Trucking companies in Georgia are known to impose demanding schedules on their drivers and push them to meet unreasonably tight deadlines. As drivers spend long hours on the road – often exceeding the recommended limits – fatigue sets in, significantly increasing the risk of accidents.
The pressure to deliver quickly can also lead to reckless behavior such as speeding or skipping necessary rest breaks. These factors can create a perfect storm for collisions, which is why commercial truck accidents are a frequent occurrence on Georgia’s roads.
If you have been injured in a commercial truck accident, it is important to get legal representation right away to protect your right to recover compensation from the at-fault party. At Miller Injury Trial Law, we know how devastating commercial truck accidents can be and we are fully committed to helping you get a fair settlement that adequately compensates you for all your losses and help you get your life back on track.
Call us today at 855-44MILLER to schedule a free consultation with one of our highly rated Decatur, GA truck accident lawyers.
Dangerous Highways in Decatur, GA
- Interstate 285 (I-285): Known as the Perimeter, this interstate encircles the city of Atlanta and connects Decatur to other major highways and suburbs.
- Interstate 20 (I-20): This interstate runs east-west and passes just south of Decatur, providing access to Atlanta and destinations further east and west.
- US Route 78 (US 78): This highway runs through Decatur, linking the city to Atlanta and extending eastward toward Athens and other areas.
- US Route 29 (US 29): This route runs through the heart of Decatur, connecting the city to nearby communities and providing access to Atlanta.
- Georgia State Route 155 (GA 155): This state route also runs through the area, connecting Decatur to other local roads and highways.
The Unique Risks Posed by Commercial Trucks
Massive Size and Weight
Commercial trucks are much larger in size compared to passenger vehicles and can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded. The significant disparity in size and weight between a commercial truck and an average passenger vehicle means that occupants of smaller vehicles are at a higher risk of serious and fatal injuries in the event of an accident.
Long Stopping Distance
One of the primary dangers associated with commercial trucks is their long stopping distance. Due to their weight, fully-loaded trucks require considerably more distance to come to a complete stop compared to lighter vehicles. This extended stopping distance can be particularly dangerous in emergency situations or when traffic suddenly slows down and increases the risk of rear-end collisions.
Large Blind Spots
Commercial trucks have large blind spots, often referred to as no zones, which can obscure the visibility of surrounding vehicles. These blind spots exist on all sides of the truck and can make it difficult for drivers to see vehicles that are close by, especially when changing lanes or making turns. This limitation can significantly increase the risk of collisions with other vehicles.
Height
The height of commercial trucks also contributes to their risk profile. Their elevated position can make them more prone to rollovers, particularly during sharp turns or sudden maneuvers. Furthermore, trucks are often loaded with heavy cargo that can shift during transit, impacting stability and increasing the likelihood of accidents.
Hazardous Cargo
Lastly, the nature of the cargo being transported can introduce additional hazards. Hazardous materials, oversized loads, or improperly secured cargo can lead to catastrophic accidents if they spill or shift during transit.
The Vulnerability of Passenger Vehicle Occupants in a Truck Accident
In the event of a collision between a commercial truck and a passenger vehicle, the occupants of the passenger vehicle are at a substantially higher risk of sustaining serious or fatal injuries. This heightened vulnerability stems from several factors. These include:
Size and Weight Disparity
Fully loaded commercial trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, whereas the average passenger vehicle typically weighs around 3,000 to 4,000 pounds. In a direct collision, the force exerted by the truck can be devastating for the occupants of the smaller vehicle. Due to the substantial weight difference, the truck is likely to remain unaffected in terms of structural integrity, whereas the car is likely to be severely damaged, resulting in serious injuries for the occupants. This is one of the reasons why passenger vehicle occupants account for a disproportionate number of fatalities in truck-related accidents.
Safety Features and Limitations
While modern cars are equipped with various safety features like airbags, seat belts, and crumple zones to protect the occupants, they might not be sufficient to mitigate the impact of a direct collision with a large truck. The force of the crash can overwhelm these safety systems, leading to more severe outcomes for the occupants of the car. Additionally, the elevated height of trucks can place passenger vehicles in a precarious position during a collision, as trucks can ride over smaller cars, causing catastrophic injuries.
Emotional and Psychological Impact
Beyond the physical injuries, the psychological effects of being involved in a truck accident can also be profound. Survivors might experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression, significantly impacting their quality of life. The emotional toll can be just as debilitating as physical injuries, affecting relationships and day-to-day functioning.
