A truck crash is completely different from routine fender benders. The sheer size and speed of a commercial semi-truck often result in devastating and catastrophic injuries in nearly all cases. These are consequences that can follow you and your loved ones for life.
If you have been injured in a truck accident, your car may be totaled, and you are likely to have medical bills that are piling up. But you shouldn’t be the one to bear the burden of the accident. The Mabra Law team can help you receive the compensation you deserve and hold the trucking companies responsible. Call our team today at 404-344-5255.
Why Do Commercial Truck Accidents Cause Such Severe Injuries?
Commercial trucks can weigh up to eighty thousand pounds when fully loaded, creating a massive force upon impact. This extreme size and weight disparity means that occupants of smaller passenger vehicles absorb the overwhelming majority of the kinetic energy during a crash. As a result, the physical damage and medical consequences are exponentially worse than in standard automobile wrecks.
Standard crashes might result in whiplash or minor fractures, but collisions with big rigs frequently cause traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and permanent physical disabilities. The height of a tractor-trailer also increases the risk of underride accidents, where a smaller car is crushed beneath the trailer. Victims often face months or years of rehabilitation, multiple surgeries, and staggering medical bills. An experienced personal injury attorney understands how to accurately calculate these massive future medical costs. Because the stakes are incredibly high, corporate insurance adjusters fight aggressively to minimize payouts. They deploy rapid response teams to the crash site immediately to look for ways to shift the blame onto the victim.
Why is Determining Liability So Complex in Atlanta Truck Accidents?
Determining liability in a truck accident involves much more than going after the driver. Potentially responsible parties include: the driver, the driver’s employer, the truck’s maintenance provider, those who loaded the truck, and much more. It’s common for several different companies and contractors to all share some of the blame.
That is because the commercial transportation industry is built on a complex series of agreements between corporate entities. For example, if a tire blowout causes a wreck, the maintenance company responsible for servicing the fleet could be held liable. If an improperly secured load shifts during transit and causes the trailer to roll over, the third-party cargo loaders may bear responsibility. Furthermore, trucking companies are often held vicariously liable for the negligent actions of their employees. However, the driver may be an independent contractor who also shares some of the blame themselves. Contractors might also be directly liable for negligent hiring practices if they employed a driver with a history of safety violations. A thorough investigation is necessary to uncover every potential source of liability.
What Federal Regulations Apply to Truck Drivers?
Interstate truck operators must adhere to strict guidelines established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These rules govern hours of service, rest breaks, weight limits, and vehicle inspections. Violations of these federal mandates serve as evidence of negligence.
For example, driver fatigue is a leading cause of commercial wrecks. To combat this, federal regulations limit the consecutive hours a driver can spend behind the wheel. Unfortunately, aggressive supervisors often push operators to bypass these safety rules. Regulations also mandate rigorous drug testing schedules and strict requirements for securing heavy cargo. Commercial vehicles must undergo systematic maintenance inspections to ensure essential components function correctly.
When Mabra Law’s Atlanta car accident attorney investigates a crash, we demand access to employment records and electronic logging devices. Discovering a violation of these safety standards can dramatically shift the case in your favor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS) Regarding Atlanta Truck Accidents
How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Georgia?
In Georgia, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline can result in being unable to recover anything for the damages you have suffered. That is why it is so important to contact an Atlanta car accident attorney as soon as possible.
Can I seek compensation if I am partially at fault?
Yes. Georgia follows a “modified comparative negligence rule”. This means that, even if you are partially at fault, you can still recover. However, if you are determined to be 50% responsible or more, you are barred from getting compensation.
Determining fault is a very intricate process. The Mabra Law team can help you understand the full extent of the legal recovery that you are entitled to.
What evidence can be used to prove an Atlanta truck driver was negligent?
Commercial trucks carry electronic logging devices and black boxes that constantly record the truck’s speed, braking patterns, hours of service, etc. This data can be used to demonstrate that a truck exceeded the posted speed limit or failed to properly slow down in heavy traffic.
Are punitive damages available in Georgia truck crash accidents?
Yes, courts may award punitive damages if the driver or operator exhibited gross negligence for your or others’ safety. Common examples where punitive damages are awarded include driving under the influence (DUI) or falsifying maintenance records and safety logs.
Mabra Law Helps Injured People Receive Compensation for Truck Crashes
Truck crashes can cause devastating injuries in the blink of an eye. Holding the driver and corporate owner responsible is required to receive the maximum compensation you are entitled to under the law. However, doing that requires understanding complex federal regulations and knowledge of insurance company tactics. When you are recovering from catastrophic injuries, that is probably the last thing you want to do.
The Mabra Law team is here to help. We take on the insurance conglomerates and trucking companies so you can focus on recovery. Our team has many years of experience helping injured people just like you.
Call us today at 404-344-5255.