Trucking Accidents

Trucking Accidents

Georgia Truck Accidents Lawyer

Trucking accidents are not just another type of car accident. Because of the sheer size of the vehicle involved, a truck accident is can create far more serious injuries and damage. Legally these cases take a high level of expertise due to the state and federal regulations involved.

In our experience, the most common causes for truck accidents include:

  • Driver fatigue
  • Poor vehicle maintenance
  • Overweight or unbalanced loads
  • Driving under the influence
  • Speeding
  • Worn out tires

 

Driver Fatigue is a Common Cause of Georgia Truck Accidents

Often truck drivers are paid by the number of miles driven or loads delivered-not on hours worked. This creates an environment where these accidents can happen. In an effort to make the most money possible, drivers work over and above their capacity, sacrificing sleep in many instances.

While there are state and federal laws to promote driver safety, truckers may get around these problems by keeping dual log books. One log will have the actual amount of hours driven, and the other will have the amount of hours driven allowed by law.

It’s important to note that truck drivers are only required to keep their record books for a period. This means that you should never delay in filing a claim because it could damage your case. Time logs are as important evidence that could be lost.

Operating these large trucks takes the driver’s full attention and sharp reflexes. When a driver is fatigued, their ability to drive safely is seriously impaired. The responsibility to operate the truck safely resides with the truck driver and the trucking company.

 

Failure to Maintain Truck and Equipment

Failure to properly maintain a truck can cause a part failure or a tire blow out which can lead to a truck accident. The maintenance of these vehicles is governed by the Department of Transportation, Federal law, and other state entities. These laws were created to ensure the safety of not only the truck drivers, but all whom they share the road with. A driver is required to periodically inspect various parts of their vehicle to ensure that it is in good working order. This is includes an inspection of:

  • Brakes
  • Lights
  • Tires
  • Load strapping
  • Reflectors

Failure to maintain a truck in good working order is arguably a negligent act on the part of the truck driver and the trucking company.

Our experienced team is ready to go to bat for our clients and help our clients who have been hurt, and also protect the other drivers who share the road with these drivers and trucking companies in the future.

If you have been in a truck accident due to the negligence of another, you are eligible to seek compensation for your injuries and the losses you have sustained. These damages can include reimbursement for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and more. Because these accidents are often more serious than a car accident, the damages in a truck accident tend to produce serious injuries, extremely high medical bills and long term or even permanent disability.

It is important that you seek the guidance of of a qualified, experienced Georgia truck accident lawyer from our team. The lawyers at Duffy & Feemster have been handling these types of cases for decades, and know what it takes to be successful.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident, it is important that you chose a law firm that has experience in handling these types of cases. In these types of cases there may be multiple parties that could be held responsible for your injuries. There are also state and federal laws to address. It is important to have one of our Georgia truck accident lawyers promptly review your case and ensure that your rights are protected.