There are a number of important things to consider in semi-truck lawsuits in Georgia. Seeing big semi-truck accidents in the State of Georgia–especially in Atlanta–is becoming all too common. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or NHTSA, one out of nine highway fatalities on the road involves truck accidents with tractor-trailers. There are serious physical injuries that are common in these trucking accidents like spinal injuries that may result in quadriplegia or paraplegia, loss of limbs, injuries to the spinal cord from the severe impact, and irreversible traumatic brain injuries. Accidents with semi-trucks are also the cause of wrongful death claims in Georgia and throughout the United States.
In an attempt to educate the public, data has been released by The United States Department of Transportation regarding trucking accidents and fatalities. Even after the efforts of authorities and the government to educate the public of the hazards of big trucking accidents, the number rises annually. This is shocking and alarming because a large amount of these car accidents could have been prevented. Many common causes of these accidents were human error-related. These accidents could have been avoided by a thorough screening of truck drivers by trucking companies during the hiring process. Truck companies could also provide additional training on safety techniques to help prevent trucking accidents.
Truck Accident Statistics
In an average year, statistics show that there are 4,229 deaths in the United States that have commercial big trucks like Semi’s, tractor-trailers, commercial trucks and even recreational trucks. There are 70,000 reported truck accident injuries that have been life-altering–irreversible injuries such as brain and spinal injuries–that have been a result of truck accidents.
According to statistics from recent years, 78 percent of fatal truck accidents happen over the weekend. Information gathered and interpreted showed that a jaw-dropping 68 percent of all truck accidents happen in rural areas and just 32 in urban regions.
Data collected from all accidents concerning semi-trucks show that the main reason why the accidents occur is due to human error. More importantly, thirty percent of truck accidents happen due to truck drivers not getting the required rest/sleep time. The hectic, unreasonable schedules and quotas given to drivers by their trucking companies is the reason for driver fatigue and what may cause these catastrophic accidents to happen. Truck companies are focused on profits, hitting delivery quotas, and increasing driver miles all while jeopardizing the safety and wellbeing of the general public and ignoring state and federal regulations meant to protect other drivers.
Common Causes of Big Truck Accidents
There are a number of reasons why a truck accident can occur. Here are some of the common issues/causes in semi-truck lawsuits:
- Driver Error (Unqualified Truck Drivers, Poorly Trained Drivers, Driver Fatigue, Etc.)
- Poorly Maintained Trucks
- Driving Under the Influence (Alcohol, Drugs, etc.)
- Brake Failure
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Overloading/Uneven Load
- Speeding
- Distracted Driving
- Illegal turns and safety violations
- Rear-ended collisions (Tailgating)
- Weather Conditions
- Swerving
- Blind Spots
Who is Responsible for Semi-Truck Accidents?
In semi-truck lawsuits and accident cases, determining the at-fault party can prove to be difficult. An experienced truck accident attorney will be tasked with discovering all parties that should be held liable for the accident to ensure you or your loved one receive compensation including even punitive damages if possible. There can be several parties involved when it comes to accidents with commercial trucks. The at-fault party may be obvious and some may not be. Common defendants in trucking accidents include:
- The Truck Driver
- The Owner of the Truck or Trucking Companies
- Truck Manufacturer
- Contractors
Determining the responsible party should not be solely your problem, hiring a truck accident lawyer will be necessary to help you file your lawsuit and recover the compensation you deserve. An experienced trial lawyer who is knowledgeable and experienced with defense tactics that trucking companies and their insurance carriers employ will be vital in protecting your rights. Truck accident law firms take your case and will dedicate time and resources to investigate and interpret the information collected to locate all parties that have potential involvement in your case and will make sure that their negligence is not swept under the rug.
What to Do In Semi-Truck Lawsuits
If you are a victim of a truck-related accident, you are entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering caused by the serious physical injuries, rehabilitation, medical bills, loss of income both past and future, emotional distress and mental wellness. You shouldn’t settle for less than what you deserve. All damages no matter how big or small should be compensated.
After being in an accident, or experiencing the wrongful death of a loved one, you should be focusing all your time and efforts on getting better, recovering from your injuries, and moving on from the grueling ordeal. You should not go through more pain and suffering after what you have already gone through. That is why having a truck accident attorney handle the legalities of your case is beneficial–so you can focus on what really matters.
Contact our Georgia Truck Accident Law Firm
Don’t get stuck with expensive medical bills, lost wages, and more after your truck accident. The personal injury attorneys at Council & Associates, have handled numerous truck accident cases in Atlanta and throughout Georgia. Our legal team will sort out the legal issues of your case, the amount of compensation, reimbursement for medical expenses, who to sue, when is the best time to file the accident lawsuit, and choosing the best legal strategy for the injured parties to take. If you have questions about the legal issues involved in your truck accident, and need a free consultation regarding what steps to take after being a victim of a trucking accident, call us immediately at (404) 562-8857. Our personal injury attorneys will take care of you and your concerns from start to finish!
