Georgia to study fatal car crashes, a leading cause of death in the state
Accidents due to Reckless Driving in Georgia increase by 88%
According to surveys, car accident settlements were between $30,000 and…
Studies show that a hit-and-run accident occurs every 11 seconds
Atlanta ranks No. 16 in latest study for cities with worst drivers
Georgia to study fatal car crashes, a leading cause of death in the state
Accidents due to Reckless Driving in Georgia increase by 88%
According to surveys, car accident settlements were between $30,000 and…
Studies show that a hit-and-run accident occurs every 11 seconds
Atlanta ranks No. 16 in latest study for cities with worst drivers
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Truck drivers are out on the roads for hours and hours, and days at a time. They sometimes even drive for weeks at a time without breaks. Because of this, the trucks and the drivers get worn down, making the chances of a horrible collision even higher. If you or someone you love have sustained an injury because of a truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation. A trucking injury settlement will be there to help cover medical expenses, lost wages (for missed work), and help your family with compensation for pain and suffering.
Remember, our truck accident lawyers work on a “contingency fee” basis. That means that we only take a fee if we win your case for you. Even then, our fee comes out of the money we recover for you, not your pocket.
There are a number of reasons that a truck collision can happen, but it is usually because of negligent conduct by a truck driver or trucking company. It takes a split second of not paying attention or not properly inspecting the truck before driving to cause complete devastation. When this happens, the lives of other drivers on the road are in danger. Below, our Georgia truck accident lawyers have put together a list of the most common causes of truck collisions in Georgia.
Truck Defects
Unfortunately, sometimes trucks are made poorly or are not properly maintained. These defects can lead to serious injury and death out on the roads. Adequate inspection and maintenance of trucks helps trucking companies fix problems before they lead to a truck accident.
A trucking company is completely responsible for ensuring that their trucks are safe to be out on the roads. They should not try to save money or cut corners by ignoring proper inspection and maintenance procedures. Trucking companies that are negligent and knowingly allow poorly maintained trucks to stay in operation are putting everyone’s lives at risk.
The manufacturing companies who sell the actual parts of the trucks sometimes sell defective products. These substandard parts wear down and break, leading to malfunctions. Imagine a truck driver going 80 down the highway who pushes the brakes and nothing happens. This can lead to serious and even fatal consequences.
An experienced truck accident attorney will be able to identify why your truck accident happened in order to determine who should be held accountable.
Driver fatigue
Truck drivers are often encouraged to drive long hours in order to get their loads delivered as quickly as possible. Trucking companies want their drivers to reach destinations in as little time as possible so that they can pick up another load and keep the cycle going. Unfortunately, this leads to drivers exceeding safe driving hours. The truck drivers become tired and less responsive at the wheel. They even fall asleep while driving.
Some trucking companies have rules for how long a driver can stay behind the wheel before taking a break to sleep, but these rules are often not followed. There are also federal regulations put out by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) that set out driving hours guidelines and rules. However, these rules are often broken in the name of profit and speed.
When a truck driver is sleepy, reaction times are much slower and they are not able to respond to hazards quickly enough. It can also lead to forgetting to do things like use turn signals or put out hazard markers when they are stopped on the road. A driver can also doze off and swerve into another lane or run completely off the road. There is no way for a car driver to know if the truck driver next to them is driving fresh, or completely exhausted from 20 straight hours of driving. Always be careful when you’re driving next to big trucks.
Trucks that lack proper safety equipment
As discussed above, the FMCSA regulations must be followed by truck drivers and truck companies. But, these regulations do not require truck manufacturers and motor carriers to have up-to-date safety technology in the trucks. Trucking companies could prevent many truck accidents if they required their trucks to have updated safety technology in the trucks.
There are also weight limits that apply to tractor trailers and control the amount of cargo a single truck can haul. The cargo must stay within the weight limits and also be properly loaded and distributed so that the truck’s axels can handle the load. When these guidelines are not followed, a driver can lose control of a truck and cause an accident.
Unsafe driving practices
Trucking companies are required to train their drivers so that they have the proper skills behind the wheel. Driving a truck is very different from driving a normal vehicle, so truck drivers must have the ability to properly handle the truck.
A driver who is in a hurry can also lead to serious problems. They may be driving too fast for conditions and cause an accident. This can also lead to neglecting traffic signs and signals, like running a red light or missing a stop sign.