The Role of Expert Witnesses in a Truck Accident Claim
Expert witnesses can play an important role in establishing fault and liability in truck accident claims. Their testimony can provide clarity on complicated issues, offering a professional perspective that can support your case.
The different types of expert witnesses our Decatur, GA truck accident lawyers can use to build a strong claim include:
Accident Reconstruction Experts
Accident reconstruction experts can analyze the specifics of the accident using scientific principles, engineering techniques, and advanced technology. They can recreate the events leading up to the collision, assess the impact, and determine factors such as speed and trajectory, helping to establish how the accident occurred.
Trucking Safety Experts
Safety experts with extensive knowledge of trucking regulations and industry standards can evaluate whether the trucking company and its drivers adhered to federal and state safety laws. They can assess factors such as Hours of Service compliance, maintenance records, and the training provided to drivers to determine whether the trucking company was negligent in any way.
Mechanical Engineers
In cases where vehicle failure contributed to the accident, mechanical engineers can examine the truck’s condition, including brakes, tires, and other critical systems. Their findings can help determine if negligence in vehicle maintenance played a role in the collision.
Medical Experts
Medical professionals can provide insights into the injuries you sustained in the accident. They can help establish the extent of your injuries, the medical treatments you need, and the long-term implications of your injuries, all of which can be crucial for calculating damages.
Economists
In cases involving significant injuries, economists can help assess the financial impact of the accident in the short term as well as in the long term. They can accurately estimate the amount of earnings you stand to lose in the future due to your disabilities or other limitations caused by the accident.
How Our Decatur, GA Truck Accident Lawyers Can Hold the Truck Company Liable for Your Injuries
Following a truck accident, holding the trucking company accountable for your injuries and other losses can be a challenging task. One of the primary obstacles is that many trucking companies operate using independent contractors rather than direct employees. This arrangement allows them to deny liability for the actions of their drivers.
At Miller Injury Trial Law, we are aware of the legal tactics trucking companies employ to shield themselves from liability. We know how to tackle these challenges and establish their liability – either directly or vicariously.
Establishing an Employer-Employee Relationship
Even if the truck driver who caused the accident is classified as an independent contractor, we can investigate the specifics of their relationship with the trucking company to determine if an employee-employer dynamic existed.
We can consider a variety of factors including the level of control the trucking company had over the driver, the extent to which the company provided equipment or resources, and whether the driver was acting within the scope of their duties at the time of the accident. If we can establish that the trucking company exerted enough control to create an employer-employee relationship, we can hold them liable for the actions of the driver.
Direct Liability
We can investigate whether the trucking company itself was negligent and if their negligence contributed to the accident in any way. This can include examining the company’s hiring practices, training protocols, and maintenance of vehicles. If we find evidence of negligence, such as inadequate driver training or failure to maintain safety standards, we can file a direct liability claim against the trucking company.
Why You Need a Trial Lawyer for Your Truck Accident Claim
The Risk of Lowball Settlements
Following a truck accident, one of the biggest challenges victims face is the pressure to accept quick settlements, often far below what they truly deserve. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts, and they often see victims as opportunities to save money rather than individuals deserving of fair compensation.
If you are represented by a lawyer who lacks the experience and confidence to go to trial, you might find yourself facing undue pressure to accept a lowball offer. These initial offers might seem sufficient in the short term, but they might not account for the full extent of your damages, including future medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
The Advantage of Trial Experience
At Miller Injury Trial Law Firm, we know the tactics used by trucking companies and their insurance adjusters to bully victims into accepting lowball settlement offers. Our team brings extensive trial experience to the table, which we can leverage to advocate for your rights effectively.
Our ability to build trial-ready cases and our track record of successfully litigating personal injury claims can serve as a powerful negotiating tool. Our trial experience sends a clear message: we are committed to fighting for the compensation you deserve and we will not hesitate to take your case to trial if the insurance company fails to act in good faith. As a result, the insurance company is likely to take you seriously and offer you a fair settlement.
Get Our Reputable Decatur, GA Truck Accident Lawyers on Your Side
If you have been injured in a truck accident, you need a dedicated lawyer who not only understands the intricacies of truck accident claims but is also not afraid to take on powerful trucking companies and large insurance carriers to get maximum compensation.
Call our firm today at 855-44MILLER or get in touch with us online to schedule a free consultation with one of our skilled Decatur, GA truck accident lawyers.
