Commercial trucks cover significant distances and require regular safety checks. The federal government actively regulates the trucking industry to enhance safety and prevent accidents, emphasizing the importance of adherence to guidelines.
Drivers, often working long hours, may experience fatigue, leading to accidents. Factors such as overloading, drug use, drinking and driving, distraction, and pressure to meet schedules contribute to truck accidents. When accidents happen, call a truck accident lawyer in Atlanta.
Van Sant Law has been serving Georgia as a personal injury law firm since 2008. If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, contact an Atlanta personal injury lawyer immediately.
Why Choose Van Sant Law for a Trucking Accident Case in Atlanta, GA?
Truck crashes can be more severe than car wrecks due to size and truck weight. A trucking accident can leave you facing serious injuries, expensive medical treatment, and a difficult insurance claim.
Van Sant Law has the experience and resources to help protect your rights and pursue the compensation you may be entitled to after a truck crash.
- Serving Georgia residents since 2008: Van Sant Law has represented injured people throughout Georgia since 2008, providing dedicated legal support after serious accidents.
- Hundreds of millions recovered: Our truck accident lawyers in Atlanta have helped clients recover hundreds of millions of dollars through settlements and verdicts in personal injury cases.
- Decades of experience: Our team has decades of combined experience handling personal injury claims and fighting for injured clients.
- Insider knowledge of how trucking companies deal with claims: We understand the tactics trucking companies and their insurers may use after a crash. Our truck accident lawyers in Atlanta work to protect important evidence and pursue a fair recovery on your behalf.
Our Team of Atlanta Truck Accident Lawyers
Truck accidents can cause severe injuries and significant losses, especially when large commercial vehicles are involved. At Van Sant Law, our team helps injured people in Atlanta pursue compensation after crashes involving different types of trucks and commercial vehicles. Turn to us if you’re looking for an:
- Atlanta rollover truck accident lawyer: We help people injured when a commercial truck overturns and causes a serious crash.
- Atlanta underride truck accident lawyer: We represent victims injured when a smaller vehicle becomes trapped underneath a commercial truck.
- Atlanta box truck accident lawyer: We help injured people pursue claims after crashes involving box trucks used for deliveries and other commercial purposes.
- Atlanta drunk driving truck accident lawyer: We represent victims injured when a truck driver operates a commercial vehicle while impaired.
- Atlanta construction truck accident lawyer: We help people injured in crashes involving construction vehicles and trucks operating near work zones.
- Atlanta delivery truck accident lawyer: We pursue compensation for victims injured in collisions involving delivery trucks.
- Atlanta dump truck accident lawyer: We help people injured in truck wrecks involving dump trucks used on construction sites and road projects.
- Atlanta garbage truck accident lawyer: We represent people injured in collisions involving garbage and waste collection trucks.
- Atlanta logging truck accident lawyer: We help victims pursue compensation after crashes involving logging trucks and large loads of timber.
- Atlanta tow truck accident lawyer: We represent people injured in accidents involving tow trucks while transporting or assisting other vehicles.
Van Sant Law Brings Insider Knowledge to Your Truck Accident Claim
David M. Van Sant, an Atlanta truck accident lawyer from our firm, worked for years defending tractor-trailer companies and motor carriers involved in accidents. Now, we leverage this insight for our clients.
When you retain one of our commercial trucking attorneys, you can be confident you have a strong advocate. Our truck accident lawyers in Atlanta will seek just compensation in your truck accident case to help you regain your life as much as possible.
Why Are Truck Accident Claims More Legally Complicated Than Car Accidents?
Truck accident cases differ significantly from standard car accident claims. These cases often involve:
- Multiple liable parties: The driver, trucking company, cargo loader, parts manufacturer, or maintenance provider may share fault.
- Federal regulations: The trucking industry is governed by rules from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which affect liability and compliance.
- Corporate insurance policies: Trucking companies carry large commercial insurance policies, and their insurers are often aggressive in disputing claims.
- Extensive evidence: “Black box” data, maintenance records, and driver logs can be critical in proving negligence.
Victims of truck crashes in Atlanta may be entitled to significant compensation. At Van Sant Law, we will pursue every avenue of recovery to secure damages such as:
- Medical expenses: Hospitalization, surgery, medication, and future treatment costs.
- Lost wages: Compensation for time missed from work and loss of future earning potential.
- Pain and suffering: Physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
- Property damage: Repair or replacement of your vehicle and other damaged property.
- Loss of consortium: Compensation for the impact on your family relationships.
- Punitive damages: In cases of gross negligence, such as drunk or reckless driving, additional damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer.
Our Atlanta truck accident attorneys handle all negotiations with insurance companies and corporate defense teams. We’re not afraid to take your case to court if they refuse to offer a fair settlement.
Federal Trucking Regulations
The FMCSA has regulations in place to reduce driver fatigue and prevent accidents.