A big rig truck requires significantly more time and distance to slow down before a turn or before changing lanes. Trucks also require much more stopping distance in the event of an emergency. Truck drivers who do not properly allow for this increased distance and time are risking a collision.
Another problem can arise regarding new or “green” truck drivers. New drivers may not have a firm grasp on their truck’s blind spots yet. All trucks have blind spots at the front and rear of the truck. If a car is out in front or directly behind a truck, the driver may not know it. There are also blind spots to the left and right of the truck. A driver of a car should always assume that, if you are next to a truck, the driver does not know you are there. Always try to pass a truck safely instead of riding next to it for a long distance.
Speeding is a problem that exists on every road in Georgia and the United States. However, speeding is especially dangerous in a tractor trailer due to their gigantic size and weight. A fully loaded truck can weigh over 80,000 pounds. When a vehicle of this size is going down the road at speeds that are higher than the posted speed limits, an accident can be devastating.
Sometimes, when driving too fast, the trailer can swing around and “jackknife” which leads to a complete loss of control. When a truck driver loses control of the trailer they lose control of the whole truck.
There are other forms of negligence that occur including driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, and driving too fast for conditions. Just because a speed limit says one thing, it does not mean it is safe for a big rig truck to drive that speed. When it is foggy or raining, for example, a truck driver should slow down.
Poor supervision
The trucking company is required to hire qualified and safe drivers. They must conduct background checks on their drivers and conduct medical screenings as well. Trucking companies are also responsible for ensuring that their drivers follow all of the trucking safety regulations. When a company fails in this regard, an accident is more likely to occur.
Driver error
The truck driver has the responsibility to drive the truck safely. That is the bottom line. When the driver is distracted (cell phone), too tired to drive, makes a mistake, or is driving while intoxicated, devastating injuries can occur.
Road conditions
Mechanical failure
Big trucks have a lot of moving parts, and sometimes these parts break down. When things like the steering or brakes fail, then a truck accident can occur. We often uncover hidden truck defects in cases that we handle.
Bottom line: truck accidents are caused by negligence and recklessness
As the above list shows, it is usually negligence or reckless conduct that causes the majority of commercial truck accidents. When a truck driver breaks safety rules, or the company fails to properly train the driver, the driver and company can be found liable of negligence in Georgia courts.
We will be more than just your lawyer.
We know how much of an impact a truck accident can have on you and your family’s lives. Our promise is to be more than just the “lawyers” handling your case. We will stand by your side in any way we can to help you recover and get back on your feet. That is our promise to you.
Common truck accident injuries
Neck and spinal cord injuries. Some of the most severe injuries are injuries to the neck and spine. This type of injury can lead to extreme pain and even paralysis and death. Even if the spinal cord injury does not lead to paralysis, it can cause life-long complications such as nerve pain and loss of mobility.
Traumatic brain injury. These injuries are sometimes referred to as TBI, and they have lasting effects on the human brain. TBIs can impact cognitive function, memory, and verbal communication. A traumatic brain injury can occur from a blow to the head, or from severe whiplash.
Broken bones. One of the main injuries in truck accidents is broken bones. The force of the crash can cause shatter injuries and requires casts and surgery to repair.
Loss of limb. A tractor trailer crash can cause the accident victim to list a limb. Sometimes the injuries are so severe that a limb can not be saved and doctors have to amputate.
Truck accident injuries can often affect the victim for the rest of their life. The injuries can prevent you from returning to work, and it can impact your ability to earn a living in the future. Often, a truck accident injury can require serious medical treatment and ongoing medical care for the rest of your life. There is no doubt that these changes to a person’s life are incredibly difficult to cope with. They leave a physical, mental, and financial impact on the victim. This is why the truck accident attorneys at Georgia Auto Law do not rest until you get the financial compensation you need to get back on your feet.
Our job is to do everything in our power to take the stress off of your shoulders. After a truck accident, you have enough to deal with regarding your physical recovery. We handle all aspects of your truck accident injury case so you can focus on getting better.
Georgia Auto Law is the team you want.
Truck accidents are different than car accidents
Things that an experienced truck accident lawyer does immediately:
- Goes out to the crash site to inspect the scene
- Sends an accident reconstructionist to analyze how the crash happened
- Goes with a team to inspect the tractor trailer
- Interviews all witnesses
- Speaks to the law enforcement officers who responded
By taking these immediate steps, we make sure that we gather as much information we can from the beginning. That is what an experienced truck accident lawyer does.
