Georgia Truck Wreck Lawyer
If you have been injured or experienced property damage due to a commercial truck accident, our Georgia truck wreck lawyer is prepared to fight for you. At The Law Offices Of Andrew Lynch, we work hard to protect your rights and pursue the financial compensation you deserve.
Trucking accidents commonly result in egregious damages and unwarranted emotional distress for the victims involved. These cases often involve more than one at-fault party. Things get complex rather quickly, but working with our firm means you are hiring an attorney that you can trust. Rest assured that you are in good hands, and we will build a solid case on your behalf. Contact our Georgia law firm today to request your free case evaluation and learn how our experienced attorney can help you move forward.
Understanding the Role of a Georgia Trucking Wreck Lawyer
When you’re on the road, you expect to reach your destination safely. However, accidents happen, and when they involve large commercial trucks, the results can be catastrophic. Given the weight and size of these trucks, accidents can cause significant damage, severe injuries, and, in unfortunate circumstances, even death. For victims and their families, the aftermath is often a whirlwind of pain, confusion, and frustration. Our Georgia trucking wreck lawyer can help.
The Complexity of Trucking Accidents
Unlike regular car accidents, trucking wrecks involve a myriad of complexities. There are federal and state regulations governing the trucking industry, and understanding these laws is essential in building a strong case. Moreover, there are multiple parties that might be held accountable – from the truck driver and the company they work for, to the manufacturer of the truck or its parts. Identifying negligence and accountability requires deep insights into the industry.
Why Choose a Specialized Attorney
It’s essential to understand that not every attorney is equipped to handle the nuances of trucking accidents. The Law Offices Of Andrew Lynch offers a specialized service in this domain, ensuring you have the expertise required to navigate the complexities of your case.
A Georgia trucking wreck lawyer from our firm understands the specific regulations governing the trucking industry. They are familiar with the common reasons for trucking accidents, from driver fatigue and distracted driving to equipment malfunction and poor maintenance. Armed with this knowledge, our attorneys can dissect the cause of the accident, identify responsible parties, and work diligently to ensure you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
Building a Robust Case
Evidence collection is vital in trucking accident cases. From securing the truck’s black box, which records data about the truck’s operation, to gathering witness statements and expert testimonies, a specialized lawyer knows what to look for. They collaborate with accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and industry insiders to create a robust argument that accurately represents the victim’s side of the story.
It’s also worth noting that trucking companies often have powerful legal teams on their side, ready to reduce or deny claims. Going up against them can be daunting for anyone unfamiliar with the intricacies of the trucking world. This is where having a Georgia trucking wreck lawyer on your side becomes invaluable. They bring the weight of their experience and expertise, leveling the playing field and ensuring your rights are protected.
Your Path to Recovery and Justice
Recovery from a trucking accident is not just about physical healing. The emotional and financial repercussions can be equally challenging. Securing fair compensation is crucial to address medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering. While no amount of money can turn back time, it can offer some solace and facilitate a smoother path to recovery.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a trucking accident, don’t leave your fate in the hands of just any attorney. Choose a Georgia trucking wreck lawyer who understands the landscape and is committed to your best interests. Reach out to us today, and let us guide you through this challenging journey, ensuring you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.
Why Do Truck Accidents Happen?
Big vehicles such as commercial trucks or tractor-trailers can cause immense damage to passenger cars simply because of their hefty weight and size. Many truck accidents happen because of recklessness or negligence committed on behalf of the trucker, trucking company, or part manufacturer. Before pursuing compensation from who you suspect is at fault, it’s important to have your lawyer confirm who should be listed in your lawsuit.
Examples of when a truck driver or other party may be responsible for a truck accident include:
- Distracted or fatigued driving.
- Failing to adjust to changing road conditions or weather.
- Failing to properly train workers before operating a truck.
- Speeding or reckless driving.
- Driving while under influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
- Failing to enforce break and rest periods for drivers.
- Failing to perform routine maintenance on the truck.
- Failing to properly test parts for defects.
- Failing to replace old or broken vehicle parts.
