Because box trucks are larger and more difficult to control than regular vehicles, the damage they cause is often severe. Victims may deal with extended hospital stays, time away from work, and emotional trauma. These cases are more complex than typical car accidents, as liability may extend beyond the driver to include the trucking company, a maintenance provider, or even the truck’s manufacturer.
Georgia Lawyer for Box Truck Accident Injuries
If you or a loved one has been injured in a box truck accident in Georgia, contact the McArthur Law Firm immediately.
McArthur Law Firm serves Fulton County, Bibb County and Fulton County, as well as Clayton County, Cherokee County, Forsyth County, and other counties in Georgia. For more information about the McArthur Law Firm or to set up a free consultation to learn what we may be able to do to help you with your personal injury case, give us a call at one of our offices in Georgia or fill out our online contact form.
- Atlanta Office: 404-565-1621
- Macon Office: 478-238-6600
- Warner Robins: (478) 551-9901
Overview of Box Truck Accident Cases
- How Box Trucks Are Different Than Other Trucks
- Types of Box Truck Accidents
- Injuries Caused by a Box Truck Crash
- Liability in a Georgia Box Truck Accident
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Additional Resources
How Box Trucks Are Different Than Other Trucks
Box trucks may look simple at first glance, but they come in many forms—each with its own risks and challenges. Unlike big rigs or standard delivery vans, box trucks are mid-sized commercial vehicles with a separate, enclosed cargo area. Because of their unique design and use, they often play a role in serious accidents, especially on Georgia roads.
Moving Trucks
Used by individuals and moving companies, moving trucks are often driven by people with little or no commercial driving experience. Their large size, poor rear visibility, and heavy loads make them difficult to handle, especially on tight roads or during turns. Accidents involving moving trucks can be severe, especially when improper loading or driver inexperience is involved.
Delivery Box Trucks
These trucks are commonly used by companies like FedEx, UPS, and local businesses. They make frequent stops and often navigate residential streets, increasing the risk of pedestrian and cyclist accidents. Time pressure on drivers can lead to speeding, distracted driving, or failure to follow safety protocols.
Refrigerated Box Trucks
Also known as “reefer” trucks, these vehicles carry temperature-sensitive goods. The added refrigeration equipment increases vehicle weight and changes how the truck handles. A poorly maintained reefer truck or one with improperly secured cargo can lead to rollovers or shifting loads during transport.
Many box trucks are operated by drivers who do not hold a commercial driver’s license (CDL). Box trucks under 26,001 pounds are not always covered by the same federal CDL rules that apply to larger trucks. This means someone with no formal commercial driving training can legally drive a large, heavy vehicle on Georgia roads.
Types of Box Truck Accidents
Rear-End Box Truck Crashes
Box trucks often rear-end smaller vehicles in stop-and-go traffic or during sudden slowdowns. These accidents are common in busy areas like Atlanta’s I-285 or Macon’s city streets. Due to their weight, box trucks need more distance to stop.
Jackknife Accidents
Jackknife crashes happen when a box truck’s trailer swings out at an angle to the cab, forming an L or V shape. These crashes often occur when a driver brakes too hard or loses control on wet roads. While jackknifing is more common with larger semi-trucks, box trucks pulling trailers can jackknife as well. These wrecks often block multiple lanes and involve several cars.
Rollover Accidents
Box trucks are top-heavy, especially when fully loaded. When a driver takes a curve too fast, makes a sharp turn, or swerves suddenly, the truck can tip and roll over. Rollover crashes often cause major injuries and shut down highways.
Blind Spot Accidents
Box trucks have large blind spots on both sides, as well as behind the truck. Drivers who fail to check their mirrors before changing lanes or turning may hit nearby cars, cyclists, or pedestrians. Blind spot crashes often result in sideswipes or forced run-offs.
Underride Accidents
Underride accidents are among the most dangerous. They happen when a smaller vehicle slides under the rear or side of a box truck during a crash. These crashes can shear off the top of a car and cause fatal injuries.
Wide Turn Collisions
Box truck drivers sometimes swing left before making a sharp right turn. If they don’t check for cars, motorcycles, or bicycles to the right of the truck, they can trap or crush them during the turn. These crashes are often caused by poor training or rushed driving in busy areas.
Lost Load Accidents
If a box truck’s cargo is not properly secured, it can fall off the vehicle or shift and cause the driver to lose control. Flying cargo can strike other cars, or loose loads can cause the truck to overturn.
T-Bone Accidents at Intersections
Box trucks that run red lights or stop signs often slam into the side of another vehicle. These side-impact crashes, or T-bone accidents, are especially dangerous for the person sitting closest to the impact.
Injuries Caused by a Box Truck Crash
Crushed Limbs and Amputations
Crashes that involve rollovers, underride collisions, or pinning a car against a fixed object can crush arms, legs, or feet. In some cases, the damage is so severe that doctors have no choice but to amputate. Victims may need multiple surgeries, prosthetics, and long-term rehab.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
Head trauma is common in box truck crashes, especially when the victim is thrown around inside the vehicle or hit by flying debris. TBIs range from concussions to life-altering brain damage. Symptoms may not show up right away, which is why early medical evaluation is critical.
Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
The force of a box truck hitting a smaller vehicle can fracture the spine or damage the spinal cord. Victims may suffer complete or partial paralysis. Less severe back injuries can still lead to chronic pain, limited movement, and loss of income.
