Truck Accident Lawyers in Hapeville, GA
Trucking is one of the key industries that drive Georgia’s economy. There are more than 32,000 trucking companies located in Georgia, which makes the trucking industry one of the largest employment generators in the state. As essential as commercial trucks are to the state’s economy, sharing the road with them can be a challenge even for skilled drivers.
Due to the massive size of these trucks and the amount of cargo, they tend to transport, truckers and trucking companies cannot afford to make any miscalculation or mistake. If they do, the results can be catastrophic. If you have been injured or have lost a family member in a commercial truck accident in Hapeville, GA, you might be entitled to monetary damages.
At Fox Injury Law, we are committed to helping truck accident victims get the justice and compensation they deserve. We have the skills and resources needed to handle highly complex truck accident claims. Contact us today to discuss your claim with one of our experienced Hapeville, GA truck accident lawyers.
Dangerous Intersections in Hapeville, GA for Truck Accidents
While truck accidents can happen anywhere, the risk is notably higher at intersections due to the sheer volume of traffic and the fact that drivers are more likely to make mistakes at intersections by misjudging the speed of other vehicles and the actions of other drivers.
Some of the most dangerous intersections for commercial trucks in Hapeville, GA are:
- The intersection of Virginia Avenue and Norman Berry Drive
- The intersection of Virginia Avenue, Little Virginia Avenue, Clay Place, and Doug Davis
- The intersection of SR 3 (Dogwood Drive) and King Arnold Drive
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Commercial Truck Accident in Hapeville, GA?
Depending on the circumstances, one or more of the parties listed below can be held liable for the accident:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- The truck part manufacturer
- The cargo loading company
- The company or contractor responsible for truck repair and maintenance
If the accident was caused by a road defect, the local or state government agency responsible for road maintenance can be held liable for the resulting damages.
Proving the Trucking Company’s Liability in a Commercial Truck Accident in Hapeville, GA
If the trucking company failed in its duty to comply with federal and state regulations regarding driver recruitment, training, and driving hours, it can be held liable for the accident caused by the driver. Common examples of trucking company negligence include:
- Creating policies that incentivize the driver to work long hours without taking adequate breaks in between.
- Putting pressure on the truck driver to meet unrealistic deadlines.
- Directly or indirectly encouraging the driver to under-report their working hours.
- Hiring an unqualified and untrained driver for the job.
- Hiring a truck driver with a history of alcohol or drug use.
- Hiring a truck driver with a history of traffic violations.
- Letting a truck driver operate even when they are not physically fit enough to drive a commercial truck.
- Not having a proper alcohol and drug testing program for drivers in place.
Apart from this, a trucking company can also be indirectly or vicariously held liable for their driver’s actions under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior (let the superior answer). Under this doctrine, a trucking company can be held financially responsible for the damages resulting from their driver’s actions as long as the driver in question was performing a job-related duty or acting within the scope of their employment at the time of the accident.
Potential Liability of the Cargo Loading Company in a Hapeville, GA Truck Accident Claim
The cargo loading company can be held liable for the accident if they are found to have acted in a negligent manner. Common examples of cargo loading company negligence include:
- Overloading the truck beyond the truck’s maximum weight capacity.
- Loading the cargo in an uneven manner.
- Failing to secure the cargo.
- Using worn-out or defective tarp and ropes to secure the cargo.
- Loading hazardous materials into the truck without following the necessary safety precautions.
Evidence Needed to Establish Liability in a Hapeville, GA Truck Accident Claim
Due to the complexity of commercial truck accident claims, a wide range of evidence might be needed to establish the liability of the at-fault parties. These include:
- Data from the truck’s event data recorder (commonly known as the black box).
- Dashcam footage from the truck.
- Physical and forensic evidence collected from the accident scene.
- The truck driver’s hours of service logs.
- The truck driver’s employment history.
- The truck driver’s alcohol and drug test results.
- The truck driver’s medical fitness test results.
- The truck driver’s cell phone records.
- Dispatch logs.
- Cargo manifests.
- Vehicle inspection and maintenance records.
- Eyewitness testimonies.
- Security camera footage of the accident (if available).
- Report from accident reconstruction specialists.
Injuries That Can Result from a Commercial Truck Accident in Hapeville, GA
When a commercial truck collides with or crashes into another vehicle, the resulting injuries can be catastrophic in nature. These include broken bones, crush injuries, traumatic amputation injuries, burn injuries, damage to internal organs, nerve damage, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries.
Due to the serious nature of these injuries, you should try to get medical help as soon as you can after the accident. There are several hospitals in and around Hapeville where you can get treated after a truck accident. These include Emory University Hospital Midtown, Southern Regional Medical Center, Grady Memorial Hospital, and Piedmont Hospital.
Get Legal Help from Skilled and Resourceful Truck Accident Lawyers in Hapeville, GA
Considering the high financial stakes, taking on a trucking company and its insurers in a personal injury claim can be a formidable task. The defendants will use their substantial resources and legal might to deny liability for the accident altogether or to get you to accept the lowest settlement offer possible. This is why you need to have an equally capable law firm on your side and a proven record of large settlements and verdicts in these cases.
At Fox Injury Law, we know the tactics that trucking companies employ to deny or reduce their liability for accidents and we know how to hold them liable for their negligence. We fight aggressively when it comes to recovering maximum compensation for our clients. Contact us today to discuss your claim with an experienced Hapeville, GA truck accident attorney.