Atlanta Trucking Accident Attorneys

Can I Get Compensation in Georgia for My Truck Wreck?

It only takes a second for your life to turn upside down. But if you or a family member has been hurt in a truck crash, you do not have to face the difficult days and weeks ahead on your own. The compassionate Atlanta truck accident lawyers at Grant Law Office are here to help. We understand how insurmountable the legal challenges may seem, but we will work tirelessly to ensure that you receive fair and just compensation for your losses. Call us at (404) 995-3955 to learn about your rights in a no-cost case evaluation.

Back to Top

What Are the Laws That Govern the Trucking Industry?

All truckers and trucking companies are expected to comply with numerous state and federal regulations covering driver qualifications, alcohol and controlled substances testing, hours of service regulations, vehicle weight restrictions, maintenance, insurance coverage, and so on.

Due to their extensive size and massive weight, trucks have certain dangers that other regular passenger vehicles lack, including:

• Large blind spots: Even with special mirrors, trucks have considerable blind spots on both sides of the trailer. Many accidents are caused by trucks inadvertently turning into passing vehicles.
• Wide turns: Trucks must swing wide to perform turns. This can be dangerous when motorists are coming up from behind or are alongside the turning truck.
• Greater stopping distance: Even with powerful braking systems, trucks generally need greater stopping distance than other passenger vehicles. Rear-end collisions often occur when a trucker is speeding or does not press the brakes in time.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FCMSA) oversees all trucking regulations in the United States.

Back to Top

How Can I Prove Fault in a Truck Crash?

18-wheelers are complex vehicles that require specific skills to operate successfully, and it only takes a small amount of negligence to lead to a serious crash. Both truckers and trucking companies have certain obligations they must meet in order to make the roads safer for everyone else. When these duties are neglected, bad accidents may result. Common causes of truck accidents include:

• Driver error. Truckers drivers are responsible for operating their vehicles safely. When a driver is drunk, drowsy, distracted, or makes a mistake, catastrophic injuries can result. Speeding, improper cargo loading, and lack of vehicle inspections can also cause deadly crashes.
• Bad supervision. Trucking companies are responsible for hiring qualified drivers, screening them for health and other conditions, providing adequate training, and ensuring that drivers follow safety rules. When a company fails to properly hire, train, or supervise drivers, collisions become more likely.
• Mechanical failure. Big rigs can suffer mechanical failure in any system, including the brakes, steering, and load-securing methods. Any of these failures might lead to a crash. Mechanical failure is more likely when a truck part contains a hidden defect or when maintenance has been neglected or performed incorrectly.
• Third-party intervention. Although 18-wheelers make up a significant part of Georgia's traffic, especially on freeways, they are not the only vehicles on the road. The negligent actions of another driver, motorcyclist, or pedestrian can set off a chain of events that ends with a crash.
• Dangerous roadways or road conditions. Construction, broken pavement, missing guardrails, and inadequate signs or signals at intersections increase the risks of all types of traffic collisions.

At Grant Law Office, our aggressive attorneys have the resources necessary to investigate the cause of your big rig accident and gather evidence. We can help you identify who is responsible for the tragic losses you have experienced and fight to help you win the money you need to rebuild your life.

Back to Top

Who Can I Sue for My Trucking Accident?

Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may bring a lawsuit against one or more of the following parties:

• The truck driver
• The trucking company
• The shipping company
• The owner of the trailer
• The manufacturer of the defective part that caused the accident
• Any other party whose negligent actions led to the accident

Back to Top

What Damages May I Recover in My Truck Accident Claim?

Depending on the specific details of your case along with the strength of your claim, you may recover the following physical, emotional, and financial losses, both past and future:

• Medical bills, including bills for surgery, prescription medications, mobility aids, and medical equipment;
• Therapy and rehabilitation bills, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other therapeutic treatments;
• Coverage for lost wages, loss of earning capacity, and the lost value of the ability to handle household maintenance, repairs, or childcare, if applicable;
• Compensation for damaged property, including the totaled vehicle and items in the vehicle;
• Compensation for pain and suffering, mental anguish and emotional distress, loss of consortium, or loss of comfort, guidance, and support; and
• Funeral and burial expenses, if a crash results in a death.

Back to Top

When Should I Hire a Lawyer After an Atlanta Truck Accident?

As soon as you can. Physical evidence such as skid marks, yaw marks, and scuffs can disappear over time. The trucking company may destroy important documents within days of the incident. An experienced attorney will take measures to preserve all vital evidence, ensuring you have a fighting chance at getting the compensation you deserve.

Every case presents its own unique set of circumstances that impact its statute of limitations, or deadline for filing a lawsuit. In Georgia, most personal injury actions have a two-year statute of limitations. However, you should not rely on this standard. It is best to consult with an Atlanta truck accident attorney right away to avoid losing your right to pursue compensation.

Back to Top

Why Should I Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer From Grant Law Office?

Trucking companies have the resources to employ a team of professionals who specialize in claim reductions and denials, which means you’ll have a difficult time getting a full and fair settlement unless you have a dependable legal team at your side. Wayne Grant and his partners know how to counteract the underhanded tactics of powerful insurance companies and the adjusters working under them. We will do everything within our capabilities to ensure that you receive the financial assistance you need to recover.

Truck accidents can occur for any number of reasons, but one thing is always the same: the lives of those involved are often devastated. That's why our experienced and tenacious Atlanta personal injury attorneys are dedicated to fighting for the compensation you and your family need after a collision. Contact us today for a free, confidential case review at (404) 995-3955.

Back to Top

Additional Truck Accident Information

• What You Need To Know About Trucking DUI Laws
• When Cargo Spills Turn Deadly
• What Causes Most Truck Accidents?
• Large Truck and Bus Crash Facts
• Large Truck Accident Information