Table of Contents

Table of Contents Table of Contents

Our Atlanta Truck Accident Lawyer Team

Getting into an accident with a large truck or a tractor-trailer can be a traumatizing experience for the driver. Cars, SUVs and even pickup trucks are dwarfed by massive unwieldy trucks, which means that wrecks don’t often end well for the smaller vehicle. Their sheer size, coupled with exhausted, overworked drivers, can spell disaster for drivers on the road.

Reckless driving is the main cause of fatal truck wrecks in Georgia. Falling asleep behind the wheel of a semi, or simply being too tired to properly operate such a massive vehicle, can severely injure people who are unlucky enough to be in their path.

If you’ve been injured in a tractor-trailer wreck, you need proper representation from a firm experienced in representing the literal “little guy” in tractor-trailer wreck cases. In many cases, tractor-trailer drivers are represented by their company’s well-prepared legal team, which can make it difficult to win a claim alone. Mabra Law is here to offer the help you deserve after a tractor-trailer wreck.

Do You Specialize in Truck Accident Cases?

Not every Atlanta personal injury attorney can handle a truck accident case. Some specialize in different types of accidents such as slip and fall accidents, work-related injuries, or medical negligence.

Mabra Law specializes in personal injury accidents related to motor vehicle accidents, including truck accidents. You need truck accident attorneys who have handled similar cases to yours in order to get you a proper settlement figure.

Mabra Law has experience handling a variety of truck accident cases in the state of Georgia. Below is something else to consider after contacting a personal injury attorney at Mabra Law.

Understanding Your Truck Accident Case

The main reason why injured parties in an accident file a personal injury claim is to get compensation for the damages and truck accident injuries sustained. However, sometimes you may not have the legal grounds to file a compensation lawsuit.

Your eligibility to file for damages and personal injury compensation will depend on what happened during your accident.

Your lawyer will check whether the five elements of negligence were present during the crash. To prove fault, your lawyer will need to examine whether the impact had the following conditions:

• The liable parties breached their duty
• The responsible parties had a responsibility to protect and prevent the accident that caused you harm
• You suffered an injury and measurable loss
• The at-fault party’s actions directly caused the accident

Your trucking lawyer will also investigate things such as vehicle maintenance records, driver log books, tire blowouts, unsafe vehicles, hazardous materials, brake failure, mechanical failure, driver fatigue, impaired driving, trucking regulations, federal regulations, and other pieces of evidence that may have caused the truck collision.

Mabra Law will help you evaluate your case during a free consultation. During the initial consultation, our lawyers will evaluate your case, weigh your options and give you proper guidance on how to proceed.

Ensure you also ask the lawyer what kind of fair compensation you should claim based on your case. Different damages may result from a truck crash. Ask your lawyer whether you should claim compensation for all of them. Some of these damages include out-of-pocket medical expenses, loss of income, and property damage.

There are also other intangible damages like physical impairment, emotional distress, and pain and suffering. Mabra Law will help you get maximum compensation for all the damages you suffered because of liable parties. You may also be wondering what the fee structure is like at Mabra Law.

Common Truck Accident Injuries

Physical injuries and mental anguish frequently happens to trucking accident victims. Below is a list of common injuries caused by 18-wheeler trucking accidents.

• Traumatic brain injury
• Spinal cord injury
• Catastrophic injuries
• Internal injuries
• Minor injuries

Physical therapy is often needed after 18-wheeler accidents. Our law firm can refer you to experienced medical professionals so that you can get the appropriate medical care.

Tragically, a commercial truck accident can result in critical injuries and wrongful death. Mabra Law also specializes in handling wrongful death claims and can help families receive maximum compensation and justice for the loss of a loved one.

What Damages Can I Recover for a Truck Accident?

Understanding the damages you are entitled to recover is essential for protecting your legal rights after a truck accident in Georgia. Broadly speaking, damages in truck accident cases fall into three categories:

#1: Economic Damages

Economic damages cover the financial costs of a truck accident. This includes your medical bills, the cost of purchasing medications and medical supplies, and other out-of-pocket expenses. It also includes your loss of income (and benefits) if you are unable to work for any length of time.

