Atlanta Truck Accident Attorneys

Top Atlanta Truck & semi truck accident Attorneys

Definition and Explanation of Truck Accidents

A truck accident is a type of traffic accident that involves a commercial truck, such as a semi-truck, 18-wheeler, or big rig, and another vehicle or pedestrian. These accidents can be devastating due to the sheer size and weight of the truck, which can cause catastrophic injuries and extensive property damage. Truck accidents can occur for various reasons, including driver error, vehicle maintenance issues, and adverse road conditions. The complexity and severity of these accidents often necessitate the expertise of a seasoned truck accident attorney to navigate the legal landscape and secure fair compensation for the victims.

Statistics on Truck Accidents in Atlanta

According to recent statistics, truck accidents are a significant concern in Atlanta. In 2020, over 4,000 people were killed in large truck collisions across the United States, with 68% of the fatalities being occupants of passenger vehicles. Collisions between semi-trucks and passenger vehicles pose significant safety risks and often result in severe injuries due to the disparity in weight and size; the average passenger vehicle is much lighter compared to a semi-truck, leading to more severe injuries for occupants of passenger vehicles in such accidents. In Atlanta, the number of truck accidents has been on the rise, with many incidents resulting in severe injuries and substantial property damage. The city’s bustling roads and highways, such as I-75 and I-85, are particularly prone to truck accidents, underscoring the need for truck drivers and other road users to exercise heightened caution. These statistics highlight the critical importance of experienced Atlanta truck accident lawyers who can advocate for the rights of victims and help them navigate the aftermath of such devastating events.

WHY YOU NEED A TRUCK ACCIDENT LAWYER IN ATLANTA

If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident in Atlanta, seeking the help of a qualified truck accident lawyer is essential. Truck accidents can be devastating, often resulting in severe injuries, extensive property damage, and even fatalities. Navigating the complex process of filing a claim and ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve can be overwhelming without professional assistance.

Truck accident lawyers in Atlanta have extensive experience handling cases involving commercial vehicles, such as tractor-trailers, semi-trucks, and 18-wheelers. They understand the unique challenges and complexities of truck accident cases, including the need to investigate the accident scene, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies.

A truck accident lawyer in Atlanta can assist you in several critical ways:

• Investigating the accident scene and gathering evidence: A thorough investigation is crucial to building a strong case. Your lawyer will collect police reports, witness statements, photographs, and any available video footage.
• Negotiating with insurance companies: Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts. An experienced lawyer will negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive fair compensation.
• Filing a lawsuit if necessary: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer will file a lawsuit and represent you in court.
• Advocating for your rights: Throughout the process, your lawyer will advocate for your rights and work tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve.

COMMON CAUSES OF TRUCK ACCIDENTS

Truck accidents can occur due to a variety of factors, each contributing to the complexity and severity of these incidents. Understanding these causes can help in preventing future accidents and ensuring accountability.

• Driver error: Truck drivers may be fatigued, distracted, or impaired, leading to accidents. Long hours on the road can result in fatigue, while distractions such as using a phone can divert attention from driving. Impairment due to drugs or alcohol further increases the risk of accidents.
• Vehicle maintenance issues: Poorly maintained trucks can malfunction, causing accidents. Regular maintenance checks are essential to ensure that all parts of the truck are in good working condition.
• Road conditions: Hazardous road conditions, such as potholes or uneven lanes, can contribute to truck accidents. These conditions can cause a truck to lose control, especially if the driver is not prepared.
• Weather conditions: Inclement weather, such as rain or snow, can make roads slippery and increase the risk of accidents. Truck drivers must exercise extra caution in adverse weather conditions to prevent accidents.

TOP ATLANTA TRUCK & SEMI TRUCK ACCIDNET LAWYER

Massive commercial trucks are integral parts of a modern economy that depends on the quick, reliable transportation of goods from one point to another, distant point. However, these trucks also pose unique dangers to other drivers.

