Atlanta Truck Accident Attorney

On This Page:

• How Common Are Truck Accidents?
• How Do Large Truck Accidents Happen?
• Who Is Responsible for a Commercial Truck Accident?
• Common Truck Accident Injuries
• Let Our Team Fight for You
• Frequently Asked Questions

How Common Are Truck Accidents?

A truck accident refers to any collision involving a commercial truck, also known as an articulated lorry, semi-truck, or tractor-trailer, and another vehicle, pedestrian, or stationary object. These accidents can lead to significant damage, injuries, and sometimes fatalities due to the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks.

Common types of truck accidents include:

• Rear-end collisions: These occur when a truck hits the vehicle in front of it. Due to the truck's weight and momentum, rear-end collisions can cause severe damage and injuries.
• Jackknife accidents: A jackknife accident happens when the trailer of a truck swings outward from the cab, resembling the folding motion of a jackknife. This often occurs due to sudden braking or loss of control, especially on slippery roads.
• Rollovers: Rollover accidents involve a truck tipping over onto its side or roof. They can happen due to various factors such as speeding, sharp turns, overloading, or adverse weather conditions.
• Underride accidents: These occur when a smaller vehicle slides underneath the trailer of a truck, often resulting in catastrophic injuries or fatalities for the occupants of the smaller vehicle.
• Blind spot accidents: Trucks have large blind spots where the driver's visibility is limited. Accidents can occur when other vehicles linger in these blind spots, leading to collisions during lane changes or merging.
• T-bone accidents: Also known as side-impact collisions, T-bone accidents happen when the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another vehicle, forming a "T" shape. These accidents frequently occur at intersections.
• Tire blowouts: When a truck's tire suddenly bursts while in motion, it can cause the driver to lose control, potentially leading to accidents with other vehicles or objects on the road.
• Cargo spills: Improperly secured cargo can spill onto the roadway, creating hazards for other vehicles and potentially causing accidents.

Although they are not as common as standard car accidents, truck accidents occur much more frequently than many people realize.

According to 2019 data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), an independent, nonprofit organization that researches and analyzes motor vehicle accidents in the U.S.:

• 4,119 people died in accidents involving large trucks in the U.S.
• Most of those fatalities (67%) were the occupants of the smaller vehicles
• The number of truck accident fatalities was 31% higher than it was 10 years earlier
• Most fatal truck accidents occurred on weekdays and between the hours of 6 AM and 6 PM
• More than half (52%) of truck accidents occurred on major roads and 32% occurred on freeways and interstates

If you or someone you love was involved in a large truck accident, you already know the immense devastation these collisions cause. At The Roth Firm, LLC, our Atlanta truck accident attorneys provide compassionate, client-focused support and guidance through every stage of the legal process. We are here to answer your questions and help you navigate the recovery process.

How Do Large Truck Accidents Happen?

Given that truck drivers are highly trained professionals, it can be surprising that truck accidents are so common. However, like other motorists on the road, truck drivers are not immune from human error, nor are they immune from acting negligently or carelessly behind the wheel. To make matters worse, myriad other factors aside from truck driver error can—and frequently do—cause truck accidents.

Some of the most common causes of truck accidents include:

• Truck Driver Negligence/Error: Truck drivers sometimes engage in negligent or reckless conduct while operating their vehicles. Examples include speeding, driving while distracted, eating or drinking behind the wheel, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Hours-of-Service Violations: Truck drivers are held to strict hours-of-service regulations, which dictate how many hours they can drive in a given period. When truck drivers violate hours-of-service rules and drive fatigued, they can cause serious accidents.
• Poor Truck Maintenance/Repairs: Truck drivers are often responsible for routinely inspecting their vehicles and conducting proper maintenance, as well as reporting issues for repair. Improper, insufficient, or poor truck maintenance and repairs can lead to devastating crashes.
• Cargo Problems: By law, trucks cannot exceed certain federal and state weight limitations. Overloaded trucks can pose a serious risk to others on the road, as can trucks with improperly loaded cargo, which may shift during travel and cause the driver to lose control.
• Unsafe Road/Weather Conditions: Even when road or weather conditions are poor, truck drivers have a responsibility to adjust accordingly. This means driving slower and taking extra precautions to avoid causing an accident.
• Vehicle Defects: Truck defects can sometimes contribute to or cause an accident. Examples of common large truck defects include defective truck design, defective braking systems and engine components, and truck tires that “blow out” at highway speeds.
• Third-Party Negligence: In some cases, truck accidents are caused by the negligent or wrongful conduct of a third party, such as another motorist on the road. While truck drivers have a duty to pay attention and drive with caution, they cannot always react in time to avoid a crash.