#2: Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages cover all of the other ways your accident-related injuries negatively impact your life. Emotional distress, pain and suffering, scarring and disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life are all examples of “non-financial losses” that truck accident victims can recover under Georgia law.

#3: Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are only available in certain types of cases. While economic and non-economic damages provide compensation for victims’ losses, punitive damages are intended to punish bad actors. If you got hit by a truck driver who was drunk or high, or if the truck driver intentionally caused the accident in a fit of road rage, these are examples of circumstances in which punitive damages might be available.

Understanding the Damages Available in an 18-Wheeler Accident Case

When you are injured in a truck crash through no fault of your own, you might be entitled to many different forms of compensation. While each type is different, they fall into two broad categories: economic and non-economic losses.

Economic losses are the monetary expenses caused by your accident, such as related medical costs, lost wages and damage to personal property. When your case is successful, recovered damages could return you to the financial position you were in before your crash. The value of economic loss damages can usually be calculated using documentary evidence, such as receipts or invoices.

Non-economic damages address the impact the accident or your injuries have on your physical, mental or emotional health. Losses may include reputational harm, damage to relationships or lessened enjoyment of activities. Compensation for pain and suffering may be awarded punitively, to punish the defendant.

Medical Bills

Costly medical care is often the top concern of a person injured in an 18-wheeler accident. The cost of emergency treatment alone can be overwhelming. Beyond emergency room costs and ambulance transportation, there is the expense of ongoing medical care. A successful personal injury lawsuit could help you recover damages based on the cost of your treatment, such as hospitalization, surgery, pain management or physical therapy.

Lost Wages

A serious injury may leave you unable to work, impacting your ability to support yourself and your loved ones. Whether your sudden loss of income is temporary or permanent – and possibly compounded by mounting medical expenses – your financial future could very quickly and seriously devolve.

Damages for lost wages may be part of your successful personal injury lawsuit. You may be entitled to recover compensation for your past lost wages as well as future earnings.

Pain and Suffering

You may have a case for compensation for the pain you suffer following an accident with an 18-wheeler truck . Pain and suffering damages are among the most common examples of non-economic compensation. No one can measure your pain objectively, but our firm can help you demonstrate how your pain has negatively impacted your life.

Property Damages

You might also be entitled to financial compensation based on damage to your personal property. You could recover damages for the repair or replacement of your motor vehicle as well as other possessions, including laptops, cell phones and eyeglasses.

Understanding the Types of Semi-Truck Accidents

Not all semi-truck accidents are the same. The nature of these collisions can vary, from single-vehicle accidents to multi-car pileups. Understanding how these crashes happen can be valuable for anyone considering legal action after an accident. An Atlanta semi-truck accident lawyer could pursue a personal injury lawsuit in the following situations:

Rollover Accidents

The consequences can be devastating when moving semi-trucks flip and roll over. This usually happens when the operator loses control of their vehicle before turning sideways and rolling over. Driving at unsafe speeds or overcorrecting after taking a turn can lead to rollover accidents. Due to their size, semi-trucks risk crossing into multiple lanes of traffic and striking more than one vehicle.

Underride Accidents

Underride accidents are unique to large commercial vehicles. Because transport trucks ride so much higher than passenger cars, smaller vehicles in some cases can actually become lodged beneath the trailer. This often happens when a passenger car strikes the trailer on the rear or side and slides underneath it.

Head-On Collisions

One of the most dangerous types of semi-truck accidents, a head-on collision occurs when the front of a commercial vehicle strikes the front of another car or truck. This can happen in different situations, but the most common is when a driver crosses over into the lane occupied by oncoming traffic. The impact generated by these accidents can be catastrophic and traumatic.

Rear-End Collisions

The most common type of accident involves one vehicle striking the back of another. Commercial truck drivers frequently rear-end other motorists when they fail to stop in time to prevent a crash. This can happen due to a number of factors, including impairment, distraction or fatigue. These accidents often are relatively minor, but they also can result in traumatic injuries—particularly when semi-trucks are involved.

Side-Impact Collisions

Side-impact collisions occur when a semi-truck strikes the side of another vehicle. This often occurs in intersections where one driver fails to yield at a stoplight or other traffic control device. These accidents often are referred to as T-bone accidents due to the “T” shape the colliding vehicles create. Injuries associated with these accidents can be severe, especially for passengers sitting on the impact side of the vehicle that was struck by the semi-truck.

