Trucking Companies and Truck Accident Injuries
Many people wonder if they can sue for being hit by a semi truck. When big rigs, semi’s, 18-wheelers or any kind of big truck gets involved in a car accident, it may often prove deadly–especially to those people who have smaller vehicles. According to truck accident statistics, there are more than 160 large truck accidents every year here in the State of Georgia. Victims of reckless and negligent truck drivers are often subjected to months of medical attention and rehabilitation, which means taking time off from work, and medical bills. Victims may also suffer from permanent disabilities or brain injuries as the result of truck accident injuries. If you have been injured after being involved in a collision you are eligible to file for a personal injury claim to help you recover from the mental, physical and especially the financial struggle brought upon by the truck accident. You will want experienced injury lawyers with a record defeating truck companies and getting favorable results for their clients.
Car accidents and truck accidents are both considered as personal injury cases but they may have differences that will affect the outcome of each case. One of the major differences they have is that with car accidents, usually it is just the other driver that is liable for the collision. But with truck accidents, not only is the driver at-fault, the trucking company, operators, or owners can also be found liable for the incident. Remember that trucking companies only look out for their best interests and would want to settle as soon as possible with an offer of a minimum settlement.
What to Consider in Accidents Involving Trucks
- Potential for serious physical injuries or even fatalities – This is due to the size and weight of the big trucks. They can cause a great amount of harm and damages that can also lead to the death of individuals. Fractures, broken bones, spinal injuries, paralysis, loss of limbs and even brain injuries are commonly sustained when you get involved in a truck accident.
- Multiple Party Liability – In trucking accidents, several parties may be responsible for the injuries. This means, not just the driver of the truck is liable and can be sued for a personal injury claim. Depending on the facts of the case, the truck company that owns the fleet of truck, the lessee, and even the manufacturer of the trucks can be sued individually or collectively depending on the situation of the accident.
Common Types of Accidents Involving Trucks
The heaviness and the enormous size of large trucks make them especially dangerous when they get involved in a collision with a smaller vehicle. Here are some examples of some common collisions observed in truck accidents:
- Head-on Collisions – This occurs when the front cab of the truck hits the front of a car.
- T-bone Accidents – The truck’s front cab collides with the side of a smaller vehicle.
- Rear-end Crashes – When a truck driver strikes the back of the smaller vehicle because of tailgating or negligence to follow protocols on braking.
- Side Swiping – This happens when drivers are careless and reckless when merging into lanes.
- Jackknifing Accidents – This is caused when trucks break suddenly causing the truck’s trailer to suddenly slide and fold up like a jackknife.
- Undercarriage Accidents – This is considered to be the least common type of accident on the roads, this happens when a car becomes wedged under the trailer of a truck.
Causes of Big Rig’s or Large Truck Accidents in the Atlanta Area
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are over 4,800 truck accidents all over the United States on a daily basis. One out of nine fatalities in a day is caused by a truck collision. In the metro Atlanta area, we see truck accidents all too often, this is because we have major highways that go in and out of the state: I-85, 75, 20, 16 and the deadliest, I-285.
Here are some of the common causes of commercial truck accidents according to the studies done by the NHTSA:
- Driver Fatigue – Due to the truck companies giving their drivers unreasonable hours and quotas, they spend long hours and sometimes days on end on the road just to keep up. This will mean that the drivers will be over-worked and have less sleep and why fatigue usually sets-in causes in a truck accident.
- Drunk Driving and Intoxicated Drivers – Drinking and driving (or taking drugs) can be very dangerous, especially if you are driving a big rig. Do not take anything that can hinder your perception and decision making, a split-second miscalculation and loss of concentration can change lives permanently.
- Distracted Driving – There are so many things that can distract a truck driver and make them lose their concentration. Commercial truck drivers may give in to distractions like checking messages, taking phone calls, watching or even eating to help them pass the long hours on the road.
- Speeding/Aggressive Driving – Commercial truck drivers may feel a little bit of pressure to keep up with their quotas thus resulting in speeding and driving negligent. Continual studies have proven that speeding increases the potential for accidents and crashes.
- Improper Loads – all cargo must be weighed and proportionally loaded and secured on the trailer of the truck. En route to the destination, loads may shift and may cause the trailer to fall to its side during a turn or even to roll over.
- Poorly Maintained Vehicle – Stricter policies have been put into play for truck drivers and trucking companies. They have the duty to inspect, repair and maintain the vehicles in a timely manner before sending them out on the road. They should be checked for faulty parts, bald tires and even faulty electrical equipment.
Experienced Truck Accident & Personal Injury Attorneys
If you have been involved in a truck accident, the personal injury lawyers at the law firm of Council & Associates understand the physical, mental and financial struggles you have experienced after the tragic incident. You should not be subjected to an even more stressful situation by having to go head-to-head with big trucking companies and their insurance carriers that bully victims into settling. Remember, trucking companies only look out for their best interests and want you to settle as soon as possible.
You would need truck accident attorneys that have the expertise to go to battle with these bullies and fight for your right to claim financial compensation. The truck accident attorneys from Council & Associates have your best interests at heart and will maximize your claim for you to recover fully after the devastating truck accident.
If you or a loved one are a victim of a car accident involving a commercial truck, do not hesitate to contact the experienced trucking accident lawyers for a free consultation on your case. If you have questions on the steps on how to proceed with your legal claim, call us immediately at (404) 562-8857. A resourceful and dedicated truck accident lawyer is ready for your call.
