Atlanta is a major hub for shipping, manufacturing, and other commercial activities, which means all types of large trucks designed to carry large freight are a common sight along city roadways. Interstates like 20, 75, and 85 are heavily trafficked by semis, delivery trucks, and many other commercial vehicles. Of course, all this activity increases the likelihood of trucking accidents. Incidents involving large, fully-loaded trucks can lead to far more extensive bodily harm for occupants in passenger vehicles. Victims sustain significant losses, and face an uncertain future due to catastrophic, life-changing injuries.
Trucking collisions can be very complicated and are much different than an auto collision between two passenger vehicles. Trucking collisions require detailed knowledge and investigative procedures to ensure your claim is handled properly. It is vital that when involved in a trucking collision, you hire an experienced trial attorney immediately that is familiar with the nuances and special protocol related to collisions involving large commercial vehicles. Time is of the essence.
While you can’t turn back time on a truck collision, don’t allow yourself to be unprepared for what the commercial trucking insurance companies throw at you and your family. Protect your loved ones, and maintain peace of mind with The Brice Law Firm. It’s possible to recover monetary damages for your losses, and our team at The Brice Law Firm can help. Please contact our office to schedule a free consultation with an Atlanta truck injury attorney right away. You may also benefit from reviewing some general information on how these cases work.
How Truck Accident Claims Work
Like many motor vehicle accidents, truck crashes are usually the result of driver carelessness. In the practice of law, this concept is called negligence and it requires you to prove certain elements to recover compensation for your losses. Generally, you must show that the truck operator failed to exercise reasonable care when driving, and this misconduct was a direct cause of the accident in which you were injured.
Negligence can be a complicated concept, which is why it may be helpful to review some examples of how truck crashes happen. A truck driver may be negligent by:
- Driving while fatigued or beyond Hours of Service rules;
- Speeding or driving too fast for conditions;
- Taking curves too quickly;
- Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
- Failing to yield to other vehicles;
- Improper or erratic lane changes;
- Distracted driving, such as cell phone use, operating the radio, or using a GPS;
- Not complying with federal and state regulations that apply to trucks and their operators; and,
- Engaging in many other types of careless conduct.
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Reasons Truck Crash Claims are Complicated
Though they share some common elements with other motor vehicle accidents, truck collisions are complicated for several reasons.
- Catastrophic Injuries: Because of the size difference between the truck and other vehicles, it’s very likely that you’ll suffer severe injuries. You could require extensive medical treatment, which comes at a high cost. Including but not limited to long term economic damages and long term care for your potential chronic injuries.
- Insurance Coverage: Trucking companies are required to carry much higher insurance policies, sometimes reaching into the millions of dollars. When the stakes are high, insurers assign their most skilled, knowledgeable adjusters to fight your claim. These folks are not your friend. Their job is to protect their client: The Trucking Company.
- Multiple Parties: It’s likely that there will be many different parties involved with your claim, beyond the driver and insurance company. You may need to pursue a trucking company, the owner of the rig, a partnership, and many other entities. Typically this will require filing a lawsuit in state or federal court.
Answers to Your Questions About Truck Accidents
How does compensation work in a truck collision claim? Your monetary damages are intended to put you in the same position as if you’d never been in a crash. On the one hand, you may be able to recover for your medical bills, lost wages, and out-of-pocket expenses. In addition, you could obtain compensation for other subjective losses, such as:
- Pain and suffering;
- Emotional distress;
- Long-term life care;
- Scarring and disfigurement; and,
- Many more, depending on your case.
What should I do if I’m hurt in a truck accident? Your first priority should be seeking medical treatment for your injuries. Getting proper care is important for your health and well-being, as well as for your claim. Plus, if you’re physically able, you should try to get as much information from the scene of the crash as possible. Pictures, witness information, and other details can provide support for your claim. But, there are vital pieces of evidence that is often left behind to prove the driver’s fault. As result, the faster you get representation, the better your chances are to prevent spoliation of evidence.