Jackknife Accidents

Semi-trucks have articulated joints between the cab and the trailer. When a truck turns sideways while moving at a high speed, it can cause the trailer to fold in on itself like a switchblade. A skidding commercial truck represents a significant hazard that could strike numerous nearby vehicles.

Delivery Truck Accidents

An Attorney Builds Your Claim from the Ground Up

Your Atlanta delivery truck accident attorney will handle every aspect of your legal claim for you, which includes several steps:

• Gathering evidence to establish driver liability
• Working with medical and occupational experts to assess and quantify damages
• Handling the entire claims process
• Negotiating with the liable parties and their insurance companies
• Representing the injured parties in court if a fair settlement cannot be reached

Our clients find relief in no longer needing to correspond with their insurance company. We take over all communication and act as the lead and main point of contact, alleviating you from the burden of dealing with phone calls and paperwork. At Mabra Law, you can be confident our team is doing everything we can to secure compensation for your delivery truck accident injuries.

What Happens if an Amazon Truck Gets in an Accident? 

If you have been the victim of a car crash that involved an Amazon vehicle, you and your lawyer can file an insurance claim against the company to collect the compensation you deserve to achieve a complete recovery. Your compensation package may include paying the balance of medical bills and lost wages and earnings related to your injuries. The driver, Amazon, their insurance company, or any combination of those parties may be liable depending on the circumstances of your accident. 

What Happens if a USPS Truck Gets in an Accident? 

The familiar white USPS mail trucks on Atlanta’s roadways are usually owned by the federal government or a government subcontractor, meaning accident claims involving USPS trucks are a federal concern. There are limitations to filing a lawsuit against the federal government, which makes the legal process complex. At Mabra Law, our chief goal is to make sure you are represented fairly - whether it’s easy or not. We don’t shy away from a federal tort claim, and if it’s in your best interest, we will file a lawsuit against the United States Postal Service. 

Dump Truck Accidents

The size and weight of a dump truck are double that of a passenger vehicle. The extra weight can make even seemingly harmless fender benders into serious car accidents with resulting injuries that impact your life, finances, and overall well-being. If the dump truck driver was negligent in the operation of their vehicle, or it was poorly maintained or malfunctioned, the dump truck driver’s employer will typically be liable for your damages after an accident. At Mabra Law, part of our role as your Atlanta dump truck accident lawyer is to identify these points of negligence and build a case on your behalf so you can recover from your accident and not worry about ongoing medical bills or a lost job.

Dump Truck Accident Victims Have Rights 

Anytime another party’s negligence has caused an accident, the negligent party can be held responsible for any injuries you suffer. If you experience long-term, life-altering injuries, they can result in substantial medical bills, lost wages, a drop in earnings potential, and even the need for ongoing pain management and mental health services throughout your lifetime. At Mabra Law, our team fights for you to make sure you are fairly compensated for all your damages due to your dump truck accident. You have rights as an injured party, and we can help you exercise those rights. We have worked with thousands of Atlanta car accident victims in the past, helping them move forward with their lives after catastrophic injury, and we can do the same for you. 

It is free to call and speak with an Atlanta dump truck accident lawyer. Our team will explain the legal process in our initial consultation and assess your options. We pride ourselves on being thorough and fair, so you can trust we will do everything in our power to help the legal system work for you.

Common Ways Dump Truck Accidents Happen

You may not know whether or not the driver of the truck that caused your accident is negligent and that’s okay. It’s our job as your legal team to determine who is negligent and how. Some of the most common types of dump truck negligence include:

• Driver error - The truck driver or their employer may be liable for speeding, drowsiness, or distracted driving.
• Mechanical failures - The manufacturer of parts or maintenance companies may be held liable for the failure of tires, brakes, or the hydraulic systems that lift and lower dump beds. 
• Improper loading - Dump trucks have a safe loading capacity that should not be exceeded. If it was the driver or their employer, they may be liable for your accident.
• Untrained or inexperienced drivers - Driving a dump truck requires training. These vehicles are heavy machinery. If the operator was not trained properly, you may have a claim against the employer or the construction and industrial training company.