Accidents involving a truck are often at the fault of truck drivers themselves. It can pay off to use defensive strategies in general when driving but paying particular attention to the dangers that these trucks pose. Always keep your eyes on the road, abide by posted speed limits, and give trucks plenty of space when needed.
However, a person cannot completely prevent a truck accident from happening, so in the event that it does, certain steps must be taken. Get medical attention, call 911, gather evidence, and speak with our Georgia trucking accident lawyer about whether your case necessitates legal action. We can evaluate the situation and let you know what your options are for seeking justice.
Things To Consider
Given their size and the potential for serious damage in an accident, the Peach State has set stringent regulations and laws pertaining to trucking operations. For victims involved in a truck wreck, understanding the following laws can be helpful in your quest of securing rightful compensation.
Georgia’s Trucking Regulations
Federal and state regulations govern the trucking industry. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets national regulations that every trucker and trucking company must follow. These regulations cover various aspects of trucking, from the number of hours a driver can be on the road to truck maintenance and equipment standards. However, Georgia has its own set of regulations that complement federal rules. These laws touch on specifics like weight restrictions on certain roadways and licensing requirements for commercial drivers. One significant Georgia-specific rule is the requirement for commercial trucks to carry higher amounts of insurance coverage than regular vehicles, given the potential for more significant damage in the event of a collision.
Liability And Negligence
In the aftermath of a truck wreck, the concept of liability becomes paramount. Georgia follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule. What this means is, if a victim is found to be partially at fault for the accident, their compensation may be reduced in proportion to their fault. However, if they are found to be 50% or more at fault, they might not be eligible for any compensation at all. A skilled Atlanta truck wreck lawyer can determine the degree of fault and whether compensation can be recovered. They can help decipher the complexities of liability, ensuring that victims understand their rights and the potential pitfalls in their claims.
Evidence In Truck Wrecks
A key advantage of having a lawyer is that they can gather a large amount of evidence. Modern commercial trucks are equipped with electronic logging devices (ELDs) which record data about the truck’s operations, such as speed, brake usage, and hours on the road. This information can be invaluable in proving negligence on the part of the truck driver or trucking company. Georgia law mandates that trucking companies retain certain records for a specified period. These can include driver training records, maintenance logs, and previous accident records. A proficient Georgia + truck wreck lawyer would be skilled in procuring and analyzing this evidence to build a compelling case.
Get The Compensation You Deserve
In Georgia, there is no cap on the payout for damages involving pain and suffering in a truck wreck case. Trucking accidents often result in exceptional property damage, extreme injuries, and even loss of life. This means you are entitled to full financial compensation for any injuries and damages incurred at the hands of a commercial trucking company. Oftentimes, the big insurance firms protecting these commercial trucking companies work to minimize the payout for victims involved in a truck wreck. These organizations work to execute well-formulated strategies to ensure the most minimal compensation for those harmed. At The Law Offices Of Andrew Lynch, we are well-versed in these tactics and will protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.
We can help determine if you are may be eligible for compensation for the following:
- Vehicle Damages
- Medical Expenses (including emergency room bills and procedures)
- Loss of Income
- Disability Claims
- Extenuating Circumstances (including loss of limb and disfigurement)
- Pain and Suffering
- Wrongful Death
Georgia Truck Wreck Law Infographic
Truck Wreck Statistics
Truck driver errors are a significant factor in large truck accidents. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Large Truck Crash Causation Study found that driver-related factors contributed to 87 percent of large truck crashes.
One study found that out of 5,700 crashes, approximately 4,950 were caused by truck drivers.
If you have been injured in a truck accident, call our Georgia truck accident attorney to find out what legal options you may have.
FAQs
What Should I Do If I’ve Been Involved In A Truck Accident?
This is one of the most frequent questions, but you might be surprised to know you already know the answer. If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, treat it like a regular car accident – but be ready to take down as much information as possible.
Yes, a truck accident is scary and involves a big rig, but at the end of the day, you go through pretty much the same motions as a “regular” car accident. Stay calm, call emergency services, and make sure you’re in a safe space before getting out to assess the damage. If anyone has been injured, you’ll need to make sure they get medical attention as soon as possible.
