Van Sant Law has represented injured people across Georgia since 2008. Our Cartersville truck accident lawyers bring more than 50 years of combined experience to injury claims, and our firm has recovered hundreds of millions for clients.
Truck crash claims are an area where our background is especially valuable: David M. Van Sant previously represented drivers, motor carriers, trucking companies, and insurers in accident claims, including claims involving large commercial carriers.
If you were hurt or your family lost someone in a truck crash, contact Van Sant Law for a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer in Cartersville.
How Our Cartersville Truck Accident Lawyers Handle These Claims
Van Sant Law prepares truck accident claims with the insurance defense tactics. We know carriers and insurers often look for ways to narrow liability, blame the injured person, dispute treatment, or limit available coverage.
Our work may include:
- Investigating the crash.
- Sending preservation letters.
- Obtaining trucking and driver records.
- Reviewing federal safety compliance.
- Identifying every liable party.
- Reviewing commercial insurance coverage.
- Documenting medical bills, lost income, and future losses.
- Handling insurer communications.
- Negotiating for fair compensation.
- Filing a lawsuit when needed.
We are fully equipped to sign your case electronically, so you do not need to come to our office to begin. If you prefer an in-home visit, we are happy to discuss that option.
We can also connect you with resources that may help with medical or financial pressure while your claim is pending.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Cartersville
Truck crashes are often tied to preventable choices by a driver, a company, or another party in the transportation chain. A careful investigation can show whether federal safety rules, company policies, or basic roadway duties were ignored.
Common causes we tend to see include the following:
- Driver fatigue
- Speeding or driving too fast for conditions
- Following too closely
- Unsafe lane changes
- Distracted driving
- Impaired driving
- Poor driver training
- Overloaded or unbalanced cargo
- Brake, tire, or steering failure
- Missed inspections
- Unsafe hiring or retention
- Pressure to meet delivery deadlines
The cause of the wreck affects liability, available insurance, and the evidence needed to support the claim. We work to identify not only what happened, but why it was allowed to happen.
Who May Be Liable After a Truck Crash
Truck accident liability often extends beyond the driver. At Van Sant Law, we look for every possible liable party and every available source of compensation.
Depending on the facts, responsible parties may include:
- The truck driver.
- The motor carrier.
- The vehicle owner.
- A leasing company.
- A maintenance or repair company.
- A cargo loading company.
- A shipper or broker, in limited cases.
- A parts manufacturer.
- Another negligent driver.
The available insurance may also vary. Commercial trucking policies can involve primary coverage, excess coverage, umbrella coverage, or coverage tied to another business involved in the shipment or vehicle operation.
Fatal Truck Accident Claims
Some truck crashes cause fatal injuries. When that happens, the family may have a wrongful death claim under Georgia law. A separate estate claim may also be available for certain losses tied to the final injury and death.
A fatal truck claim may involve:
- The full value of the life of the person who died.
- Final medical expenses.
- Funeral and burial expenses.
- Lost income and benefits.
- Loss of care, companionship, and family relationships.
- Conscious pain and suffering before death, when supported by the evidence.
Our Cartersville truck accident attorneys approach fatal crash claims with care and a disciplined legal strategy. Families should not have to respond to commercial insurers while also trying to grieve and manage immediate financial pressure.
Compensation Available After a Truck Accident
A truck accident claim should account for the harm caused now and the harm that may continue into the future.
Compensation may include:
- Emergency care and hospital bills.
- Surgery, imaging, medication, and follow-up visits.
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation.
- Future medical treatment.
- Lost wages.
- Reduced earning ability.
- Pain and suffering.
- Vehicle repair or replacement.
- Home or vehicle modifications.
- Transportation and out-of-pocket costs.
- Wrongful death damages, when a crash is fatal.
The value of the claim depends on the evidence, injuries, insurance coverage, liability facts, and long-term effects on your life.
How Georgia and Federal Rules Can Affect Your Claim
Truck accident claims are shaped by both Georgia injury law and the safety rules that apply to commercial drivers and motor carriers. These rules can affect filing deadlines, fault disputes, the records we request, and the evidence used to prove liability.
Georgia’s Filing Deadline
Georgia generally gives injured people two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. If the deadline passes, you may lose the right to pursue compensation in court.
Comparative Fault
Georgia also uses a modified comparative fault rule. If you are found partly responsible for the crash, your recovery may be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are found 50 percent or more responsible, you cannot recover damages.
Federal Trucking Rules
Truck claims may also involve federal motor carrier rules. Depending on the vehicle and operation, the case may include records related to driving time, rest periods, inspections, maintenance, driver qualification, and electronic logging.
These rules can help show whether a driver or carrier followed required safety practices. They can also help us respond when an insurer tries to shift blame to you or downplay the conduct that caused the crash.
Schedule a FREE Consultation With a Truck Accident Attorney in Cartersville
If you were injured in a truck accident, Van Sant Law can review the collision, determine which records should be preserved, identify available insurance coverage, and explain the legal steps that may help your claim.
Call today to schedule a free consultation with a truck accident attorney in Cartersville.
