Atlanta Truck Accident Attorneys
By: Lindsey Macon, personal injury lawyer Atlanta, and partner in the McArthur Law Firm at the Atlanta GA office location
Were you in a trucking accident? If you know that your case involving serious injury or wrongful death will require a lawyer for truck accident representation, this type of personal injury case will be far different from a simple fender-bender between two normal sized vehicles.
Commercial trucks and buses are much larger and heavier than regular passenger cars, SUVs, and standard pickup trucks, not to mention cases involving a motorcycle accident or a pedestrian accident. When truck wrecks occur, the massive impact commonly causes serious injuries or even death to those in the accident case.
A truck accident lawyer in Atlanta can help you with legal issues. A skilled semi-truck accident lawyer in Atlanta from our Downtown Atlanta office location at McArthur Law Firm can assist you in getting full and fair compensation.
Your personal injury attorney in Atlanta will know which experts to hire for the investigation of the motor carrier. The truck crash lawyer will help reconstruct what occurred in this trucking collision.
This process begins with your commercial vehicle accident attorney collecting police reports, video evidence, and physical evidence from the accident scene. Our big rig accident attorneys will also gather eyewitness accounts of what happened.
Semi-truck accident attorneys in Georgia are also handle talks with insurance companies. An Atlanta truck accident lawyer with vast prior truck crash attorney experience will be significantly important for winning cases against trucking companies.
This article will explain the importance of hiring a trucking accident attorney with an impeccable record of getting top results for a case. Not every truck injury lawyer has expertise in haggling with hospitals and other treatment providers to have the high medical bills reduced for the client, who was the victim of a negligent truck driver.
The repercussions following a truck accident have far-reaching effects for victims involving serious injuries that necessitate costly medical attention along with lengthy recovery phases. Recognizing this reality is vitally important when considering specialized legal guidance needed after such life-altering events.
How Many Trucking Industry Drivers Are Involved in Crashes Each Year?
In 2022, there were 5,936 fatalities involving large trucks in the United States, marking a 2% increase from 2021 and a 49% increase over the prior decade. That means that about 16 people per day, on average, died in commercial truck wrecks in America.
Seven out of every 10 of these fatalities primarily involved occupants of other vehicles (70%). This number is followed by deaths of the big rig trucks’ occupants (19%) or two out of every 10 crashes. The remaining victim fatalities (a little over 1 in 10) occur to non-occupants of any vehicle, which means pedestrians and bicyclists.
These dangerous encounters on the road involve a range of commercial vehicles like tractor-trailers, tankers and big rigs. Trucking accidents stem from numerous factors including driver fatigue that impairs responsiveness and judgment as well as cargo being improperly secured, which increases rollover risks.
Automotive defects and driver distractions also contribute to unsafe conditions on roads. Notably, occupants of passenger cars represent 68% of those killed in these vehicular crashes, indicating a higher vulnerability among smaller vehicle passengers than for pick-up trucks and SUVs.
A List of Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents can occur due to a variety of factors, including truck driver error, truck maintenance issues, and external factors such as weather and road conditions. Some common causes of truck accidents include:
- Driver Fatigue: Truck drivers often work long hours, which can lead to fatigue and decreased reaction time. Fatigued drivers are more likely to make mistakes, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Distracted Driving: Truck drivers may be distracted by their phones, GPS, or other factors, which can take their attention away from the road. Distracted driving is a significant contributor to truck accidents.
- Speeding: Excessive speeding can increase the risk of a truck accident, especially when combined with other factors such as driver fatigue or poor road conditions. Speeding reduces the driver’s ability to react to sudden changes in traffic.
- Improper Loading: Improperly loaded or improperly secured cargo can shift during transport, causing the truck to lose control or tip over. Ensuring that cargo is properly secured is crucial for preventing accidents. Sometimes, the shipper has the contractual duty to anchor or brace off the load and can be an additional liable party in the litigation.
- Poor Maintenance: Failure to properly maintain a truck can lead to a mechanical failure, such as brake failure or tire blowouts. Regular maintenance checks are essential to keep trucks in safe operating condition.
Understanding these causes is vital for building a strong truck accident claim. By identifying the factors that contributed to the accident, a truck accident lawyer can help establish liability and seek appropriate compensation for the victims.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim
Filing a Personal Injury ClaimInitiating a personal injury claim is the process of obtaining recompense for the harm and damages sustained. In Georgia, you must file truck accident claims within two years. However, some cases may require quicker action to protect your chances of getting compensation.
It is important to talk openly with your truck accident lawyer during your first meeting. Discuss all parts of your case. A good lawyer will make sure all-important information is included in the paperwork. This will help increase the chances of a good outcome.
Should there be any destruction of evidence, your truck accident lawyer near me might recommend seeking financial compensation for the spoliation of evidence.
Determining Liability in Truck Accidents
Determining blame in truck accidents can be complex and involves many parties. Some cases involve defective products. Other cases involved blind spots that the truck operator could not see with the truck’s mirror or by checking the truck’s safety cameras (if equipped with these helpful devices).