Our Atlanta, Marietta, Savannah and Macon area truck accident lawyers have seen how negligence and misconduct on the part of truck drivers, trucking companies and cargo companies can hurt innocent people. Hiring an experienced Atlanta truck accident attorney is crucial to navigate the complexities of these cases, establish liability, and secure compensation for victims facing medical and financial hardships.

Auto accidents are often devastating. But the massive size of these commercial trucks means these wrecks are ferocious and, too often, result in serious injuries and death.

Can I Sue for Being Hit by a Semi-Truck?

When you are involved in an accident with a semi-truck, you may be entitled to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and personal pain and suffering through a truck accident claim. The best way to learn if you are eligible to sue is through a one-on-one consultation with an experienced truck accident lawyer.

In Georgia, one particularly dangerous stretch for truck drivers and motorists is I-75. Interstate 75 (I-75) runs north to south along the US 41 corridor on the western side of the state, passing through the cities of Valdosta, Macon, and Atlanta. In downtown Atlanta, I-75 joins with I-85 as the Downtown Connector. If you’re a resident of Savannah, Macon, or Atlanta, Georgia and you are in need of an attorney experienced in truck accident litigation, please call Chance, Forlines, Carter & King, PC today at  404-760-7400 for a free consultation.

EXCEPTIONAL COMPLEXITY OF TRUCK ACCIDENT CLAIMS

The essential truth of a truck accident case is that it is often quite complex. Truck accident cases involve state laws, federal regulations, insurance companies and countless variables. It’s the knowledge of these variables and the appropriate laws that make our truck accident attorneys so invaluable to you at this difficult time.

Find more information here:

• Driver Fatigue
• Trucks that Weren’t Properly Maintained
• Intoxicated Truck Drivers
• Why Our Truck Accident Attorneys
• Quiz: Can Our Attorneys Help with Your Truck Accident
• Contact Our Lawyers

How are Truck Accidents Different from Car Accidents?

Truck accidents differ from car accidents in myriad ways. Three of the most significant are:

1. Truck accidents are typically more injurious and often deadly
2. The damages sought in truck accidents are commonly much higher than in car accidents
3. There are often multiple parties involved

Each accident is unique. How your accident has and will continue to impact your life is something you alone are forced to deal with. Talk to an attorney about your rights and your options today.ith. Talk to an attorney about your rights and your options today.

DRIVER FATIGUE CAUSING ACCIDENTS

Truck drivers who transport goods and supplies are rewarded for their work on the basis of the amount of goods hauled and/or by miles — not by hours worked. They are therefore motivated to drive as fast and far as they can in order to make more money. Truck driver fatigue can happen because of the following:

• Some truckers drive more hours than what is allowed by state and federal laws.
• Some truckers keep dual log books: an official one with contrived data and the other telling the truth — but not intended for review by others.
• Truckers are required to keep their log books for a certain amount of time. Waiting too long to begin an investigation puts access to the log book at risk.

Operating a massive commercial truck is an enterprise that requires a driver’s full attention. It also requires quick reflexes and an agile mind. Tragically, these are often lacking, not because the driver is incapable of possessing them, but because he or she is too fatigued to display them. Responsibility for these accidents lies on the driver, but it also lies on the trucking companies, which too often force drivers to operate their vehicles at dangerous and unpredictable levels of exhaustion.

Speeding or Reckless Driving

Speeding or reckless driving is a prevalent cause of truck accidents in Atlanta. Truck drivers who exceed speed limits or engage in reckless driving behaviors can easily lose control of their massive vehicles, leading to collisions with other vehicles or pedestrians. The high speeds involved can exacerbate the severity of the accident, resulting in more serious injuries and extensive damage. In Atlanta, truck drivers who engage in such dangerous behaviors can be held accountable for the accidents they cause. Victims of these accidents may be entitled to compensation for their injuries and losses, and an experienced truck accident lawyer can help them pursue justice and secure the compensation they deserve.

Who is Responsible for My Truck Accident?

