Let Our Firm Help You Hold Companies Liable for Their Driver’s Negligent Actions
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 do happen with some regularity, and they are known for producing catastrophic injury and even death.
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.
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”
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. At-fault parties and their insurance agencies usually try to pay you less than you’re owed under the law. Don’t let them bully you or give you the short end of the stick. We’ll fight for justice on your behalf.
How Commercial Vehicle Accidents Happen
Commercial truck accidents happen for all the same reasons as any other auto accident: driver negligence, speeding, vehicle rollover accidents, and more. But they also happen because the drivers violate laws that apply specifically to commercial trucks.
For example, the law provides strict rules about the number of hours a driver can stay behind the wheel, how often they must take breaks, and how long those breaks must last.
Why? Because truck drivers spend many hours alone on the road, and those hours can grow tiring. Driver fatigue is a deadly problem in the commercial trucking industry. Sleepy drivers and huge trucks make for a perilous combination.
Unfortunately, employers often pressure drivers to adhere to a rigid delivery schedule. That pressure encourages corner cutting when it comes to the rules. In other cases, employers may entrust large commercial vehicles to inexperienced or improperly trained drivers.
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, or driving under the influence, caused the accident. They are responsible for adhering to traffic laws and safety standards while operating the vehicle. Violations of regulations, like exceeding Hours of Service limits, can also make them directly accountable.
- 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. Additionally, companies can face liability for inadequate vehicle maintenance that leads to mechanical failures.
- 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. This includes faulty components such as brakes, tires, or engine parts that fail during operation. Product liability laws address issues with design, manufacturing, or inadequate warnings about product risks.
- Maintenance Providers: Third-party companies responsible for maintaining the commercial vehicle may be liable if their work is negligent. Faulty repairs or inadequate inspections that lead to equipment failure during operation can result in liability. Their role is critical in ensuring the vehicle is safe and roadworthy.
- Cargo Loaders or Shippers: Improperly loaded or secured cargo can shift during transit, causing accidents like rollovers or jackknifing. If the loading or shipping company failed to follow proper procedures, they could share liability. Their responsibility includes ensuring cargo weight is balanced and secured to prevent accidents.
- 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. Pedestrians or cyclists can also be held accountable if their actions caused the collision. These cases involve evaluating how their behavior contributed to the crash.
Talk to a Georgia Auto Accident Attorney Before Any Insurance Representative
Because commercial vehicle accidents involve more significant damage and more complicated laws, it’s especially important that you work with a Georgia personal injury law firm that has ample experience in this area.
At Van Sant Law, we understand that commercial vehicle collisions aren’t simply standard auto accident cases with a bigger car. They require a different approach, more sophisticated strategy, and a deep understanding of the relevant procedure and laws.
You should remember that time limits apply to these cases, and the insurance companies will probably pressure you to settle quickly. Don’t listen to them. No matter what they imply, insurers do not represent your best interests, and they usually offer less than you deserve.
Before making any decisions or talking with the other side, get in touch with an experienced Atlanta auto accident attorney.