The main differences between the trucking regulations apply to the truck drivers and the truck companies. There are regulations that say how long a truck driver can stay behind the wheel before taking a rest break, how often truck drivers must be tested for alcohol and drugs, and how they operate the truck. Violations of these regulations can lead to serious and catastrophic truck accidents. For example, if a truck driver is over his maximum safe driving hours, and falsifies his log books, he and his company will be held accountable.
Commercial trucks, tractor-trailers, 18-wheelers are huge machines that can weigh over 80,000 pounds when fully loaded. That is over twenty times the weight of a normal passenger car. Because of this, commercial trucking companies and truck drivers are required to follow special regulations and laws. These regulations do not apply to normal car accidents, so it is important to find an experienced truck accident lawyer who knows how to handle these complex cases.
For example, there is a rule that says a truck driver is not allowed to drive more than 11 hours in a single day. This is to make sure that truck drivers do not get tired and fall asleep behind the wheel of the big-rig. However, big trucking companies often have financial motivations to cover long distances faster so that they (and their trucking company) make more money. So, they break the rules which can lead to serious truck accidents.
Commercial truck accidents are also different in the following ways:
- More Property Damage: Because of the size and weight of commercial freight trucks, they cause a lot more damage than a typical car. This means that all vehicles involved are going to be more severely damages than if it was just two cars involved
- Bigger Insurance Policies: The insurance policies for commercial trucks can be up to 40 times bigger than normal car accident insurance policies. Often, the total available insurance is in the millions of dollars. This means that the insurance companies will do anything they can to prove that their driver was not at fault in the crash. Insurance adjusters will try to reach out to injured victims immediately and offer what seems to be a “large” amount of money to settle the case and close it out–but your case might be worth much more. This is a very common tactic that our truck accident lawyers see all the time. The only way to make sure you are not taken advantage of in this difficult and stressful time is to have an experienced truck accident lawyer on your side from the beginning.
- Injuries can be much more severe: Oftentimes, the injuries that occur in a commercial truck crash are life-changing and lead to serious medical bills and treatment. Injuries in a truck crash can be serious whiplash, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, burns, and broken bones.
- Higher medical bills: Because the injuries are more severe, medical bills from a truck crash are also much higher than in a car accident. Often, victims of truck crashes require long-term medical care, and even surgery, to help them recover from their injuries. By having our truck accident team at Georgia Auto Law on your side, we can make sure your future pain and suffering will be part of your compensation.
- Chance of death is higher: When an accident occurs with a large commercial truck, it is more likely that a death may occur than an accident between two cars. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) estimates that there are between 3,000 and 5,000 deaths per year due to truck accidents.
Because of the complexities that are involved in a truck accident, it is important to speak with an experienced truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. Trucking companies and commercial truck insurance companies have huge defense teams of lawyers, investigators, accident scene photographers, and unlimited money to fight against you. That means you need a strong team on your side too.
What you need to do directly after an accident with a truck
There is going to be a lot going on in the immediate aftermath of a truck accident. It may seem impossible, but the most important thing is to remain as calm as you can under the circumstances. This is certainly easier said than done, but it will help you stay focused on the important things.
You should turn on your hazard lights (if possible) and remain inside your vehicle until emergency responders arrive. You may not know the extent of your injuries, so let the emergency medical professionals help you. For example, you could have adrenaline running through your body and that could be masking the pain of very serious injuries. Also make sure that any passengers in your car get checked out by medical professionals too.
If you are able, you should collect all contact information for all parties involved in the accident. This information will be very important in case you want to make a truck accident claim. Also try to get the information for anyone who was a witness to the accident.
If you remain on scene, or before going to the hospital, try to take some photos of the crash scene. Sometimes your injuries will prevent this from being possible. In that case, try to contact a friend or family member to come take photos of the scene (and all vehicles) as soon as possible.
Truck licensing and insurance regulations in Georgia
There are also Georgia state laws that apply to truck drivers and trucking companies. Georgia law requires truckers to have very specialized commercial driver’s licenses. There are also specific regulations on the amount of truck accident insurance coverage that a trucking company must have. Currently, truck drivers are required to have at least $750,000 of insurance if they haul loads across state lines (interstate trucking). If the truck is hauling hazardous materials, then the truck must have $5,000,000 of insurance coverage.
How much insurance is there for my truck accident case?
