Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Savannah

FAQs

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

  The Savannah Police Department can be reached at (912) 651-6675.

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

  Police reports can be acquired by:

  1. Visiting in person at 602 East Lathrop Avenue, the second floor of the northwest precinct.
  2. Fax at (912) 525-1748
  3. Sending an email to SPDrecords@savannahga.gov. You will also receive your report through email unless otherwise specified.
  4. Sending a self-addressed stamped envelope to the following address:

  Savannah Police Department Records Unit PO Box 8032 Savannah GA 31412

• Why is it not advisable to apologize after a trucking accident in Savannah?

  The reason why you are discouraged from apologizing after a trucking accident in Savannah is that the gesture can be misconstrued as an admission of guilt. In delicate situations where liability must be established, the people involved may be high-strung and resort to whatever means necessary to avoid culpability, which includes placing the blame on you by saying that you apologized and therefore admitted that you caused the accident.

• Do truck accidents happen frequently in Savannah?

  There are many roads that lead in and out of Savannah that see a lot of trucks. Although truck accidents can happen at any time, they usually occur between 12 noon and 6 p.m., when people are coming home either from work or from school. Some of the most dangerous spots in Savannah are:

  1. White Bluff and Abercorn
  2. Interstate 16 and Chatham Parkway, also called by the locals as The Devil's Highway
  3. King George and Abercorn

   

• Can a truck driver be sued for causing an accident in Savannah?

  Yes, truck drivers can be sued in Savannah if his or her actions appear to have caused the accident. For example, if the driver was drunk, distracted, or speeding, he or she can be sued because these were all deliberate actions and decisions made by no one but the driver. For other causes of accidents such as brakes failing, wheels blowing out, cargo falling out of the truck, or driver falling asleep at the wheel, the maintenance company, the freight company, or the trucking company can be sued.

• What happens to your claim if the at-fault driver in a truck accident in Savannah passes away?

  The at-fault party's death will not affect your right to compensation. Georgia law requires every driver to have liability insurance. This means that if the driver causes an accident and dies later, you can file a claim for compensation with the insurance company of the liable party. The settlement negotiation will be between you and the decedent's insurer, without the involvement of the other party's family members or loved ones.

• What are your options if the at-fault driver in a truck accident in Savannah passed away and was underinsured?

  Hire an attorney because this would involve a process called probate. The court gets involved here and uses the fullest extent of the law in handling the negligent party's estate and their financial responsibilities, which include debts and, in your case, the damages they owed you because of the accident they caused.

• 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.