Garbage Truck Accidents

After an accident with a garbage truck, you may be entitled to compensation for any injuries you or a loved one sustained. In Georgia, if a garbage truck accident occurs due to the negligence or wrongful act of the driver or their employer, a lawyer can build a case based on that negligence. Negligence is a complicated legal concept with four parts: (1) duty, (2) breach, (3) causation, and (4) damages. For example, garbage truck drivers have a duty to pay attention while operating their large vehicles. If this duty is breached, such as through distracted driving, and it causes an injury to you, the driver (and potentially their employer) can be held liable for the resulting damages.

Our job at Mabra Law is to hold those negligent parties accountable. It’s a job we take seriously because we understand the compensation we gain for you and your family after an injury makes a difference in your life, helping you to heal and move forward after your injuries. If you believe you may have a claim for compensation after an accident with a garbage truck in Atlanta, we offer a free consultation to learn about your legal options. 

How Our Team Can Help 

As your attorney, our job is to build a case that helps you secure the compensation you need after your injury. We want to make sure you can prioritize your healing and move forward in your life post-accident. You can expect our award-winning legal team to complete these steps to determine the costs and damages related to your injuries:

• Prove the liability of the truck driver or their employer through a theory of negligence the courts will accept
• Accurately measure the short- and long-term medical and occupational costs linked to your injuries and prove them with evidence the insurance companies and courts will respect 
• Use the evidence to draft a claim that is either sufficient to get the insurance company to provide complete compensation for your damages or for the court to rule in your favor if the insurance company refuses to take responsibility 

An experienced Atlanta garbage truck accident lawyer plays a central role throughout the entire process, working to gather evidence, draft, and negotiate the best possible outcome on your claim. Insurance companies have teams of claim analysts and attorneys working against you, and having an attorney of your own helps to ensure you achieve a fair and reasonable outcome. We fight for you, and we are on your team. 

Tow Truck Accidents

Being involved in an accident with a tow truck can result in serious injuries that are long-term and life-altering. The costs associated with such injuries include medical bills for emergency services, surgeries, and rehabilitation, and lost wages and earnings potential. Sometimes, after an accident, you can no longer work, or you can no longer work in the same capacity. A tow truck accident lawsuit accounts for that lost compensation, but to get the full amount you are entitled to, your Atlanta tow truck accident lawyer must file a claim with the liable party's insurance company.

The first step is a free consultation with Mabra Law. Our team will ask questions, answer yours, and learn about the specifics of your unique situation. It is helpful to bring as much information concerning the accident as possible for us to examine. These details allow us to build a truck accident case for you. To get started and learn about your legal options after an injury from a tow truck, reach out to Mabra Law.

The Value Our Atlanta Tow Truck Accident Lawyer Team Can Provide

Your initial consultation with our firm is risk-free and cost-free. If we move forward with representing you and your family, we only get paid if we win. There is no financial burden for you to hire an attorney at our personal injury law firm. 

As your Atlanta tow truck accident lawyer, we will handle all aspects of your case from start to finish. We act as the point person for all communication and will make sure the process maintains momentum as we move through the legal process. 

Why Tow Truck Accidents Happen in Atlanta 

Tow trucks in Atlanta are relatively common on the roads, as they are responsible for moving broken down, impounded, or improperly parked vehicles on the road to new locations. Common causes of tow truck accidents in Atlanta include:

• Speeding 
• Drowsy or fatigued driving
• Inexperienced drivers
• Distracted driving
• Insufficient training 

An Atlanta tow truck accident lawyer from our firm can assist you in filing a claim and securing the full compensation you and your family deserve.

Commercial Vehicle Accidents

Commercial vehicles are defined as cars or trucks used for transporting goods or passengers for business purposes. This includes freight vehicles such as trucks, trailers, and delivery vans, as well as passenger vehicles such as buses, shuttles, or vans. Commercial vehicles also refer to service vehicles such as utility trucks and construction vehicles. 