Regulations for truck drivers
Stronger experience means stronger results
- Millions of dollars recovered for our truck accident clients
- Winning verdicts and court judgments for our clients
- The strongest reputation for truck accident success
We have won very big cases for our truck accident clients throughout the years, and we continue to fight for truck accident victims every day. We treat every truck accident case with full commitment, and we do not rest until you can.
How a truck accident attorney can help you
One of the main concerns for a truck accident victim after a crash is their family. Georgia is a state where we put a lot of value on family, and our families mean everything to us. A professional truck lawyer can help you in dealing with the insurance company and trucking company to make sure your family and loved ones are taken care of. Your lawyer will take the stress of handling the case off of your shoulders, so you can focus on your recovery and getting the help you need. We will fight for you and your family while you get better.
Your lawyer that specializes in truck accidents can file your truck accident lawsuit, and make sure that the claim does not leave out any important information. There are many small details that a truck crash lawyer has to pay attention to, and it can make or break the success of the case. The best lawyers send out experienced teams of investigators immediately after your initial consultation. This is so important, and you should make sure your truck crash lawyer is out on the truck accident scene immediately after taking you on as a client. The evidence that a truck lawyer can gather from the crash scene is vital when it comes to proving that the truck driver and truck company were at fault.
We immediately visit the scene of every truck accident we take on.
Georgia Auto Law truck accident investigation process
- Speak to the victim or family about what happened
- Immediately visit the truck accident scene (take photos and video)
- Dispatch team of accident reconstruction experts to accident scene
- Review all police documents related to the crash
- Gather all photos and video evidence of the truck accident
- Inspect the truck and trailer for faults and malfunctions
- Interview all witnesses that were present a the time of the truck accident
We have learned over the years that things are not always as they may seem at first. That is why we conduct such a detailed investigation of the truck accident. We often find that there are additional parties who could be held liable that we would not have known about if we did not have our investigation process. For example, the manufacturer of the truck, trailer, or tractor trailer parts can be held accountable for a truck accident if their parts were poorly manufactured and led to the crash. It takes an experienced truck accident lawyer to know what to look for.
Georgia Auto Law is ready to help you today
The first step our truck accident lawyers take is to conduct a very detailed investigation. Many lawyers skip this step, but in a truck accident case it is the most important step. There are many documents and different parties involved so it is critical to investigate all aspects of the accident to make sure we have every piece of evidence possible.
After we fully conduct our investigation, we continue forward with your truck accident claim and prepare for the negotiations, settlement, and litigation. Truck accident cases can take some time to get full and maximum compensation, but our lawyers always push the case forward as quickly as possible. We do not rest until you are fully compensated and back on your feet.
Truck drivers also get very tired behind the wheel. They often are trying to meet unrealistic deadlines set by their company, which means they stay behind the wheel even when they may be too tired to do so. Truck drivers are also required to follow all of the rules of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA). The FMSCA has strict regulations on driver hours that control how long a truck driver can stay behind the wheel before taking a break to sleep. Even with these regulations, the FMSCA has reported many violations.
Violations reported by the FMSCA in 2019
- Over 501,000 trucks subject to a roadside inspection had serious violations that rendered the truck “out of service” (meaning it should not have been on the road)
- Over 161,000 truck drivers received serious violations that rendered them “out of service” (meaning the driver should not have been behind the wheel”)
Post crash truck inspection
One of the most important sources of evidence in a truck accident is the truck and trailer itself. Because the trucking company can be held liable for poor maintenance of the tractor trailer, we have to know the condition the truck was in before the crash. Were the brakes bad? Were the lights out? We send expert truck inspection teams out with our lawyers to find the answers to these questions.
An accident between a large commercial truck and a normal car will often lead to more damage and devastation than an accident between two cars. When a big rig truck gets out of control, is not paying attention, or crashes into another car, there is a good chance that other vehicles will be involved. Truck accidents simply cause more destruction. There is so much weight due to the trailer full of cargo, that they are like tanks on the roadway.
Truck accident statistics
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) routinely publishes statistics about truck accidents. Below are some of the key statistics about truck accidents.
Key truck accident statistics
- Over 4,500 large trucks were involved in deadly crashes in 2018
- 60 percent of fatal truck accidents occurred on rural roads
- Approximately 30 of fatal truck accidents occurred on interstate highways
- There were over 500,000 reported truck accidents in 2018
These numbers are certainly concerning in a time when our vehicles have safety and protection technology in them. There are mechanisms and functions that are designed to keep passengers and drivers safe. But, truck accidents still happen.
