Athens Truck Accident Attorney

Commercial trucks, whether they are carrying cargo or not, are extremely large and heavy. Their size and weight pose a significant danger to smaller, lighter vehicles on the road. According to the Georgia Governor's Office of Highway Safety, in 2018 there were 187 fatalities caused by crashes involving trucks. If you were injured or if someone you love was injured or killed in a truck accident, you may have grounds for a lawsuit.

At the Hall & Collins Injury Law, LLC, we investigate all details of an accident to determine who was at fault and to hold negligent truck drivers and companies responsible. With over 50 years of combined experience, we know Georgia car accident laws. Our goal is to help you take the best course of action to recover financial damages.

Regulations Truckers Must Follower

Because large trucks can cause such catastrophic damage to other drivers when an accident occurs, truck drivers are required to follow more laws than other motorists both on and off the road. One of the most well-known rules is called the hours of service regulation.

The main purposes of this set of regulations is to prevent fatigued driving, thus the laws are aimed at ensuring that truck drivers get enough sleep and are not overworked by the companies they drive for. According to this law:

• Truck drivers can work a maximum of 14 hours in a day. However, of these 14 hours only 11 hours can be spent driving. The remaining time must be spent on rest or meal breaks
• Truck drivers must rest for at least 10 consecutive hours before beginning a new day at work
• Truck drivers are required to take days off work at regular intervals

Unfortunately, whether due to truck driver negligence or pressure from the companies they drive for, for these rules are not always followed which can lead to more accidents on the road. If you have been injured, contact our firm today to discuss your case.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

There are a number of different ways a commercial truck can cause an accident. This depends on any number of factors, such as:

• Whether the driver was under-rested
• If the cargo was unsecured
• If the driver was distracted
• If the driver was driving while under the influence

Distracted drivers are very common on the roads, especially those who have been driving for many hours. In some cases, truck drivers are instructed by their companies to drive over the legal limit of allowed trucking hours. Despite extensive trucking regulations to prevent collisions, many types of trucking accidents still occur.

Types of Vehicles Involved in Truck Accidents

Trucking accidents commonly involve the following vehicles:

• Tow trucks
• Tanker trucks
• Flatbed trucks
• Tractor-trailers
• 18-wheelers

These large vehicles are prone to jackknifing or tire blowouts, especially if they have to brake suddenly. Because of their size, if one of these trucks hits another vehicle head-on or even on the side, they can cause catastrophic injuries and damage, or possibly even death.

Determining Liability for a Trucking Accident

After being injured in a trucking accident, seeking legal counsel may not be your first thought. However, knowing where to turn to for support is essential, especially as the medical bills and related expenses start to pile up. Liability is difficult to determine and, likewise, so is proving that the truck driver was negligent in your accident.

After a trucking accident, your attorney will perform a thorough investigation of the evidence surrounding your collision to determine who is liable. This may involve:

• Collecting and analyzing police reports
• Data from electronic on-board recording devices (EOBRs)
• Vehicle inspection records
• Trucking company hours of service logs
• Sophisticated accident reconstruction techniques to uncover evidence of negligence

It is not uncommon for multiple parties to share liability for a trucking crash, such as the trucking company, the truck driver, the manufacturer of the truck or its parts, or even another motorist.

Common negligent acts which lead to trucking accidents include:

• Driving while fatigued
• Driving under the influence of drugs / alcohol
• Driving while distracted
• Improperly loading cargo
• Speeding
• Skipping mandatory vehicle inspections
• Failing to check blind spots before changing lanes
• Failing to properly train truck drivers

Eligible Damages for Truck Accident Victims

If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident, you may be able to recover compensation for a wide range of economic and non-economic damages. The value of your case will depend on the type and severity of injuries suffered.

Since every case is different, it is important to consult with a truck accident attorney in Athens to determine the most appropriate course of action and maximize your potential compensation.

An attorney can help you seek compensation for the following damages:

• Present and future medical expenses
• Lost wages and other income
• Pain and suffering
• Physical therapy costs
• Vehicle repair or replacement costs
• Wrongful death (if a loved one was killed)

Call Our Skilled Truck Accident Lawyers in Athens Today

At Hall & Collins Injury Law, LLC, we have decades of experience providing compassionate advocacy and sound advice to clients like yourself. With the help of an Athens truck accident attorney, you may be able to recover compensation for your medical bills and related expenses should we find the other party liable for your injuries.

Related Reading

• What Must I Prove to Win an Injury Claim from an Auto Accident or Truck Collision?
• What is the Burden of Proof in an Auto Accident or Truck Collision Case in Georgia?