Authored by: Lindsey Macon and Kathy McArthur, attorneys specializing in trucking accidents at McArthur Law Firm (MLF) based in Atlanta, Georgia, providing services across the entire Peach State.
The moments after a trucking crash involving a tractor trailer can be chaotic and confusing. Truck wrecks are no ordinary car accident cases where two vehicles of similar weight and mass strike each other on the roadway. If you are in a trucking accident, it’s important to hire a trucking accident attorney in your area right away.
Car accidents frequently occur in Atlanta, but when commercial rigs are part of a car accident in Atlanta, smaller vehicles can face more severe consequences. An Atlanta semi-truck accident lawyer near me with MLF has experience in quickly responding to the scene by mobilizing our accident reconstruction investigators.
Why You Need a Trucking Accident Attorney
If it is a fatal semi-truck accident, you need a highly trained and qualified semi accident law firm. Large trucks involved with a pedestrian, or in a collision in an ordinary auto accident need an Atlanta truck accident attorney who has “been there and done that” for aggressively pursuing such cases and collecting the full value of these devastating claims.
Amid the shock and uncertainty, one thing is clear: you need a knowledgeable truck accident lawyer and a semi-truck wreck. One reason the accident lawyers in Atlanta Georgia at MLF always offer a free lawyer consultation in crash cases is the urgency that often exists to get to the crash scene and document, measure and photograph the physical evidence (e.g., skid marks and fluid trails from the damaged vehicles).
101 Cumulative Years of Expertise in Truck Accident Law
Dealing with the repercussions of a truck accident in Atlanta entails an expertise specific to truck accident law. The reason being that these incidents are not your everyday traffic accidents.
They involve intricate sets of federal and state laws tailored for commercial vehicles and the companies operating them. A skilled truck accident attorney is essential to navigate legal complexities and maximize compensation options. Our 8 attorneys bring over 101 cumulative years of motor vehicle crash experience to the table.
Choosing an attorney whose practice centers around trucking accidents ensures that you have someone who is constantly abreast of shifts in regulations and industry norms—an essential factor when constructing a robust truck accident claim. Their specialized insight becomes an invaluable resource when facing complex litigation involving various parties with potentially conflicting liabilities.
Getting help from an experienced Atlanta truck accident lawyer at our legal offices can make a significant impact. Since 1980, senior partner Kathy McArthur has developed special expertise in dealing with these lawyers hired by insurance company corporate powerhouses.
The truck accident lawyer in Georgia is considered one of the top 10 attorneys for truck accidents in the state. This recognition of being one of the best lawyers for truck accidents comes from Best Lawyers in America, Super Lawyers, and other lawyer ratings services. She is the Super Lawyers 2024 “Cover Story” lawyer our of 33,100 Georgia attorneys.
Gathering Critical Evidence Before It Is Lost
Success in a truck accident case hinges on strong evidence, with a skilled attorney gathering and analyzing all crucial proof. Critical items such as black box recordings, driver’s logs, and vehicle maintenance documentation can paint an intricate picture of what exactly transpired during the truck mishap.
Prompt action is vital because key information like black box data could be lost within one month if not promptly retrieved. The swift action taken by your truck accident lawyer to gather and safeguard this important evidence plays a vital role in constructing a strong argument for your cause.
Michael Thompson, another truck accident attorney Atlanta GA with McArthur Law Firm knows the value of quick action to retain Atlanta injury attorneys. He and Atlanta car accident attorney Holly Stephens, an additional motor vehicle crash lawyer for truck accident cases have all the contact information on their cell phones to be able to launch an immediate investigation about an 18 wheeler accident.
These personal injury lawyers, who have taken additional training to become truck accident attorneys, are not just wrongful death and injury lawyers. These legal warriors are specialized guides who know the ins and outs of truck accident law (including a fatal semi accident) and are staffed and equipped to steer you through the complexities of your case.
With their expertise, you can tackle the challenges of determining liability, dealing with insurance companies and gathering the evidence necessary to support your claim. Next, let’s delve into the specific reasons why enlisting a truck accident attorney in Atlanta is a critical decision for any truck accident victim.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Grasping the underlying reasons behind truck accidents is critical both for averting Mishaps and determining responsibility within a legal framework. These devastating occurrences can stem from an array of causes, yet there are recurring contributors that often play a role in the emergence of truck wrecks. Pinpointing these elements is essential for proving fault and obtaining damages in a truck accident case.
Next, by delving into most of the leading factors involved in trucking accidents that attorneys and judicial systems evaluate during their examination of a case. Our experience in these cases from also acting as Atlanta car accident lawyers shows us why immediate investigation often makes a critical difference in these highly important cases.
Driver Fatigue and Hours of Service Violations
Truck accidents are often the tragic result of truck driver fatigue. The strenuous schedules and extended periods that commercial truck drivers endure may result in a perilous drop-off in both alertness and the ability to respond swiftly to road conditions.
