Forest Park, GA Truck Accident Lawyers
Being involved in a commercial truck accident can turn your life upside down in a matter of seconds. The injuries resulting from the accident might not only require extensive treatment but can also impact your physical and mental health to the extent that you might not be able to lead a normal life again.
If you have been injured in a commercial truck accident, you need a capable and experienced truck accident lawyer on your side to get the justice and compensation you deserve. At Fox Injury Law, we have extensive experience in representing truck accident victims and have a proven track record of recovering substantial damages for our clients.
Our legal team is not afraid to take on powerful commercial truck companies and large insurance carriers and we will fight tirelessly to recover the maximum compensation possible under the law. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with one of our Forest Park, GA truck accident lawyers.
What Makes Commercial Truck Accidents So Much More Dangerous Than Other Types of Accidents?
There are many reasons why commercial truck accidents are more dangerous than other types of accidents. These include:
Size and Weight Disparity
Commercial trucks like tractor-trailers, semi-trucks, and big rigs are significantly larger and heavier than passenger vehicles. The average passenger car only weighs around 3,000 to 4,000 pounds. The average commercial truck, when loaded with cargo, can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. Due to the sheer size and weight disparity, collisions involving commercial trucks and passenger vehicles almost always result in catastrophic injuries for the occupants of the passenger vehicle.
Increased Impact Force
Due to their massive size and weight, commercial trucks generate a tremendous amount of kinetic energy when in motion. In the event of a collision, the increased kinetic energy results in a higher impact force, which can cause severe damage to the other vehicle and its occupants.
Cargo Hazards
Commercial trucks carry cargo that can spill onto the road and collide with other vehicles, resulting in serious accidents. Commercial trucks transporting hazardous materials are particularly dangerous, as they can ignite or explode in the event of a collision.
Most Dangerous Intersections in Forest Park, GA
While commercial truck accidents can happen anywhere, the risk is particularly high at intersections due to the fact that the limited maneuverability of a commercial truck can make it harder for the driver to navigate tight curves and intersections. Moreover, commercial trucks have longer stopping distances compared to other vehicles, which can make it challenging for drivers to take evasive actions in emergency situations.
The most dangerous intersections for large truck accidents in Forest Park, GA are:
- Forest Parkway and Jonesboro Road
- Forest Parkway and Old Dixie Highway
- Forest Parkway and Lake Drive
- Forest Parkway and Central Avenue
- Forest Parkway and Davidson Parkway
Hospitals near Forest Park, GA Where You Can Get Treated for Truck Accident Injuries
Commercial truck accidents can result in serious, life-altering injuries. It is critically important for you to get medical help as soon as you can after the accident. There are many hospitals near Forest Park where you can get treated for truck accident injuries. These include:
- Southern Regional Medical Center in Riverdale
- Emory University Hospital Midtown in Atlanta
- Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta
Depending on the severity of your injuries, the cost of treatment can be exorbitant and beyond your capacity – even if you have health insurance. The reputable Forest Park, GA truck accident lawyers at Fox Injury Law can connect you with healthcare providers and help you get the treatment and care you need on a lien if necessary. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can start working and help you get the medical care you need without paying anything upfront.
What is the Truck Company’s Liability in a Commercial Truck Accident?
There are many ways a trucking company can be held liable for the accident caused by their driver. These include:
Negligent Hiring and Supervision
If the trucking company failed to properly screen, train, or supervise their driver and their negligence contributed to the accident, the company can be held liable for the resulting damages.
Maintenance and Inspection
Commercial trucking companies are responsible for the inspection and maintenance of their vehicles. If a maintenance issue contributed to the accident, the company can be held liable for negligent maintenance practices.
Hours of Service Violations
Commercial trucking companies are legally obligated to comply with federal Hours of Service (HOS) regulations to prevent driver fatigue. If a trucking company turns a blind eye to HOS violations or incentivizes or forces its drivers to violate HOS regulations, it can be held liable for the accidents caused by fatigued drivers.
Vicarious Liability
Under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior (commonly known as vicarious liability), a trucking company can be held vicariously liable for the accident caused by its driver – as long as the accident occurred when the driver was performing a job-related duty.
Other Parties That Can Be Held Liable for a Truck Accident in Forest Park, GA
Apart from the truck driver and the trucking company, there are several other parties that can be held liable for an accident – depending on the circumstances under which the accident occurred. These include truck maintenance and repair contractors, truck or parts manufacturers, cargo loaders and shippers, third-party contractors involved in the operation of the truck, and government entities responsible for road design and maintenance.
Evidence Needed to Establish Liability in a Commercial Truck Accident Claim
Depending on the circumstances, a wide range of evidence might be needed to establish liability in a commercial truck accident claim. Given below is a brief list of evidence that our Forest Park, GA truck accident attorneys might use to establish the fault and liability of the at-fault parties.
- Data from the truck’s black box
- Photographic evidence collected at the accident scene
- Driver logs
- Truck maintenance and inspection records
- Driver’s cell phone records
- Driver’s alcohol and drug test results
- Driver’s medical records
- Driver’s training records and employment history
- Cargo documentation
- Dashcam footage, surveillance camera footage, and footage from traffic cameras at the accident scene
- Driver’s statement
- Eyewitness statements
- Expert testimony from accident reconstruction specialists, engineers, and medical professionals
Injured in a Commercial Truck Accident in GA? Contact Fox Injury Law Today
If you have been injured in a commercial trucking accident, you need a personal injury lawyer that you can trust and rely on. At Fox Injury Law, we are committed to providing high-quality, aggressive, and ethical representation to truck accident victims in Forest Park and throughout the Atlanta metro area. Call us today at 404-948-4921 or use our online contact form to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our lawyers.