We Fight for the Rights of Truck Accident Victims Throughout Georgia
Truck drivers face stricter regulations and higher standards than regular drivers. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets safety regulations for truck drivers and their companies. Truck drivers are required to follow regulations regarding driver hours and maintenance schedules set by the FMCSA.
Were you aware that the average fully loaded semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds? At Lourie, Chance, Forlines, Carter & King, PC, our Georgia truck accident attorneys are skilled, experienced, and passionate advocates for injured victims. We hold trucking companies and their insurers accountable.
If you or your loved one was hurt in a crash involving a tractor-trailer, we are here to help. Contact an experienced truck accident lawyer at our Atlanta offices or our Augusta office to set up a free, confidential consultation with a top-rated Georgia truck accident lawyer.
WHAT TO DO AFTER A TRUCK ACCIDENT IN GEORGIA
Dealing with the aftermath of a truck crash in Georgia is stressful, confusing, and often chaotic. You must know what to do to protect your health, well-being, and legal rights. Here are six of the most important steps to take after being hurt in a Georgia truck accident:
- Get Help From a Georgia Truck Accident Lawyer: The best way to deal with an insurance company is through a top-rated Georgia tractor-trailer accident attorney.
- Stop Your Car: Georgia law requires motorists to stop their vehicles and exchange information. Get the trucker’s name, license number, employer, and insurance details.
- Contact Law Enforcement: All injury crashes in Georgia should be reported to the authorities. Call state or local police as soon as possible after a crash.
- Seek Immediate Medical Care for Any Injuries: Truck accidents can cause devastating injuries. A doctor should evaluate any physical harm.
- Document the Scene of the Accident: Your truck crash should be carefully documented. Take pictures, get witness contact details, and write down other key information.
- Decline to Give a Statement to the Truck Company’s Insurer: Commercial insurance companies are not on your side. Do not give a recorded statement after a crash.
After a truck accident, victims should gather evidence, including police reports and records from the trucking company.
TRUCK ACCIDENTS CAN CAUSE CATASTROPHIC INJURIES
A fully loaded tractor-trailer in Georgia can weigh as much as 40 tons (80,000 pounds). Due to their massive size and high weight, commercial trucks can cause devastating damage when commercial vehicle accidents occur. Immediate medical attention is a must.
Some of the common truck accident injuries are:
- Sprains and strains;
- Whiplash;
- Broken bones;
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs);
- Internal injuries;
- Spinal cord damage; and
- Loss of limb.
WHY THEY HAPPEN (LEADING CAUSE OF GEORGIA TRUCK ACCIDENTS)
Eighteen-wheeler accidents in Georgia are complicated. They have so many different causes. Every big rig crash requires a detail-focused investigation. Truck drivers log long hours behind the wheel, which can impair their driving ability and stringent deadlines can encourage truck drivers to avoid rest periods.
Some of the most common reasons why eighteen-wheeler accidents happen in Georgia include:
- Truck mechanical failures.
- Trucker fatigue;
- Distracted driving;
- Speeding;
- Improper loading; and
- Intoxicated driving.
AN OVERVIEW OF TRUCK ACCIDENT LIABILITY IN GEORGIA
Hurt in a tractor-trailer crash in Georgia? You must know how liability works in our state. Trucking accident claims are complicated. In Georgia, commercial vehicles are required to have liability insurance coverage of at least $750,000. Here are some key points to know about Georgia truck accident law:
- Fault-Based Standard of Liability: Georgia operates under a fault-based system for motor vehicle accidents, including for eighteen-wheeler crashes. The party responsible for causing the accident is liable for the resulting damages. As an injured victim, you must prove that the other party (trucker, truck company, etc) committed an act of negligence that contributed to the crash. A top-rated Georgia tractor-trailer accident attorney can help.
- Modified Comparative Negligence: Under GA Code § 51-11-7, a modified comparative negligence standard applies. A truck accident victim who was found to be less than 50 percent at fault for the accident can still recover compensation—but his or her recovery will be reduced based on their degree of fault. For example, imagine that you suffered $35,000 in damages in a crash. If you were assigned 20 percent fault, you would be liable for $7,000 of your damages.
Non-economic damages cover physical and emotional suffering from a truck accident. Non-economic damages are difficult to calculate and often require legal assistance to determine their value. Economic damages require proof and typically have a set dollar amount associated with them.
Economic damages also include medical expenses and lost income from a truck collision. Punitive damages are intended to punish the negligent party for their misconduct in a commercial truck accident case.
THE DEADLINE: GEORGIA TRUCK ACCIDENT STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS
Truck accident cases in Georgia are time-sensitive. Under GA Code § 9-3-33, there is a two-year statute of limitations. With only very narrow exceptions, victims only have two years from the day of a tractor-trailer accident to initiate their personal injury claim.
If you fail to file a personal injury lawsuit on time, your case can be dismissed without a hearing. Take a proactive approach after an accident: Speak to a Georgia semi-truck accident lawyer as soon as possible.
WE FIGHT FOR THE MAXIMUM COMPENSATION FOR TRUCK ACCIDENT VICTIMS IN GEORGIA
Georgia tractor-trailer crash victims can claim compensation for all of their damages, including intangible losses. However, big insurance companies often erect serious barriers. They want to pay out as little as possible.
Our Georgia auto accident attorneys are committed to fighting for the maximum settlement for victims and families. Along with other damages, you can seek financial compensation for:
- Property damage, including vehicle repairs
- Emergency room care;
- Hospital bills;
- Other medical costs;
- Physical therapy;
- Loss of wages;
- Loss of earning power;
- Pain and suffering;
- Disfigurement or disability; and
- Wrongful death.
WHY TRUCK ACCIDENT VICTIMS TRUST LOURIE, CHANCE, FORLINES, CARTER & KING
Truck accident claims are challenging. You should not take on a big trucking company or its commercial liability carrier alone. At Lourie, Chance, Forlines, Carter & King, PC, we have the professional expertise that injured victims can trust. Our testimonials from clients and our record of six, seven, and eight verdicts and settlements tell the story.
Among other things, our Georgia tractor-trailer accident attorneys are prepared to:
- Listen to what you have to say and answer questions about your case;
- Investigate your semi-truck wreck, securing all relevant evidence;
- Handle the legal paperwork and truck wreck settlement negotiations; and
- Craft a personalized strategy to protect your rights and maximize your recovery.
SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULTATION WITH OUR GEORGIA BIG RIG ACCIDENT LAWYERS TODAY
Not every Georgia personal injury attorney can handle a truck accident case. At Lourie, Chance, Forlines, Carter & King, PC, our Georgia semi-truck accident attorneys invest the time, resources, and attention to the small details to help victims and families get justice. Most truck accident cases are settled before going to trial, but some may require court action.
It is crucial to have a lawyer review vehicle maintenance records in truck accident cases. If you have any questions about the claims process, our law firm is here as a resource that you can rely on. Contact an experienced truck accident attorney today for a free, no-obligation review and evaluation of your case.
With offices in Atlanta and Augusta, we handle truck accident injury claims throughout Georgia.
OUR PARTNERS
Representing clients in Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Macon, Savannah, Gainesville, Lawrenceville, Decatur, Jonesboro & throughout Georgia
TESTIMONIALS
"My siblings and I engaged Chance, Forlines, Carter & King, PC during an extremely stressful time in our lives, and we are thankful that they provided a warm working environment. We were highly impressed by their level of knowledge, their efficiency and their extreme professionalism. From our first contact to our very last conversation, we felt that our team at LCFCK genuinely cares about helping people."
V. FORD