For example, truck drivers must take a 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving time. FMCSA Hours of Service Regulations also prohibit drivers from spending more than 60 on-duty hours over seven consecutive days or 70 on-duty hours over eight consecutive days.
A driver may reset the 60- or 70-hour clock by taking at least 34 consecutive hours off duty. This helps ensure they receive a full day and night off and a full night of sleep.
Gathering Evidence for Your Truck Accident Case
Injuries such as broken bones, burn injuries, spinal cord injuries, and other catastrophic harm can all result from a violent collision. You may be dealing with a mountain of medical bills, legal battles, an inability to earn wages, and emotional turmoil.
Unfortunately, insurance companies are frequently unwilling to pay proper compensation for injuries and employ various tactics to delay or drastically reduce payments. Insurance and trucking companies will not give you a friendly hand regarding damages due to negligence.
Why Collecting Evidence Is Vital
The outcome of a commercial truck accident claim relies heavily on the strength of the evidence presented.
Clear, convincing evidence helps prove who was at fault in your Atlanta truck crash. It enables you to pursue fair compensation for your injuries, property damage, and other losses.
Without sufficient evidence, insurance companies may dispute your Atlanta truck claim, reduce your settlement offer, or deny compensation altogether. Thus, gathering as much relevant information as possible to support your claim is critical.
Types of Evidence Used in Truck Accident Cases
Several types of evidence are necessary to document a truck accident case. Each piece of information plays a role in demonstrating fault and calculating the appropriate compensation for your injuries and damages.
Evidence can include the following:
- Police reports
- Eyewitness statements
- Photos and videos of the accident scene
- Truck driver logs and maintenance records
- Data from the truck’s black box or electronic logging device
- Medical records documenting injuries
Gathering the proper evidence in a truck accident case requires a comprehensive approach and attention to detail. Thus, hiring a knowledgeable Georgia truck accident attorney to fight on your side is wise.
What Is the Long-Term Impact of a Serious Truck Accident?
The injuries resulting from a truck accident can have a profound impact on a victim’s life, often requiring ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, and lifestyle changes. Many victims face extended recovery periods, with some experiencing permanent disabilities or chronic pain.
The financial burden of medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term care can be overwhelming, making it essential to seek compensation to cover these damages with an Atlanta truck accident lawyer.
What Are Some of the Main Causes of Truck Accidents?
A few major causes of commercial truck accidents include improper maintenance and cargo overloading. Unfortunately, the pressure on drivers to deliver their loads as quickly as possible leads to driver error and negligence.
Vehicle and driver failure make commercial trucks some of the most dangerous vehicles on our roadways.
Specific causes include the following:
- Speeding and other traffic violations
- Improper training and practice
- Road construction
- Sudden decelerations and stops
- Driver fatigue
- Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, including prescription drug use
- Unfamiliarity with the roadways
If I’m Injured in a Truck Accident, Who Can I Potentially Bring a Lawsuit Against?
When trucking accidents occur and people are injured, several parties may be partially or wholly liable for the collision.
Several variables must be evaluated to determine liability, such as:
- Whether the truck, trailer, cab, or any of their components were defective or improperly maintained
- The employment status of the truck driver
Many questions must also be asked to determine liability, including:
- Was the driver an independent contractor, employee, and/or vehicle owner?
- Did the driver lease the truck and/or the trailer?
- What company owned or leased the vehicle?
- Who ordered that the freight be shipped?
- Who owned the cargo?
- What companies manufactured and serviced the truck, cab, trailer, and every little piece that makes up those components?
Our big rig accident lawyers at Van Sant Law have significant experience representing clients throughout Georgia and can evaluate the evidence to determine which parties can be responsible for your injuries.
When and Why Should I Hire a Law Firm to Represent Me in My Truck Accident Case?
Every case is unique. Our attorneys can help you understand the steps of filing a claim and the steps you must take following the truck accident. Many local, state, and federal rules, regulations, and Georgia laws may have been violated, and our experienced Atlanta truck accident lawyers know how to apply them.
Additionally, the statute of limitations for a truck accident case requires that parties filing a truck wreck injury lawsuit generally must do so within two years of the collision date. However, exceptions exist, and you should discuss your case with a truck accident lawyer who knows what deadlines apply.
In addition to understanding the legal framework and procedures for bringing truck accident claims, our experienced attorneys are ready, willing, and able to battle with the team of lawyers and insurance representatives who represent the truck driver, the trucking company, or other liable parties.
What Is Involved in a Truck Accident Investigation?
Truck accidents are often challenging, involving multiple parties, stringent regulations, and a thorough investigation to determine liability. Unlike standard car accidents, truck accident cases often require in-depth investigations to uncover the full scope of the incident and hold the responsible parties accountable.
Truck accident investigations involve detailed scrutiny of the accident, the truck driver, and the trucking company. Gathering this information helps us establish liability and hold responsible parties accountable.
