Commercial Truck Accidents

Commercial trucking accidents, which often involve heavy vehicles like 18-wheelers, can result in catastrophic injuries and devastating consequences for those involved. It is no surprise, given that semi-trucks or 18-wheelers can weigh 80,000.00 pounds when carrying cargo.

Because operating 80,000.00 pounds of steel across interstates is dangerous, commercial truck drivers are required to follow Federal Motor Carrier Safety laws, such as driving hour limits, sleeper berth provisions, and mandatory breaks.  Not only are truck drivers subject to such rules, their employers, often large corporations, must ensure that such drivers are safe drivers, follow the rules of the road, log driving hours, and undergo drug and alcohol tests when involved in road wrecks.  

Not only are the obvious 18-wheeler semi trucks hauling trailers subject to trucking laws, other types of vehicles weighing over 10,001 pounds (even combined; for example, a pick up truck hauling a trailer), such as dump trucks, landscaping trucks with trailers, or trucks hauling car trailers, are also subject to some commercial vehicle rules and regulations.

Operating heavy trucks and vehicles is different from operating a regular car because it is more difficult to stop heavy vehicles, more difficult to turn heavy vehicles, and more difficult to see out of large vehicles. Thus, Georgia law requires truck drivers to have commercial driver’s licenses and undergo special training to operate such dangerous vehicles. 

What makes this information important when hiring a catastrophic injury attorney is that an experienced litigator and trucking accident lawyer should know about the special laws that are applicable to commercial drivers, who have a higher standard of care for driving than most people on the road.  Finding these violations is important when bringing a personal injury case–and, when there is an obvious pattern, can change the course of the case for the better.  But, your lawyer has to know the law and what to look for when handling trucking cases.

It can also be important to investigate the circumstances of the wreck, compile electronic information from the vehicles involved, and determine how the wreck happened using experts.  Hiring a law firm that will ensure these crucial steps are taken is vital to the success of your trucking accident case.

Beyond the actions of the individual truck driver, an experienced lawyer will look to the corporate actions or inactions in order to develop theories of liability against a commercial trucking company.  Often times, such trucking companies have patterns of bad behavior when it comes to hiring, training, and supervising its drivers to ensure safety on the road.  A diligent lawyer will work to uncover such violations in your case not only to ensure that you are fairly compensated, but also in hopes that the company will make overarching changes to increase driver safety.

Commercial trucking accidents can be caused by a variety of factors, including driver fatigue, distracted driving, drug or alcohol use, improper maintenance, and more. Common types of commercial trucking accidents in Georgia include:

• Jackknife accidents: This type of collision refers to a truck accident where a truck with two separate parts (a cab and a trailer) folds in on itself at the point of separation. The cap and trailer swivel where they are linked together, forming a V-shape angle resembling a jackknife. The trailer swings out to one side of the truck cab due to a loss of control or excessive braking.
• Rollover accidents: A rollover accident involves a vehicle tipping over to its side or rolling completely over until it is upside down. In some cases, the vehicle may roll over multiple times before it comes to rest.
• Underride accidents: Underride accidents happen when a smaller car hits a truck and slides underneath the trailer. When a car slides underneath a truck, it usually cuts off the top of the car. Underride accidents are among some of the most deadly crashes.
• Wide-turn accidents: These accidents usually occur when large trucks attempt to make a right turn, and the path they take is wider than anticipated. This results in collisions with vehicles traveling beside or attempting to pass the turning truck.
• Rear-end collisions: These are among the most common auto accidents. Rear-end collisions involving trucks can have devastating consequences due to the size difference between the vehicles colliding.

As you could imagine, these types of collisions are dangerous and can result in significant injuries or fatalities.  In addition to holding the truck driver and trucking company responsible for their wrongdoing, we will work to help you navigate life with an injury and guide you as to how to approach proving your medical expenses and injuries. 

Just like all personal injury cases, successful trucking cases involve proving fault (negligence), that the wreck caused your injury, and the value of your losses.  We are experts in proving up and maximizing value of personal injury cases.

No matter the type of trucking accident you were involved in, our team is here to help you seek justice and fair compensation for what was taken from you. We will conduct a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding your trucking accident, including the actions of the truck driver, trucking company, and any third parties involved. We will gather evidence to establish liability and build a strong case on your behalf.

At the Davis Injury Firm, we have a track record of success in obtaining substantial settlements and verdicts for injury victims.

We pride ourselves on creative lawyering, clear communication with our clients, and a specially curated legal strategy based on your individual case.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a commercial trucking accident in Georgia, contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your rights, and help you take the first steps toward obtaining the justice and compensation you deserve.

What sets us apart from some law firms:

• We do not handle any other types of cases. 
• We are not afraid of litigating cases, giving us the ability to acquire the experience and knowledge vital to maximizing results in personal injury cases.
• We pride ourselves in using creative lawyering and strategy to maximize results. 
• We use clear communication with our clients to keep them informed every step of the way.  
• We give individualized attention to each and every client’s case by keeping our case volume low and curating specific legal strategies to the unique circumstances of that case.  

Call us at 404-593-2620 or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation with our Atlanta truck accident attorney