Internal Bleeding and Organ Damage
High-impact crashes can cause internal injuries that are not obvious at the scene. The liver, spleen, and lungs are commonly affected. Without fast treatment, internal bleeding can be fatal.
Multiple Fractures
Box truck accidents often result in broken bones, especially in the arms, legs, ribs, or pelvis. Victims may need surgery to place screws, rods, or plates. Recovery may take months, and complications like infections or nerve damage can increase the cost and time involved.
Psychological Trauma (PTSD)
Survivors of violent crashes often experience nightmares, anxiety, and fear of driving. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a recognized medical condition that can affect daily life and relationships.
Burns or Chemical Injuries
Some box trucks carry cleaning supplies, fuel, or other hazardous cargo. If a crash causes a fire or chemical spill, victims may suffer severe burns or toxic exposure.
Liability in a Georgia Box Truck Accident
The Box Truck Driver
The driver may be liable if they were distracted, speeding, driving under the influence, or committing any other violation of traffic laws. Under Georgia law, all drivers owe a duty of care to others on the road. If a driver breaches that duty and causes harm, they can be held liable for negligence under O.C.G.A. § 51-1-6.
The Trucking Company or Employer
Under Georgia law, employers can be held responsible for the actions of their drivers under a rule called respondeat superior. This means that if the driver was working within the scope of their job, the employer can also be sued. O.C.G.A. § 51-2-2 allows for this kind of vicarious liability. In addition, a trucking company may be directly liable for negligent hiring, training, or supervision, or for failing to maintain the truck properly.
The Truck Manufacturer or Parts Supplier
If a mechanical failure caused the crash—such as a brake failure or tire blowout—the manufacturer of that part may be liable under Georgia’s product liability laws. These claims involve proving the part was defective and that the defect caused the injury. O.C.G.A. § 51-1-11 covers strict liability for defective products sold in Georgia.
The Cargo Loader or Shipping Company
Sometimes third-party contractors are responsible for loading a box truck. If the cargo is not secured properly and shifts during travel, causing the truck to lose control or drop its load, the company that handled the cargo may be at fault. These cases often require industry expert review to determine if cargo securement rules were followed.
A Government Agency or Contractor
In some cases, a city, county, or state agency responsible for maintaining the road may be liable. This could involve poor road design, missing traffic signs, or failure to fix known hazards. However, claims against government entities in Georgia are subject to strict rules under the Georgia Tort Claims Act. Immunity may apply in some situations, and further analysis is needed to determine if a claim can move forward.
Each case is different, and figuring out who is legally responsible requires careful review of the facts, documents, and any available evidence. Georgia’s modified comparative fault rule under O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33 also means that a victim’s recovery may be reduced if they are found partially at fault.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it necessary to speak with the truck’s insurance company?
No, the injured party is not required to speak with the other party’s insurance company.
What if the injured person was partially at fault for the crash?
Under O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33, an individual may still recover compensation if found to be less than 50% at fault.
What is the time limit for filing a lawsuit?
Typically, a lawsuit must be filed within two years from the date of the crash, according to O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33.
Can the trucking company be sued, or only the driver?
The trucking company may be held liable if the driver was acting within the scope of employment at the time of the crash (O.C.G.A. § 51-2-2).
Is there an upfront cost to hire a lawyer?
No. McArthur Law Firm operates on a contingency fee basis, so no upfront payment is required.
Is a box truck the same as a semi-truck?
No. Box trucks are generally smaller than semi-trucks but are still capable of causing significant injuries.
Is compensation available for pain and suffering?
Yes. Georgia law permits compensation for both physical pain and emotional suffering resulting from an injury.
What evidence should be collected after a crash?
Helpful evidence includes photographs, the police report, names of witnesses, and medical records.
Will the case have to go to court?
Not necessarily. Many cases are resolved through settlement, though some may proceed to trial.
How much compensation can be recovered for injuries?
The amount depends on factors such as medical expenses, lost income, and the overall impact of the injury on the individual’s life. Each case is unique.
Additional Resources
- Large Truck And Bus Crash Facts (FMCSA) – This official source from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration provides annual reports on crashes involving large trucks and buses. It includes statistics on fatal, injury, and property-damage-only crashes. The data is compiled from several national databases and is intended to support safety in commercial motor vehicle operations.
- Box Trucks: Definition, Types, And Cargo (Inbound Logistics) -This article from Inbound Logistics explains what box trucks are, the different types available, and the types of cargo they typically carry. It also outlines licensing requirements, truck sizes, and cost considerations.
- Boston Box Truck Crash That Left 6 Injured Was Likely A ‘Tragic Accident,’ Police Say (CNN) – This CNN news article reports on a box truck crash in downtown Boston that injured six people. It includes statements from law enforcement and city officials, along with early details from the investigation. The article covers the condition of the injured, the crash location, and how local services responded to the scene.
Hire a Lawyer for Box Truck Accidents in Gwinnett County, Georgia
McArthur Law Firm serves the cities of Atlanta in Fulton County, Macon in Bibb County, Kathleen in Houston County, Peachtree Corners and Lawrenceville in Gwinnett County, Marietta and Smyrna in Cobb County, Stonecrest, Brookhaven and Dunwoody in Dekalb County, Albany in Dougherty County, Columbus in Muscogee County and throughout surrounding areas of the state of Georgia.
Contact one of our offices at the following numbers or fill out an online contact form to start building your case.
- Atlanta Office: 404-565-1621
- Macon Office: 478-238-6600
- Warner Robins: (478) 551-9901
