Truck Accident
The truck accident attorneys at Greathouse Trial Law help our clients pursue fair and appropriate compensation for injuries caused by a truck accident due to someone else’s negligence in and around Atlanta, Georgia.
Truck Accident Attorney in Atlanta, Georgia
Truck accidents are emotionally, physically, and financially devastating. Your life changes at the moment of impact, and you can spend months, years, or your entire life trying to put the pieces back together. Your days are filled with medical appointments, medications, and worry, and you probably cannot work. The bills continue to grow, and the at-fault driver’s insurance company refuses to cooperate. You don’t know how you can handle the stress much longer. Fortunately, you don’t have to battle the insurance company or the at-fault driver yourself if you work with an experienced Atlanta truck accident attorney.
At Greathouse Trial Law, we can handle the legal aspects of your case, so you can focus on recovering from the devastating injuries you suffered. With our help, you can file a claim against the party responsible and begin the process of collecting damages. Then, you can finally begin to put the accident behind you. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
Key Takeaways About Truck Accident Cases in and around Atlanta
- Complex liability issues arise in truck accident cases due to multiple potentially liable entities — including truck drivers, trucking companies, maintenance providers, and manufacturers. Determining fault requires a detailed investigation.
- Compliance with state and federal trucking regulations is paramount. Personal injury attorneys must understand and leverage these regulations to establish liability and demonstrate negligence on the part of the responsible entities.
- Severe injuries and fatalities are common with truck accidents, due to the size and weight of commercial trucks. Victims tend to suffer catastrophic injuries, leading to extensive medical treatment, long-term care needs, and significant financial losses.
- Insurance companies representing trucking companies may employ aggressive tactics to minimize payouts. Experienced attorneys can negotiate fair settlements and protect victims' rights.
- Legal Experience is vital, given the complexities of truck accident cases. Seek legal representation from seasoned truck accident attorneys with the knowledge, skill, and resources to pursue maximum compensation.
Georgia Personal Injury Law and Truck Accidents
Personal injury law encompasses circumstances in which another person's negligence causes harm to another. Negligence can take many forms, including carelessness, recklessness, and intentional misconduct.
As it pertains to truck accident law, negligence could involve the actions of the truck driver, such as:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Failing to yield the right of way
Furthermore, the trucking company could be negligent for failing to properly maintain the commercial truck, semi truck or whatever type of truck was involved in the accident. The manufacturer could be liable for the equipment failure that contributed to the accident. If improperly loaded or improperly secured cargo contributed to the truck accident, the people responsible for loading and securing the cargo may also be partially liable for your injuries and losses.
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Why choose greathouse law?
- Free Consultation – Tell Us What Happened & See If You Have A Case And What It Might Be Worth. We do consultations by phone and virtually.
- Highly Reviewed & Rated – Over 100 Google Reviews. 10.0/10.0 with 5-Star rating on respected legal website Avvo.
- Highly Responsive – We pride ourselves in fast response times when communicating with our clients. We will never let your questions or concerns go unaddressed.
- Efficient – Our approach focuses on efficiency and speed to resolve cases as quickly as we can to get you your money faster.
- No Case Is Too Difficult or Complex – This is where tenacity and knowledge of the law matters. We do what is necessary even in difficult cases.
- Straight Shooters – You’ve made an important decision in your life. We respect you for that. Our approach focuses on efficiency and speed to resolve cases as quickly as we can to get your life back to normal sooner.
- Caring & Compassionate (truly) – We’re sorry for what happened to you or your loved one. Our team is incredibly experienced, and they truly understand the complications that Personal Injury can bring upon a family
- Personalized Attention – We understand and respect that every client’s needs are unique. We treat all of our clients with the attention they deserve.
- We Keep You Updated – Transparency is key. We want you to know what’s happening with your case at all points in the process.
- Flexible Meeting Times – To accommodate your busy schedule.
- No Fee Unless You Win – No attorney fees or costs unless we win your case.
- Atlanta & All Georgia – Our office is in Atlanta but we accept cases everywhere in Georgia.
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Types of Trucks on the Highway
Commercial Trucks
Description: Commercial trucks, also known as big rigs or tractor-trailers, are commonly seen on highways transporting goods long distances. They consist of a cab for the driver and a separate trailer for cargo.
Characteristics: Commercial trucks are characterized by their large size, multiple axles, and distinctive appearance with prominent logos of shipping companies.
Semi-Trucks
Description: Semi-trucks, or semi-trailer trucks, are a type of commercial truck that consists of a tractor unit pulling a semi-trailer. The tractor unit contains the engine and driver's cab, while the semi-trailer carries the cargo.
Characteristics: Semi-trucks are articulated vehicles, meaning they have a joint between the tractor and the trailer that allows for greater maneuverability when turning.
