Truck Accident Lawyer Atlanta
Navigating the aftermath of a truck accident can be a daunting experience, filled with uncertainties and complex legalities. At Fox Injury Law, we understand the profound impact such incidents can have on your life. Our team of dedicated professionals is here to guide you through the intricacies of truck accident claims in Atlanta, ensuring that you receive the support and representation you deserve. With a commitment to justice and a proven track record, our truck accident lawyers are ready to advocate for your rights. Contact us today at 404-948-5619 for a free consultation, allowing us to assess your case and provide the assistance you need during this challenging time.
Common Causes
Commercial trucking is one of the largest industries in America. With over $1.4 trillion in annual revenues, the trucking industry accounts for nearly 8% of the U.S. gross domestic product (GDP). While accidents are unavoidable in an industry of this size, far too many of those that occur are preventable.
Truck drivers are under immense pressure to make their deliveries on time, so they can get paid and go home to be with their families. This causes many of them to cut corners in order to save time and money.
Some of the most common reasons trucking accidents happen include:
- Driver Fatigue: Many drivers have unrealistic delivery schedules, and to keep up, they drive longer and forego the sleep they badly need. This causes drivers to become drowsy and fatigued, often resulting in slower reactions, poor driving decisions, and even falling asleep at the wheel.
- Aggressive Driving: Another way truck drivers often attempt to stay on schedule is by speeding, tailgating other vehicles, running stoplights, and engaging in other types of reckless or aggressive behavior on the road. These traffic violations put everyone in danger.
- Driving while Intoxicated: Some truckers decide to get behind the wheel after consuming too much alcohol. In most cases, however, drivers are taking prescription drugs to get rid of pain, or “uppers” to stay awake and meet tight deadlines.
- Distracted Driving: Distracted driving causes 9 deaths and over 1,000 injuries per day in the U.S. Far too many truckers feel the need to multi-task while they are on the road. Texting while driving, looking up addresses on their GPS, and even filling out paperwork are common practices that can lead to dangerous trucking accidents.
- Overloaded and Uneven Cargo: In a rush to get their trucks loaded on time, some vehicles end up being overloaded beyond their weight limits, and/or the cargo ends up unevenly distributed. This throws off the balance and center of gravity of the truck, increasing the chances of deadly incidents such as rollovers.
- Negligent Truck Maintenance: Interstate trucks put on thousands of miles in an average month. These trucks need to be serviced and maintained frequently. Otherwise, mechanical failures can occur on the road, putting everyone in danger.
- Product Defects: Sometimes, the cause of a truck accident can be traced to a faulty or defective vehicle part. Defective fuel tanks, defective brakes, and defective tires are just a few examples of faulty parts that can pose a major hazard on the road.
Who Can be Held Responsible in an Atlanta Truck Accident Case?
Commercial trucking accident cases are far more complex than the average auto accident. There are several parties that could be potentially at fault, and there are numerous laws and regulations that govern the industry. Some of the parties that may be responsible for a large truck accident include:
- Drivers: Most truckers are hard workers who are conscientious and do everything they can to deliver their loads safely. Unfortunately, there are those who succumb to the pressures of the job and break the rules. When the reckless or negligent actions of truck drivers cause accidents with severe injuries and/or fatalities, they must be held to account.
- Trucking Companies: Many trucking companies are focused more on profits than keeping people safe. As a result, they often give drivers deadlines that are nearly impossible to meet and push them to cut corners. They may also push their maintenance/servicing department to put unsafe vehicles on the road. If the actions of the trucking company played a role in causing the accident, they can also be held liable.
- Cargo Companies: Truck accidents often result from 18-wheelers that are overloaded, unevenly loaded, or not properly secured. When this happens, the company that was responsible for loading the truck could be the party at fault.
- Vehicle Part Manufacturers/Distributors: Vehicle part defects can cause computer system failures, fires and explosions, tire blowouts, and other hazards. This could be the result of faulty design, manufacturing errors, or other factors. Our attorneys will pursue the accident back to its source to determine the exact cause.
Damages Available in Truck Accident Cases
There are several forms of compensation that can be sought in an Atlanta truck accident injury case. These are divided into three general categories:
- Economic Damages: These are the actual expenses incurred by the victim in an accident injury case. Examples of economic damages include property damage, medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages (both current and future), and legal fees.
- Non-Economic Damages: These are damages sustained by the victim and their loved ones that cannot be quantified. Examples of non-economic damages include physical pain and suffering, emotional/psychological distress, diminished quality of life, and wrongful death.
- Punitive Damages: In rare cases in which the reckless or negligent conduct was especially egregious, punitive damages may be awarded to punish those responsible and help deter them from repeating this type of conduct.
Choose Fox Injury Law as Your Trusted Atlanta Truck Accident Attorney
In the aftermath of a truck accident, the path to recovery can be challenging, both physically and emotionally. At Fox Injury Law, we recognize the importance of swift and effective resolution when it comes to your truck accident claims in Atlanta. With a steadfast commitment to our clients, our experienced team of truck accident attorneys at Fox Injury Law is dedicated to ensuring that justice is served. Trust in our expertise to navigate the complexities of your case, providing you with the support needed for a brighter future. Your journey to compensation begins with a simple step – contact Fox Injury Law at 404-948-5619 for a free consultation. Let us stand by your side, fighting for the justice and compensation you rightfully deserve.