Advanced safety technology is available in commercial trucks throughout the world. However, many U.S. trucking companies are more concerned with their bottom line than spending money on safety devices. Because of this, most trucking companies have fallen behind regarding technology and do not implement these safety options. Commercial trucking regulations do not require these safety protections, so most companies choose not to invest in them.
Determining fault in a truck accident
As discussed above, there are government guidelines for commercial trucking companies to follow that are designed to protect drivers from the dangers of truck crashes. If these regulations are not followed, and a truck wreck happens, the truck driver and the company will most likely be at fault for the crash. There are three main safety violations that our truck accident lawyers see time and time again:
Violation #1
Tired truck drivers
Violation #2
Breaking highway safety and traffic laws
Violation #3
Poorly and improperly maintained trucks
On Georgia roads, tired truck drivers behind the wheel is one of the most common causes of 18-wheeler accidents. Truck drivers often will violate the hours limitations in order to try to meet their deadlines and get the load delivered faster. This is a very common and widespread problem in the trucking industry, and when an accident happens, the driver’s log books must be inspected to see if they were violating the maximum safe driving hours limits.
The importance of truck driver log books:
- Analyzing the driver log books
- Checking truck maintenance logs and reports
- Investigating driver credentials and background
- Gathering all police reports and documents
- Reviewing all photos of the scene and vehicles
- Meeting with all witnesses
- Discovering manufacturing defects and recalls
Who was at fault in my truck accident?
One of the most common questions asked by truck accident victims is: who was at fault in my truck accident? The answer depends on the circumstances of your accident. If you want to find out who was at fault in your truck accident case, let us know and an experienced truck accident lawyer from Georgia Auto Law will help you figure it out.
Georgia truck accident fault laws
The Georgia truck accident fault laws state that a person who is responsible (at fault) in a truck accident to compensate the crash victim, or their loved ones, for all damages suffered in the crash. This compensation includes all past and future medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Under Georgia truck accident fault laws, we have a system called “comparative fault.” This means that a victim of a truck accident can recover financial compensation so long as they were less than fifty percent responsible for the crash.
An experienced truck accident lawyer should investigate the circumstance of your accident to determine if there are any comparative fault issues. In evaluating this, an experienced truck accident lawyer will look at the following things:
- Whether one of the parties was more at fault than the other
- Whether a third party, like the owner of the truck, has fault
- If the truck driver broke the law (running a red light or a stop sign)
Injured victims in truck crashes should seek the advice of a truck accident attorney before agreeing to any settlement with the truck insurance company. A truck crash lawyer will be able to provide you with a legal opinion, based on the case information and facts, as to whether you are being fully compensated for your injuries. Most of the time, insurance companies start by trying to get an injured victim to accept a low-ball settlement offer.
Responsible parties in a Georgia truck accident case
Liable parties in a Georgia truck accident case:
Truck driver: drivers who were breaking regulations or traffic laws can be held responsible for a truck crash
Owners of the trucking company: the trucking company itself can be held liable for poorly maintained vehicles that causes injuries
Mechanics: when a mechanic is negligent in working on a truck (for example, failing to bled the brakes), they could be held liable for a driver’s inability to stop the truck in time.
Truck manufacturers: the actual manufacturer of the truck can be held liable for installing faulty parts on the truck that prematurely wear out or lead to a crash.
Loading companies: these companies are responsible for actually loading the truck. There are safety rules that they must follow such as properly distributing the weight of the load. If they fail to do so, then they can be held accountable..
Our truck accident experience speaks for itself
Georgia Auto Law has a reputation for winning major truck accident settlements and court judgments for truck accident victims and families throughout the state of Georgia. If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident with a semi-truck, dump truck, big rig, tractor trailer, 18-wheeler, or any type of commercial vehicle, we are just a phone call away to talk about your legal options.
Trucking companies and their drivers must drive safely and keep the roads safe for other people. If you suffered a severe injury due to a negligent truck driver, call us for a completely free case consultation. We work every day to hold negligent drivers and companies accountable for the harm they cause. We are here to help you and your family get the financial security needed to heal and get your lives back on track.
We are here to help you get back on your feet.
