The recent increase in truck-related accidents is alarming, with fatalities up by 17%, and a shocking 72% of these involve passengers in regular vehicles.
The problem is particularly acute in Georgia, which as of May 2023, ranks fourth in the nation for fatal truck-related crashes, with a total of 1,522. The I-285 in Atlanta, which runs less than 64 miles, has been consistently named one of America’s deadliest roads and it repeatedly finds itself on the list of the top 10 most dangerous interstate highways.
But compared to regular car accidents, where the blame often falls squarely on one or more drivers, truck accidents are complex. They require deep investigation and a wide legal understanding. For anyone navigating Georgia’s roads, beware. But know that if the worst does happen, legal help is available to you.
If you have been injured or a loved one has been killed, please call Atlanta truck accident attorney Lourie, Chance, Forlines, Carter & King, PC at 470-339-7183 to schedule a free consultation today.
Key Causes of Truck Accidents
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), 88% of truck accidents result from driver errors, with the truck driver often being at fault. These errors can be attributed to the use of medication, speeding, fatigue, inattention, distractions, poor working conditions, and unfamiliarity with the road.
Immediate Steps After a Truck Accident
Following a truck accident in Atlanta, your immediate concern should be your health. Once your condition stabilizes and you’re ready to pursue legal avenues for compensation, reach out to our Atlanta truck accident attorney at Lourie, Chance, Forlines, Carter & King, PC.
We advise victims to avoid signing any documents that might limit their legal options. Compensation offers often come soon after an accident, but it’s essential to fully explore your entitlements before accepting any offers.
Furthermore, it’s crucial to hire a truck accident attorney as soon as possible. Truck accident cases are legally complex, and proving liability requires extensive evidence. Much of this evidence is time-sensitive. Memories fade, physical evidence deteriorates, and crucial GPS data from trucks can be lost. Engaging professionals to investigate while the details are still fresh is essential.
How Trucking Regulations Protect You
Federal regulations set by FMCSA establish how long a driver can be on the road and when they need to take mandatory breaks. These rules also require regular maintenance of commercial trucks. Evidence of poor maintenance can be a sign of negligence on the part of the trucking company. Also, according to The Department of Transportation (DOT), cargo should be properly secured on the truck. Not adhering to cargo securing standards can be viewed as negligent behavior.
In addition to federal regulations, Georgia law also plays a central role in dictating truck accident liability. Under state law, affected individuals can claim compensation if they demonstrate negligence on behalf of the truck driver or the company as a cause of the accident. And in Georgia, even if you’re partly to blame for the accident, you can still ask for a proportionate amount of compensation from other parties.
Attributing Blame
Pinpointing responsibility in truck accidents isn’t always straightforward. A study by the FMSCA reveals truck driver error behind 87% of all truck accidents. This includes speeding, following vehicles too closely, misjudging the speed of other vehicles or being distracted by activities such as cellphones, drinking or eating. 12 % of crashes are caused by “driver non-performance”, which includes falling asleep or experiencing a medical emergency.
Where the truck driver isn’t to blame, trucking companies, mechanics and parts manufacturers can be accountable. Cargo can shift, mechanical failure can play a part in an accident etc.
Where an accident is due to bad road conditions, the local municipality may be responsible. And notably, in truck collisions with passenger vehicles, responsibility rarely lies with the driver of the smaller vehicle.
Let Us Represent You
After the dust settles following a truck accident, victims are often left navigating not just the physical and emotional aftermath, but also a legal maze that can be complex and overwhelming. This is where the role of an experienced attorney becomes indispensable, helping victims make sense of their options.
At Lourie, Chance, Forlines, Carter & King, PC, our Atlanta truck accident attorney brings years of expertise and an understanding of the legal nuances involved in truck accidents in Georgia. We can help you identify the liable parties, be it the truck driver, the trucking company, the parts manufacturer or even local municipalities.
Trucking companies and their insurers often have experienced legal teams ready to defend their interests. They may try to minimize the liability and in some cases even shift the blame to the victim. With a competent attorney representing you, your rights will be protected and your right to compensation will be fully realized.
If you or your loved one has been involved in a truck accident in Georgia, reach out to us at Lourie, Chance, Forlines, Carter & King, PC. Call us on 470-339-7183, or schedule a risk and cost-free case evaluation online. Our team of experienced personal injury attorneys await your call.