Large Trucks
Description: Large trucks encompass a broad category of heavy vehicles used for transportation and logistics. This category includes dump trucks, concrete mixers, tanker trucks, and other specialized trucks.
Characteristics: Large trucks vary in size, shape, and purpose depending on the industry they serve. They are designed to carry specific types of cargo or materials efficiently.
Bobtail Trucks
Description: A bobtail truck refers to a semi truck driven without an attached trailer. In this configuration, the tractor unit or cab of the truck operates independently, without hauling cargo or a trailer behind it.
Characteristics: Truck drivers often use bobtail trucks when traveling between destinations or dropping off trailers. Operating a bobtail affords more maneuverability and flexibility when no trailer is needed. The reduced weight and drag from the trailer offers savings on fuel costs.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Atlanta
As experienced truck accident lawyers can attest from their work with clients, common causes of accidents involving trucks in Greater Atlanta include:
- Speeding and Reckless Driving: Speeding is a significant factor in accidents, as trucks require more time and distance to come to a stop compared to passenger cars and other smaller vehicles, increasing the risk of collisions. Reckless driving behaviors amplify this danger by disregarding traffic laws and safety considerations.
- Distracted Driving: Distracted driving can lead to accidents by diverting the driver's attention away from the road, impairing their ability to react to changing traffic conditions and hazards.
- Truck Driver Fatigue: Fatigue and violations of hours of service regulations can impair a truck driver's alertness and decision-making abilities, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
- Improper Maintenance: Negligent maintenance practices such as defective steering components, tire blowouts, faulty brakes, and broken headlights can compromise the safety of trucks and contribute to accidents.
- Aggressive Driving: Aggressive driving on the part of the truck driver, such as tailgating, making sudden lane changes, and speeding can escalate the risk of accidents involving trucks, endangering other vehicles.
Common Injuries Sustained in an Atlanta Truck Accident
Whiplash: Whiplash occurs due to the sudden back-and-forth motion of the head and neck during a truck accident. This can lead to neck pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.
Fractures: A truck accident can cause various types of fractures, including broken bones in the arms, legs, ribs, or pelvis due to the impact forces involved in collisions.
Head Injuries: Head injuries ranging from concussions to traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can occur in a truck accident, impacting cognitive functions and overall well-being.
Spinal Cord Injuries: A catastrophic truck accident can lead to spinal cord injuries, which may cause paralysis, loss of sensation, or impaired motor function below the site of injury.
Internal Injuries: Blunt force trauma in truck accidents can cause internal injuries such as organ damage, internal bleeding, or abdominal injuries that may require immediate medical attention.
Soft Tissue Injuries: Soft tissue injuries like bruises, sprains, strains, and ligament damage often occur in truck accidents due to the sudden jerking movements during impact.
Cuts and Lacerations: Broken glass, metal debris, or sharp objects in the truck can cause cuts and lacerations, potentially leading to infections if not treated promptly.
Emotional Trauma: The emotional impact of a truck accident can lead to psychological conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression, affecting the mental well-being of the individuals involved.
What Kind of Compensation Can Victims of Truck Crashes Pursue in Georgia?
In Georgia, victims of truck crashes may pursue various types of compensation to when seeking financial recovery for damages and addressing the losses incurred due to the accident, including:
- Medical Expenses: Compensation for medical bills related to injuries sustained in the truck crash, including hospitalization, surgeries, medication, rehabilitation costs, and future medical treatment costs.
- Lost Wages: Reimbursement for lost wages due to inability to work following the accident, including temporary disability, reduced earning capacity, and potential loss of future earnings.
- Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages to compensate for physical pain, emotional distress, mental anguish, and diminished quality of life due to the truck crash.
- Property Damage: Coverage for repairing or replacing damaged vehicles, personal belongings, and property affected in the collision.
- Wrongful Death: In cases of fatal crashes, surviving family members may seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and the emotional impact of losing a loved one.
- Punitive Damages: In certain circumstances involving egregious negligence or intentional misconduct, victims may be able to seek punitive damages as a form of punishment against the at-fault party and to deter similar behavior in the future.
- Legal Fees: Reimbursement for attorney fees and court costs incurred during the legal proceedings to seek compensation for the truck crash.
By pursuing these forms of compensation with the guidance of an experienced truck accident lawyer, victims of truck crashes in Georgia can hold liable parties accountable as they seek financial recovery for their losses, address the impact of the accident on their lives, and secure the support they need to take steps towards a full recovery and move forward.
I Want to Pursue Compensation After a Truck Accident. What's Involved in Building a Solid Truck Accident Case?
