Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Atlanta

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Atlanta, Georgia?

  (404) 614-6544 is the non-emergency contact number for the Atlanta Police Department.

• Where can you get a copy of the police report for the accident in Atlanta, Georgia?

  People who want to obtain a copy of an accident report in Atlanta may visit www.buycrash.com or contact the Central Records Unit of the Atlanta Police Department at 404-546-7461. The release of a report may take up to five business days.

• What are the most common causes of truck accidents in Atlanta?

  A study using data released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that approximately 40% of fatal accidents in Georgia within a three-year period involved drunk driving, excessive speeding, or both. The majority of the collisions that happened were discovered to take place in North Georgia, particularly in Atlanta.

• Who can be sued in a truck accident case in Atlanta?

  A plaintiff in a truck accident case in Atlanta may mention both the motor carrier and its insurance provider in the same lawsuit in accordance with OCGA 40-2-140(d)(4). In light of this, injured victims are entitled to file a claim not only against the irresponsible truck drivers but also against their employers and the insurance providers for their businesses.

• Will victims still receive damages if the at-fault driver in an Atlanta truck accident is uninsured?

  Victims may still be able to recover damages for their injuries and losses through the help of UM coverage. If the party at fault in a truck collision in Atlanta lacks an insurance policy, Georgia's UM coverage steps in as a stand-in. Usually, the maximum is $50,000 per accident and $25,000 per person.

• How much does it cost to hire a truck accident lawyer in Atlanta?

  Most truck accident or personal injury lawyers in Atlanta take on cases on a contingency fee basis, so there are no up-front fees involved in hiring them. Their professional fees are just deducted as a percentage of the acquired settlement or award. By doing this, attorneys may reassure clients that they would act in their best interests and give them the legal support they require without having to worry about upfront fees.

• Is Atlanta prone to truck accidents?

  Since Atlanta is a busy city and the junction of several interstate routes such as rt. 285, rt. 20, rt. 75, and rt. 85., it poses a risk to most truck drivers. According to a study from MoneyGeek, the following five highways top its list of the five riskiest roads: -I-20 from Panola Road to Candler Road -I-285 between the Camp Creek Parkway interchange and the Riverdale Road exit -I-285 from the Bouldercrest Road exit to the I-20 interchange -Georgia Highway 85 from I-75 to Springdale Drive

• What does a truck accident attorney do?

  A truck accident lawyer is a personal injury attorney specializing in truck accidents. These lawyers help their clients navigate the legally complex terrain of truck accident law by gathering evidence, sending demand letters, negotiating with insurance companies, and preparing the case for trial.In most cases, they are personal injury lawyers who specialize in this particular type of claim.

• Who can be sued in a truck accident case?

  Truck accident liability is a notoriously complex area. In car accidents, liability is typically shared by one or more drivers, but that’s not always the case with truck collisions. These are just a few of the parties that may be responsible for truck accidents and subsequent injuries:

  • Equipment owners, including leasing companies
  • Truck drivers who are reckless, intoxicated, or make mistakes
  • Trucking companies accountable for hiring and keeping records
  • Maintenance providers who are negligent or fail to perform routine tasks
  • Loading personnel in accidents caused by shifting loads
  • Third-party drivers, especially in multi-vehicle collisions
  • Equipment manufacturers that sell defective parts

• What do I need to know about truck accident cases in court?

  In truck accident cases, as in all personal injury cases, the burden of proof rests on the plaintiff or party filing the lawsuit. To prevail in court, the plaintiff must prove four things:

  • The plaintiff must show that the defendant owed him or her a duty of care, such as having a legal responsibility to hire qualified drivers and maintain safe equipment.
  • In negligence claims, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant breached this duty.
  • The plaintiff must show that they suffered damages or experienced harm.
  • Finally, the plaintiff must prove that these losses were a direct result of the defendant’s breach.

  
  

• What are the common causes of truck accidents?

  Driver error is the single most common cause of motor vehicle accidents, but a variety of factors come into play on busy highways and secondary roads. Other potential causes of truck accidents include the following:

  • Inadequate or improper driver training
  • Severe weather, including rain, sleet, ice, and fog
  • Dangerous roadways, potholes, and construction zones
  • Improper loading, excess weight, and shifting cargo
  • Reckless driving involving intoxication or distractions
  • Faulty equipment, such as failing brakes

  
  

• Can I sue if I was hit by a truck owned by a big company?

  Yes, all trucking companies are responsible for hiring qualified drivers and maintaining safe equipment. However, a lengthy investigation may be required to document the scene, establish contributing factors, and hold the company responsible. Personal injury attorneys generally focus on the following points during the investigation:

  • Checking the truck driver’s record
  • Securing phone records to prove distracted driving
  • Photographing skid marks and road conditions
  • Verifying the truck’s weight and maintenance history
  • Establishing the driver’s physical and mental health
  • Reviewing logbooks to identify times of service violations
  • Checking for previous violations to establish a pattern of misconduct

  
  

• How many semi truck accidents are there per year?

  In the U.S., it's estimated that there are 500,000 large truck accidents per year with an average of nearly 1,400 per day, according to data collected from police reports. Of those 500,000 accidents, approximately 4,000 result in a death. The majority of semi truck accidents are caused by mechanical defects and driver fatigue.

• Can I sue for being hit by a semi truck?

  If you have been injured in an accident with a semi truck that is not your fault, you are entitled to compensation for the damages to your vehicle as well as for your medical bills, time missed from work, and other damages suffered. You can sue if the person or company refuses to offer fair compensation.

• What should I do after a truck accident?

  The most important thing to do after a serious accident is to seek medical attention. You should also collect witness information, photographs of the accident scene, a copy of the police report, and contact information from the driver of the truck. Gather all of your paperwork related to the accident, including copies of your medical bills. Avoid posting about the accident on social media or speaking to the driver's insurance company before seeking legal advice, because anything you say can be used against you and affect your compensation.

• How long does an 18-wheeler lawsuit take?

  Most lawsuits are settled without going to court, so reaching a settlement can happen at any point that both parties agree on fair compensation. However, in most states, once an agreement has been reached, it cannot be changed, so it's a good idea to wait long enough to ensure that there are no additional injuries before settling.

• Do semi truck accidents go to trial?

  Litigation for semi truck accidents is similar to auto accidents, but it's usually more complicated because any number of parties may ultimately be responsible for the accident, including the company that handles the truck's maintenance or repairs. If attempts at negotiating a settlement with the responsible party are unsuccessful, the lawsuit may proceed to trial. In some cases, more than one party is responsible and one of the parties may fight the lawsuit and claim no responsibility. For these reasons, it's important to seek legal help from an attorney with experience in litigating semi truck accidents.