A truck accident can cause life-changing damage to a person and their family. The injuries are often very severe, and even fatal. Our team understands the serious impact this has had on your life, and we are here to do anything we can to help you get back on your feet. We are ready to speak with you whenever you are.
All of our services are offered on a contingency fee basis. That means that you only pay if we win a settlement or judgement for you. Even then, our fee comes out of the money we win, never your pocket. We stand by our No Fee Pledge™.
Full justice for truck accident victims
Our truck accident lawyers handle all types of commercial trucking collisions including:
Tractor trailer accidents. Georgia Auto Law will fight to hold the negligent parties liable and make sure you get financial security. In tractor trailer accidents we also hold manufacturers of the trucks and trailers accountable for defects that lead to injuries.
Commercial vehicle accidents. Semi trucks and big rigs are just some of the commercial vehicles out on the roads. Our truck accident attorneys also handle accident cases caused by government vehicles, delivery trucks, fuel tankers, company vehicles, and others.
Dump truck and log truck accidents. There are additional safety rules that must be followed by drivers of logging trucks and dump trucks. Our truck accident lawyers help victims of log truck and dump truck crashes get the financial compensation they need.
Truck underride accidents. Trucks are huge when compared to normal cars. This means that accidents where the smaller car goes under the truck (called “underride”) are very common. These types of accidents are extremely dangerous and can lead to death.
Georgia truck accident lawsuit process
Investigation
Low-ball settlement offer from the insurance company
A truck insurance company is in business to make money. They will try to get you to accept a low-ball settlement offer as soon as they can. If you are still on scene, do not discuss the accident, your injuries, or anything about what happened with anyone except your doctors and your truck accident attorney. This also goes for the days and weeks after the accident too. The insurance company will try to uncover information that they can use against you. Leave it to your truck accident attorney to handle all of the discussions with the insurance company and any other parties.
Creating the claim
Negotiations
Before your lawyer formally begins the truck accident lawsuit process, they will probably attempt to negotiate with the insurance company to try and reach a settlement before going to court. Negotiations will be a big part of the Georgia truck accident lawsuit process. There is often a second round of negotiations after the lawsuit has been actually filed with the court. If the settlement negotiations are unsuccessful at the end of the day, then your truck accident case will go to court.
Litigation and trial
Your attorney will represent you in court and present your case to a judge and jury. The defense lawyer (who represents the insurance company) will do the same thing. They will present evidence and then the jury will deliberate and give a verdict of their decision. The verdict will decide who was at fault, and if you win, then it will state the amount of compensation you should receive.
Our truck accident lawyers have answers.
The truck accident lawsuit process can be intimidating and overwhelming for truck accident victims. The experienced truck accident attorneys at Georgia Auto Law are here to answer all of your questions completely free. Just reach out and you will have the answers you are looking for.
Fatal trucking collisions
Due to the severity of truck accident injuries, many crashes result in death. There is no amount of financial compensation that can bring back someone who was lost, or ease the pain of losing someone we love. However, damages recovered in a wrongful death claim after a truck accident can help provide a financially secure future for the family.
Damages in a fatal trucking collision may include:
- Burial and funeral costs
- Medical expenses prior to death
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of future wages and earnings
Georgia has specific laws that designate which family members are allowed to seek financial compensation in a truck accident wrongful death case.
The following individuals may be able to qualify for compensation:
- The victim’s spouse
- The victim’s children
- The victim’s parents
- The representative of the victims estate
There is no doubt that filing a claim on behalf of a lost loved one is a very emotional undertaking. An experienced truck accident lawyer will be able to help the family members with compassion and respect during a very difficult time in your lives.
We are here for you.
What compensation can be recovered in a truck accident lawsuit?
A truck accident victim can recover the following types of damages:
- Present medical bills
- Future medical expenses
- Lost wages from missed work
- Lost of future earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Funeral costs
We have answers.
How our Georgia attorneys prove truck driver negligence
During our investigation into a truck accident case, your attorney will do the following things to prove the negligence of the truck driver and the truck company:
- Investigate whether any traffic violations occurred
- Review the truck driver’s experience and credentials
- Investigate the truck and whether it was properly maintained
- Analyze the truck company’s log books and records to see if all federal and Georgia trucking regulations were followed
- Visit the truck accident scene (usually many times) to understand exactly how the truck accident occurred
- Review police reports, photographs, witness statements
- Look for any possible manufacturing defects in the truck
Common causes of truck accidents
When Georgia Auto Law takes on a truck accident case, we do not rest until we find out who are the responsible parties and we secure all the necessary evidence for court. In the years we have been working in truck accident law, we have seen several common causes of serious truck accidents.
