Truck Accident Lawyer Decatur, GA

If you ask a Decatur, GA truck accident lawyer about a collision in which you suffered injuries, they will likely tell you that a successful claim hinges on determining liability. In a typical truck accident, there are many factors that can complicate the process of proving fault. Very often success is dependent on working with an experienced truck accident lawyer Decatur motorists trust. The Law Offices Of Andrew Lynch is such an attorney. When working with clients who were injured in a truck accident, he knows how to quickly discern who was at fault, and who should be held responsible. He offers victims a brief, no-cost case review. This is an opportunity to learn more about whether or not he feels you have a valid claim and who might be held responsible for paying your accident-related damages.

Why You Need a Decatur Truck Accident Lawyer

Busy highways are typical in Decatur, and teeming with large commercial trucks and tractor-trailers. With an increase in the number of large trucks operating on busy roadways comes a greater possibility of severe or life-threatening motor vehicle accidents. Unfortunately, truck drivers have deliveries and deadlines, and often have a financial incentive to drive fast. However, when truck or tractor-trailer drivers operate their vehicles carelessly or recklessly, they can trigger serious accidents, which in turn lead to extensive injuries and damages.

You May Need to File a Lawsuit

If you or a loved one has an injury due to a truck accident, you may be able to recover monetary compensation. The first step is to file a claim against the trucking company. If their insurance company refuses to offer a sufficient settlement amount for your injury claim, you may need to file a lawsuit against both the negligent driver and trucking company. The attorneys and legal professionals at The Law Offices Of Andrew Lynch have fought trucking companies and their insurance companies for years and we can advocate for you to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. For a consultation with a Decatur truck accident lawyer, call our firm today.

How Truck Drivers Could Be Negligent

Careless truck drivers put everyone else on the road at risk. Some of the common ways in which truck drivers are negligent include:

Breaking the law. Truck drivers may violate traffic laws by exceeding the posted speed limits, running red lights, or failing to yield the right-of-way at the appropriate times.

Distracted driving. Truck drivers often drive for hours on end, alone in their vehicle. As a consequence, they might make phone calls or text while driving. Distracted driving turns a driver’s attention away from the roadway, and that can be a recipe for disaster.

Driving while intoxicated. Truck or tractor-trailer drivers cannot lawfully operate their vehicles under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Alcohol or drug use can significantly impair a truck driver’s mental state and reaction time. In addition to consulting a Decatur truck accident lawyer about a lawsuit, if driving under the influence is a factor, criminal charges might be filed against the driver.

Cutting curves too sharply. Trucks and tractor-trailers typically need extra room to negotiate sharp turns and corners. Accidents can result when truck operators fail to follow the roadway markings or miscalculate a turning radius.

Fatigue. Many hours behind the wheel can lead to fatigue. Truck operators can also fall victim to “highway hypnosis” and may fall asleep at the wheel.

Abrupt lane changes. Large trucks have numerous blind spots and limited visibility. When truck operators try to change lanes too quickly, they can cause accidents.

Failing to assess road and weather conditions. When truck drivers fail to acknowledge road and weather-related hazards while operating their vehicles, they can significantly increase the chances of colliding with another motor vehicle.

Disobeying the state and federal motor carrier regulations. State and federal motor carrier regulations are in place to keep drivers safe and to keep unsafe vehicles off the road. If a driver violates these regulations, dangerous accidents can occur.

It is difficult to know what the cause of an accident is without investigating all of the details and mitigating factors.This is why it is so important to retain a Decatur truck accident lawyer as soon as possible.

If you have been involved in a truck or tractor-trailer accident, schedule a consultation with a Decatur truck accident lawyer from The Law Offices Of Andrew Lynch. Our team of lawyers and legal professionals are ready to answer your questions and help you to understand your options.

Decatur Truck Accident Infographic

How Truck Drivers Could Be Negligent Infographic

 

The Damage That Truck Accidents Can Cause

Consulting with a Decatur truck accident lawyer may reveal just how common trucking accidents are in this country. In fact, in the last 20 years the occurrence of truck accidents has increased by about 20 percent. This results in thousands of deaths and even more injuries every year. While truck accidents only account for a small percentage of all motor vehicle accidents that cause injuries, the size and weight of the average truck can result in more devastation.

