Trucking and transportation are huge industries that are vital to the economy, but with so many trucks in operation at all hours on the road, there are far too many truck accidents every year. Many truck accidents are fatal, and most lead to some type of personal injury or property damage.
Once they are in motion, trucks can be difficult to stop, and truck accidents are often catastrophic. The good news, however, is that the truck industry is heavily regulated, and accident victims have recourse through insurance or the courts for compensation after an accident. Accidents can be life-changing, but we are here to help you on the road to recovery. For assistance with your case, contact S. Burke Law at (404) 842-7838. Our truck accident lawyer in Decatur, Georgia can help you file a claim.
Understanding Truck Accidents
Here are some of the common causes of truck accidents and who could be liable for your losses.
Causes
Truck accidents are often caused by driving above the speed limit, consuming alcohol before or while operating a truck, and overwork or fatigue. Other factors that can contribute to an accident include poor driver training and experience, poor weather, dangerous road conditions, driving errors, texting and driving, different forms of distraction, poor lighting, missing or malfunctioning traffic control devices or signals, and vehicle malfunctions.
Liability
Depending on how your accident was caused, you may be able to hold one of the following parties liable for damages.
- A truck driver
- The owner of the truck
- A trucking company
- A vehicle maintenance or inspection team
- Loading or freight personnel
- The manufacturer of truck parts
- A government agency responsible for road repairs
Truck drivers can be held responsible for basic negligence if they, for example, drive while drunk or drive recklessly. Truck companies can find themselves liable for an accident if poor hiring practices or inadequate vehicle maintenance cause or contribute to an accident. A municipal agency may be liable for damages if road damage in an area under the agency’s jurisdiction is not repaired and leads to an accident.
Types of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents, depending on how they are caused, are often categorized as one of the following.
- A rollover, which can happen if a truck strikes an object on the road, takes a turn too fast, or is too top-heavy.
- Jackknifing, which occurs when the front (cab) of the truck locks during a turn, causing it to swing toward the trailer.
- Frontal and rear-end accidents, which are often deadly.
- Underride accidents, which are common in accidents between smaller vehicles and trucks and rear-end accidents.
- Vehicle malfunctions, for example, brake failures, tire blowouts, loose/detached freight, or engine breakdowns.
- Accidents caused by speeding, drinking and driving, distracted driving, drowsy driving, reckless driving, or a lack of driver experience.
These accidents affect trucks of all kinds, from tractor-trailers, semis, and big rigs to delivery vehicles, heavy construction trucks, dump trucks, and bulldozers/diggers.
The Differences Between Truck and Car Accidents
Car accidents are far more common than truck accidents, but truck accidents have a higher fatality rate than car accidents. Handling a truck accident case requires an understanding of the differences between truck and passenger vehicle accidents. These differences include the following:
- Trucking companies might carry higher insurance coverage than a passenger vehicle driver.
- Truck accidents typically cause much more damage than passenger vehicle accidents.
- Truck drivers tend to be more experienced and are more thoroughly vetted than passenger vehicle drivers.
Contact S. Burke Law at (404) 842-7838 today for legal assistance. Our truck accident lawyer in Decatur, Georgia will walk you through what you need to know about your case. We can help you understand which of potentially several insurance policies apply to your case, what kinds of evidence are needed to bring forth a claim, and how to put a case together to seek whatever compensation you are legally entitled to. Some of the different losses and damages for which you may be able to file a claim are as follows.
Losses and Injuries
Losses and injuries that are common in truck accidents include:
- Broken, fractured, and crushed bones
- Injuries to the head, brain, neck, and back
- Spinal cord damage
- Burns, scars, lacerations, and puncture wounds
- Amputations
- Varying degrees of paralysis
- Death
Other damages you can face after a truck accident include:
- Medical care and treatment expenses for the injuries listed above
- Lost income
- Lost earning potential
- Loss of consortium or loss of service of a loved one
- Incidental expenses such as housekeeping or nursing care
- Vehicle or property damage
- Pain, suffering, and emotional trauma
- Burial, funeral, or cremation expenses
These costs can quickly add up, and you may find yourself struggling to stay afloat with piling medical bills, handling lost income, and overcoming other hardships you may face while recovering from your injuries or mourning the loss of a loved one.
We understand these losses and are prepared to fight for your rights. The first step in doing this is proving negligence.
Proving Negligence
You can only win a truck accident claim if you can prove the following:
- That you were owed you a duty of care.
- That the actions of a truck driver or other liable party breached the standard of care.
- That you suffered losses in the accident.
- That you would not have suffered those losses had the at-fault party not failed to drive as per the standard of care.
Call Us Today
Call S. Burke Law at (404) 842-7838. Our truck accident lawyer in Decatur, Georgia will help you gather the evidence needed to prove your case and can help you quantify your losses. We will also help you submit your claim with the relevant insurers and file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party responsible for your accident. We understand the pain that accidents can cause and are committed to helping you seek the compensation you have the right to pursue.