In Georgia, commercial vehicles often require special licensing for drivers, and their operation is subject to federal and state regulations that don't apply to standard motorists. Operating these cars, trucks, and vans requires specific safety standards, driver qualifications, and operational instructions. Some scenarios of commercial vehicle accidents include:

• A car accident with an Amazon delivery truck
• Lawn care trucks side-swiping your vehicle or rear-ending your car 
• A dump truck overturning due to an uneven load and causes a multi-car accident
• An 18-wheeler jackknifing on a wet highway causing a pile-up
• An Uber or Lyft ridesharing vehicle rear-ends another due to distraction
• A food delivery motorcycle hits a pedestrian while speeding to make a delivery

If you have experienced a long-term, life-altering injury in an accident with a commercial vehicle in Georgia, an Atlanta commercial vehicle accident attorney from Mabra Law is standing by to review the facts of your accident and offer legal assistance. As you can imagine, the unique rules and regulations governing these vehicles create a more complex procedure for filing a personal injury lawsuit. Our award-winning team has secured compensation for Georgia residents in commercial vehicle accidents many times before, and we can do the same for you.

What Is the Difference Between a Commercial Vehicle and a Regular Vehicle? 

A commercial vehicle is one used to conduct business and may be operated by the business owner or an employee. Commercial vehicles are registered as such; however, the increasing practice of Amazon using private cars for delivery through subcontractors has blurred this line. Ridesharing companies such as Uber and Lyft have also created a gray area regarding who is liable in these accidents where employees use their personal vehicles for commercial purposes. 

Regardless of whether you know if the vehicle in your accident was operating as a business at the time, the experienced team at Mabra Law can determine the facts and proceed accordingly. We have experience handling all types of car accidents and can help you recover the compensation you need to heal your injuries properly.

Do I Need to Report a Truck Accident to My Insurance Company?

You will most likely need to report your truck accident to your insurance company. Failing to do so could violate the terms of your insurance policy, and this could lead to termination of your insurance coverage. If you have questions or concerns about contacting your insurance company, an Atlanta truck accident lawyer at Mabra Law can help.

It is also worth noting that using your insurance coverage after an accident can be beneficial in some cases. For example, if you have personal injury protection (PIP) coverage under your policy, you may be able to rely on this coverage while your truck accident claim is pending. You can still seek full compensation from the at-fault party; and, if you receive full compensation, your insurance company will get reimbursed at the end of the process.

Who Do I Sue for a Truck Accident in Atlanta?

When you hire an Atlanta truck accident lawyer to represent you, answering this question will be one of your lawyer’s top priorities. In order to file a lawsuit, you first need to know who (or what company) to file your lawsuit against.

To answer this question, your lawyer will conduct a comprehensive investigation focused on determining why the accident happened. Depending on the specific cause (or causes) of your truck accident, you may have a claim against one or more of the following companies:

• The truck driver’s insurance company (if the truck driver is an owner-operator)
• The truck driver’s employer (if the truck driver is an employee)
• The truck’s manufacturer (or the manufacturer of a defective component)
• A dealership or shop that serviced the truck before the accident
• The company that owns or loaded the truck’s cargo

But, even these are just examples. If another driver was involved in your truck accident, you may need to file a claim with his or her insurance company. If your brakes or airbag failed, you may have grounds to sue your vehicle’s manufacturer. If an issue with the road played a role in the accident, you could have a claim against the government. There are numerous possibilities—and this is one of several reasons why it is essential to have an experienced Atlanta truck accident lawyer on your side.

How Do I File a Claim for a Truck Accident in Atlanta?

Another reason why it is important to have an experienced truck accident lawyer on your side is that you need to take all of the steps that are necessary to protect your legal rights effectively. Filing a claim for a truck accident is very different from filing most other types of auto accident claims. Not only are large commercial trucks much more complicated than ordinary cars, pickup trucks and SUVs (which means there is more that can go wrong), but the legal issues involved in truck accident cases can be much more complicated as well.

With this in mind, the first step toward filing a claim for a truck accident is to speak with a lawyer who can help you. At Mabra Law, we have extensive experience securing just compensation for truck accident victims and their families. If you have a claim, we can handle your claim for you from start to finish, and we can help you make smart decisions every step of the way.

How Much Are Truck Accident Law Firm Fees?

Every truck accident lawyer has different fees. Thanks to the different fee structures, some lawyers prefer charging a flat rate while others prefer an hourly fee. Mabra Law handles cases based on a contingency basis.

Charging on a contingency basis means that you will only pay the attorney fees after the ruling is in your favor. For truck accidents, it’s better to take the contingency payment option.