At The Roth Firm, LLC, we know how to investigate truck accidents to determine the cause and whether additional factors played a role in the crash. Our attorneys can handle the investigation and gather supporting evidence to build the strongest possible case on your behalf while you focus on healing and getting back on your feet.

Who Is Responsible for a Commercial Truck Accident?

One of the things that makes truck accidents so complex is the issue of liability. In many cases involving truck driver negligence, the trucking company is the one that can be held liable. This is because employers are typically liable for the conduct of their employees while their employees are “on the clock.” However, the trucking company may dispute liability by arguing that the truck driver violated company policy or that the truck driver is an independent contractor, not an employee.

In other cases, the truck driver or the trucking company may share some of the liability with a third party, such as a manufacturer or the party responsible for truck maintenance or repairs. It is important that you work with an experienced truck accident attorney who can thoroughly investigate your claim and identify all possible avenues of compensation. In some cases, you may have grounds for multiple personal injury claims against multiple parties.

Common Truck Accident Injuries

Given the sheer size and weight difference between a commercial truck and a car or a motorcycle, truck accidents frequently result in fatal injuries for the occupants of other involved vehicles. If the victims survive, they can end up permanently disabled. Some of the injuries suffered in truck accidents include:

• Bone fractures
• Traumatic amputation
• Cuts and lacerations
• Soft tissue injuries
• Seat-belt injuries
• Internal organ damage
• Internal bleeding
• Disfigurement and scarring
• Head and brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Severe burns

Let Our Team Fight for You

At The Roth Firm, LLC, we understand the numerous challenges inherent in truck accident cases—and we know how to fight back against major trucking company’s efforts to dispute or deny your claim. Our attorneys work to recover the best possible settlements in as little time as possible, but we recognize that this is not always feasible. When necessary, we are prepared to aggressively represent you in the courtroom and fight for the maximum compensation you are owed.

From our office in Atlanta, we provide caring, compassionate client service. Because we limit our caseload, we are able to dedicate all of our resources and efforts to each case. We provide free initial consultations and can travel to meet you at your home, your work, or in the hospital if needed.

Call (404) 777-4899 or submit a free online case evaluation form today to get started. You owe nothing unless we recover compensation for you!

What should I do immediately after a trucking accident in Atlanta?

Immediately after a trucking accident in Atlanta, it's crucial to take the following steps to protect yourself and preserve evidence for any potential legal claims:

• Ensure Safety: First and foremost, check yourself and others for injuries. If anyone is seriously injured, call 911 immediately and request medical assistance.
• Call the Police: Contact the local law enforcement to report the accident. Having an official police report can be invaluable for insurance claims and legal proceedings.
• Document the Scene: If it is safe to do so, take pictures or videos of the accident scene, including the vehicles involved, their positions, damages, and any visible injuries. These photos can serve as critical evidence later.
• Exchange Information: Exchange contact and insurance information with the truck driver and any other parties involved in the accident. Also, gather contact information from witnesses, if possible.
• Don't Admit Fault: Avoid discussing or admitting fault at the scene. Any statements made might be used against you later. Stick to factual information when speaking with the police and other parties.
• Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, it's essential to seek medical evaluation after the accident. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and having a medical record will be essential for your claim.
• Report the Accident to Your Insurance: Notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. Provide them with the basic details, but avoid giving a detailed statement without legal guidance.
• Preserve Evidence: If you have any physical evidence, such as damaged personal belongings or clothing, keep them safe for potential use during the legal process.
• Consult a Truck Accident Lawyer: Consider contacting an experienced truck accident lawyer to discuss your case and understand your rights and options.

Why should I consider hiring a truck accident lawyer for my case?

Hiring a truck accident lawyer can significantly benefit your case for the following reasons:

• Expertise in Trucking Laws
• Investigative Resources
• Preservation of Evidence
• Determining Liability
• Negotiation Skills
• Maximizing Compensation
• Trial Experience
• Reduced Stress

What compensation can I claim after a trucking accident in Atlanta?

After a trucking accident in Atlanta, you may be entitled to various types of compensation, depending on the specifics of your case. Potential compensation can include:

• Medical Expenses
• Lost Wages
• Pain and Suffering
• Property Damage
• Rehabilitation Costs
• Disability and Disfigurement
• Loss of Consortium
• Punitive Damages

A qualified truck accident lawyer can assess the specific details of your case, calculate the appropriate compensation, and fight for your rights to ensure you receive fair and just compensation for your losses.