Fayetteville Truck Accident Lawyer

Have You Been Injured by a Negligent Truck Driver? You Have Rights!

At Morrison & Hughes Law, we understand the devastating impact that truck accidents can have on victims and their families. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Fayetteville, Georgia, our team is here to help. With years of experience handling truck accident claims, we are committed to securing the compensation you deserve for your medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional suffering.

Truck accidents are often far more severe than typical car accidents due to the size and weight of commercial trucks. These accidents require in-depth knowledge of federal regulations, trucking industry standards, and complex liability issues. As your trusted Fayetteville truck accident lawyer, we are prepared to navigate these complexities to protect your rights.

Call (910) 597-1364 or contact us online today to request a free consultation.

Common Types of Truck Accidents

Truck accidents can happen in various ways, each with different causes and outcomes. Some of the most common types of truck accidents include:

• Jackknife Accidents: A jackknife accident occurs when the trailer of a truck swings out and forms a 90-degree angle with the cab. This often happens due to sudden braking or slippery road conditions, and it can cause catastrophic damage to surrounding vehicles.
• Rollover Accidents: Rollover accidents happen when a truck tips over due to high speeds, sharp turns, or an unbalanced load. These accidents are extremely dangerous for the truck driver and other vehicles on the road.
• Rear-End Collisions: Due to the size and weight of trucks, stopping takes much longer than for smaller vehicles. Rear-end collisions can occur when a truck driver fails to stop in time, often leading to serious injuries for those in the smaller vehicle.
• Underride Accidents: An underride accident occurs when a smaller vehicle gets stuck under the trailer of a truck, typically due to sudden braking or the truck making a wide turn. These accidents often result in severe injuries or fatalities.
• Blind Spot Accidents: Truck drivers have large blind spots, particularly on the sides and rear of the vehicle. If a truck driver changes lanes or turns without seeing a smaller vehicle in their blind spot, it can lead to a dangerous collision.
• Tire Blowouts: A tire blowout on a truck can cause the driver to lose control, leading to accidents with other vehicles. Tire blowouts can be caused by poor maintenance, manufacturing defects, or overloading the truck.
• Head-On Collisions: Although less common, head-on collisions involving trucks are particularly deadly due to the sheer force of the impact. These accidents often occur due to driver fatigue, impaired driving, or poor road conditions.

FMCSA Regulations

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) establishes strict regulations for truck drivers and trucking companies to promote safety on the road. Violations of these regulations can contribute to accidents and form the basis for liability in a truck accident claim.

Some key FMCSA regulations include:

• Hours of Service (HOS) Regulations: Truck drivers are limited in how many hours they can drive per day and week to prevent fatigue-related accidents. For example, drivers are typically allowed to drive up to 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty. If a driver violates these rules, they and the trucking company may be held liable for any resulting accidents.
• Vehicle Maintenance: Trucking companies are required to regularly inspect and maintain their vehicles to ensure they are in safe working condition. Failing to maintain a truck properly, such as ignoring tire wear or brake issues, can lead to serious accidents.
• Weight Limits: There are strict regulations on the weight that a truck can legally carry. Overloading a truck can cause brake failure, rollovers, and tire blowouts. Trucking companies must ensure that their loads comply with federal weight restrictions.
• Drug and Alcohol Testing: Truck drivers are subject to random drug and alcohol testing to ensure they are not impaired while driving. Any truck driver caught violating drug and alcohol regulations can face severe penalties, including liability for any accidents caused.

Who is Liable for a Truck Accident?

Determining liability in a truck accident can be more complex than in a standard car accident. Multiple parties may be held responsible, including:

• Truck Driver: If the truck driver was negligent, such as by speeding, driving while fatigued, or violating traffic laws, they can be held liable for the accident. Distracted driving and impairment due to drugs or alcohol are also common causes of truck accidents.
• Trucking Company: The trucking company may be liable if it failed to properly maintain the vehicle, hired an unqualified driver, or encouraged drivers to violate FMCSA regulations, such as driving longer than allowed under HOS rules. Additionally, companies that overload their trucks or fail to secure cargo may also be held responsible.
• Cargo Loaders: If improper loading of cargo led to an accident, the party responsible for loading the truck could be held liable. Shifting or improperly secured cargo can cause rollovers and other dangerous situations on the road.
• Truck Manufacturer: In some cases, a truck accident may be caused by a defective part, such as faulty brakes or a tire blowout. In these situations, the manufacturer of the truck or its parts could be held liable under product liability laws.
• Other Third Parties: Other parties, such as a maintenance provider or another driver on the road, may also be liable for the accident, depending on the specific circumstances of the case.

Why You Need a Fayetteville Truck Accident Lawyer

Truck accident claims require specialized legal knowledge and experience. At Morrison & Hughes Law, our Fayetteville truck accident lawyers understand the unique challenges that come with these cases. From investigating the accident scene to gathering evidence such as driver logs and maintenance records, we leave no stone unturned to build a strong case on your behalf.

Some reasons to work with us include:

• Experience with Trucking Regulations: We have in-depth knowledge of FMCSA regulations and understand how to hold trucking companies and drivers accountable for violations.
• Thorough Investigation: Our team conducts thorough investigations to identify all liable parties, ensuring that you receive the full compensation you deserve.
• Aggressive Representation: We are committed to fighting for your rights, both in negotiations and in court, to maximize your compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Contact us today at (910) 597-1364 to discuss your case with our legal team.