Truck Accident Attorney in Atlanta, Georgia
At The Cochran Firm Atlanta, we fully represent all victims of truck accidents in Georgia, including those involving 18-wheelers, semi trucks, big trucks, and tractor-trailers. Since getting monetary compensation for injuries sustained from an accident involving a commercial vehicle like a truck or 18-wheeler can be more complicated than from a private motorist, it is imperative that you consult with a truck accident attorney after the accident. Georgia accounts for an average of 200 fatal truck accidents every year, and 50% of trucking accidents in Georgia involve out-of-state carriers.
Complexities of Truck Accident Litigation in Georgia
Truck accident cases can be more complicated than a standard auto accident because employees drive trucks, not individual motorists. This case, not only involves the person operating the vehicle but also the commercial employer of the driver. There is also the possibility of third-party responsibility.
Filing a truck accident claim in Georgia requires following specific steps to ensure proper compensation. First, prioritize your health by seeking medical attention as recommended by paramedics. This not only supports your recovery but also provides crucial documentation for your case.
After receiving medical care, consult with an Atlanta attorney before discussing the incident with insurance representatives. Insurance adjusters often aim to minimize payouts, so having legal guidance early on helps protect your rights and improves your chances of securing a fair settlement.
Tractor-trailers are an important way to transport products in Georgia. However, truck drivers often drive for long hours, become sleep deprived, and contribute to accidents by driving too fast, among other things. As a result, a truck driver's mistake can cause the most dangerous trucking accidents, and many victims are seriously injured.
Common Types of Truck Accidents in Atlanta, Georgia
Truck accidents in Atlanta, Georgia, come in various forms, often presenting risks that differ from typical car collisions. Here are some of the most frequent types:
Jackknife Accidents
A jackknife accident occurs when a truck’s trailer swings outward, forming a sharp angle with the cab. This loss of control can block multiple lanes, creating serious hazards for other drivers.
Rollover Accidents
Because of their high center of gravity, trucks are especially vulnerable to rollovers, particularly when making sharp turns or sudden maneuvers. These crashes can be devastating and often involve multiple vehicles.
Underride Collisions
Among the most dangerous types of truck accidents, underride collisions happen when a smaller vehicle slides beneath a truck’s rear or side. Due to the height difference, these crashes can cause severe, often fatal injuries.
Cargo-Related Accidents
Improperly loaded or unsecured cargo can shift during transit through Atlanta, leading to accidents. Cargo that spills onto the roadway can also create additional hazards, causing chain-reaction crashes.
Rear-End Collisions
Given their size and weight, trucks require significantly more time to stop. If a truck follows too closely or brakes suddenly, it can slam into the vehicle ahead, often resulting in severe damage and injuries.
By understanding these common truck accident types, drivers can stay more vigilant and take precautions when sharing the road with large trucks in Atlanta, Georgia.
Truck Driver Safety Obligations in Georgia
Truck drivers in Georgia must follow strict safety regulations designed to protect all road users. These requirements are set by both state laws and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
Key Safety Responsibilities
Compliance with Traffic and Safety Laws
Truck drivers in Georgia must obey local traffic rules and federal safety regulations, including limits on driving hours to prevent fatigue. However, violations—such as exceeding permitted driving hours—can increase accident risks.
Vehicle Inspections and Maintenance
Routine inspections of critical components like brakes, steering, and tires are required to keep trucks roadworthy. Drivers must also ensure cargo is properly secured to prevent dangerous shifting during transit.
Licensing and Health Requirements
A valid commercial driver’s license (CDL) is mandatory, confirming that drivers have undergone the necessary training. Additionally, they must meet medical fitness standards to ensure they can safely operate large vehicles.
Liability Insurance Coverage
Truck drivers and trucking companies must carry liability insurance that meets federal minimum coverage requirements. This insurance helps protect all parties in the event of an accident.
By following these safety obligations, truck drivers can help prevent accidents and create a safer driving environment. Failure to comply with these responsibilities may indicate negligence, which can be a critical factor in legal cases.
What Types of Damages Can Be Recovered After a Truck Accident in Atlanta, Georgia?
A truck accident can have devastating consequences, both physically and financially. Knowing what damages you may be entitled to can help ease the burden and support your recovery.
Types of Recoverable Damages in Atlanta, Georgia
Pain and Suffering
Truck accidents can result in both physical injuries and emotional distress. Compensation for pain and suffering helps address the mental and physical toll of the accident.
Medical Expenses
You can seek reimbursement for past, present, and future medical costs related to the accident, ensuring you receive the necessary care without financial hardship.
Lost Wages and Future Earnings
If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be eligible for compensation to cover lost income and diminished earning capacity.
Funeral and Burial Costs
In cases of wrongful death, the victim’s family may recover expenses related to funeral and burial services, providing financial relief during an already difficult time.
Understanding these recoverable damages can help truck accident victims and their families navigate the legal process and secure the financial support they need.
Do I have a valid trucking accident case under Georgia laws?
You might have a case if you were injured in an accident with a big truck, a semi-truck, a tractor-trailer, or an 18-wheeler. In Georgia, truck accident cases have a two-year statute of limitations. However, it is best to consult an experienced attorney right away in order to not lose any fighting chance to get proper compensation.
Challenges in Getting Compensation for a Truck Accident in Atlanta, Georgia
The trucking and insurance companies will try to settle your case in the least expensive way, regardless of the extent of your injuries, which could require consistent medical attention, as well as a loss of wages if you are unable to work.
You also need to understand the steps the truck driver should have taken to prevent the tragedy from taking place. By understanding the extent of the driver's negligence, you will be able to determine the strength of your case.
Solutions The Cochran Firm Atlanta Offers to Truck Accident Victims
In hopes of avoiding financial responsibility for future medical expenses and lost wages, many insurance companies try to reach a quick settlement with an injured person, so it is imperative to never settle without first speaking with a reliable Atlanta lawyer!
First Step to Resolving Your Truck Accident Litigation Questions in Georgia
Don't be trapped into a quick settlement with a trucking or insurance company. Contact The Cochran Firm Atlanta today if you would like to speak with someone about your case, free of charge and without obligation.
Want to file an Injury & accident claim? Contact our Accident Lawyers, who have expertise in Auto Accident, Car Accident, Brain Injury, Personal Injury, Premises Liability, Truck Accident, Police Misconduct, and other areas of practice. Call The Cochran Firm Atlanta toll-free at (404) 222-9922, or send us your queries using this inquiry form.