Logging and forestry are two of Georgia’s largest industries, so logging trucks are an extremely common sight on local highways and interstates. Unfortunately, these massive vehicles can pose a significant danger to other drivers. A devastating impact can leave you in financial ruin and with injuries that prevent you from working.
At Van Sant Law, we can help injury victims recover their losses. A truck accident lawyer in Cumming from our firm can be the advocate you need to hold liable parties accountable for the harm they’ve caused. We have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients and won’t compromise on your settlement just to get a quick win.
Call us today or fill out our contact form below to schedule a free case consultation with a logging truck accident lawyer in Cumming.
Causes of Logging Truck Accidents in Cumming
Logging trucks are exceptionally large and heavy, so they pose the most risk to drivers in smaller passenger vehicles. Some of the most common causes of logging truck accidents include the following:
- Driver negligence. Negligent driving behaviors might include speeding, driving fatigued, being distracted, and driving while intoxicated.
- Defective equipment. Logging truck hardware and equipment may malfunction, causing the logs to fall and damage property or people.
- Negligent maintenance. Trucking companies might neglect maintenance on their logging trucks, making a crash much more likely.
- Improper loading. Logs that are not properly balanced and loaded can cause excess strain on restraints, leading to falling logs striking vehicles.
- Insufficient signage. Logging trucks in Georgia are legally required to bear warning signs and lettering, especially if the logs overhang the rear of the vehicle.
Who Is Liable for Injuries from a Logging Truck Accident?
Liability for a logging truck accident can be spread across multiple parties. Truck drivers are primarily responsible for accidents due to negligence. Similarly, trucking companies are liable when they engage in unsafe practices that cause accidents, like neglecting driver qualifications and training.
If defective logging equipment caused the accident, then the equipment manufacturer can be held responsible in a product liability lawsuit. More generally, any party whose negligence contributed to the accident events can be liable in a lawsuit.
This is why exhaustive investigations are important. If multiple parties are liable, a personal injury lawyer in Cumming can pursue each individually to fully recover your economic and non-economic losses.
Compensation We Can Recover With a Logging Truck Accident Claim
You need to keep track of any expenses and losses you suffered as a result of your injuries. Keeping detailed records will help in settlement negotiations as you can demand a full accounting of your losses.
Depending on the circumstances, our Cumming log truck accident lawyers can pursue financial compensation for your:
- Medical bills. A settlement will primarily cover the cost of emergency and future medical treatment. This includes hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitative therapy, prescription medication, and medical devices.
- Lost work income. If your injuries prevent you from working, you can recover the value of lost work income and employment benefits. You can also recover money for reductions in your long-term earning potential.
- Replacement services. If you need to hire a housekeeper or pay for additional childcare because of your injuries, we can help you claim the additional cost of those replacement services.
- Miscellaneous injury expenses. Any other injury-related expenses can be part of a settlement, like vehicle repair and replacement costs.
- Pain and suffering. Georgia recognizes victims’ right to receive compensation for their non-economic losses, such as pain and suffering or emotional distress.
- Punitive damages. If the logging truck driver or company displayed egregious conduct or repeat violations, we may also be able to pursue additional punitive damages.
Deadline for Filing a Lawsuit in Cumming
Georgia typically gives injury victims two years to file a personal injury lawsuit under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33. This two-year timer starts counting from the date you received your injuries or discovered you had them.
If it applies to you, the deadline is an absolute limit on your ability to file a lawsuit; any lawsuit filed after will be rejected by the courts.
Two years might sound like a long time, but it can take substantial time to gather evidence and medical documentation. Even minor delays can harm your claim, so you should speak to a lawyer as quickly as possible to hit the ground running.
Contact Van Sant Law to Speak to a Cumming Logging Truck Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been injured in a logging truck accident, you need to get legal representation as soon as possible. The Cumming logging truck accident attorneys at Van Sant Law are highly experienced in navigating these types of crashes and understand how to approach your recovery. You can count on us for competent and efficient legal services.
Make the Right Call. Send our offices a message online or call us today to schedule a free case consultation with a logging truck accident lawyer.
