Atlanta truck accidents can be life-changing, leaving victims with critical injuries, economic burdens, and psychological trauma. Because of the weight and dimensions of commercial vehicles, accidents usually lead to disastrous damage unlike common car crashes.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a truck accident, it is essential to hire an experienced truck accident attorney in your area. A skilled lawyer will help you navigate through the law, deal with insurance firms, and receive the amount of money that you deserve.
This article guides:
- Causes of truck accidents
- Damages and injuries
- Why does one require an attorney
- How to hire the top truck accident lawyer in Atlanta
- Law of pursuing a claim for an auto accident
- Georgia’s laws for truck accidents
- What to do after a truck collision
Atlanta’s Most Frequent Causes of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents can happen for several causes, including:
- Driver Fatigue
The drivers of trucks work long hours to achieve tight deadlines. Although federal regulations restrict driving hours, some drivers drive beyond reasonable limits, and as a result, there are drowsy driving accidents.
- Distracted Driving
Truck drivers utilize navigation, cell phones, or consume food while driving, which are extreme distractions that result in accidents.
- Speeding and Aggressive Driving
Large trucks require a greater stopping distance compared to passenger vehicles. Speeding raises the risk of rear-end crashes and rollovers.
- Vehicle Maintenance
Trucking firms need to inspect and maintain their fleet regularly. But most of them ignore maintenance, resulting in brake failure, tire blowouts, and engine issues.
- Overloaded or Unbalanced Cargo
Overloaded or unbalanced cargo may lead to a truck tipping over or being hard to handle.
- Hazardous Road Conditions
Inclement weather, road construction, or obstructions may render it hard for truck drivers to drive safely, resulting in catastrophic accidents.
Types of Truck Accident Injuries
Trucks are much heavier than normal vehicles, and so the injuries due to truck accidents are serious and life-altering. Some typical injuries are:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Head injuries leading to permanent cognitive impairment.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Lead to paralysis or long-term mobility impairment.
- Fractures and Broken Bones: Severe crashes can result in serious fractures that need surgery.
- Internal Injuries: Organ injuries due to blunt trauma.
- Burns and Cuts: Blazes and sharp metal fragments can cause severe burns and severe cuts.
Such injuries tend to result in heavy medical bills, lost wages, and chronic pain, and therefore it is imperative to obtain a lawyer.
Why You Need a Truck Accident Lawyer in Atlanta
You need a truck accident attorney to help you get proper compensation. Insurance companies and trucking companies resist paying you as much as you are entitled to. An attorney can:
- Investigate Your Case: Collect evidence such as video footage, accident reports, and witness testimony.
- Determine Liability: Find responsible parties such as the driver, trucking firm, cargo loaders, or manufacturers.
- Deal with Insurance Negotiations: Insurers tend to provide lowball offers—a lawyer guarantees you maximum payment.
- File a Lawsuit if Necessary: If a reasonable settlement cannot be achieved, your attorney can proceed with the case to court.
What Kind of Compensation Can You Get?
Victims of truck accidents are usually entitled to:
- Medical Bills: Compensation for hospitalization, therapy, and rehabilitation.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for time off work due to injury.
- Pain and Suffering: Award for mental distress and trauma.
- Damage to Property: Compensation for repair or replacement of the vehicle.
- Punitive Damages: Additional damages for extreme negligence on the part of the trucking company.
A good lawyer can review all damages and ensure nothing falls through the cracks.
Georgia Truck Accident Laws
Being familiar with the trucking laws of Georgia can help you make your case better. Some of the key laws are:
- Statute of Limitations: Victims have two years from the time of the accident to file a claim.
- Comparative Negligence Law: If you are at fault, you will get less compensation.
- Truck Weight Restrictions: Truck weight is restricted by Georgia statute to prevent overloading crashes.
- Drug and Alcohol Testing: Truck drivers are required to take drug tests after accidents.
Having an experienced truck accident attorney in Atlanta guarantees you meet all the legal time limits and receive the highest possible compensation.
How to Select the Best Truck Accident Attorney in Atlanta
In looking for a “truck accident attorney near me,” keep in mind:
- Experience: Find an attorney with a history of successful truck accident cases.
- Client Reviews: Read online reviews and ratings.
- Trial Experience: Not all cases go to trial—make sure your attorney has trial experience.
- Contingency Fee Basis: Your truck accident attorneys only get paid if you win.
- Personalized Attention: Select a lawyer who makes your case their top priority.
Finch McCranie LLP – Atlanta’s Top-Rated Truck Accident Attorneys
If you want the best of the best legal representation, Finch McCranie LLP is the way to go.
They provide:
- Decades of Experience in personal injury and truck accident claims.
- Aggressive Representation to secure the highest possible settlement.
- Proven Track Record of securing high-value compensation for clients.
- Professional Negotiators that handle trucking firms and insurers.
What to Do After a Truck Crash
- Get Medical Attention: Always get checked out, even if there are minor injuries.
- Call the Police: An official report will serve as evidence.
- Collect Evidence: Take photo, video, and obtain witness statements.
- Don’t Admit Fault: Don’t discuss faults on the crash site.
- Seek a Truck Crash Lawyer: Prompt action can protect your rights.
Conclusion
Seek out an attorney as soon as possible if you or a loved one has been injured in a transport accident. An Atlanta truck accident lawyer with experience can:
- Defend your rights.
- Obtain just recompense.
- Make transportation companies answerable.
To start your path towards justice, call Finch McCranie LLP today for sound legal advice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is a truck accident attorney?
An attorney for truck accidents serves truck accident victims by researching the case, ascertaining liability, negotiating with insurers, and advocating for the client in court if it comes to that. They seek full compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
2. How long do I have to make a Georgia truck accident claim?
Under the law of limitations in Georgia, there are two years from when the accident has occurred in order to pursue a truck accident suit. Waiting beyond this timeframe could cause you to lose your right to recovery.
3. Will I be able to get compensation if I was partly to blame for the truck accident?
Yes, Georgia has a comparative negligence standard, so you can recover damages as long as you are less than 50% responsible. Your damages will be reduced by your percentage of fault, though.
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