Call us now:
Trucking accidents can occur anywhere in Georgia, but the Atlanta area experiences an exceptionally high number due to heavily traveled highways, including I-85, I-75, I-20, I-16, and the I-285 Beltway. These collisions often lead to devastating injuries or even loss of life. At Lonnie Law LLC, we have extensive experience handling truck accident cases and have developed proven strategies to respond quickly and protect our clients’ rights.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a truck or auto accident, it’s critical to seek legal guidance before filing a claim or accepting a settlement offer from an insurance company. Remember, the insurance company’s process is designed to protect its bottom line, not yours. Our Atlanta truck accident lawyers will carefully review your case, answer all your questions, and pursue the full compensation you deserve.
What do our attorneys do after a truck accident?
When a truck accident occurs, time is critical. Our attorneys act promptly to secure key evidence, as trucking companies and their insurers often move quickly to protect their drivers and limit their liability. We work closely with accident reconstruction specialists and other experts to begin building a strong case on behalf of our clients immediately.
One of the most critical steps is subpoenaing vital evidence, such as driver logs, black box data, and maintenance records, before it can be lost, destroyed, or concealed. To protect our clients, we are proactive in requesting and preserving this information, knowing that delay can mean losing critical proof.
In many cases, we file a lawsuit within days of being hired. This urgency is necessary because trucking and insurance companies often employ tactics designed to minimize payouts and shift blame. That’s why we strongly advise anyone harmed in a truck accident to hire experienced legal counsel as soon as possible. Rest assured, the trucking company and its insurers will have their lawyers and investigators on the case the very same day of the wreck, so you should have the same protection.
Are there a lot of truck crashes in Georgia?
Unfortunately, yes. Accidents involving commercial trucks continue to take a heavy toll in terms of lives lost, serious injuries, financial costs, and emotional devastation. With the trucking industry serving as the nation’s primary mover of goods, and with more large trucks and recreational vehicles on the road than ever, drivers across Georgia face increasing risks each day.
National statistics reveal the scope of the problem. Each year, nearly 5,000 commercial vehicles are involved in fatal accidents. One out of every nine traffic deaths involves a large truck, and hundreds of pedestrians and bicyclists are killed annually in crashes with trucks. Tragically, 664 truck drivers lost their lives last year alone.
Why are truck accidents so common?
Several factors contribute to the dangers posed by trucks on Georgia highways, including:
- Unrealistic delivery schedules and deadlines
- Driver fatigue from long hours on the road
- Distracted or inattentive driving
- Large blind spots and limited visibility
- Mechanical failures or poor road conditions
What is being done to prevent truck crashes?
In response to rising concerns, lawmakers and regulators have enacted stricter safety standards. These include reduced driving hours for truckers, more frequent vehicle inspections, and stronger enforcement of safety rules. While these measures have helped, truck accidents remain all too common, and the injuries involved are often catastrophic.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a crash with a truck, whether an 18-wheeler, tanker, flatbed, delivery truck, or another commercial vehicle, you may be entitled to financial compensation. An experienced truck accident attorney can guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and pursue the justice you deserve.
What happens when a truck accident occurs?
The outcome of a truck crash often depends on the size of the vehicle, its speed, and its cargo. A fully loaded 18-wheeler that fails to stop in time can completely destroy a smaller car and cause fatal injuries to its occupants. Even when trucks collide with pedestrians, bicyclists, or motorcyclists, the results are almost always severe because of the sheer difference in size and weight.
Accidents involving trucks are far too frequent, and the consequences can be life-changing. That is why it is critical to act quickly and seek legal help from a knowledgeable truck accident lawyer who will fight for your recovery.
Types of injuries from truck accidents
Collisions involving tractor-trailers often cause some of the most severe injuries, including crushed torsos, multiple fractures, facial trauma, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and disfigurement. Sadly, many of these injuries are fatal. For survivors, recovery is often long, painful, and costly.
Types of truck accidents
- Rear-end: when a truck strikes another vehicle from behind
- Sideswipe: when the truck makes contact with the side of another vehicle, often while changing lanes
- Rollover: when the truck loses balance, usually due to excessive speed on a curve
- T-bone: when the truck hits the side of another vehicle, usually at an intersection
Causes of truck accidents
- Driver distraction from eating, using a phone, or other inattention
- Driver fatigue from exceeding safe driving hours
- Defective parts such as brakes, tires, transmission, or steering
- Improperly loaded cargo that shifts or falls
In many cases, trucking companies contribute to accidents by failing to properly maintain their vehicles or by installing substandard parts. Driver negligence is also a leading cause, often involving falsified logbooks that allow drivers to exceed legal driving limits. These practices create dangerous conditions that increase the risk of fatigue and distraction, making accidents far more likely.
After a crash, trucking companies often send representatives to the scene to protect their own interests. Their goal is to limit responsibility and minimize compensation. Even when they cannot avoid liability, they may offer only a fraction of what victims truly need to cover medical bills, lost income, and long-term care.
What can you do if you are injured in a truck accident?
If you or a family member has been injured or killed in a tractor-trailer crash, it is important to speak with an experienced truck accident attorney. A lawyer can determine whether you qualify for a personal injury or wrongful death claim. Most attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront costs, and legal fees are only collected if compensation is recovered. In Georgia, as in most states, the statute of limitations is generally two years from the date of the accident.
18-wheeler crashes
While car accidents can cause serious harm, tractor trailer and 18-wheeler crashes often result in catastrophic or life-changing injuries. Because these vehicles are so large and heavy, even collisions at lower speeds can leave victims with severe or permanent injuries.
What causes tractor-trailer and 18-wheeler crashes?
Many of these accidents are linked to the negligence of drivers or trucking companies. Common causes include:
- Inadequate training for commercial drivers
- Unrealistic schedules and delivery deadlines
- Speeding and aggressive driving
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Poor truck maintenance
- Defective parts
What happens when an 18-wheeler is involved in an accident?
When a trucking company learns of a crash, it often sends a team that includes insurance representatives to the scene. Their objective is to control the investigation and protect the company from liability. Unfortunately, this sometimes involves concealing or erasing evidence that could prove negligence. When injuries or fatalities occur, the stakes are even higher, as the company may face significant personal injury or wrongful death claims.
Types of injuries in tractor-trailer crashes
The type and severity of injuries depend on the circumstances of the crash. A rear-end collision at high speed can completely destroy a smaller vehicle, leaving occupants with fatal or catastrophic injuries. Even in less severe impacts, victims can suffer seat belt and airbag injuries, whiplash, and serious trauma to the torso, shoulders, and neck.
Head-on collisions with tractor-trailers are particularly devastating, often resulting in fatalities. Survivors of these crashes may face permanent disabilities and life-altering challenges.
You may be eligible to file a personal injury claim after a truck crash.
Victims of truck accidents have the legal right to pursue compensation through a personal injury claim or, in cases of wrongful death, through a claim brought by surviving family members. A successful claim can cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Hiring an experienced truck accident attorney in Atlanta is crucial. Your lawyer will gather evidence, handle negotiations, and fight to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Without legal representation, victims are often left to face powerful insurance companies alone, resulting in settlement offers that fall far short of what is truly needed for recovery.
