How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Claim in Georgia?

If you have been injured in a truck accident in Georgia, time is of the essence. There are strict deadlines set by the state when it comes to the time in which you can seek compensation. If these deadlines are missed, your chance at recovering damages will likely be forfeited, even while facing medical debt, lost wages, and mental anguish. Many people ask, “How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in Georgia?”

Understanding Georgia’s Statute of Limitations

In the state of Georgia, if you are injured through the negligent or reckless actions of another party, you have the right to file a personal injury claim. However, there is a standard statute of limitations on these injury claims that is fiercely upheld by the local court system. For all personal injury claims, including truck accidents, you have precisely two years from the date of your injury to file your claim.

Truck accidents are common, with around 76,000 people being injured in this way every year across the country. When an injury happens, the clock starts ticking, unless there are certain exceptions that apply to your case. These exceptions can include:

• Government-owned trucks. If a government entity is involved, such as a military transport truck, an “ante litem” notice is required within a certain number of months rather than years.
• Fraud or concealment. If the negligence of the truck driver, trucking company, maintenance service provider, or other liable party was deliberately hidden, then the timeline in a personal injury case may be extended.
• Minors or incapacitated victims. If a minor individual or an incapacitated individual is the victim in a personal injury claim in Georgia, the statute of limitations does not start until they have either reached the age of majority or their incapacitation ends.
• Crime or traffic ticket. If the driver of the truck is charged with a crime, the statute of limitations may be paused until after the charge has been resolved.

For these reasons, it is vital that you reach out to an attorney as soon as you can. Stephen T. LaBriola is here to review your case and help determine if there are any exceptions applicable to your case. If your claim is delayed, it is likely that you will not be able to recover the compensation you are owed for your damages and injury.

Whatever the circumstances are surrounding your case, it is important that you begin collecting evidence as soon as possible so that your attorney can begin building your case. Evidence can include photos or videos of your injuries or the accident scene, witness reports, the police report, police bodycam footage, and the black box data of the truck.

Why It Is Important to Act Fast After a Truck Accident

After suffering in a truck accident, it is imperative that you act fast. Doing so can help ensure that you have a stronger claim to compensation. Other key reasons for acting quickly include:

• It is vital that you collect and preserve evidence as soon as possible, as some forms may degrade quickly over time.
• Insurers often have tight deadlines when it comes to accident reports, often involving a handful of days rather than years. Filing late may result in your claim being denied.

About Stephen T. LaBriola

Named “Lawyer of the Year” by Best Lawyers® several times over, Stephen T. LaBriola is here to serve you. Whether your injuries have occurred due to a distracted commercial truck driver or a negligently maintained semi-truck, he is here to review your case and ensure that you meet all the necessary deadlines so that maximum compensation can be recovered. Stephen T. LaBriola can provide you with personalized legal guidance and secure you a fair settlement.

FAQs

What Causes a Truck Accident in Georgia?

The top cause of trucking accidents in Georgia is overloaded or improperly loaded cargo, as these accidents account for nearly 65% of all traffic fatalities. Other causes can include speeding or other forms of reckless driving, distracted driving, drunk or drugged driving, driver fatigue, mechanical failures or faulty truck components, and poor road or weather conditions.

What Are the Most Common Injuries in a Truck Accident?

There are several injuries that can arise from a truck accident in Georgia. These injuries include broken bones and fractures, whiplash, severe burns, blunt force trauma, concussions, paralysis, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, internal damage like internal bleeding, nerve damage, and ruptured organs, bruising and cuts, and even wrongful death.

What Should I Do Following a Truck Accident?

If you are injured in a truck accident, there are several steps you can take that can help protect your future claim. First, if you are physically able, move yourself to a place of safety and call for both the police and emergency medical services. Even if you do not feel injured, it is smart to get evaluated in case of any invisible injuries. You will also want to gather the contact information of the driver and their employer.

How Much Does a Truck Lawyer Cost in Georgia?

It is difficult to offer an exact number as to how much a truck lawyer might cost to hire in Georgia. This is because several factors are involved in these cases that can influence the final cost analysis of an attorney. These factors include the complexity and duration of your case and the overall skill level and experience of your attorney.

Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer Today

Now is not the time to risk losing your chance for justice. You need to hire a truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. A lawyer can help you navigate the aftermath of an accident. At Fellows LaBriola LLP, we act quickly to protect your rights and build a strong case for the compensation you deserve.

Personal injury cases are not always straightforward, and the timeframes involved can vary. For this reason, as soon as you are physically able to do so, you need to contact Attorney Stephen T. LaBriola, who can help you recover due compensation. Call his office today to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.