If you were hurt in a garbage truck crash in Atlanta, Georgia, Rafi Law Firm can help you understand your legal options. Contact (404) 800-9933 to schedule a free consultation with an Atlanta garbage truck accident lawyer to learn more about your legal rights and options.
Garbage trucks are large, heavy vehicles that can cause serious harm in a crash. These accidents may involve a truck driver, waste company, another driver, or a problem with the truck itself.
Why Choose Rafi Law Firm for Help After a Garbage Truck Accident in Atlanta?
Our firm has more than 50 years of experience helping injured people. We have recovered more than $200 million for our clients, including hundreds of millions of dollars in recoveries and multiple verdicts worth hundreds of millions of dollars in Atlanta, GA.
Atlanta truck accident lawyers at our firm continue to garner respect and recognition from clients as well as professional organizations, including:
- Super Lawyers
- Atlanta Magazine
- Georgia Trend’s Legal Elite
We know that dealing with an injury can be stressful. Contact our Atlanta personal injury attorneys for a free consultation to discuss what happened and what steps you may be able to take.
What Kinds of Damages Are Available to Garbage Truck Accident Victims?
Damages are the losses you may seek after an accident. There are two main types typically available to accident victims: economic and non-economic.
Economic damages are losses that have a clear dollar value, such as hospital bills, doctor visits, medication, lost wages, and future medical care.
Non-economic damages cover the personal effects of an injury. These may include pain and suffering, emotional distress, permanent disability, and loss of enjoyment of life. The damages available in your case will depend on your injuries and other facts.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Garbage Truck Accident Lawyer?
Many personal injury lawyers use a contingency-fee arrangement, which usually means you do not pay attorney fees upfront. Instead, the lawyer receives a fee from the recovery if your case is successful, based on the terms of your agreement.
This payment structure allows you to seek legal help without paying hourly attorney fees while your case is pending. Our team can explain the fee agreement and other case costs before you decide whether to move forward with our firm.
Can I Recover Compensation if I’m Being Blamed For a Garbage Truck Accident in Georgia?
It is possible because Georgia uses a modified comparative fault rule. If you are partly responsible for an accident, your damages can generally be reduced by your percentage of fault. However, Georgia law bars recovery when a plaintiff is 50% or more responsible for the injury.
For example, if your damages total $100,000 and you are found 20% responsible, your recovery could be reduced to $80,000. Fault may be based on actions such as speeding, distracted driving, or failing to follow traffic rules. Our team can review the evidence and explain how fault may affect your claim.
Common Garbage Truck Accident Injuries in Atlanta, Georgia
Garbage trucks are much larger and heavier than most passenger vehicles. A crash can cause serious injuries to people inside another vehicle, pedestrians, cyclists, or truck occupants.
Common injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Head and brain injuries
- Neck and back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal injuries
- Cuts and other soft-tissue injuries
- Permanent disabilities
Some injuries may take time to appear. Getting medical care after a crash can protect your health and create a record of your injuries.
What Causes Most Garbage Truck Accidents in Georgia?
Garbage truck crashes can happen for many reasons. Driver mistakes are one possible cause, but a trucking company, another driver, poor maintenance, or a defective truck part may also be involved.
Common causes include:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding or unsafe driving
- Driver fatigue
- Failure to check blind spots
- Unsafe turns or lane changes
- Poor vehicle maintenance
- Defective equipment
- Unsafe roads or traffic conditions
Evidence such as traffic-camera footage, witness statements, vehicle records, and crash reports may help show what caused the collision. Our team can investigate the accident and identify the parties who may be responsible.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Garbage Truck Accident in Georgia?
Georgia generally gives a person two years to bring a lawsuit for a personal injury.
Some claims can involve different rules or deadlines, especially when a government entity is involved. Because missing a deadline can prevent you from recovering compensation, it is important to have your case reviewed as soon as possible.
What Should I Do After a Garbage Truck Accident?
Call 911 after a serious crash and get medical attention for your injuries. If it is safe, take pictures of the vehicles, road, and accident scene, and collect contact information from witnesses.
Keep copies of medical bills, records, and other documents related to the crash. Be careful when speaking with an insurance company, and avoid signing documents before you understand your rights. A lawyer can help you understand your options and what to do next.
Contact Our Atlanta Garbage Truck Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
A garbage truck crash can leave you with serious injuries, medical bills, and time away from work. At Rafi Law Firm, our team has more than five decades of experience and has recovered significant compensation for clients.
If you were injured in a garbage truck accident and need legal assistance, contact our office for a free consultation with an Atlanta garbage truck accident attorney.
