Any auto accident in Griffin may have serious or life-threatening consequences, but truck accidents can be especially extreme. Semi-trucks and 18-wheelers are enormous vehicles of incredible sizes and weights. If a truck driver makes a mistake on the road, the aftermath can be heartbreaking for everyone involved. If you or a loved one was hurt in this manner, it’s time to speak with a Griffin semi-truck and 18-wheeler accident lawyer.
In Georgia, you should not have to pay for injuries and other damages you didn’t cause. An experienced lawyer can help protect your rights and make sure you and your family are not left footing the bill. Help our semi-truck and 18-wheeler accident lawyers help, as we have assisted countless accidents victims over the last 20 years.
To schedule a FREE consultation and case evaluation with one of our legal professionals, call us at (404) 341-6555 or contact us online to get started. There is no risk to work with us because we don’t get paid unless we win you money. Call (404) 341-6555 today.
The Four Most Common Types of Truck and 18-Wheeler Accidents in Griffin
Since semi-trucks are so large, there are uniquely terrifying ways they can cause damage in an accident. Here are some of the most common types of semi-truck and 18-wheeler accidents we see.
1. Rollovers
Rollovers happen when the truck’s front wheels turn abruptly before the rest of the vehicle can follow, leading the entire truck to roll over. Any vehicle can experience a rollover in an accident, but they are more common in large trucks due to their high center of gravity.
A truck rollover might happen if the driver suddenly jerks their steering wheel, is driving too fast, loses control during poor road conditions, or when cargo has been improperly loaded or secured. No matter how the rollover happens, you might see how it can quickly turn deadly. The truck may fall onto or collide with other vehicles or pedestrians on the road—and once the rollover stops, there’s no way to stop it.
2. Jackknives
When the front and back of a semi-truck or 18-wheeler folds into an angle, it’s known as a jackknife. Jackknifing can happen when the truck skids on the road during bad road conditions, the driver brakes improperly, or when there is equipment failure. If the brakes fail, the driver might actually be forced to go into a jackknife in an attempt to stop the truck.
3. Squeeze Play
Squeeze play is a very serious situation between a semi-truck and another vehicle. Since these trucks are so big and long, they often need to swing the vehicle slightly to the left before making a right turn.
Swinging left before a right turn is actually a smart move because it reduces the chance of dangerous sharp turns. However, swinging left can make other drivers think the truck is turning left instead of right. The other driver might speed up and try to pass the truck on their right, causing them to get “squeezed” in between the truck trailer and the edge of the road as the truck turns right.
Squeeze play can leave the other driver with nowhere to go and no means of escape from what’s happening. It also doesn’t leave the truck driver with a lot of options, and it can result in very serious consequences.
4. Tire Blowouts
Trucking companies and their drivers are required to keep up with regular maintenance and repair schedules. They must also check their tires regularly. If this does not happen, a truck’s tire can burst and lose air quickly, which is known as a blowout.
Blowouts can also be caused by low tire thread, potholes, too-heavy cargo, or too much braking. Either way, a blowout can make it hard for the driver to maintain control of the vehicle. An accident can easily result.
Each of these types of truck accidents can lead those involved with serious or deadly injuries. Most of the time, they happen because the truck driver was being negligent in some way. In that case, if you were the other driver, you are likely entitled to compensation for your damages.
What to Know if You’ve Been Injured in a Griffin Truck Accident
After a truck accident happens in Griffin, there are steps you can (and should) take to protect your legal rights. If you are eligible for financial compensation, you will need to compile evidence of what happened and what you suffered. Here are some things to know about how to do that.
Your Well-being Is the Number One Priority
Truck accidents often lead to life-threatening injuries that require immediate medical attention. If that is the case, you should have someone call for an ambulance right away. Do not delay getting medical attention if your injuries are serious.
If you are well enough to stay at the scene to complete the steps mentioned below, it’s still vital that you see a doctor as soon as possible. If you wait too long, the other driver’s insurance company may use it as an excuse to deny your truck accident claim.
Your injuries can also change rapidly over time. You will want to account for any and all medical needs after the accident so you can seek compensation for them. The best way to do this is by documenting your injuries and seeing a doctor for treatment.
You Should Always Report the Accident
You will want to call the Griffin police department right away after a truck accident. In Georgia, you are legally required to do this if there are injuries or vehicle damage.
Sometimes, the other driver might try persuading you to handle the accident just between you two. In the case of truck accidents, the truck driver might be unconscious or in critical condition. If you are able to, call the police immediately (or ask someone else to do it at the scene) and tell them what happened.
It’s Best to Document Everything You Can
A Griffin semi-truck and 18-wheeler accident lawyer can help you gather evidence of the accident and your damages for your injury claim. However, there are ways you start compiling information right away—if you are well enough.
Many truck accidents leave victims with injuries so serious they must leave the scene for medical attention right away. If you or a loved one is well enough to remain at the scene, though, here are some things you can do to build your claim:
- Take pictures of all vehicle damage, your injuries, and the entire accident scene
- Talk to any witnesses and get their contact information
- Exchange driver license numbers and insurance information with the other driver
Talk to a Truck Accident Lawyer in Griffin
After a truck accident, you will likely need an experienced lawyer to help build your claim. The sooner you can reach out, the better.
Get a Free Consultation With a Griffin Semi-Truck and 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer Today
Our truck accident lawyers have over 20 years of experience working on truck accident cases. We know what it takes to win the compensation you deserve. Working with us is risk-free because we don’t take a fee unless we win your case—and the consultation is always FREE.
To get started with your FREE consultation, call us at (404) 341-6555 or contact us online today.
