What Are the Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents?
Truck accidents are caused by a wide range of factors, including but not limited to:
- Truck Driver Negligence: Truck driver negligence is one of the leading causes of truck accidents. This can include things like distracted driving, speeding, drowsy driving, and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Trucking Company Negligence: Trucking company negligence is another leading cause of truck accidents. This can include things like negligent hiring, inadequate training, failure to maintain trucks, and pressuring drivers to violate the law.
- Poor Truck Maintenance: Truck accidents can also be caused by poor truck maintenance. When trucking companies and/or mechanics fail to properly maintain and service their vehicles, it can lead to catastrophic accidents.
- Improperly Loaded Cargo: Improperly loaded cargo can also cause truck accidents. When cargo is not loaded properly or is overloaded, it can cause the truck to become unbalanced and lead to a serious collision.
- Defective Trucks/Truck Parts: Truck accidents can also be caused by defective trucks or truck parts. When a truck is poorly designed or a part is defective, it can cause the truck to malfunction and lead to a collision.
- Inclement Weather: Truck accidents can also be caused by inclement weather. When truck drivers fail to adjust their driving for poor weather conditions, it can cause them to lose control of their vehicles and collide with other motorists.
- Improperly Maintained Roads: Truck accidents can also be caused by improperly maintained roads. When roads are not properly maintained, it can increase the risk of a serious collision.
- Other Motorists: Truck accidents can also be caused by other motorists. When passenger vehicle drivers cut off trucks, drive in truck blind spots, or otherwise drive negligently, it can cause a catastrophic accident.
Truck accidents are often complex and require a thorough investigation to determine their cause and who is liable. At Morrison & Hughes, our truck accident lawyers in Georgia are highly skilled at investigating these cases and working with accident reconstruction experts to determine their cause and who is liable.
Who is Liable for a Truck Accident?
After a truck accident, there are several potentially liable parties, including:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- The company that loaded the truck
- The truck manufacturer
- Another motorist
When Should I Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer?
Liability in truck accident cases is highly complex and varies on a case-by-case basis. That is why you must have an experienced attorney fighting to protect your rights on your behalf.
At Morrison & Hughes, we recommend speaking to a truck accident lawyer as soon as possible if:
- You were seriously injured or a loved one was killed in a truck accident
- You are contacted by the trucking company’s insurance provider
- You are asked to provide a statement to the trucking company’s insurer
- You are offered a settlement by the trucking company’s insurance provider
- You are unsure of your rights and options after a truck accident
Remember, the trucking company and its insurance provider are not on your side. They want to pay you as little as possible for your claim, or even deny it altogether. By hiring our firm, you can level the playing field and have someone fighting for you and your best interests.
To learn more about how we can help you, contact our firm online or call (404) 238-7028 today.
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What If I Was Partially Responsible for a Truck Accident? Can I Still Recover Compensation?
If your actions contributed to a truck accident, you can still potentially recover some compensation for damages. In Georgia, you can secure partial compensation so long as the court decides you were less than 50% at fault. Your percentage of fault will influence how much you can recover. If the court decides you are 10% at fault, for example, and your damages total $100,000, you would receive $90,000, or 90% of $100,000. You cannot recover any damages if you are found to be 50% or more at fault.
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How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Lawsuit in Georgia?
Georgia’s statute of limitations for truck accidents is two years, so you have two years from the date of the crash to start the legal process. If your loved one sustained fatal injuries in a truck collision, you get two years from the date they passed away to pursue a wrongful death claim. In either case, this may seem like a substantial amount of time, but you must take immediate steps to preserve evidence after an accident. Do not wait to speak to a legal professional: The investigation into your case needs to start right away.
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