Last Updated on November 15, 2020 by Theodore Spaulding
Trucks perform the important task of moving materials and goods through and around the Atlanta area. With so many trucks on the streets and roads of Atlanta, the risk of accidents is always present. Careless truck drivers can cause accidents, resulting in injuries for car occupants, motorcyclists and pedestrians.
When those accidents happen, injury victims deserve to be compensated for their medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
At Spaulding Injury Law, our Atlanta truck accident lawyers have recovered millions in compensation from the parties who injured our clients. Our legal team has been recognized for that work and success. Our lawyers have been named to the National Trial Lawyers Association’s Top 100 Trial Lawyers list as well as Expertise.com’s list of Best Car Accident Lawyers in Atlanta 2020. The lawyers on our legal team serve as charter members of the Distinguished Justice Advocates. That association recognizes the top one half of one percent of attorneys across the country.
If you have been injured in a truck accident through no fault of your own, contact Spaulding Injury Law today. Schedule a free case evaluation to discuss your case with our Atlanta truck accident lawyers. You’ll learn more about your rights and how you can secure the financial recovery you need.
Why Are Truck Accidents More Complicated Than Car Accidents?
Many people falsely assume that a truck accident is not very different from a typical car accident. However, truck accident cases often are more complicated. Here’s why:
- Victims suffer more severe injuries. Due to the size of commercial trucks, the occupants of smaller vehicles tend to suffer more serious injuries in a collision. This means longer and more expensive medical treatment. Those extra expenses must be accounted for in any compensation that the injured victim receives.
- More evidence. Truck accidents often involve evidence that isn’t part of car accidents. That evidence may include:
- The truck’s “black box” that records vehicle data
- The driver’s logs
- The truck’s maintenance records
- The load records
- More potentially liable parties. Car accidents usually involve car drivers only. In truck accidents, many more parties may have legal liability. Those parties include the trucking company, the freight company that loaded the truck or the truck’s manufacturer.
How Can an Atlanta Truck Accident Attorney Help with Your Case?
When you have been injured in a truck accident in Atlanta, you may wonder how a truck accident attorney can help you. A truck accident attorney looking after your rights and interests can give you the best possible chance at maximizing the compensation you receive.
Our Atlanta truck accident lawyers can help with your case by:
- Thoroughly investigating your accident, including securing records from the trucking companies, obtaining accident reports, and taking statements from eyewitnesses
- Reviewing the evidence in your case and working with experts to develop an effective and persuasive case
- Negotiating with the insurance company for a full and fair settlement
- Preparing your case to go to trial, if necessary
Contact Spaulding Injury Law today. You’ll learn how our lawyers can help you seek the financial recovery you need.
In Georgia, Who Can Be Held Liable for Truck Accidents?
Several parties may bear responsibility for a truck accident, for example:
- The truck driver can cause an accident if distracted, fatigued, intoxicated behind the wheel, or driving in a careless or reckless manner.
- The trucking company, which may be held vicariously liable for the truck driver’s negligence, or be directly responsible for negligent actions, such as failing to keep trucks properly maintained.
- The truck manufacturer, if the accident is caused by a design or manufacturing defect.
- The freight company, if improperly loaded cargo caused the accident.
Many parties may bear responsibility for your Atlanta truck accident. It is critical to work with an experienced truck accident attorney who can help identify those responsible for your injuries and losses.
Georgia Statute of Limitations on Truck Accident Lawsuits
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you have a limited period of time to file a lawsuit over your injuries and other damages. This period is called the statute of limitations.
- The statute of limitations for personal injuries is two years from the date of the accident.
- A lawsuit for property damage must be filed within four years from the date of your accident.
In certain circumstances, the court can pause or extend the statute of limitations. This is called “tolling.” For example, the statute of limitations is tolled until a minor injured in a truck accident turns 18 years old.
If you fail to file a lawsuit before the statute of limitations expires, the court can permanently dismiss your claim.
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