Personal injury lawyers who work on a contingency basis will do their best to get you a proper settlement figure since they will only get paid after you receive compensation. Mabra Law has the experience to get you the maximum amount of compensation.

How Long Have You Practiced in Atlanta?

A personal injury lawsuit is complicated because it includes all types of intentional and unintentional accidents. Personal injury can include workplace injury, slip and falls, auto accidents, and medical malpractice cases.

Mabra Law has been serving truck accident victims in Georgia since 2007, and has personal injury lawyers on staff with decades worth of combined experience. Our law firm can help you navigate the complex accident laws in Georgia to get favorable results.

The other party’s insurance company will have a team of experienced attorneys to fight your case. Their legal representation will ensure that your truck accident injury claim is denied or you get lower compensation than you deserve for your financial damages.

Our personal injury law firm stands up against insurance companies and gets our clients the compensation that they need. Additionally, the majority of our cases are settled out of court.

What Happens If My Atlanta Truck Accident Case Goes to Trial?

In most cases, semi-truck accident cases are often settled before going to trial. Unfortunately, the insurance company may refuse to pay you a fair settlement; thus, your case may go to trial.

Our knowledgeable attorneys can handle your case if it goes to trial. We will present your case in front of a jury to obtain a favorable ruling if necessary.

If your case goes to trial, your truck accident attorney will be tasked with convincing the jury or bench judge that the other party was a negligent driver and caused the accident. They will present evidence and cross-examine witnesses to prove that the truck accident injuries and financial losses you sustained were caused by the negligent and careless actions of the other party.

Mabra Law’s experienced truck accident attorneys have an excellent track record of success.

What Are My Chances of Winning The Lawsuit?

When looking for a law firm to handle your case, ensure you settle for one with a higher success rate. While it’s never guaranteed that the law firm you choose can give you your desired results, it’s essential to be on the safer side and choose one with a higher success rate with truck accident claims.

Mabra Law has a 99 percent success rate. We attribute our success to experience and a personalized approach with our clients.

Who Will Handle My Semi-Truck Crash Case?

Most accident lawyers work in big law firms. If you approach one and you’re wondering if they will be the one handling your case, ensure you ask them. Some lawyers may take you as a client then pass your case to other attorneys who understand your case better.

While this is a fantastic option, you may not be entirely comfortable working with the other attorney. Ensure you ask about who will be handling your case to maximize the probability of winning.

Is It Worth Hiring a Truck Accident Lawyer?

From determining which company (or companies) you need to sue to calculating the damages you are entitled to recover, there are many reasons why it is worth hiring an experienced Atlanta truck accident lawyer to represent you. Since we handle all truck accident cases on contingency, you never have to pay anything out of pocket for our legal representation. You pay nothing unless we win; and, if we win, our fees will be based on the percentage we discuss at the outset of our representation.

When you choose Mabra Law to handle your truck accident case, our lawyers will:

• Conduct an on-scene investigation to determine what happened and who (or what company) is to blame.
• Speak with eye witnesses, obtain traffic or surveillance camera footage (if available), and gather any other types of evidence that are available.
• Obtain employment records, cell phone records, maintenance records and any other forms of documentation that are necessary to establish liability.
• Work closely with you and your doctors to understand the long-term effects of your accident-related injuries.
• Carefully calculate the economic and non-economic damages you are entitled to recover, and determine if your case warrants a claim for punitive damages.
• File all appropriate claims on your behalf and negotiate with the insurance companies to secure a favorable settlement.
• Take your truck accident case to court if a favorable settlement isn’t on the table (cases still can, and often do, settle at this stage). 

Get An Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer in Atlanta Today

Depending on the severity of the accident, you may suffer from severe injuries and significant financial losses. This may mean that you lose your job and have to pay for medical costs.

If the semi-truck accident was a result of another party’s negligence, you might be entitled to financial compensation.

Contact a truck accident lawyer with Mabra Law to help you claim a fair settlement from the insurance company.

At Mabra Law, we are a semi-truck accident law firm in Atlanta, and our team of personal injury lawyers puts the needs of injury victims first. Call us today, and an experienced truck accident lawyer from Mabra Law will handle your case and ensure you get the financial compensation you deserve.