Determining fault in truck accident cases extends beyond holding truck drivers accountable. While driver error and fatigue tend to be common factors, other negligent parties could share responsibility.
- Trucking Companies: Trucking companies must properly maintain their trucks, hire qualified drivers, allow their truck drivers adequate rest, and enforce company policies. If some combination of equipment failure, driver fatigue, and/or a violation of company policies contributes to the truck accident, the trucking company could be held liable.
- Parts Manufacturers: If defective parts, such as brakes, tires, or steering components malfunction in a way that leads to a truck accident, the manufacturer of that part could be liable.
- Maintenance Providers: If a mechanic or service company's poor truck maintenance causes an accident, they could be held responsible. In particular, tractor trailers are a constant presence on the road. If tractor trailers do not undergo proper and consistent maintenance, dangerous wear and tear can cause truck accidents.
- Loading Companies: Improperly loaded cargo can significantly impact a truck’s stability and handling, potentially causing an accident. The company responsible for loading the cargo could be liable if their negligence contributes to the crash.
- Government Agencies: In rare cases, poorly maintained roads or faulty traffic signals might contribute to a truck accident. Depending on the specific circumstances, a government agency could be held partially liable.
What to Do Immediately Following an Atlanta Truck Accident
Building a robust claim and pursuing fair and appropriate compensation requires comprehensive evidence. Although you may be understandably traumatized after a truck accident, taking the following steps immediately after an accident will help support your case.
- Secure a Police Report: Retain a copy of the official police report, which details the accident scene, witness statements, and preliminary findings. A police report plays a crucial role in truck accident cases.
- Seek Appropriate Medical Care: Regardless of how you feel, seek a medical evaluation from a qualified healthcare provider as soon as possible. Even if you don't think you have severe injuries, it's in your interest to be seen by a doctor, who can provide an accurate diagnosis and recovery plan.
- Keep Medical Records: Be sure to secure detailed medical records concerning your injuries, diagnosis, treatment plan, and prognosis. These records will establish the extent and severity of your injuries.
- Gather Witness Statements: If any witnesses saw the truck accident, ask for their written statements or contact information. In truck crashes, witness testimonies can offer valuable insights into the circumstances of the accident.
- Document the Accident Scene: Take photographs and videos of the accident scene from various angles, being sure to capture details like property damage, skid marks, road conditions, and surrounding landmarks in photos.
- Collect Other Relevant Evidence: Depending on the specific type of truck accident case, additional evidence might be crucial, such as truck maintenance records, driver logs, or cell phone data if distracted driving is suspected.
Comparative Negligence in Georgia
Georgia operates under a modified comparative negligence system. Consequently, even if you were partially at fault for the accident, you can still recover compensation as long as your share of the blame is less than 50%. The percentage of fault attributed to you will directly impact the amount of compensation you could be awarded. For example, if you are found 20% at fault, your total potential compensation would be reduced by 20%.
Wrongful Death in Atlanta Truck Accident Cases
After a fatal accident, surviving family members can seek justice and compensation in a wrongful death case with the assistance of a personal injury lawyer.
- Free Consultation with an Attorney: The first step is for the surviving family members to have a free consultation with an experienced truck accident lawyer. A truck accident attorney will examine the details of the accident, determine liability, and explain the legal options available.
- Investigation and Evidence Gathering: The truck accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the accident, gathering evidence such as police reports, witness statements, crash scene photos, and any available surveillance footage to establish the cause of the accident and the party at fault.
- Filing a Claim: The truck accident lawyer will file a claim on behalf of the surviving family members against the at-fault party, which may include the truck driver, trucking company, or other negligent parties responsible for the accident.
- Negotiation and Settlement: The accident attorney will engage in negotiations with the insurance companies representing the at-fault parties to seek a fair settlement that compensates the family members for their loss. This process may involve discussions on financial compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages.
- Litigation and Trial: If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiations, the case may proceed to litigation, where the truck accident lawyer will represent the family members in court. During the trial, evidence will be presented, witnesses may testify, and a judge or jury will determine the decision for the case.
- Compensation Award: If the court rules in favor of the surviving family members, they may be awarded compensation for wrongful death damages, including funeral expenses, loss of financial support, emotional distress, and other losses due to the fatal truck accident.
How Can Experienced Truck Accident Attorneys Help with a Truck Accident Claim?
Investigation and Evidence Gathering
Skilled attorneys have the resources and knowledge to conduct thorough investigations into truck accidents, gathering crucial evidence such as accident reports, driver logs, vehicle maintenance records, and witness statements to establish liability.
Determining Liability
Truck accident cases often involve multiple parties, including the truck driver, trucking company, vehicle manufacturer, and others. Experienced attorneys can identify all liable parties and hold them accountable for their roles in the accident.
