Trucks share the road with us every day. They are vital parts of the economy and transport everything we purchase, sell, or dispose of throughout America’s cities. Most truck drivers are well trained, responsible, and do their jobs well. However, some truck drivers act negligently on the road and cause severe accidents. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) states that most of the fatalities involved with large truck accidents are occupants of passenger vehicles. Truck drivers need to maintain safe driving protocols and adhere to the rules and regulations of the road at all times to prevent harm or loss of life.
Trucks are a ubiquitous sight. Whether you live in the big city, suburb, or rural area, you will most definitely see a truck every day or, at a minimum, once a week. Truck accidents are more common than you may believe, given how often we are near them. Getting into an accident with a negligent truck driver can severely impact your health and overall wellbeing. Do not let an accident drive you into a financial hole. You are entitled to pursue compensation for an accident that was not your fault.
Our team of Atlanta truck accident lawyers can assist you in filing a claim to receive a settlement for your damages. We retain experienced and knowledgeable lawyers to help our clients reach their goals. If you do not win compensation, you do not pay us anything. Call us today for a free consultation at (404) 341-6555.
Frequency of Truck Accidents
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reports that in 2018 there was a 48% increase in fatal crashes with trucks and large buses compared to the low amount in 2009. Trucking accidents have been increasing over the past decade with no indication of a downward trend.
The statistic illustrates that all drivers on the road need to drive carefully next to or near trucks. Trucks often have larger blindspots in more areas compared to passenger vehicles. Maneuvering a truck is also significantly more difficult to do compared to a car. While these hardships do not excuse a truck driver of negligence, it is essential that fellow drivers on the road also stay vigilant and prevent accidents on their end. In most states, if you get held more than 50% responsible for your accident, you cannot pursue compensation. An Atlanta semi-truck accident lawyer can protect your right to pursue compensation. They can help gather evidence in favor of your claim, increasing your chances of recovery.
Common Truck Accident Injuries
If you are lucky, you can walk away with mild to moderately severe injuries that will only take physical therapy and a couple of months of treatment. Those who are not as fortunate end up with debilitating conditions that last a lifetime or death. Here is a shortlist of common truck accident injuries most victims sustain:
- Broken bones and fractures
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and various types of head trauma
- Cuts and burns of varying degrees
- Loss of limb
- Spinal cord and back injuries
Emotional trauma is also common. Despite this, many people neglect to pursue compensation for it. They do not seek compensation because it is harder to prove as it does not physically manifest itself on the body. However, emotional trauma and various types of mental anguish are genuine forms of injury and should get treated as such when you file your claim. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, night terrors, and other psychological disorders can result directly from a truck accident. Our team will fight to get you properly compensated for all your damages, both physical and mental. The Atlanta truck accident lawyer working on your case will help you gather documentation and other evidence to build a convincing case. Collaborate closely with the attorney and gather any documents relating to your physical injuries or emotional trauma.
Proving Negligence and Liability
Negligence is when a driver breaches the duty of care that they have for others on the road. This can happen intentionally or unintentionally. Regardless, the at-fault party must get held responsible for the accident that occurred. For truck accidents, finding out a negligent party can get confusing, as there can be many contributors to the accident.
If the truck driver operates as an independent contractor, then the driver is solely responsible. If the truck driver works for a company, the company could get held accountable for the following:
- The trucking company did not thoroughly vet the driver and negligently hired those who had bad driving records.
- The trucking company may have forced the driver to work long hours against regulations, which then caused the driver to fall asleep behind the wheel.
- The trucking company failed to supervise its drivers properly for any bad signs or habits.
- The trucking company did not properly maintain their trucks.
In addition, sometimes the manufacturer of the truck or the local government can be at fault. If the truck accident happened due to faulty parts, the truck’s manufacturer could get held responsible. If the road conditions were poor and subsequently caused an accident, the local government could be liable.
Liability is challenging to prove. There are many different variables involved in a truck accident. It is hard to know where to even begin. A truck accident attorney in Atlanta can help you gather evidence and examine who exactly was at fault so that the right people are held accountable.
Contact Our Law Firm Today
Most states have a statute of limitations of two years to file a claim for your truck accident. While it may seem like you have time, you should still act quickly. Many people pass this deadline and end up paying out of pocket for their damages.
The Atlanta truck accident lawyers at our law office have years of experience and are ready to fight on your behalf. We want you to focus on your recovery while we pursue a fair settlement that covers all of your damages. Call us today for a risk-free consultation at (404) 341-6555.
