Why Truck Accidents Are So Dangerous
Truck accidents are inherently more dangerous than other automobile accidents due to the sheer size and weight of these commercial vehicles. When a truck, often carrying thousands of pounds of cargo, collides with a smaller vehicle, the force of impact is significantly greater. This can result in severe damage to the vehicle and catastrophic injuries to the occupants. Additionally, the larger size of trucks means they have larger blind spots, require longer stopping distances, and are more prone to rollovers.
Truck accidents frequently cause many types of life-altering injuries, including:
- Amputations
- Broken bones
- Internal organ damage
- Severe burns
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
Immediate Steps to Take After a Truck Accident in Georgia
In the event of a truck accident in Georgia, it is crucial to take several important steps immediately. Firstly, if you are able, call 911. This will not only summon emergency medical assistance but also ensure that law enforcement can document the scene. Checking yourself and others for injuries is also critical. If possible and safe to do so, you should secure your vehicle. It is important to cooperate with first responders and law enforcement at the scene.
Even if you don't feel hurt, it's still important to get medical attention. Early detection of certain injuries can be aided by prompt medical attention, as some injuries may not be immediately noticeable due to adrenaline or shock.
Contacting a qualified truck accident attorney in Georgia is another key step. At Morrison & Hughes, our experienced team can guide you through the process of protecting your legal rights and possibly seeking compensation.
In the days following the accident, continue medical treatment as needed, keep track of all expenses related to the accident, and maintain open communication with your attorney.
Do I Need To Call The Police After A Truck Accident?
In Georgia, it is mandatory to notify the police following a truck accident, particularly if there are injuries, fatalities, or property damage exceeding $500. It is imperative to call 911 and wait for emergency personnel to arrive in any car or truck accident involving injury or significant property damage, as required by Georgia law. At the crash scene, the responding officer can gather crucial information.
This official report can be vital when filing insurance claims or if legal action is necessary. Even if the accident seems minor, it's still recommended to call the police to have all facts documented properly. After tending to any immediate medical needs and the police investigation, you should also report the accident to your insurance company.
What Are Common Causes Of Truck Accidents In GA?
There are a multitude of reasons behind truck accidents. Foremost among these is the failure of equipment, encompassing issues like malfunctioning brakes, faulty steering components, tire ruptures, and non-working headlights. Accidents can also arise from inadequate truck maintenance or incorrect loading of cargo.
Factors such as driver fatigue and distraction cannot be overlooked. Driving behaviors such as aggression, speeding, recklessness, and impaired driving due to substance use are frequently reported causes. The influence of weather conditions in truck accidents is another aspect to consider.
Finally, the use of prescription or over-the-counter medication, excessive speed given the road conditions, and lack of familiarity with the vehicle or route also contributes significantly to the occurrence of truck accidents throughout Georgia.
Determining Liability For A Truck Accident In Georgia
Figuring out who is liable for a truck accident requires determining what precisely caused the collision. In some instances, multiple parties – including parties other than the driver – may be financially responsible for your injuries under the law. Our Georgia truck accident attorneys are prepared to thoroughly investigate what happened and identify all liable parties.
Depending on the facts of the case, any of the following parties may be liable for a truck accident:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- The cargo loading company
- The truck’s maintenance team
- The manufacturer of a defective truck component
Compensation for Truck Accident Victims in Georgia
Once you have determined who is liable for your injuries, you can file a personal injury lawsuit against them. A successful claim will allow you to recover compensation for both economic (objectively calculable) and non-economic (more subjective) damages. We can help calculate the value of your claim and walk you through what you can expect to recover.
We will fight to deliver just compensation for all losses related to a truck accident, including:
- Past, current, and future medical bills
- Lost wages and earning potential
- Property damage
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Disfigurement
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
What Are the Truck Accident Federal Regulations
Truck accidents are governed by a set of federal regulations primarily established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), a division of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).
These regulations are designed to enhance safety and reduce accidents involving commercial trucks. Here are some key federal regulations for truck accidents:
- Hours of Service (HOS) Regulations: These rules limit the number of hours a truck driver can be on the road to prevent fatigue-related accidents. For example, truck drivers are generally limited to 11 hours of driving within a 14-hour workday, and they must have 10 consecutive hours off duty before starting a new shift. There are also weekly limits and required breaks to ensure drivers get adequate rest.
- Driver Qualification Requirements: Truck drivers must meet certain standards to be qualified to operate a commercial motor vehicle. This includes having a valid commercial driver's license (CDL), passing physical exams, and undergoing background checks. Drivers must also be able to speak and read English sufficiently to communicate with the public and understand highway traffic signs and signals.
- Vehicle Maintenance and Inspection: Commercial trucks must undergo regular inspections, maintenance, and repairs to ensure they are safe to operate. Drivers are required to conduct pre-trip and post-trip inspections and report any defects or issues. Carriers must maintain records of these inspections and repairs.
- Weight and Size Limits: There are federal limits on the weight and size of commercial trucks to prevent road damage and enhance safety. For example, the maximum allowable weight for a truck on interstate highways is generally 80,000 pounds, including the cargo.
- Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs): Truck drivers are required to use ELDs to automatically record their driving time and ensure compliance with HOS regulations. This rule aims to improve accuracy in tracking driving hours and reduce instances of logbook fraud.
- Drug and Alcohol Testing: Truck drivers must undergo regular drug and alcohol testing, including pre-employment, random, post-accident, and reasonable suspicion testing. The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for commercial drivers is lower than for non-commercial drivers, typically set at 0.04%.
- Hazardous Materials Regulations: There are specific rules for transporting hazardous materials, including proper labeling, packaging, and handling requirements. Drivers transporting hazardous materials must have a special endorsement on their CDL and receive specific training.
- Safety Fitness Procedures: The FMCSA has procedures for evaluating the safety fitness of motor carriers. Carriers must comply with safety regulations, and failure to do so can result in penalties, fines, and being ordered out of service.
These federal regulations are designed to enhance the safety of commercial trucking operations and reduce the risk of accidents on the roads. Compliance with these regulations is crucial for truck drivers and carriers to avoid legal issues and ensure the safety of all road users.
Choose Georgia's Trusted Truck Accident Lawyers
Getting your life back together after suffering devastating injuries in a truck accident can feel like a full-time job. Remember that you don’t have to go through this alone: Our compassionate team at Morrison & Hughes is here to help. Let us handle the investigation and legal legwork so that you can focus on your recovery. No matter the complexity of the crash, our truck accident lawyers in Georgia recognize what is at stake and are ready to fight for you.
Unable to Visit Us? We'll Come to You – Contact Our Georgia Truck Accident Attorneys Now(404) 689-2734 or contact us online to speak to a member of our team.
Helpful Resources
Frequently Asked Questions about Truck Accidents in Georgia
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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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