Semi-trucks and 18-wheelers are the largest automobiles on Stockbridge roads. When they crash with another vehicle, it can have severe and devastating effects on the accident victims. If you were injured or lost a loved one in a truck accident, it’s time to take action now. Contact a Stockbridge semi-truck and 18-wheeler accident lawyer who can walk you through your options.
Our lawyers have been helping truck accident victims win the money they need for more than 20 years. We approach each case with the utmost expertise and compassion for you and your family. Let us help you seek the compensation you need and deserve to recover from the accident—starting with a FREE consultation.
During the consultation, we’ll listen to the details of the accident and any questions you have. We can discuss your best options and how we can help. To get started with your FREE consultation, call us at 404-800-7053 or contact us online now.
Most Common Causes of Semi-Truck and 18-Wheeler Accidents in Stockbridge
Semi-trucks and 18-wheelers can easily create a hazard on Stockbridge roads. They’re enormous vehicles, and mismanagement of them can lead to catastrophic damage—especially if they’re fully loaded. Any auto accident can be fatal, but huge trucks are even worse during a collision that gets out of everyone’s control.
The most common cause of truck accidents is driver error. Truck drivers are often held to unrealistic standards while on the job. Even though they are legally supposed to be allowed breaks to pull over and sleep.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)’s Electronic Code of Federal Regulations, a truck driver should not drive:
- Without first having 10 consecutive hours off work
- During a consecutive 14-hour period without first having 10 consecutive hours off
- More than 11 hours during a 14-hour period
- Drive if there have been more than eight hours since the end of the driver took a sleeper-berth period of 30 minutes or more or since their last off-duty
These guidelines should provide time for drivers to rest and make sure they are alert on the road. Unfortunately, rest times are frequently shortened or avoided to meet strict deadlines and move a lot of cargo quickly. This puts truck drivers on the road while fatigued and low on sleep, which can result in dangerous accidents.
Besides driver fatigue, the most common causes of truck accidents include:
- Poor or inadequate training
- Speeding
- Poor maintenance on the vehicle
- Driver drug or alcohol us
- Driver failing to follow local rules of the road
- Defective truck parts, such as brakes
- Poor road conditions
- Improperly-secured cargo
In addition, other drivers can sometimes lead to truck accidents if they make mistakes that cause the crash. For example, some drivers fail to give semi-trucks and 18-wheelers enough room on the road, especially if the truck is trying to make a wide turn or switch lanes. This can lead to life-threatening accidents.
How to Prove Fault in a Stockbridge Truck Accident
As with any auto accident, the at-fault driver is responsible for all damages from the accident. Proving fault is slightly different for truck accidents due to specific rules and regulations truck drivers must follow.
A Stockbridge semi-truck and 18-wheeler accident lawyer can help you prove fault by reviewing local truck laws and how a breach of them may have contributed to the crash. It may be easy to demonstrate a truck driver’s fault is there is evidence of them not following the rules of their employment or other traffic laws.
You can help build your case by gathering evidence through the following actions:
- Reporting the accident to the police
- Taking pictures of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and injuries
- Seeing a doctor as soon as possible for your injuries (and getting emergency medical attention if injuries are severe or life-threatening)
- Talking to witnesses at the scene and getting their contact information
- Contacting an experienced truck accident lawyer as soon as you can
A lawyer can also help you gather the right evidence for your case. Proving fault is the most important factor in an injury case, as it determines whether or not you are entitled to seek compensation for the costs you face after the accident, including medical bills, lost wages, property damage, or wrongful death damages if a loved one dies in the crash.
How a Lawyer Can Help Your Truck Accident Case
Having an experienced lawyer on your side during a truck accident case can make all the difference. They understand the laws truck drivers must follow and how they often relate to truck accidents. They will also know how to get information about the driver’s truck, such as maintenance records or work logs that may pertain to the crash.
A lawyer can help you gather information for your claim, file your injury claim, and communicate with the insurance company on your behalf. Insurance companies are notorious for finding ways to pay you less than you deserve. They may try to blame you for some of the accident, offer you a lowball settlement upfront, or intimidate you into accepting the first offer.
With a truck accident lawyer, you don’t need to worry about getting taken advantage of or taking the wrong actions in your case. An attorney will guide you through each step of the process and give you the best chance at full compensation for all your damages.
Talk to a Stockbridge Semi-Truck And 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer for Free
Truck accidents in Stockbridge can be devastating for everyone involved. They can lead to injuries that last a lifetime, leaving the victim disabled from working or enduring years and years of treatment. Many truck accident results in death, leaving family members with unexpected medical bills as they grieve.
Our truck accident lawyers can help make the process easier. For more than 20 years, we have helped accident victims win the money they need and deserve to pay for expenses and begin to move on from the collision. Contact us today for a FREE consultation where we’ll discuss your options at no risk to you. Call 404-800-7053 or contact us online now to get started.