Atlanta Truck Accident Lawsuits: A Step-by-Step Guide
Truck accidents in Atlanta can cause potentially life-threatening personal injuries and often involve multiple parties. To get the compensation you need to recover, rather than going through insurers, you may need to file an injury lawsuit. Understanding the process can help you feel more confident and prepared.
Our experienced Atlanta truck accident lawyers protect clients through every stage of these proceedings and fight to get them the maximum compensation. Here’s a step-by-step overview of what to expect during a truck accident lawsuit in Georgia.
Filing An Atlanta Truck Accident Lawsuit and Beginning Discovery
The Georgia Department of Transportation reports that over 16,000 truck accidents happen throughout the state each year. Over a quarter of these occur in the Atlanta metro area. If you or someone you love is hurt and negotiating a fair settlement through insurers proves impossible, filing a truck accident lawsuit through the Georgia Court may be your best option.
The first step in Georgia truck accident lawsuits is to file a formal complaint with the court. This outlines the parties involved, the nature of the claim, and the damages sought. Once your complaint is filed, the discovery phase begins. During discovery, both sides exchange information to build their cases. This includes:
- Interrogatories, written questions pertaining to the accident;
- Requests for production of documents, such as trucking logs and driver records;
- Depositions, or recorded sworn testimony about the crash;
- Expert witness reports, which may help prove how the accident happened.
Discovery can be lengthy, but it is crucial for uncovering facts, convincing a judge or jury, and getting the compensation you are entitled to in a claim.
Negotiation, Mediation, and Possible Settlement in Atlanta Truck Accident Lawsuits
Most truck accident lawsuits don’t reach trial. Instead, they get resolved through negotiation between legal representatives involved or mediation with a neutral third party. If an agreement is reached, the case ends without going to court. Common reasons cases settle include:
- Avoids the uncertainty of a trial verdict;
- Minimizes legal costs and time;
- Protects your privacy and allows you to put what happened behind you quicker;
- Allows you to receive compensation faster, rather than waiting for a court judgment.
When a truck accident injury claim goes to trial, both sides get to present evidence, call supporting witnesses, and make legal arguments before a judge or jury. This can last days or weeks, depending on the complexity of the case. The jury or judge will then decide liability and determine the amount of damages to award.
Get Experienced Legal Guidance for Your Atlanta Truck Accident Claim
Navigating a reasonable settlement in a Georgia truck accident lawsuit can be complicated, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Shiver Hamilton, LLC, we understand the nuances of truck accident law and fight to protect your rights throughout the process.
We represent injured clients across Atlanta, Savannah, and throughout DeKalb County, Fulton County, and Gwinnett County. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our experienced Atlanta truck accident lawyer, and let us help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
Sources:
dot.ga.gov/GDOT/pages/CrashReporting.aspx
georgiacourts.gov/
