Atlanta Truck Accident Lawyers
When you’ve been involved in an accident with a semi-trailer truck, you need to know your case is in the best possible hands. Commercial truck and tractor-trailer truck accidents can be far more devastating and complicated than regular car accidents. That’s why they should only be handled by a law firm with years of experience and a record of success handling this specific case type. The Atlanta truck accident lawyers at Spaulding Injury Law have represented truck crash victims throughout Atlanta and all of Fulton County. We have the resources to see truck crash cases through to their resolution. Contact us now for a free consultation.
What is a truck accident?
A truck accident is when someone is driving a semi-truck, 18-wheeler, or a similar commercial truck and gets into an accident with another vehicle. The majority of these cases happen between trucks and pedestrian vehicles. They are also referred to as a motor vehicle accident (MVA) or traffic collision. While the vast majority of truck wrecks are related to distracted driving, there are many different types of truck accidents.
The Different Types of Truck Accidents.
There are many types of collisions that can occur between a truck and another vehicle. These collisions can be defined as
- Head-on collisions
- Rear-end collisions
- Broadside collisions
- Centerline crossover collisions
- Bump collisions
- Lane change collisions
- Jack-knifed tractor-trailers
- Loss of control of a vehicle
- Loss of truck control by a truck driver
- Hit and run truck accident
The Leading Causes of Truck Accidents.
The leading cause of truck accidents is distracted drivers. While distracted driving may be the leading cause, other causes include:
- Inattentiveness behind the wheel
- Failure to observe other vehicles, traffic signals, or conditions
- Driver fatigue
- Driving under the influence
- Speeding
- Scheduling pressures
- Illegal maneuver on the road
- Unfamiliarity with the road or route
- Mechanical problems with the truck
- Shifting cargo
Schedule a Free Consultation
A free consultation is where we can get a complete understanding of your accident case and determine if you have a good case. We have the experience and expertise to handle commercial truck and tractor trailer accident cases. Your case and the details surrounding your accident will be evaluated by an experienced attorney, who will also answer any questions you may have about your case and how we can help. So call today or email us to schedule a free consultation.
The Complexity of a Truck Accident Case
Truck accidents are typically much more complex than car accidents for a number of reasons, including:
More parties involved
There are many parties involved in putting a truck on the road. This can make proving liability after a crash more complex. Determining liability in truck accidents depends on a number of factors, including who employed the truck driver and who owns the truck. Another factor is whether the truck driver was operating with a loaded trailer, an empty trailer, or without a trailer. In some truck accidents, the trailer owner may be liable. In other cases, the tractor owner may be liable. In some cases, they may share responsibility.
The parties who handle the cargo loading may also be found liable. If the truck accident is due to improperly loaded cargo or an improperly secured load, the loaders may have contributed to the crash. Maintenance and repair companies could also be at fault if the accident was caused by their failure to maintain the truck properly and on time.
Liable parties in truck accidents may include:
- Truck driver
- Trucking company
- Truck driver’s employer
- Semi-truck owner
- Truck retailer
- Semi-truck manufacturer
- Truck parts manufacturer
- Truck maintenance crew or mechanic
More complex investigations
Truck accident cases require more work than car accident claims to prove who may be held liable. This is because typically there are more parties to investigate and extensive records to examine, such as trucking company policies and records, training manuals, GPS data, and the truck driver’s history. A truck accident reconstruction expert may be needed to aid in the investigation.
More federal and state regulations
Truck drivers are subject to more federal and state rules, regulations, and laws than the typical motorist. For instance, truck drivers are only allowed a maximum number of hours each day behind the wheel. If a truck driver exceeds those hours, the likelihood of the driver being found liable for a truck accident increases. It is crucial to have an Atlanta truck accident lawyer on your side who has a deep knowledge of these complex regulations.
More severe injuries. The sheer size and weight of trucks present a substantial danger to other vehicles in their proximity. Trucks weigh up to 30 times more than cars and require significantly more distance to come to a complete stop. A truck impact often leads to more serious injuries than car-on-car crashes. In truck accidents, drivers and passengers may sustain severe injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Skull or spine fractures
- Paralysis
- Amputation
- Crush injuries
- Puncture wounds
- Third-degree burns
- Internal injuries
Compensation in a Truck Accident Case
The amount of compensation available in a truck accident case depends on the facts and circumstances of your particular situation. It is impossible to predict the types of damages you will be able to recover without a thorough investigation from an experienced attorney. In general, three main types of damages are available from courts in a truck accident case:
Economic Damages
When we review the specifics of your case, we’ll want you to include your current out-of-pocket expenses information. These might include:
- Current and past medical bills
- Physical therapy
- At-home nursing care
- Damage to your property
- Lost wages
Non-Economic
Non-economic damages are items that can not be assigned a dollar amount. Future medical expenses can be estimated based on what your doctor is predicting. Other non-economic damages include:
- Potential lost earning
- Pain and suffering
- Grief and emotional counseling
Punitive
Punitive damages are awarded on top of any other compensation you receive from the claim. Courts award these damages to make an exemplary case of a negligent driver or trucking company. If a truck driver or the trucking companies ignored the safety laws and regulations it is possible that they will pay punitive damages.
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Talk to a semi-trailer truck Accident Lawyer in Atlanta Now
If you have been injured in a truck accident that was not your fault, you deserve to seek compensation from the responsible parties. Don’t wait another day to begin the process. Contact Spaulding Injury Law today.
Schedule a no-cost consultation with our Atlanta truck accident attorneys. You’ll learn more about your legal rights and options – and your right to seek compensation.
