Let Our Firm Help You Hold Trucking Companies Liable for Your Injuries
Marietta, Georgia, is the county seat of Cobb County and is considered to be a suburb of metro Atlanta. The family-friendly climate and the easy commute to Atlanta have made the city a popular place to live, and the recent Census indicated that there is a population of around 57,000 people in the city limits and many more in the surrounding area.
While Marietta enjoys a relatively low crime rate and is a safe place to live, there is one risk that residents face in the city: the danger of truck accidents. Truck accidents happen every day throughout the U.S., and since many trucks travel through Marietta, local residents face the possibility of a truck crash.
If you or a loved one was involved in a truck accident, you may be coping with devastating injuries or even the devastating loss of a loved one. The laws in Georgia mandate that truck drivers and trucking companies responsible for a crash compensate you and your loved ones for both physical and emotional damage the crash causes. The Marietta truck accident lawyers at Van Sant Law, can help you get the compensation you deserve. We have collected millions in compensation for clients handling cases throughout the State of Georgia.
Common Types of Truck Accidents
Commercial trucks are significantly larger and heavier than passenger vehicles. When things go wrong, the results can be catastrophic. Some of the most common types of truck accidents in Marietta include:
- Jackknife Accidents: These occur when a truck’s trailer swings out at an angle from the cab, often causing multi-vehicle pileups.
- Rollovers: Trucks have a high center of gravity, making them prone to tipping over, especially during sharp turns or sudden maneuvers.
- Rear-End Collisions: Due to their size and stopping distance, trucks can easily rear-end vehicles if the driver isn’t paying attention or driving too fast for conditions.
- Underride Accidents: These horrific crashes happen when a smaller vehicle slides underneath the trailer of a truck.
- Blind Spot Accidents: Large blind spots on trucks can make it difficult for drivers to see cars traveling beside them.
- Lost Load Accidents: Improperly secured cargo can spill onto the road, endangering everyone around.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Understanding what causes truck accidents is key to determining liability and recovering compensation. Our experienced Marietta truck accident lawyers often find the following contributing factors:
- Driver Fatigue: Federal regulations limit the number of hours a truck driver can operate, but some push beyond legal limits to meet delivery deadlines.
- Distracted Driving: Texting, eating, adjusting GPS systems—distractions of any kind can be deadly behind the wheel of a big rig.
- Speeding and Reckless Driving: Some truck drivers speed or drive aggressively to stay on schedule.
- Poor Vehicle Maintenance: Failing brakes, bald tires, and other maintenance issues can cause or worsen a crash.
- Improper Loading: An unbalanced or unsecured load can shift in transit, causing the driver to lose control.
- Driving Under the Influence: Drug or alcohol use can impair a driver’s reaction time and decision-making.
Who is Liable for a Truck Accident?
Determining who is responsible for a truck accident isn’t always straightforward. In many cases, more than one party may be held accountable. Possible liable parties include:
- Truck Driver: If the driver was negligent—by speeding, texting, or driving while fatigued—they may be directly responsible.
- Trucking Company: Employers can be held liable for failing to properly vet, train, or supervise their drivers, or for pressuring them to break safety regulations.
- Truck Manufacturer: If a mechanical failure caused by a defective part contributed to the accident, the manufacturer may be at fault.
- Cargo Loaders: Improperly loaded freight can make a truck unstable or hazardous, potentially placing liability on third-party loading teams.
- Maintenance Providers: If poor maintenance or overlooked mechanical issues played a role, the repair or maintenance company may be liable.
At Van Sant Law, we conduct thorough investigations to identify every party that may share legal responsibility and pursue compensation from all sources.
How a Marietta Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help
Truck accident damages can be obtained in one of two ways: through an out-of-court settlement or through a jury trial where you prove your personal injury or wrongful death claim. In either situation, it is important to have an experienced legal team representing you and protecting your rights.
At Van Sant Law, our truck accident attorneys in Marietta can help you from the beginning of your claim to the end. We will assist you in determining whom to take action against, including the truck driver and the trucking company. We will also help you gather evidence, hire the most qualified experts to negotiate with the insurer, or present a winning case in court.
Our team will come to you for a face to face meeting to discuss your case and advise you of your rights. We also work on a contingency basis, which means you owe us nothing unless we recover monetary damages on behalf of you and your family.