To lessen these hazards, there are national laws such as the FMCSA’s “hours-of-service” regulations that limit driving times and mandate specific intervening rest periods. For instance, truck operators are allowed to drive for no more than 11 straight hours, following a mandatory ten-hour break from duty.
Even with strict rules like these, not everyone follows them, which can be important in truck accident cases. Demonstrating that either a trucking company or its driver has neglected these crucial safety measures can be instrumental in establishing fault within a truck accident case.
An experienced truck and car accident lawyer who specializes in these cases will meticulously scrutinize logbooks, electronic logging devices, and other data sources in search of any regulatory breaches. This is a crucial part of constructing a compelling claim for their client.
To Be Investigated: Distracted Driving and Testing for Drug or Alcohol Substance Abuse
Driving while distracted (often by a cell phone or laptop computer) is a dangerous practice that has become an increasingly common act of negligence. This can occur with truck drivers after a long stretch of driving extended hours on interstate highways. A momentary diversion to glance at a GPS or sending out a text message or tweet can lead to devastating outcomes.
Strict federal and state laws are in place banning such actions, and adherence is paramount in lowering the frequency of accidents. An attorney specializing in truck accident law will delve into whether distracted driving played a role in an incident, which often plays an instrumental role when determining liability.
On another note, substance abuse stands as a significant issue if a DUI accident is investigated. Consuming alcohol or drugs drastically diminishes one’s capacity to safely operate any commercial vehicle.
Truck operators are governed by rigorous rules against using intoxicating substances when behind the wheel. Defiance not only attracts harsh penalties but also increases risks dramatically on roads.
Should there be suspicion of impairing substance use having contributed to a truck accident, these kinds of important issues need to be tracked down. In many cases, such factors become a critical part of our case since impaired driving can significantly affect establishing the trucker’s fault and ensuring full monetary recovery for those harmed or fatally injured.
Improper Loading, Anchoring The Cargo or Lack of Proper Vehicle Maintenance
Accidents involving trucks can be attributed to incorrect loading procedures or insufficient maintenance, with the trucking company typically bearing responsibility. When cargo is loaded excessively or distributed unevenly, it may compromise the stability and control of the vehicle, increasing the likelihood of a mishap.
Regular inspections and maintenance are important to catch any mechanical problems early, such as brake issues, tire blowouts, or engine failures. Neglect in adhering to these safety protocols might lead to holding the trucking company accountable for accidents caused as a consequence.
A proficient truck accident attorney will meticulously gather evidence such as maintenance records and logs of inspection from which they can establish negligence on part of a company failing in their obligation toward critical safety measures.
Handling Insurance Companies to Truckers and their Employers
Following a truck accident, victims often face formidable insurance companies equipped with substantial financial resources and adept legal squads. Their objective is simple: to reduce the payout as much as possible. In this uneven fight reminiscent of David versus Goliath, your best asset is an accomplished truck accident attorney who can level the playing field.
Our 18 wheeler accident lawyers will assertively demand full and fair compensation for our clients’ medical expenses, the lost income, along with half dozen or more other categories of monetary damages that Georgia civil laws permit to be sought and recovered.
Victims of truck accidents frequently err by entering into negotiations with insurers without bringing an attorney for truck accident representation as their legal counsel. A move that might culminate in premature settlements insufficient to cover all losses (e.g., medical bills and lost wages) or could result in unintended liability admission.
A shrewd attorney specializing in trucking accidents acts as your intermediary during such talks. This ensures that you don’t agree to an insufficient and unsatisfactory sum that may be initially offered. Additionally, having a legal advocate in your corner can prevent your statements from being manipulated adversely within your claim process for the accident.
Don’t Delay and Let Critical Evidence Disappear: Call Today
Enough important information has been sheared in this blog post to “light a fire” under a claimant for trucking injuries or a wrongful death claim. Because the CALL and the INFORMATION are FREE, why wait any longer? Dial our Atlanta line at 404-565-1621 for immediate attention. You never pay a dime until we win your case.
More Trucking Accident Attorney Resources
If you’d like to learn more about trucking accident attorneys in Atlanta then read our informative articles below. We explore every aspect of Atlanta trucking accident cases McArthur Law Firm handles.
- Truck Accident FAQs
- Dump Truck Accident
- Semi-Truck Accident Lawyers: Logging Truck Accidents in GA
- Farming Vehicle Accidents
- Multiple Negligent Parties In Truck Wrecks
- Truck Driver Error
- Trucking Company Negligence
- Deadliest Highways For Truck Accidents
- Macon Truck Accident Lawyer: GA Trucking Accident Attorneys
- Truck Accident Attorney: Macon Truck Accident Law Firm in GA
- Truck Accident Attorney Atlanta GA
- Atlanta Truck Accident Lawyer: Trucking Accident Attorney
- Truck Accident Attorney: Semi-Truck Accident Attorney in GA
- Truck Crash Lawyer: Semi-Truck Accident Attorneys in Atlanta
- Truck Crash Attorney: 18 Wheeler Accident Lawyer in Georgia
- Truck Accident Lawyers in Atlanta