Without accident reconstruction and similar techniques, it may be very difficult to tell who is responsible for a truck accident. Your attorney may choose to work with various professionals who can pour over accident reports and police records while recreating the scene to determine liability. In many truck accident cases, this is shared by multiple parties including the trucker and his or her employer.

The Truck Driver

Truck drivers play a critical role in ensuring the safety of themselves and others on the road. However, driver error is a common cause of truck accidents. Some common mistakes made by truck drivers include:

• Fatigue: Driving for long hours without rest can lead to fatigue, which can impair a driver’s ability to react quickly to situations on the road. Fatigued drivers are more likely to make mistakes that can result in accidents.
• Distraction: Using a phone or other electronic device while driving can distract a driver and increase the risk of an accident. Even a momentary lapse in attention can have catastrophic consequences.
• Impairment: Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol can impair a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. Impaired drivers have slower reaction times and poor judgment, making them a danger on the road.

The Trucking Company

Trucking companies also have a responsibility to ensure the safety of their drivers and others on the road. Some common mistakes made by trucking companies include:

• Poor maintenance: Failing to properly maintain trucks can lead to malfunctions and accidents. Regular inspections and maintenance are crucial to prevent mechanical failures.
• Inadequate training: Failing to provide drivers with adequate training can increase the risk of accidents. Proper training ensures that drivers are well-prepared to handle their vehicles and respond to various road conditions.
• Overloading: Overloading trucks can increase the risk of accidents and make them more difficult to stop. Trucks that carry more weight than they are designed for are harder to control and more likely to cause accidents.

The Truck Manufacturer

In some truck accident cases, the truck manufacturer may be held liable if a design or manufacturing defect contributed to the accident. For instance, if a truck’s brakes fail due to a manufacturing defect, the manufacturer could be responsible for any resulting injuries or damages. Truck accident victims in Atlanta may have the right to pursue a claim against the manufacturer if they can demonstrate that the defect played a role in the accident. Navigating such claims can be complex, requiring the expertise of a skilled truck accident attorney who can investigate the accident, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies. An experienced attorney can ensure that victims receive the maximum compensation they deserve, holding all responsible parties accountable for their negligence.

FAILURE TO MAINTAIN A TRUCK PROPERLY

The Georgia Department of Transportation, the Federal Government, and other state governments and agencies have specific rules and regulations that are supposed to maximize the safety of commercial vehicles on the road. Cars and trucks share many miles of streets and highways, and in the interest of public safety, a truck driver is expected to ensure that the following are maintained and inspected:

• Tires
• Brakes
• Lights
• Reflectors
• Load strapping

After a truck accident in which someone is injured or killed, a detailed inspection will be initiated by the DOT. A vigilant truck accident lawyer watching out for the rights and well-being of injury victims will keep a close watch on that government investigation, but will also launch an investigation of his own. Failure to maintain the truck according to regulations is a clear case of negligence by the driver and other responsible parties such as the driver’s employer or the truck’s owner. Often an experienced attorney can prove that the failure to maintain the truck according to the law was the cause of the crash.

INTOXICATED TRUCK DRIVERS CAUSING TRUCK ACCIDENTS

Everyone is at danger when a commercial truck driver is operating his vehicle under the influence of drugs. Drivers know this and still use. Trucking companies know this and set aggressive schedules, often looking the other way when it comes to drug abuse. Our Atlanta truck accident lawyers know this isn’t acceptable. We will fight for you and the compensation you deserve if you’ve been hurt by an intoxicated truck driver- and that includes pursuing all avenues of compensation, no matter where they might lead.

INVESTIGATING TRACTOR-TRAILER ACCIDENTS

Investigating a tractor-trailer accident requires a thorough and meticulous approach. A truck accident lawyer in Atlanta will typically begin by gathering evidence from the accident scene, including:

• Police reports: These provide an official account of the accident and can include valuable information about the circumstances and potential causes.
• Witness statements: Eyewitnesses can offer crucial insights into how the accident occurred and who may be at fault.
• Photographs of the accident scene and vehicles involved: Visual evidence can help reconstruct the accident and identify contributing factors.
• Video footage from dash cams or surveillance cameras: This can provide real-time documentation of the accident, offering a clear view of the events leading up to the collision.