Navigating Complex Regulations in the Trucking Industry
Trucking regulations are complex and extensive. Knowledgeable attorneys understand federal and state trucking laws, safety regulations, and industry standards, enabling them to build strong cases based on regulatory compliance or violations.
Handling Insurance Companies
Trucking companies and their insurers may employ aggressive tactics to minimize liability and reduce payouts. Seasoned attorneys know how to negotiate with insurance companies, advocate for fair settlements, and protect the rights of their clients.
Calculating Damages
Experienced attorneys can accurately assess the full extent of damages suffered by truck accident victims, including medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, future care needs, and other economic and non-economic losses.
Litigation Representation
In cases where a fair settlement cannot be reached outside of court, skilled attorneys are prepared to represent their clients in litigation. They will present a compelling case in court, cross-examine witnesses, and fight for maximum compensation on behalf of their clients.
Providing Legal Guidance
Throughout the legal process, knowledgeable attorneys offer valuable guidance, answer questions, and keep clients informed about the progress of their case. They provide support and clarity during what can be a challenging and stressful time.
“As a former felony prosecutor, I believe that there is no fight that is too small or too big to fight when seeking justice for my clients.”
- Riah Greathouse
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Truck Accident
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$1,300,000
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Do I Need a Truck Accident Lawyer?
Successfully navigating a truck accident claim requires in-depth knowledge of truck companies, industry regulations, and Georgia truck accident law, as well as exceptional negotiating skills in dealing with the insurance company involved. Truck accident lawyers will assess the details of your case, represent your interests, and pursue fair and appropriate compensation on your behalf, while you focus on your recovery.
There are many steps to take when pursuing a truck accident claim, and evidence is often fleeting the longer you wait. An experienced truck accident attorney can guide your case from the start. Because Georgia's statute of limitations for a personal injury claim after a truck accident is generally only two years from the date of the incident, seek the services of our personal injury lawyers as soon as possible.
Greathouse Trial Law: Your Experienced Atlanta Truck Accident Law Firm
At Greathouse Trial Law, Greater with Greathouse is not just a catchphrase ~ it's our law firm's mission. Our law firm focuses on personal injury cases including car accidents, motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, bicycle accidents, premises liability, slip and fall accidents, drunk driver accidents, wrongful death, and medical malpractice in and around Atlanta and throughout Georgia.
With profound knowledge of the trucking industry, the truck accident lawyers at Greathouse Trial Law represent victims of truck crashes with diligence, compassion, and a commitment to providing excellent service.
Our founder, Riah Greathouse, served his community for several years as an Assistant District Attorney in Fulton County, where he prosecuted cases ranging from drugs to violent felonies throughout the county. His service as a prosecutor yielded a tremendous amount of courtroom experience, allowing him to attack personal injury cases with tenacity, often proving to be beneficial in securing a favorable resolution.
Riah's experience as an insurance defense lawyer on behalf of insurance companies gives him a unique advantage when representing injured clients. In this role, Riah noticed the insurance companies treated victims with legitimate injuries unfairly, making it as difficult as possible for them to seek compensation. That's when he vowed to make a difference.
When you work with Greathouse Trial Law, you will experience:
Greater Health
We will connect you with the best doctors available after your injury, to get you through your recovery.
Greater Communication
You will have open lines of communication with our office, as well as the providers charged to help you.
Greater Representation
You will have a fighter on your side against the insurance companies and their attorneys.
Contact us at (678) 310-2827 or complete our online form to schedule your free consultation.
Discover why it’s Greater with Greathouse for truck accident claims.
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Our Locations
Main Office Atlanta
Augusta Office
2918 Professional Pkwy., Suite 303 Augusta, GA 30907
Dacula Office
Dacula, GA, 30019
Marietta Office
2470 Windy Hill Road Suite 300 Marietta, GA, 30067
Roswell Office
821 Atlanta Street Roswell, GA, 30075
Atlanta Office
100 Galleria Parkway Suite 1460, Atlanta, GA 30339
Douglasville Office
5780 Fairburn Rd, Suite 201 Douglasville, GA 30134
Columbus Office
6361 Talokas Lane, Suite C140-275 Columbus, GA 31909
Lawrenceville Office
382 S Perry St, Suite 100 Lawrenceville, GA 30046
Peachtree Corners Office
4047 Holcomb Bridge Rd, Suite 300 Peachtree Corners, GA 30092, USA
Conyers Office
990 Iris Dr SW, Suite 301 Conyers, GA 30094
Conyers Office
1455 Old McDonough Hwy, Suite F, Conyers, GA 30013
Atlanta Office GA, 30354
100 Hartsfield Centre Parkway College Park #500 Atlanta, GA, 30354