If you have suffered traumatic injuries after a collision with a commercial truck, you may be feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. The at-fault party can be ordered to compensate you in full for your damages. You do not need to be intimidated bringing your case to court when you have a top-rated Marietta truck wreck lawyer from The Stoddard Firm protecting your right to total compensation.
Over the past few years, we have achieved settlements and verdicts that collectively total over $100,000,000. We know what it takes to win. Let us devote our time and resources to your case. Find out how much you could win and who could be held accountable for your damages. Contact our office to request your 100% free consultation and we can get started today.
The Stoddard Firm Difference
Choosing the right personal injury attorney to handle your truck accident claim can feel like an enormous responsibility. Fortunately, when you choose The Stoddard Firm, you can feel confident in your decision. When you go with our legal team, you can expect:
- Individualized care
- A customized approach to your case
- High-powered legal representation
- A wealth of experience on your side.
Working With a Truck Wreck Lawyer in Marietta
The number of motor vehicle accidents in Marietta and across the state continues to be a cause for concern. Trucking accidents, in particular, occur in the thousands every year. In fact, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Motor Carrier Management Information System (MCMIS) Data Snapshot for Georgia, in 2023 there were:
- 9,551 total vehicles involved in large truck or bus accidents
- 8,803 total collisions
- 186 fatalities
- 8,617 serious injuries.
Working with a skilled legal advocate may be the best way to demand fair compensation from the liable party. The claims process can be overwhelming, but with The Stoddard Firm on your side, you can rest easier knowing our team handles every legal detail, including the investigation, calculating the value of your claim, negotiating with insurers, and advocating for your rights in court.
Marietta Truck Wreck FAQ
What is the statute of limitations for truck accident claims in Marietta?
If you are interested in filing a truck accident lawsuit, you typically must do so within two years of the accident date, according to Georgia Code § 9-3-33. Generally, the statute of limitations will run out exactly two years from the date of your truck wreck although there are some exceptions to this rule. If you do not file your lawsuit in time, the court system will not be able to hear your case. The deadline may not always be clear though.
For example, if your injuries are so severe that you are in a coma because of your trucking accident for several days or weeks after the collision, you may wonder whether the statute of limitations has already begun counting down. Typically, in cases like this, the statute of limitations will temporarily pause during the period that you are incapacitated. You can find out exactly how much longer you have to file your lawsuit when you consult a truck wreck attorney in Marietta from The Stoddard Firm for a free consultation.
How do contingency agreements work?
Working on contingency makes it possible for you to hire a lawyer without putting any money down. Instead of having to pay a retainer fee or cover your attorney’s hourly rate, when you hire a lawyer on a contingency basis, you only have to pay our attorney’s fees if we win. If we do not recover compensation for your damages, you will not pay even one cent in legal fees.
Additionally, every expense related to your lawsuit will be covered by our legal team if the case is not successful. This way, you do not need to put your own money at risk.
What are “hours of service” violations?
Hours of service violations refer to truck drivers working more than the maximum number of hours allowable in a given shift. Under 49 CFR 395, truckers are prohibited from driving more than 14 hours at a time. Truck drivers must have at least 10 hours off between shifts.
Trucking companies often violate the hours of service regulations as described by the FMCSA, to reach their financial goals. They may encourage truck drivers or even require them to work beyond the legal limit, which can lead to an increased risk of drowsy driving accidents.
What is modified comparative negligence?
Modified comparative negligence refers to how your case is handled when you share liability for the accident. Since Georgia is a modified comparative fault state, your settlement could be in jeopardy if you are partially to blame. Under OCGA § 51-12-33, if you are more than 50% responsible for causing an accident, you will lose your right to pursue your case at trial. If your portion of blame is less than the 50% threshold, your settlement will be reduced proportionately.
For instance, if you were driving 25 mph over the speed limit when you were struck by a drowsy truck driver, the jury may determine that you are 15% responsible for causing the accident. If this is the case, your settlement will be reduced by 15%, leaving you with 85% of your truck accident payout. Since sharing liability could have such a profound impact on the outcome of your case, it is crucial to have a truck wreck lawyer in Marietta on your side who can ensure blame is established correctly.
What if I lost a loved one in a trucking wreck?
It is not uncommon for trucking accidents to result in fatalities. Fortunately, you have the right to take legal action against the individual or entity who caused your loved one’s wrongful death. Under Georgia Code 51-4-1, you can file a lawsuit seeking compensation for the full value of the life of the deceased. There is no amount of money that will bring your loved one back or change the trauma of your experience, but it can help your family avoid financial ruin, particularly if you are dependent on your family member’s income.
Get Help from a Trial-Proven Marietta Truck Wreck Attorney Today
Truck accident injuries may be some of the most devastating types of injuries you can endure in a collision. But they do not need to consume your life. You can fight through your recovery and get back to some sense of normalcy when you have a high-powered Marietta truck wreck lawyer from The Stoddard Firm on your side.
This is your opportunity to demand justice. Make the at-fault party pay for their negligent actions. Complete our quick contact form or call us to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation as soon as today.
Attorney Matt Stoddard
Matt Stoddard is a professional, hardworking, ethical advocate. He routinely faces some of the nation’s largest companies and some of the world’s largest insurers – opponents who have virtually unlimited resources. In these circumstances, Mr. Stoddard is comfortable. Mr. Stoddard provides his strongest efforts to his clients, and he devotes the firm’s significant financial resources to presenting the strongest case possible on their behalf. Matt understands that his clients must put their trust in him. That trust creates an obligation for Matt to work tirelessly on their behalf, and Matt Stoddard does not take that obligation lightly. [ Attorney Bio ]