In addition to getting medical treatment immediately, it’s important to start the process of getting reimbursement right away. Filing a claim or lawsuit can be a time and energy consuming process. A skilled lawyer such as The Law Offices Of Andrew Lynch will work to get you the maximum amount of compensation as quickly as possible. This can enable you to get the treatment you need without having to pay for it.

Truck Accidents and Liability

When you speak with a Decatur truck accident lawyer about your case, you may find that there are several potential parties who might be held responsible for your injuries. Every case is different, but some might include:

  • The truck driver.
  • The truck owner.
  • The company or person who leased the truck from its owner.
  • The manufacturer of the vehicle, the tires, or any other parts whose malfunctioning may have led to the accident.
  • Anyone responsible for the cargo, especially if improper loading led to the accident.
  • Learn more about Truck Accident Claims and Lawsuits

A skilled Decatur truck accident lawyer from our firm can build a case on your behalf against every party who contributed to causing your injury. This may include revisiting the accident scene and examining all related evidence. The Law Offices Of Andrew Lynch can determine who should pay for your damages, including medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost income or wages.

Unsafe Truck Driving Behaviors

Truck drivers are held to a higher standard of driving, due to being responsible for controlling a vehicle that can weigh 80,000 pounds when at full cargo capacity. Unsafe truck driver habits can put other vehicle drivers at a high risk for a wide range of mental, physical, and emotional injuries if an accident occurs. If a truck driver commits a violation of safety protocols, this should not go unreported. Truck drivers must take breaks after the maximum driving hours are reached, be certified in operating commercial vehicles, never drive impaired, and perform regular maintenance. If a truck driver fails to abide by these rules and causes an accident, a Decatur truck accident lawyer might advise filing a lawsuit.

How are truck drivers supposed to prevent falling asleep at the wheel?

Truck drivers are required to rest after driving a maximum amount of hours. Breaks can help prevent fatigue or falling asleep at the wheel. Many drivers feel pressure to meet deadlines, and may skip a rest or two. Since their supervisors are probably not riding in the truck along with them, there is nobody to enforce the break requirement. To hide a violation of this safety protocol, a truck driver may record a false entry into their log book when having driven more hours at one time than they should have.

What kinds of certification does a truck driver need?

Truck drivers in Decatur must pass a series of tests including drug testing, a medical exam and obtain legitimate certification. If a driver is suspected to not have the qualifications to drive a commercial truck, he or she should be reported immediately. A driver lacking skills can be a serious threat to others when carrying heavy and potentially hazardous cargo, as any truck accident lawyer in Decatur likely knows.

What happens if a truck driver drives while under the influence?

Unfortunately, some truck drivers operate a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol. In an effort to not fall asleep during the long hours, a driver may appeal to the idea of using illegal stimulants in order to stay alert. Those who are caught with drugs in their system while driving can face large fines and will likely have their commercial truck license revoked.

Are truck drivers responsible for regular upkeep of the truck?

The driver must seek regular maintenance and only use properly working equipment. The trucking company is also responsible for performing regular truck checkups and fixing any parts that need repairing. By driving a truck with imperfections or engine flaws, it will not only endanger the driver, but is also putting everyone else on the road in danger of harm. If a malfunctioning part leads to an accident, injured victims may want to speak with a Decatur truck accident lawyer about which parties could be held liable.

What should I do if I see a truck driver behaving unsafely?

If you see a truck driver swerving, appearing unstable, or not driving safely in any other way, call 9-1-1 and report the incident right away. Try to take down the license number if you can and get as far from the truck as possible so you are not in danger. Many trucks may have a sticker on the back of the trailer that lists a number to call to report driver recklessness. When witnessing a risky truck on the road, call authorities so the driver can be stopped before causing a serious and potentially fatal collision.

Contact Our Decatur Truck Accident Lawyer Who Can Help

When it comes to injury and accident claims, it’s important to work with an experienced legal representative. Your attorney should come prepared not just with the experience to help ensure you get the compensation you deserve, but also with genuine concern. For an attorney with these qualities, consider working with The Law Offices Of Andrew Lynch To schedule a free consultation with a Decatur truck accident lawyer whose results speak for themselves, call him today.