Some of the common causes of truck accidents include:
Poor truck maintenance. There are very strict rules and regulations that apply to maintaining trucks and inspecting them before driving. If a driver or company fails to properly inspect the truck, then it is negligence.
Poor driver training. Trucking companies are fully responsible for training their drivers. The truck company must make sure the drivers know about all of the safety rules and how to follow them. If the company fails to properly train its truck drivers, then the company can be held liable in the truck accident.
Safety rules violations. As discussed above, the FMSCA enforces rules to protect us all from the dangers of trucking accidents. These rules include requirements for truck maintenance and driver hours restrictions. When a truck driver or the trucking company breaks these rules, dangerous truck accidents can occur.
Tired, distracted, or impaired drivers. Too many hours behind the wheel is a recipe for disaster. Truck drivers cause severe accidents when they have been driving for too long and become fatigued. Drivers who are distracted (cell phones or electronic devices), and impaired by alcohol or drugs are also leading causes of truck accidents.
Negligent hiring. Trucking companies are required to conduct background checks and investigate all of their drivers. This includes driving history and any record of previous substance abuse. When a trucking company does not properly vet its drivers, the company can be held liable when a driver causes injury.
Truck accident cases move fast. Don't wait.
- Underride crashes
- Front end impact
- Rollovers
- Jackknife accidents
- Read-end collisions
- Hazardous material spills
The sad truth is that, due to their size, weight, and speed, a commercial truck is much more likely to cause lifelong damage to everyone involved in a truck crash.
Anyone involved in a truck accident should contact a lawyer.
Anyone who has been involved in a truck accident should contact a truck accident lawyer to see about your legal options. If you are here on behalf of a lost loved one, we are ready to help you in every way we possibly can.
- Poor maintenance of trucks
- Excessive speed
- Mechanical failure
- Distracted driving
- Overloaded trucks
- Improperly secured cargo
- Dangerous road conditions
- Driver fatigue
- Intoxicated drivers (drugs and alcohol)
- Inadequate truck driver training
- Defective truck parts
- Unrealistic delivery deadlines
Sometimes things such as bad weather can be the cause of a trucking accident, but most often the base cause of a truck crash is negligence and carelessness. To figure out what the real cause of your truck accident, you need an experienced truck accident lawyer who has knowledge and the skilled team to take your case all the way.
Trucking accident victims can sometimes feel overwhelmed and stressed after suffering life-changing injuries or losing a loved one due to a trucking accident. When it comes to truck crashes, life can change in the blink of an eye. When someone or a loved one is injured in a trucking accident, they do not have to go against the insurance company and trucking company alone. The experienced truck accident lawyer team at Georgia Auto Law knows how difficult this time can be. Our experienced trucking accident lawyer team is committed to never resting until our clients and their families receive full and fair compensation for what they have been through.
When a truck driver or trucking company is responsible for a crash, the injured victims have a right to seek financial compensation for different categories of damages, including:
- Lost wages for missed work
- Medical bills, surgery bills, future medical care, and future need for medical equipment
- Burial and funeral expenses if the truck accident resulted in a death
- Physical and occupational therapy
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Interference with daily living
- Compensation for loss of consortium, loss of guidance, loss of companionship (if a loved one was lost)
Don't leave anything on the table.
One of the most common questions asked by truck accident victims is: who was at fault in my truck accident? The answer depends on the circumstances of your accident. If you want to find out who was at fault in your truck accident case, let us know and an experienced truck accident lawyer from Georgia Auto Law will help you figure it out.
Georgia truck accident claims: what is the statute of limitations?
Truck accident claims are subject to a strict statute of limitations. Under Georgia law (Ga. Code Ann. Sec. 9-3-33), plaintiffs have two years from the date of a crash to take legal action.
Don’t wait to claim
Don’t wait to claim, time is truly of the essence. Put your mind at ease, get in touch today to learn if you have a case today (most people do).
Remember, we are 100% transparent about our fees. Our payment is a percentage of the settlement—nothing more.
Truck accident claims are highly complex.
Commercial truck accident claims are more challenging than other motor vehicle accident cases.
A few of the complicating factors include:
Multiple defendants
Many different defendants may be liable for a commercial truck accident. It is important that injured victims consider every path towards financial compensation.
