from work during recovery.
- Projected future lost earnings when injuries permanently affect the ability to work.
- Property damage, including vehicle repair or total replacement value.
These tangible costs form the financial foundation of a claim, but they represent only part of what victims are entitled to pursue under Georgia law.
Non-Economic Damages and Other Factors That Affect Atlanta Truck Accident Settlements
Economic damages are only one part of the settlement equation. Georgia law also allows injured victims to pursue non-economic damages that reflect the human cost of a serious truck accident. These include:
- Pain and suffering damages that reflect the physical and emotional toll of the injury.
- Lost enjoyment in life due to injuries that keep you from engaging in activities you previously enjoyed.
- The impact of any scarring or disfigurement.
- Loss of companionship if your injuries impact intimacy with your spouse.
You may also be entitled to punitive damages, which punish those at fault for grossly negligent behavior. However, Georgia’s modified comparative negligence rule factors into any settlement amounts. The insurer may try to claim you were partially responsible for the crash, reducing the amount you are entitled to.
To Get the Best Possible Settlement, Contact Our Experienced Atlanta Truck Accident Lawyers
Damages from truck accidents in Atlanta can be severe and may jeopardize your financial security for years afterward. At Shiver Hamilton Campbell, we calculate the true value of your claim, push back against lowball offers, and fight to get you every dollar you are entitled to under Georgia law.
To get the best possible settlement, call or contact our Atlanta truck accident lawyers online. We represent clients throughout Gwinnett, DeKalb, and Fulton Counties, including Alpharetta, Sandy Springs, Roswell, Decatur, and coastal areas such as Savannah and St. Simons Island. Request a consultation today.
Sources:
gahighwaysafety.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/2021-Large-Trucks-Georgia-Traffic-Safety-Facts.pdf
georgiacourts.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Apportionment-of-Damages-Terry.pdf
