Getting involved in an accident with a truck driver in Georgia brings unique challenges that can make the process of getting your claim somewhat confusing. You should know that the driver may not be the only party responsible for what happened.
Long-haul trucker laws and truck accidents
Long-haul truck drivers are held to a higher standard than other motorists on the road. Hence, there are federal laws that dictate what they should do even when they are not on the road. For example:
• They must take a 30-minute break for every eight hours of driving
• Truck drivers are not allowed to drive for more than 11 hours in a day
• Before they get behind the wheel, they must have spent a minimum of 10 consecutive hours off duty
• They must go through thorough extra training and get a commercial driver’s license before they get on any truck
Timeline for resolving truck accident cases in Georgia
On average, most truck accidents in Georgia are resolved within one to two years. Your timeline will depend on your unique circumstances. The first is how severe your injuries are. Generally, severe injuries take longer because more damages will need to be calculated for you to receive the total compensation you deserve.
Another factor is whether or not the driver was found to be at fault for the accident. If the driver was not at fault, their insurance company might try to deny your claim or lowball you in settlement negotiations. This can lengthen the process as you will likely have to file a lawsuit to get what you rightfully deserve.
Lastly, the complexity of your case may also determine your timeline. For instance, if multiple parties are involved or there is a lot of property damage, your case may take longer because more evidence will need to be gathered, and more witnesses may need to be interviewed.
A truck accident claim may seem daunting, but you may have a higher chance of success with the proper understanding of your rights and how most cases go. You should also remember that you only have up to two years to claim your benefits.