Truck Accident Lawyers in Fayetteville, GA
The roads of Fayetteville see their fair share of commercial truck traffic, and unfortunately, accidents happen. The size and operations of these vehicles mean that when things go wrong, they can go very wrong. Commercial trucks, including semis and 18-wheelers, tower over standard vehicles in both size and weight, leading to disproportionate damage in collisions. A major concern is their stopping distance; it’s much longer than for cars, which means even a split-second delay can easily turn into a deadly disaster.
At Fox Injury Law, we are acutely aware of how devastating a truck crash can be. Our goal is to provide you with complete legal and emotional support during this time, and help you recover the largest possible compensation for your losses.
Dangerous Highways with High Risk of Truck Accidents in Fayetteville
In our experience representing thousands of accident victims across Fayette County, the following highways are not only notorious for heavy traffic but have a long history of serious truck collisions:
- Interstate 75 (known for heavy traffic and a high number of fatal truck accidents).
- Interstate 20 (considered the deadliest interstate in Georgia).
- Interstate 16 (one of the deadliest roads in the state, connecting Savannah and Macon).
- Interstate 85 (known for a high rate of commercial truck accidents).
- Interstate 95 (the coastal highway recognized as the most dangerous in the country).
- The intersection of Georgia Highways 54 and 74 (known as Fayette County’s biggest traffic jam, this intersection has evolved from a simple four-way stop to an eight-lane crossroad).
Medical Centers for Injured Truck Accident Victims in Fayetteville, GA
If you or someone you know gets injured by a negligent truck driver, the first thing you should do is seek medical attention. Here is a list of leading healthcare facilities in Fayetteville providing effective treatment for various accident-related injuries:
- Piedmont Fayette Hospital
- Peachtree Immediate Care
- Piedmont QuickCare
- Southern Crescent Women’s HealthCare
- Women’s Medical Center
- Allied Healthcare Clinic
- Atlanta Maternal-Fetal Medicine (part of Pediatrix Medical Group)
- South Atlanta Integrative Medicine
Commercial Truck Operators in Georgia are Bound by State & Federal Regulations
Those who drive or own commercial tractor-trailers through Fayetteville or the rest of Georgia have to abide by a number of state and federal laws to ensure the safety of other drivers (and pedestrians) on the road. Some of these most important regulations include:
Hours of Service (HOS) Regulations
These are regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) designed to prevent accidents caused by driver fatigue and ensure that drivers have adequate rest. For instance, a driver may only drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty. Drivers also must keep a Record of Duty Status using Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) to document their compliance.
Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Requirements
Drivers must have a CDL to operate commercial trucks. Obtaining a CDL involves passing written and practical driving tests. Different classes of CDLs are required for different types of vehicles, such as those carrying hazardous materials.
Drug and Alcohol Testing
The FMCSA requires drug and alcohol testing for commercial drivers. This includes pre-employment, random, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, return-to-duty, and follow-up testing.
Weight and Size Limits
Georgia allows a maximum gross vehicle weight of 80,000 pounds for commercial vehicles on interstate highways. Taking this into account, the actual maximum weight depends on the truck’s axle configuration and spacing.
Insurance Requirements
All commercial trucks in the state must have minimum liability insurance coverage as well. For non-hazardous freight in vehicles under 10,001 lbs, the minimum is $300,000. For vehicles over 10,001 lbs, it’s $750,000.
Potential Liable Parties in a Fayetteville Truck Crash Injury Case
When a tractor-trailer gets into an accident, it’s most likely because someone broke a rule (as listed above). Unlike car accidents, truck collisions tend to involve multiple parties, and liability can extend beyond just the truck driver.
- The truck driver (for speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, impairment, or violation of traffic laws)
- Trucking company or carrier (for failing to conduct proper background checks or not providing the right training to the driver)
- Truck owner (if different from the trucking company)
- Cargo loaders and shippers
- Vehicle or parts manufacturers (for the defective brakes or tires)
- Truck maintenance companies: companies tasked with repairing the truck can be held liable if their negligence in performing these duties led to the accident.
- Local or state government agencies (for poor road design or lack of maintenance)
- Other drivers on the road
Why You Need Our Fayetteville Truck Accident Attorneys on Your Side?
Working with Fox Injury Law Firm after being injured in a truck crash is beneficial for several reasons:
The burden of Proof is on the Injured Victim
In truck accident cases, the injured party bears the burden of proof. They are the ones who have to prove that the truck driver or other parties were negligent and that this negligence directly caused their injuries. Without legal expertise, this can be exceptionally challenging, considering you will be going against well-prepared defense teams from trucking or insurance companies.
Also note under Georgia’s modified comparative negligence rule, if you are found to be partly at fault for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. As a result, you can expect the defense (usually the trucking company or their insurer) to argue that you are partly at fault just so they can reduce the amount of compensation they have to pay.
Our experienced truck accident attorneys know how to ensure that your role in the accident is fairly assessed and that any attempts by the other parties to shift undue blame are countered effectively. We will present evidence and arguments in a way that your fault percentage is kept to a minimum.
Key Evidence Can Be Lost or Destroyed After a Truck Crash
After the accident, evidence like skid marks, debris from the accident, surveillance footage, and the conditions of the damaged vehicles are all important for building a strong case. In relation to this, this evidence can quickly disappear or be destroyed if not acted upon immediately.
Many modern tractor-trailers are also equipped with advanced technology that holds a wealth of information; engine control modules in most large trucks record critical pre-crash data, such as the truck’s speed, braking patterns, and steering inputs. Our team of skilled in-house investigators takes swift action to make sure all this evidence is preserved and can be analyzed for your case.
Trial Preparation Requires Extensive Skills and Resources
If negotiations with the insurance company fail to provide you with a fair settlement, your case will likely go to trial. But the disparity in resources between you and the defendants – large trucking companies or insurers – can be stark. Many law firms find themselves outmatched in both financial and legal capacities, which can lead to settlements far below what victims rightfully deserve.
Maximize Your Claim with Fayetteville’s Highly Rated Truck Accident Lawyers
According to Georgia law, those who have suffered injuries in a truck accident have up to two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit for personal injury. In cases of wrongful death resulting from a truck accident, this two-year statute of limitations also applies, beginning from the date of the deceased’s passing.
We at Fox Injury Law urge you to reach out to us without delay because the clock starts ticking from the moment of the crash. When we have more time on our side, we are better able to thoroughly investigate the accident site, gather detailed photographs, and speak to eyewitnesses while their memories are fresh.
Call us at (404) 777-7778 or fill out this form to schedule your free consultation today.
Fayetteville, GA Truck Accident Lawyers
Fox Injury Law, your trusted Fayetteville truck accident lawyers, understand the devastating impact of truck collisions. Learn about high-risk highways, medical centers, and state regulations. Discover liable parties in a truck crash and why our attorneys are essential. We provide legal and emotional support, aiming for the largest compensation. If you've been in a truck accident, call us at (404) 777-7778 for a free consultation. Don't delay; the clock is ticking on your personal injury claim.
Service Type: Commercial Truck accident lawyers