Respondeat superior is a legal doctrine that holds employers responsible for the actions of their employees when those actions occur within the scope of employment. The phrase is Latin for “let the master answer”.
This means that the boss (trucking company owner) can be liable for his or her employee’s negligence. Many people or businesses involved in these cases could have full or partial responsibility for the crash that has occurred.
Determining who is at fault in truck accidents can be complicated. In some cases, even if our client has some responsibility in this crash event, this does not disqualify him or her from receiving compensation.
If an accident occurs because of defects in the truck, the manufacturer can be held strictly liable. This means they can be held responsible even if there is no evidence of negligence.
In Georgia’s comparative negligence framework, those harmed can receive damages corresponding with others’ degree of responsibility—if they are no more than 49% responsible for the mishap. This doctrine enables individuals whose actions (or inactions) have contributed partially to an accident to obtain partial compensation.
Trucking companies have hefty obligations, including ensuring they employ proficient truck drivers and perform consistent vehicle maintenance. Disregarding these duties may result in devastating crashes with profound implications regarding who is at fault. In pursuing legal action against culpable entities such as the truck company itself, evidence related to breaches in industry regulations often plays a pivotal role during litigation procedures.
Calculating Your Damages Accurately
Calculating your damages accurately is essential to ensuring that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses. This may include:
- Medical Expenses: Any medical expenses related to the accident, including hospital bills, doctor visits, and prescription medication. It’s important to account for both current and future medical costs.
- Lost Wages: Any lost wages or income due to time missed from work because of the accident. This includes not only the immediate loss of income but also any long-term impact on your earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for any pain and suffering experienced because of the accident. This can include physical pain, emotional distress, and a diminished quality of life.
- Property Damage: Compensation for any damage to your vehicle or other property. This includes repair or replacement costs and any associated expenses.
Accurately calculating your damages in any Atlanta personal injury case requires a thorough understanding of the full impact of the accident on your life. An experienced truck accident attorney can help you assess your losses and ensure that you seek appropriate compensation.
How to Choose the Right Georgia Truck Accident Attorney
Choosing an adept Georgia truck accident lawyer is pivotal for the success of your case. Seek out attorneys with a specialized focus on laws pertaining to truck accidents, as they will have vital understanding of specific industry mandates. Gather references from previous clients to assess the attorney’s proficiency in communication and their track record in handling similar cases.
Opting for a Firm with commercial trucking attorneys near me who know how to counteract strategies employed by insurance companies can be critical in negotiating effectively and securing the maximum possible compensation for you. Beforehand, it’s essential to discuss how payment to the 18-wheeler accident lawyers or services rendered will work.
Most personal injury lawyers offer representation based on a contingency fee arrangement where fees are only paid upon winning your claim. Our eight lawyers near me are ready and able to be your big rig accident lawyers anywhere in the Peach State. See our fully staffed team of more than 20 people who help us be prepared in every case.
Lastly, verify whether your prospective truck wreck lawyer is prepared if necessary to bring your case before court proceedings—this commitment reflects their dedication towards safeguarding your entitlements. You should also consider choosing someone who demonstrates compassion and understanding due to the stressful nature associated with navigating post-accident challenges.
What to Expect from the Legal Process
The legal process for a truck accident claim can be complex and time-consuming. Here’s what you can expect a commercial truck accident attorney to do for you:
- Set up an Initial Consultation: You will meet with a truck accident injury lawyer to discuss your case and determine the best course of action. This consultation is usually FREE and is an opportunity to ask questions and understand your legal options.
- Investigation: Your commercial vehicle crash attorney will investigate the accident, gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses. This step is crucial for building a strong case.
- Filing a Claim: Your attorney will file a claim with the trucking company’s insurance provider. This formalizes your request for compensation and initiates the negotiation process.
- Negotiation: Your attorney will negotiate with the insurance provider to reach a settlement. Skilled negotiation can often result in a fair settlement without the need for a trial.
- Trial: If a settlement cannot be reached, your case may go to trial. During the trial, your attorney will present evidence and argue your case before a judge or jury.
Understanding the legal process can help you navigate your truck accident claim with confidence. An experienced truck accident attorney will guide you through each step, advocating for your rights and working to secure the best possible outcome.
Reach Out to Us for Your Complimentary Legal Consultation
The consultation is free, so clients can discuss their case without worrying about costs. The consultation is free. Clients can talk about their case without worrying about costs.
Every review of an injury or wrongful death case is also free. This helps clients understand their legal options without the stress of fees. To review your case, call us now at 404-565-1621 or use our toll-free number: 1-855-WARRIOR (1-855-927-7467).
Your conversation will be completely CONFIDENTIAL. This confidentiality applies whether you choose to hire McArthur Firm or not.
More Truck Accident Resources
If you’d like to learn more about how the McArthur Law Firm’s truck accident attorneys in Georgia can help you, read through some of our informative articles below. We explore every aspect of how our Georgia truck accident lawyers can help you recover from an accident.
