How will a lawyer help me after a truck accident?

By making sure you get the most compensation for your injuries and other losses. We know that the aftermath of a truck crash can be overwhelming for the victims.

What is the Process For A Truck Accident Claim?

Depending on the details of the accident it can vary, but you should expect the following to happen.

How long does a truck accident lawsuit take?

It depends on the settlement amount offered by the insurer and how much of a fight the insurer puts up. If the insurer wants to fight your claims, it could be a year or more before the case even goes to trial.

Why Are Truck Accidents More Complicated Than Car Accidents?

One of the main reasons is because victims can suffer more severe injuries. This means longer and more expensive medical treatment. Those expenses are added to the compensation that the injured victim receives.

Atlanta Truck Accident Lawyer | Spaulding Injury Law

Last Updated on March 10, 2021 by Theodore Spaulding

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 personal injury 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 a 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

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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 a 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.

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.

Truck Accident Lawyer in Atlanta