Sandy Springs Truck Accident Attorney

What Are the Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents?

One of the most prevalent causes of truck accidents is driver fatigue. Truck drivers often face immense pressure to meet tight delivery deadlines, leading to long hours on the road and insufficient rest. This exhaustion can impair judgment and reaction times, making them more likely to cause accidents. 

Distracted driving also poses a significant threat to motorists and pedestrians. With the constant demands of navigation, communication, and managing cargo, truck drivers can easily become distracted. Even a moment of inattention can lead to devastating consequences on busy thoroughfares like Roswell Road or I-285. Additionally, the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks create challenges in maneuvering and braking, making them more susceptible to rollovers and jackknife accidents, especially on winding roads or during sudden stops. 

Different Types of Truck Accidents

Truck accidents aren't all the same. The physics and forces involved can create different scenarios, each with its own unique set of dangers. 

One of the most dramatic is the rollover, where the truck tips onto its side. This often happens on winding roads or during sharp maneuvers, particularly on busy routes like GA-400. 

Another common type is the jackknife accident, where the trailer swings out at an angle, creating a hazard for surrounding vehicles. These can occur due to sudden braking or slippery conditions, especially during Georgia's rainy seasons.

Blind spot accidents are also frequent, especially when trucks navigate the multiple lanes of I-285. Due to the sheer size of commercial trucks, their blind spots are significantly larger than those of passenger vehicles, making it challenging for truck drivers to see smaller cars in adjacent lanes. 

Additionally, underride accidents, where a smaller vehicle slides beneath the truck's trailer, are particularly dangerous and can result in catastrophic injuries.

Common Truck Accident Injuries

Victims of truck accidents often face life-altering consequences that require extensive medical care, rehabilitation, and potentially years of recovery.

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI's) are a common and devastating outcome of these accidents, often resulting in cognitive impairments, memory loss, and personality changes. Spinal cord injuries can lead to paralysis, impacting mobility and independence.

Broken bones, internal organ damage, and amputations are also frequently seen in truck accidents. These injuries can require multiple surgeries, physical therapy, and assistive devices, creating significant financial burdens for victims and their families.

Even seemingly minor injuries, like whiplash or soft tissue damage, can have long-lasting effects, causing chronic pain and limiting a person's ability to perform daily activities. 

The emotional toll of a truck accident shouldn't be overlooked either. Many victims experience anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), impacting their overall quality of life.

How Do You Determine Fault in A Truck Accident?

Unraveling the causes of a truck accident isn't a simple task. It demands meticulous investigation and a thorough grasp of Georgia's legal framework. 

Our team at Van Sant Law can meticulously gather critical evidence from the accident scene—photos, police reports, and witness statements—before it can be compromised. We also delve into truck driver logs, maintenance records, and "black box" data to create a clear picture of the events leading up to the collision.

We leave no stone unturned, exploring all avenues, including driver fatigue, adherence to trucking regulations, weather conditions, and road hazards. In some cases, we engage accident reconstruction experts to create a visual representation of the accident sequence, further bolstering your claim.

This comprehensive, evidence-driven approach allows us to accurately pinpoint liability and chart the best course of action for your case. 

Compensation Available for Truck Accident Claims

If a truck accident in Sandy Springs has left you injured, you shouldn't have to bear the financial burden alone. Depending on the details of your accident, you may be able to seek compensation for a variety of damages to help ease the financial and emotional strain you're facing. 

These may include:

• Medical expenses: From ambulance rides and emergency room visits to surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and long-term care, we can fight to recover the full spectrum of medical costs related to your injuries.
• Lost wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, we can pursue compensation for lost income—not only for the time you've already missed but also for potential future earnings if your injuries have long-term effects on your ability to work.
• Pain and suffering: Accidents often cause more than just physical injuries. The emotional and psychological toll can be significant. We are prepared to work to see that your pain, suffering, and emotional distress are acknowledged and compensated.
• Property damage: Whether it's repairing your vehicle or replacing personal items lost in the accident, we can help you recover the cost of your property damage.
• Loss of consortium: If your injuries have impacted your relationship with your spouse or family members, they may be able to seek compensation for their loss of companionship, support, and intimacy.

The exact compensation you may be entitled to will depend on the unique circumstances of your case, including the severity of your injuries, their long-term impact, and the facts surrounding the accident. 

Our Sandy Springs truck accident attorneys are dedicated to carefully evaluating your case and aggressively pursuing the full compensation you deserve.