Rollover Truck Accidents

Rollover truck accidents in Georgia are among the most severe and deadly crashes because they endanger not only the driver and passengers in the flipped vehicle, but also nearby pedestrians, bicyclists, and other motorists in the area.

Unfortunately, the more top-heavy a vehicle is, the greater chance the vehicle will roll over.

Tractor-trailers and large semi-trucks are arguably some of the most top-heavy vehicles on the road, making them particularly prone to tipping over. Rollover truck accidents in Georgia may occur for a number of reasons, but there are a few specific behaviors that can significantly increase the risk of a crash:

• Failing to properly balance a load: When a driver or trucking company fails to adequately balance the cargo, the lack of balance may increase the risk of a rollover accident as the driver travels, particularly if the highway or roadway is full of sharp curves or quick turns.
• Speeding: If a driver is under pressure from his or her employer to reach a destination by a certain time, the driver may feel more inclined to speed in an attempt to stay on schedule. However, if the driver takes a curve too quickly, the top-heavy semi-truck may roll over onto other cars on either side of the roadway as it flips upside down.
• Failing to pay attention: Drivers who fail to keep their attention on the road may be more likely to cause a rollover truck accident in Georgia. For instance, if a driver is using a mobile device or adjusting the volume control on the radio, he or she may not see an obstacle ahead. Should he or she attempt to quickly brake or swerve to avoid the obstacle, the truck may tip and rollover as the driver loses control.

Rollover crashes in Georgia can cause severe, life-threatening injuries and fatalities. Not only is the driver at risk of danger, but others who may be on the roadway are also likely to be affected. Crushing injuries may lead to internal organ damage, amputations, broken bones, a severed spinal cord, traumatic brain injury, or even death.

While no amount of compensation can reverse time and prevent the accident from occurring in the first place, victims may be entitled to hold one or more parties liable for their injuries. An experienced Georgia rollover truck accident lawyer can review the situation, examine evidence, discuss the wreck with witnesses, and investigate the condition of the truck to determine who is accountable. For instance, any one or more of the following parties may be required to pay compensation to the victims:

• Driver of the truck due to negligence
• Manufacturer of the truck’s parts if it is determined that a defective design feature caused the accident
• Owner of the cargo or goods
• Owner of the semi-truck
• Trucking company due to unrealistic expectations or responsibility for the driver’s actions
• Government entities responsible for road conditions
• Mechanic responsible for maintaining and inspecting the vehicle

When a semi-truck rolls over, both passengers and drivers in nearby vehicles can be severely injured or killed. Those who are victims of a trucking rollover accident or those whose loved ones have been killed in a crash have legal rights and may be entitled to seek compensation from those responsible. What to do next?

Unfortunately, deadly and severe truck accidents can occur almost anywhere. However, in the greater Atlanta metro area, motorists on some stretches of highway seem to be at higher risk of becoming injured or killed in car or truck accidents, based on accident and fatality statistics.

Some of the intersections or interchanges with the highest instances of injury accidents and fatalities include the Cumberland Mall Interchange (the Cobb Cloverleaf)/Galleria Exit at I-75 and I-285, the Piedmont and Pharr Intersection, the West Ponce Bridge/Old Decatur Bridge (also known as the Low Bridge at Ponce and Artwood Road), the Town Lake Parkway Exit/Woodstock Exit at I-575 and Exit 8, and the North Connector Split (I-75 and I-85 North Split.)

There are several reasons for the higher incidence of accidents in these areas, including trucks frequently turning or merging, ultimately blocking visibility for other motorists. High congestion in these areas, sometimes-confusing lane markers and HOV lane signage, and sudden braking because of merging or exiting traffic or because of law enforcement patrols can also have catastrophic consequences for drivers. 

Semi-truck accidents can be devastating, leaving victims with long-lasting and life-changing injuries. A skilled rollover truck accident lawyer will understand where to find, and how to gather, evidence to support a victim’s claim for damages.

Q: Can I Sue if I Am Injured From Getting Hit by a Semi-Truck?

A: You may be able to file a lawsuit against the trucking company and/or truck driver to recover damages after being injured in an accident. A personal injury attorney can help evaluate the circumstances of the accident and the potential strength of your case. Ultimately, that determination will hinge on who is deemed to be at fault for the accident.

Q: How Much Can I Get in Compensation From My Truck Accident Case?

A: The amount of compensation to which you may be entitled will depend on several factors, including the extent and nature of your injuries and the determination of fault for the accident. In some cases, rollover truck accidents result in hundreds of thousands of dollars or more in compensation for victims and their families. Your rollover truck accident lawyer will work closely with you to understand the circumstances of the accident and your losses related to it, including both economic and noneconomic losses. You may be entitled to payment of medical expenses, compensation for damaged personal property, lost wages, disability resulting from the accident, pain and suffering, and more. 

Q: What Does it Cost to Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer?

A: Attorneys and law firms establish fees based on a number of factors, including skill and experience and the nature of the services provided. Most truck accident lawyers in Georgia offer free consultations to potential clients. Many attorneys handle truck accident cases on a contingency basis, so you only pay a percentage of your settlement as attorneys’ fees if your lawyer is successful in obtaining compensation on your behalf. 

Q: How Long Is Georgia’s Statute of Limitations for Truck Accidents?

A: In most cases, victims of truck accidents in Georgia have up to two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit for damages. Failing to file a claim within this statutory period can leave victims unable to recover any compensation at all regardless of the extent of their injuries or financial losses. It is generally a good idea to consult with a rollover truck accident lawyer as soon as you feel up to doing so after an accident.

If you or someone you love was hurt in a trucking accident, contact the experienced truck accident injury attorneys at Van Sant Law as soon as possible. We can provide you with a free consultation and help determine if you have a valid case. Fill out our free, no obligation online contact form, or call us today at 404-991-5950 to learn more about filing a lawsuit and seeking compensation, such as medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and emotional distress.