Critical components of a truck accident investigation include:
- Examining the truck driver’s qualifications. Your truck accident attorney can contact the truck driver’s company to obtain the Driver Qualification File (DQF), which is required documentation by the FMCSA.
- Getting witness statements. Eyewitnesses who saw the accident can provide valuable testimony about how the crash unfolded. These statements offer perspectives that can either corroborate or challenge the accounts of the involved parties.
- Obtaining and reviewing the police report. Police reports provide an official accident record, including vital details such as the time, location, and parties involved.
- Examining the accident scene and damage. A thorough examination involves looking at the road conditions, traffic signals, weather, vehicle damage, and skid marks to understand how the accident occurred.
- Reviewing data from the truck’s onboard records. Most commercial trucks have black boxes and electronic logging devices (ELDs). These devices record critical data, such as speed, braking patterns, and hours driven.
Truck accident investigations often require third-party professionals’ insights to understand the case’s nuances.
Your truck accident lawyer in Atlanta may collaborate with accident reconstruction experts, forensic specialists, and other industry professionals to uncover critical details that may not be immediately obvious. We will also review relevant reports from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
How Quickly Will My Truck Accident Case Settle?
Unfortunately, it is difficult to tell how long a truck accident claim may take to settle. That’s because every case is different, and the timeline depends on the underlying facts and circumstances of the accident.
Sometimes, truck accident victims and the trucker/trucking company can agree on settlement terms in just a few months. In other cases, it can take years to arrive at a settlement or to litigate the claim in court if a settlement is not reached.
Insurance companies sometimes wait to settle claims until the victim indicates an intent to go to trial.
How Are Truck Accident Settlement Amounts Determined?
Several factors influence settlements for truck accident cases. These include the extent of the damage, the severity of victims’ injuries, and the amount and nature of expenses related to the accident. Your legal professional can work to compile evidence, including medical records, police reports, and witness statements.
Sometimes, lawyers will rely on past case results or opinions from trucking industry experts to calculate damages accurately.
When you seek representation from experienced legal professionals unafraid to stand up to big insurance companies, you will be well-positioned to pursue fair compensation for your accident claim. Call our truck accident lawyers in Atlanta 24/7 for help now.
Should I Admit to Partial Liability After a Truck Accident?
Most lawyers agree that victims should never admit partial liability after accidents. That’s because even an unintentional admission or apology could be viewed as a statement of guilt and used against you in your claim for compensation.
Truck accident laws are challenging and nuanced, often involving several defendants and insurers. Talk to a knowledgeable Atlanta truck wreck lawyer who can advise you on your rights, help prevent self-incrimination, and guide you through the legal process.
What Are My Options if the Trucking Company Is Not Based in Georgia?
Truckers often haul loads on interstate highways and pass through Georgia on their routes. It is common for the trucking company to be located out of state.
Sometimes, these out-of-state carriers may think they can escape liability for accidents occurring in Georgia. The reality is that they are still responsible, although different laws may apply in some instances.
Our accident lawyer team has experience representing clients in truck accident cases where the trucking company is outside Georgia, and we can partner with local attorneys in other jurisdictions when necessary.
Should I Talk to the Trucking Company or Their Insurer Directly?
The short answer to this question is “no.” The trucking company or their insurance provider may reach out to you directly to try to settle the case, and they may seem helpful and friendly. However, they do not have your best interests in mind.
Ultimately, they aim to pay as little as possible for the accident, not to pay you what you deserve. They may also try to get you to admit some fault or use what you say against you.
When you retain an eighteen-wheeler accident lawyer, your attorney can handle communications with the defendant and the insurance company on your behalf.
What Our Clients Say
Our clients’ feedback is a testament to the level of support and advocacy we strive to provide in each case. At Van Sant Law, we value our clients’ voices and take pride in the positive outcomes we have achieved together.
Van Sant Law consistently receives high ratings for our dedication to client success and meticulous attention to detail. Our founding attorney, David M. Van Sant, is recognized among the Top 100 Trial Lawyers in Georgia. We are committed to ensuring each client’s story is heard.
We invite you to contact us and experience the support that has made us a respected part of the Atlanta legal community. Whether dealing with truck accidents or other injury claims, we stand ready to assist you.
Start Working With an Atlanta Truck Accident Attorney Today
Whoever is at fault, your Atlanta truck crash lawyer can fight hard to seek just compensation for the consequences of your accident. Get a free consultation today when you call our personal injury law firm.
At Van Sant Law, we leave no stone unturned, acknowledging that accountability is crucial in accidents involving diverse types of vehicles, such as box trucks, construction vehicles, delivery trucks, dump trucks, garbage trucks, logging trucks, and tow trucks.
We represent injured truck accident victims throughout the state of Georgia with offices in Atlanta, Alpharetta, Athens, Cumming, Duluth, Lawrenceville, Sandy Springs, and Gainesville. Call today to speak with a truck accident lawyer in Atlanta, and visit our FAQ page to learn more.
