Countless semi-truck accidents cross through Atlanta every day. Large trucks are crucial for the economy, transporting goods across thousands of miles. However, semi-trucks can also be dangerous if the driver isn’t careful. If you or a loved one was the victim of a truck accident, talk to an Atlanta semi-truck accident lawyer today.
Our truck accident lawyers have been helping truck accident victims for over 20 years. We help families seek the compensation they deserve after a crash. With expertise not just in trucking accidents but also a renowned reputation as an Atlanta personal injury attorney, we ensure comprehensive representation for all injury-related cases. We also never charge a fee unless we win for you.
Contact us today for a FREE, no-risk consultation. Call (404) 341-6555, or contact us online.
What to Know About Semi-Trucks in Atlanta
Semi-trucks have many different names, including tractor-trailers, big rigs, or 18-wheelers. Some of these large trucks can carry up to 80,000 pounds of cargo across county lines.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA):
- There were almost 12.5 million large commercial trucks and buses on the roads in 2016.
- That same year, these commercial vehicles tracked over 300 billion miles across the United States.
If a semi-truck gets into an accident, the damage can be catastrophic. Truck drivers must be careful to drive safely and take regular breaks during their shifts. If they don’t, they could be liable for the costs of a crash.
Unfortunately, semi-truck accidents are often deadly. If someone isn’t killed in an accident, they could suffer life-changing or disabling injuries. However, an Atlanta truck accident attorney can help you pursue compensation for all your medical expenses.
Why Semi-Truck Accidents Happen
Semi-truck accidents can occur for many reasons. Here are some of the most common causes we encounter.
No-Zone Accidents
Large trucks have significant blind spots. If a car travels in the truck’s “no zone” for too long, accidents can happen. A truck driver might try to merge without seeing the vehicle, leading to a collision.
Truck Driver Fatigue
Trucking companies must follow specific standards for their drivers. Truck drivers are supposed to take regular breaks and not work overtime without approval. However, truckers will sometimes cut corners to meet strict deadlines.
Even on a regular workday, driving thousands of miles can cause fatigue. If a driver isn’t careful, they can make careless mistakes or fall asleep at the wheel. Driver fatigue is a huge problem when it comes to semi-truck accidents.
Driving while fatigued is similar to driving under the influence. A tired driver has impaired reaction times, and they are not fit to make driving-related decisions. If you suspect the trucker in your accident was tired, talk to an Atlanta semi-truck accident lawyer.
Improperly-Loaded Cargo
Truck drivers and loading companies must ensure cargo stays safely on each truck. If someone fails to load the contents properly, it can cause a severe accident.
Cargo might spill from the truck or cause the vehicle to roll over. Any driver nearby could become instant victims of someone else’s negligence.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
Some semi-truck drivers will use substances to handle the stress of their jobs. Too many truck accidents result from drugged or drunk driving.
Speeding
Driving above the speed limit is the wrong decision for any driver. But when a trucker speeds, the risk is exceptionally high.
A speeding truck takes much longer to stop if the driver encounters a hazard. If the trucker slams on the brakes too fast, it can cause jackknifing, rollovers, or other terrible crashes.
Poor Truck Maintenance
Truckers and their employers must ensure large trucks stay well-maintained. If someone fails to uphold regular maintenance, it can lead to an accident. Issues with the truck’s tires, brakes, steering, engine, and more can be deadly.
Manufacturing Defects
Some truck accidents also happen because of manufacturing errors. If so, the manufacturing company could be at fault for the crash.
After your semi-truck accident, you’ll need to determine who was at fault. Sometimes, more than one party is partially at fault. It’s best to contact a semi-truck accident lawyer who can help you investigate.
To schedule a FREE consultation with an Atlanta lawyer, give us a call today. Our semi-truck accident lawyers have over 20 years of experience. We are not afraid to fight for what you deserve. Call us at (404) 341-6555 or contact us online for a FREE consultation.
Truck Accidents vs. Other Auto Accidents
Although any accident can be awful, truck accidents stand out in many ways. Since trucks are much larger and heavier, they tend to produce worse injuries. A semi-truck accident claim is often more severe than a car accident claim.
Truck accidents are often more complicated, too. Most car accidents involve one at-fault driver and one insurance company. But semi-truck accidents can have several at-fault parties. You might need to file several injury claims to get the compensation you deserve.
Dealing with one insurance company is hard enough. If you have to juggle two or more insurers, it can be overwhelming. Get an experienced semi-truck accident lawyer on your side to protect your rights.
How to Recover Your Semi-Truck Accident Damages
If you were the victim of a semi-truck accident, you could have damages like:
- Medical bills
- Prescription medications
- Lost wages
- Disabilities
- Vehicle damage
- Pain and suffering
If you were not at fault, you shouldn’t have to pay for your damages. You can seek compensation through a personal injury claim. You’ll file this claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company.
Before filing your claim, it’s best to wait until your injuries have fully healed. You’ll also need to compile evidence of your costs and determine your damages. A lawyer can help calculate your losses so that you know what settlement you deserve.
Talk to an Atlanta Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer for Free Today
Semi-truck accidents can affect a victim’s entire life. Sadly, an accident can also take someone’s life. If you or a loved one were the victims of a truck accident, you have rights. Our truck accident lawyers are here to fight for those rights.
Our semi-truck accident lawyers have over 20 years of experience. We know what it takes to build a robust and successful injury claim. If the insurer doesn’t cooperate, we’re not afraid to take your case to trial.
Contact us today for a FREE, no-risk consultation. We do not charge a fee unless we win your case. Call (404) 341-6555, or contact us online.