The lawyer will also review the truck’s maintenance records, driver logs, and other relevant documents to determine the cause of the accident. In some cases, the lawyer may also hire experts, such as accident reconstruction specialists, to help piece together the events leading up to the accident.

By conducting a thorough investigation, a truck accident lawyer in Atlanta can help build a strong case and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. This comprehensive approach is essential to holding all responsible parties accountable and securing justice for truck accident victims.

What Should I do at The Scene of a Truck Accident?

If you are able to take action on the scene of a truck accident: gather the vehicle information, driver’s license, insurance, and contact information of all involved drivers. Gather the contact information of any witnesses. Take pictures of the scene from multiple angles. Cooperate with emergency personnel.

Do not, under any circumstances, suggest that the accident was your fault. You cannot know this for certain before a full and thorough investigation has been completed.

WHY YOU SHOULD CHOOSE OUR EXPERIENCED GEORGIA TRUCK ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS

Here’s what we urge you to keep in mind as you consider a legal claim as a result of your truck accident:

• Experience is vital: This is true in every area of law, of course, but experience is crucial in truck accident cases. There are a bevy of complicated legal, technical and medical issues in play during most truck accident cases, and you don’t want a lawyer who is trying to learn on the job.
• Liability might not be where you think it is: Fault in a typical car accident is usually pretty simple- with some notable exceptions, it lies with one of the drivers. Liability in a truck accident is much more complicated. The fault might lie not with the truck driver, but with a trucking company or cargo company hundreds of miles away.
• There are a number of laws and regulations to consider: Trucking companies have to adhere to state and federal laws, as well as regulations from different agencies. A failure to adhere to these regulations can be devastating. You want to ensure that your lawyer has enough experience to fully understand all relevant laws and regulations.
• A professional investigation is incredibly important: With all of this in mind, you can see how important a thorough, professional timely investigation into the nature of the accident really is. Our lawyers know how to analyze an accident and work with experts to determine its true cause.

Read What Our Clients Have To Say

“I lost my son due to a tragic logging truck accident in June of 2020. Not knowing what to do or where to go with no glimpse of hope in site, I met Mr. Chance through another attorney that had begin working on my case… Mr. Chance related to my case and I felt at ease with with the assertive actions he took to insure the other side had no room to condemn. I promise you that with Mr. Chance and his team by your side they will give you the same reassurances and resolutions they gave me.” — Doctor J.

CONTACT OUR TRUCKING ACCIDENT LAWYERS TODAY

Accidents involving large commercial trucks are often devastating. The injuries suffered are often catastrophic. Our Atlanta truck accident attorneys know what you’re going through, and will work tirelessly on your behalf to get you the justice you deserve.

While liability may seem obvious in some of those circumstances, it is often quite complex. Drivers often operate their vehicles while fatigued in an effort to meet unrealistic schedules set by their employers. That also explains why they drive under the influence and behave recklessly on the road.

These accidents have devastating consequences for their victims. Traumatic brain injuries are tragically common results of wrecks involving large commercial trucks. But regardless of your specific injury, the ensuing medical expenses are usually substantial.

Read more about trucking accidents in Atlanta in our blog

Our firm’s truck accident lawyers will bring their unique experience and expertise to your accident. We will also bring a passionate commitment to the cause of justice that has been proven time and time again in the courtroom and the negotiating room.

DO YOU HAVE A CASE?

If you’ve been hurt in an Atlanta, Savannah, or Macon, Georgia-area trucking accident, you should speak to our lawyers as soon as possible. Please contact Chance, Forlines, Carter & King, PC for a free consultation. Call us today at 404-760-7400.

We maintain two offices in Atlanta and one office in Augusta. We serve Columbus, Savannah, Decatur, Lawrenceville, Jonesboro, and all surrounding areas of Georgia.