You may be able to bring a truck accident claim against:
- The truck driver, the driver’s employer
- The company leasing the truck
- The company that loaded the truck
- The company that manufactured the truck or trailer
- A third-party driver
- A government entity
In some cases, more than one defendant may share liability for your injuries.
State/Federal safety regulations
If a trucking company violated any state or federal safety regulation, it must be held accountable for any resulting accident.
However, it is not always obvious when these violations occur. How do you know if the truck driver was following federal rest requirements? How do you know if the truck had been properly inspected? For an individual victim, this important information is out of reach. This is why all truck accidents should be investigated by an experienced attorney. Your lawyer will be able to review the company’s safety records, the driver’s history, and its general operations to determine if there is liability. Never assume that the trucking company is not at fault.
Commercial insurance
Per Georgia regulations, trucking companies have large commercial insurance policies in place. Commercial insurers are aggressive in handling personal injury claims. They start building a defense within minutes of an accident. Insurance companies use every tactic in the book to limit their own liability.
Our Georgia truck accident lawyers know how to handle these insurance carriers.
We will protect your rights.
Do not speak to an insurance adjuster without speaking to a personal injury lawyer first.
Going to court for a trucking accident
Our lawyers take your case all the way.
If the trucking company or the truck insurance company is being unreasonable, we put the pressure on. Our team of truck accident lawyers will get the case ready and take it to trial. We will not stop fighting until we get you the financial security that you need. Put simply: we never back down.
Remember, we are 100% transparent about our fees. Our payment is a percentage of the settlement—nothing more.
Maximize your financial recovery.
Above all else, insurance companies are fundamentally focused on protecting their own bottom line. In practice, this means that they will try to settle your claim for the minimum amount possible.
Insurance companies focus on protecting their own bottom line. This means that they will try to settle your claim for the smallest amount possible.
Even if you can prove the trucking company’s liability for the crash, the insurance company will still try to lower your settlement amount.
- Ambulance fees
- Emergency room care
- Medical expenses
- Rehabilitative treatment
- Lost wages
- Long-term disability
- Pain and suffering
- Mental distress
- Disfigurement
- Wrongful death damages
Our Georgia truck accident lawyers are here to help.
The truck accident lawyers at Georgia Auto Law have extensive experience with the truck accident claims process. We will take care of everything related to your case. All you need to do is focus on getting better.
Georgia semi-truck accident cases are some of the most complicated personal injury claims. You need an experienced Georgia truck accident lawyer who will protect your rights.
At Georgia Auto Law, our Georgia trucking accident attorneys are ready to help you get the justice you deserve. When you we are on your team, we will:
- Conduct a free, in-depth review of your Atlanta truck accident claim
- Answer every question you have and address your most pressing concerns
- Immediately begin our truck accident investigation process
- Work with your doctors to get you the right treatment
- Issue a subpoena to get the trucking company’s records (electronic data, driver safety records, inspection reports, etc.)
- Deal with the insurance company and handle all negotiations
- Take your truck accident case to court if needed
Most truck accident injury claims are settled outside of the courtroom, but we are always ready to file a truck accident lawsuit. Our trial-tested truck accident lawyers are ready to take your case all the way.
Contact our Georgia commercial truck accident lawyers today.
Georgia Auto Law
Hello,
At Georgia Auto Law, our team of the best truck accident lawyers in Georgia fight for injured victims. If you or your loved one was hurt in a truck crash in Georgia, we are here for you.
Our attorneys handle truck accident cases in Atlanta and all across the state of Georgia. We are Georgia’s “go-to” truck accident law firm.
For a free, no obligation review of your truck accident injury claim, please contact Georgia Auto Law right away. My team is ready for you.
Mark Wade | Managing Attorney
P.S. it only takes 1 min.
Truck accident FAQs
The person or company who is “at-fault” in a truck accident may not be as obvious as you first think. If you, or someone you love, has been injured or lost in a truck accident then you should know that there is a long list of potential parties who could be held liable.
- Truck driver
- Owner of the truck
- Trucking company
- Company leasing the truck or trailer
- Shipper who needed to move the cargo
- Manufacturer of the truck or trailer
Usually, these parties will deny liability and try to point fingers at the other parties. So, the truck accident team at Georgia Auto Law will step in and find out who is truly at-fault and then make sure they are held accountable.
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