The main difference between truck accidents and car accidents usually has to do with the aftermath. While you’re documenting the accident and taking photos of everything, you might notice that the truck is either an independently contracted vehicle, or part of a corporate fleet. This is where things start getting a little different.
Who Pays My Damages?
When it comes to any kind of vehicle accident, people always wonder “Who’s going to pay for this?” In a truck wreck, it really depends on whether the truck is part of a fleet, or operated by an independent contractor.
If you were involved in a truck accident with a truck that was part of a corporate fleet, the corporation’s insurance will step in. But if the truck operator was an independent contractor, they’ll have their own insurance policy that should reimburse you if the truck operator was deemed at-fault. However, it’s important to remember that not all insurance providers are quick to release your much-needed funds.
How Can A Truck Wreck Lawyer Help Me?
A truck wreck can cause serious injury, and you can’t always rely on insurance providers to release your money in a timely fashion. Many insurance providers actually make more money by sitting on your money and letting it generate interest, so it’s not always in their best interest to give you your money when you need it most.
And of course, if you were seriously injured in a truck wreck, you’ll be dealing with expensive bills on top of your already-mounting financial obligations. It’s a perfect storm of money and bills, but our Georgia truck wreck lawyer can help you get the money you need from all the responsible parties. Our truck accident attorney can also walk you through any further questions you might have about how to handle the aftermath of your accident.
What Is A Police Report?
When you are in an accident, you are required to report the crash to the police. In most cases, an officer will arrive at the scene of the accident to investigate. The officer will write his or her report from an unbiased, “just the facts” perspective. The report will include the time and location the crash occurred, what kind of injuries victims suffered, damage to vehicles and/or surrounding property, statements from the drivers’ accounts of what occurred, weather and environmental conditions that may have affected the situation, and witness identification and statements.
Your lawyer can use any and all information in the police report to prove the truck driver and/or the trucking company is liable for the accident since the officer will also include their professional opinion as to why and how the accident happened. If the report cites the other driver as the liable party, this statement will hinder any attempt by the trucking company’s insurance company to try to blame you for the crash in order to avoid paying your damages.
How Is Fault Determined In A Truck Accident Case?
Eyewitness testimony and an investigation of the accident scene can help determine who was at-fault in a truck accident. For example, if it’s discovered that the truck driver who caused the accident was driving too many consecutive hours, the driver and trucking company may be held liable.
What Is the Deadline For Filing A Truck Accident Claim?
Personal injury claims, including truck accident claims, must adhere to filing deadlines. In Georgia, the statute of limitations to file a truck accident claim is two years from the date of the accident. If you don’t file your claim within that time period, you will no longer be eligible to receive compensation.
What Counts As A Commercial Truck?
There are numerous vehicles that qualify as commercial trucks. The determining criteria generally considers the weight of the vehicle, with the gross vehicle weight ranking at 26,000 pounds or greater. Tracker trailers typically weigh in at 70,000 to 80,000 pounds, exponentially larger than the average sedan, at 3,000-4,000 pounds. The following vehicles are all considered to be trucks in the state of Georgia:
- Delivery truck
- 18-wheeler
- Tractor trailer
- Box truck
- Dump truck
- Oil/gas truck
- Big rig
- Semi-trailer
- Tow truck
- Commercial truck
- Refrigerated truck
The Law Offices Of Andrew Lynch, Georgia Truck Wreck Lawyer
125 Clairemont Avenue, Suite 470 Decatur, GA 30030
Contact Our Law Firm Today
We know how frustrating and frightening a truck wreck can be – but we also know that you’ll need all the help you can get to put your life back together. A truck wreck doesn’t need to be a major headache. Contact us today, and discover the difference we can make in your case. If you have been in a car accident, contact our Georgia truck wreck lawyer at The Law Offices of Andrew Lynch. Call our office to schedule a free and confidential case evaluation and find out how our legal team can help ensure your rights are protected and you get the financial compensation you deserve.
