If you’ve ever driven alongside a commercial truck or any other large vehicle, you know how frightening the prospect of collision can be. Unfortunately, commercial vehicle accidents happen regularly and can produce catastrophic injuries and even death.
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, you should speak with the commercial truck accident lawyers in Atlanta at Van Sant Law. We can help you file a claim to recover the value of your medical bills, lost work income, and more.
We’ve recovered tens of millions of dollars for truck accident victims, including a $3 million settlement for the victim of a tractor-trailer crash on I-75. Call us today to speak to an Atlanta personal injury lawyer.
How Van Sant Law Can Help You
At Van Sant Law, we care about the struggle that victims of these accidents and their families will face. The damages can be overwhelming and the expenses seemingly insurmountable.
That’s why we dedicate our Georgia personal injury law firm to representing those who’ve been injured unexpectedly through no fault of their own.
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a commercial vehicle accident in Georgia, an Atlanta auto accident attorney at Van Sant Law can help. Don’t let insurance companies bully you or give you the short end of the stick. We’ll fight for justice on your behalf.
Types of Trucks that Can Be Involved in Accidents
Commercial vehicles commonly involved in auto accidents include:
- Delivery trucks
- Moving vans
- Dump trucks
- Trash collection vehicles
- Vehicles used for construction, shipping, transportation, or infrastructure
- “Big-rigs”
Atlanta is a major regional hub for transportation and logistics, so truck traffic is naturally very high. Specific roads that see substantial trucking activity include Interstate 285 commercial loop and the I-20 east/west passage through the heart of the city.
How Commercial Vehicle Accidents Happen
Drivers of these vehicles are required to follow the same rules of the road as the rest of us — but they’re also subject to additional requirements under state and federal law. Unfortunately, the drivers and/or their employers often neglect these rules, putting others at risk along the way.
Below are some of the most common causes underlying commercial vehicle accidents in Atlanta:
- Driver fatigue. Truck drivers may drive too many consecutive hours and suffer from fatigue, which can reduce reaction times and impair judgment.
- Distracted driving. Truck drivers may be distracted by GPS navigation, adjusting the radio, and ignoring traffic signals.
- Speeding. Delivery truck drivers may speed to complete their deliveries as quickly as possible,
- Unbalanced cargo. Unbalanced or loose cargo can shift during transport, causing the driver to lose control.
- Not using designated trucking lanes. Atlanta restricts trucking activity to specific roads outside of city centers, and using incorrect roads can lead to accidents.
- Violating federal regulations. Accidents can also happen if drivers and companies violate federal laws regarding truck inspections and maintenance.
Who is Liable for a Commercial Accident in GA?
Liability for a commercial vehicle accident can be complex and often depends on the specific circumstances of the accident. Here’s a breakdown of the potential parties who may be held liable:
- The Commercial Vehicle Driver: The driver can be held liable if their negligence, such as speeding, distracted driving, violations of hours-of-service laws, or driving under the influence, caused the accident.
- The Commercial Vehicle Company (Employer): Employers may be liable under vicarious liability if the driver was performing job duties during the accident. They are also accountable for negligent hiring, training, or supervision if they failed to ensure their drivers were qualified and responsible.
- Vehicle or Parts Manufacturer: If a defect in the commercial vehicle or one of its parts contributed to the accident, the manufacturer can be held responsible.
- Maintenance Providers: Third-party companies responsible for maintaining the commercial vehicle may be liable if their work is negligent.
- Cargo Loaders or Shippers: Improperly loaded or secured cargo can shift during transit, causing accidents like rollovers or jackknifing.
- Other Drivers or Third Parties: If another motorist acted negligently, such as reckless driving or running a red light, they might share or bear full liability for the accident.
Compensation You Can Pursue After a Truck Accident in Atlanta
Depending on the circumstances, you can recover the following types of compensation in a trucking accident lawsuit:
- Emergency medical bills
- Future medical expenses
- Lost work income
- Diminished lifetime earning capacity
- Cost of replacement household expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Scarring and disfigurement
We never settle a case unless the client is happy with the result, that is the Van Sant Law client satisfaction guarantee.
What to Do After a Truck Accident in Atlanta
If you’re involved in a truck accident, you need to take quick steps to cement your ability to make a claim:
- Call the police. The first thing to do is call emergency authorities, such as the Atlanta Police Department or Georgia Highway Patrol. The police will create an accident report that proves the crash happened.
- Document the scene. Next, document the scene by taking photos and video recordings. You also need to make a note of environmental conditions and get the truck driver’s insurance information.
- Get medical attention. You should wait no more than 72 hours to see a doctor. A doctor can diagnose your injuries and provide medical documentation.
- Call a lawyer. You should also call a lawyer. An attorney can help you navigate insurance claim filings and procedures in the Fulton County Superior Court.
Statute of Limitations on Truck Accident Lawsuits in Atlanta
According to Georgia Code 9-3-33, you usually have two years to file a lawsuit for injuries after a truck accident. Once the timer runs out, you’ll lose your chance to sue for injuries. This time limit is very strict and has few exceptions, so the best option is to talk to a lawyer as soon as possible to get started.
Talk to a Georgia Auto Accident Attorney Before Any Insurance Representative
Commercial vehicle accidents involve more significant damage and more complicated laws, so it’s especially important that you work with a Georgia personal injury law firm that has ample experience in this area.
Before making any decisions or talking with the other side, get in touch with an experienced Atlanta auto accident attorney from Van Sant Law.
