Gainesville, GA, Truck Accident Lawyers

Common Types of Commercial Truck Accidents

Commercial trucking accidents can take many forms, depending on road conditions, cargo load, and driver behavior. Some of the most common types of truck accidents in Gainesville include:

• Jackknife Accidents: When a truck’s trailer swings out to form a 90-degree angle, often due to sudden braking or slippery roads.
• Rear-End Collisions: Due to the massive weight of commercial vehicles, these crashes can crush smaller cars.
• Underride Accidents: When a smaller vehicle slides beneath a truck’s trailer, often resulting in fatal injuries.
• Rollover Accidents: Caused by sharp turns, uneven loads, or driver error.
• Blind Spot Collisions: Large blind zones around trucks often lead to merging or lane-change accidents.
• Lost Load Accidents: Improperly secured cargo can spill onto the highway, creating deadly hazards for other drivers.
• T-Bone or Side-Impact Crashes: Common at intersections where trucks fail to yield or run red lights.

Each of these accident types involves unique factors that must be investigated thoroughly to determine liability and prove negligence.

Common Causes of Big Rig Accidents

Truck drivers and trucking companies are held to strict federal and state safety regulations under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). When these rules are ignored, devastating accidents occur. Common causes of big rig accidents include:

• Driver Fatigue: Long hours behind the wheel can lead to drowsy driving, slower reaction times, and poor judgment.
• Distracted Driving: Texting, eating, or using GPS devices can divert a driver’s attention.
• Speeding or Aggressive Driving: Truckers under pressure to meet deadlines may drive recklessly or exceed speed limits.
• Improper Maintenance: Worn brakes, defective tires, or mechanical failures often cause catastrophic crashes.
• Overloaded or Unsecured Cargo: A load that exceeds weight limits or shifts during transport can cause the driver to lose control.
• Impaired Driving: Alcohol, drugs, or even prescription medication can impair a truck driver’s abilities.
• Inadequate Training: Some trucking companies cut corners when training drivers, leading to costly and deadly errors.

Our Gainesville truck accident lawyers conduct a full-scale investigation to determine what caused your accident and who should be held responsible—whether it’s the driver, the trucking company, a maintenance provider, or a parts manufacturer.

Common Semi-Truck Accident Injuries

Because of their immense size and weight, semi-truck accidents often result in catastrophic or fatal injuries. Victims commonly suffer from:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
• Spinal Cord Damage and Paralysis
• Crushed or Amputated Limbs
• Broken Bones and Fractures
• Internal Organ Damage and Internal Bleeding
• Severe Burns or Scarring
• Whiplash and Neck Injuries
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, long-term rehabilitation, and may prevent victims from returning to work or enjoying their normal lives. At Van Sant Law, we understand the profound impact of these injuries and fight tirelessly to secure full compensation for your losses.

Recovering Compensation After a Truck Accident

In a truck accident claim, multiple parties may be responsible for your damages—including the truck driver, trucking company, vehicle owner, cargo loaders, and even manufacturers. Our Gainesville truck accident attorneys work to identify every liable party and pursue maximum recovery for:

• Medical expenses (hospital bills, rehabilitation, surgery, ongoing care)
• Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and mental anguish
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Wrongful death damages (if a loved one was killed in a truck crash)

Trucking companies and their insurers often employ aggressive legal teams to minimize payouts. Our firm levels the playing field, gathering crucial evidence such as driver logs, black box data, dashcam footage, maintenance records, and witness testimony to build a strong claim.

Gainesville Truck Accident FAQs

How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in Georgia?

In most cases, Georgia law gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. However, certain factors—like claims against government entities—can shorten this time frame, so it’s best to speak with a lawyer right away.

Who can be held liable for a truck accident?

Liable parties may include the truck driver, trucking company, cargo loaders, maintenance providers, and even parts manufacturers. Your attorney will investigate all possible sources of negligence.

What evidence is important in a truck accident case?

Key evidence can include the truck’s black box data, driver logs, dashcam footage, maintenance records, witness statements, and accident scene photos. Our firm works quickly to preserve this evidence before it’s altered or destroyed.

How much is my truck accident case worth?

Every case is different. Your compensation depends on the severity of your injuries, your medical expenses, your ability to work, and the impact on your quality of life. Our attorneys will calculate the full value of your claim to pursue maximum damages.

What should I do after a truck accident in Gainesville?

Seek medical care immediately, call the police, gather contact information from witnesses, take photos if possible, and avoid speaking with insurance adjusters before consulting your attorney. Contact Van Sant Law for legal guidance as soon as possible.

We cannot provide an accurate estimate of the compensation available in your specific situation until we have thoroughly analyzed the details of your case during a free consultation. Call (800) 234-9556or contact us onlineto schedule one with a truck accident attorney in Gainesville, GA, today.