Truck Accident Lawyer in Gwinnett County, GA Seeking Compensation For You
Collisions between commercial trucks and smaller vehicles are all too common on Georgia’s streets and roads. Trucks are necessary for the movement of goods throughout the state, but despite this, many roads are ill-equipped to handle the size and weight of large trucks, which makes sharing the streets with them a difficult proposition.
Truck drivers in Peachtree Corners and everywhere else in Georgia have an absolute duty of care to operate their vehicles in a safe manner according to the rules of the road. Any failure to do so could make a truck driver liable for any damage that results from an accident. If you were injured as the result of one of these accidents, you may have the right to seek compensation.
A Gwinnett County truck accident lawyer may be able to help you following a collision with a truck or another commercial vehicle. Your personal injury attorney could perform an independent investigation into the incident, use the relevant evidence to demonstrate the defendant’s negligence, and accurately measure your damages to demand fair compensation.
How Can a Truck Accident Occur?
Many truck accidents are similar to collisions between passenger cars in terms of how they occur in Peachtree Corners. If a truck driver does not follow the rules of the road—for example, by speeding—they are more likely to be involved in an accident. The same concept applies to distracted driving: a trucker who is texting or talking on the CB radio may not be paying appropriate attention to the road.
Some common causes of truck accidents include:
-Driver error: This is the most common cause of truck accidents. Fatigued driving, distracted driving, or simply inexperience behind the wheel can all lead to accidents. In some cases, drivers may also be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
-Poor vehicle maintenance: Trucks are subject to strict maintenance requirements. When these requirements are not met, it can lead to mechanical failures that could cause accidents. Additionally, overloaded or improperly loaded trucks are also a common cause of accidents.
-Road conditions: Poorly maintained roads can be dangerous for any vehicle, but they can be especially dangerous for large trucks. Potholes, debris, and other road hazards can cause accidents.
-Driver fatigue: Truck drivers often have to meet tight deadlines, which can lead to them driving for long hours. This can be extremely dangerous, as fatigued driving can lead to accidents.
-Defective truck parts: In some cases, accidents may be caused by defective truck parts. If a part fails, it can cause the truck to lose control and crash.
-Improperly secured cargo: If a truck’s cargo is not properly secured, it can shift during transit and cause the truck to lose control. This can often lead to serious accidents.
However, other factors that affect only commercial vehicles make these accidents significantly more dangerous. Most commercial vehicles dwarf passenger cars, making them slower to stop in an emergency. In addition, the dimensions of large commercial vehicles can create blind spots that may not allow a trucker to see other vehicles without manually turning their heads.
Truckers may also flout the law by driving in excess of the legal number of hours in any given day or week. This can create fatigue that reduces reaction times and leaves them unaware of road conditions. A truck accident lawyer in Gwinnett County could help to investigate the cause of the accident and prove a defendant’s negligence.
How Can You Prove Negligence?
Most collisions between commercial trucks and smaller cars are accidents in which the trucker likely did not intend to cause a collision and may even express regret afterward. Even so, the law states that one party must always be at blame for an accident. However, this does not mean that a truck driver is the only possible at-fault party.
The state uses a form of negligence known as modified comparative negligence. Under Official Code of Georgia §51-12-33, juries may apportion blame to each party involved. If the court finds that a plaintiff is to blame for more than half of the incident, the plaintiff would be unable to recover any compensation. On the other hand, if the court ruled that a defendant is 50 percent or more to blame, they could be held liable to pay for that same percentage of the plaintiff’s losses.
Truck accident lawyers in Gwinnett County could help people injured in truck accidents file claims alleging defendant negligence. These claims may allege that a defendant truck driver was at fault for the accident, that their fault caused a plaintiff’s injuries, and that a plaintiff is entitled to full compensation for their losses.
What Can I Be Compensated For?
First and foremost, your injuries will likely be covered by the insurance of the driver who caused the accident. This includes medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs. In addition, you may be able to receive compensation for pain and suffering. This can be a significant amount of money, and it is important to have an experienced lawyer on your side to help you get the most out of your case.
In order to receive compensation, the injured person must typically file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. In some cases, the trucking company may also be held liable for the accident.
What Are The Steps Needed To Receive Compensation?
If you have been in a truck accident, it is important to know what to do next. The first thing you should do is seek medical attention, even if you don’t believe you are injured. Many times people don’t realize they are injured until later on. After you have received treatment, the next step is to file a claim for compensation.
There are generally three ways to file a claim: through the insurance company of the other driver, through your own insurance company, or with a lawyer. Filing a claim through the other driver’s insurance company can be difficult because they may try to deny your claim or offer you a lower amount of compensation than you deserve. Filing a claim through your own insurance company can be easier because they are more likely to want to help you get the compensation you need. However, if the accident was someone else’s fault, your insurance company may try to deny or reduce your claim.
The best option is to hire a truck accident lawyer who will help you file a claim and negotiate with the other driver’s insurance company. A lawyer will know what to do and how to get you the best possible outcome in your case.
What Are Common Injuries in Truck Accidents?
Truck accidents can often result in serious injuries. Some of the most common injuries include:
-Head injuries: Head injuries are some of the most common injuries for truck accidents attorneys in Sandy Springs. These can range from concussions to traumatic brain injuries.
-Neck and back injuries: Whiplash and other neck and back injuries are also common in truck accidents. These can often lead to long-term pain and suffering.
-Spinal cord injuries: Spinal cord injuries can occur when the spinal cord is damaged. This can lead to paralysis or other serious impairments.
-Broken bones: Broken bones are also common in truck accidents. These can often require extensive medical treatment and can lead to long-term disability.
-Internal injuries: Internal bleeding and organ damage are also common in truck accidents. These injuries can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.
Ensuring that you seek medical attention in a timely manner can not only help with your injuries sustained but also help with getting the compensation you deserve, getting medical bills covered, as well as establishing who the responsible party is. Dealing with insurance companies can be a difficult task, but an experienced Gwinnett County truck accident attorney is ready to help you! Contact us today to set up your free initial consultation today.
Can a Truck Accident Attorney Help Me?
Being involved in a commercial trucking accident can leave you dealing with serious physical injuries, economic losses due to missing time at work, and perhaps emotional trauma. At-fault truckers and their insurance companies may be responsible for providing compensation when they are negligent, but proving negligence can be complicated. Move quickly to ensure that important evidence is preserved.
A truck accident can be a scary and stressful situation. A Gwinnett County truck accident lawyer could help you demonstrate trucker negligence, pursue fair payments for your losses, and protect your interests during official depositions, settlement talks, and—if necessary—in court. They have all the necessary skills to represent you, go after the trucking companies, get all of the help you need with personal injury, and ensure that your truck accident case is handled in the best and most timely manner possible. Contact the skilled attorney at The Scott Pryor Law Group today to set up your initial consultation at 404-474-7122.