Atlanta Big Rig Accident Attorney Near Me
“Big rigs” are tractor-trailers, which are used to transport goods long distances. They can be seen pulling up to loading docks throughout Atlanta and entering the highway system to deliver goods to other states in the country.
Big rig accidents cause serious injuries, and few people are prepared to negotiate a settlement on their own. Please contact MG Law to discuss your case with an Atlanta big rig accident lawyer.
Big Rig Accidents: Why they Happen & Who Is Liable
Tractor-trailers get involved in accidents for all sorts of reasons. Some of the more common include:
- Speeding or driving too fast for conditions
- Driver confusion
- Driver distraction, including illegal cell phone usage
- Impaired driving
- Fatigue
Defects on the big rig could also be to blame for many accidents. For example, the tires could blow on a big rig, which is a common sight. Consequently, the truck could get out of control and crash.
In other situations, unbalanced cargo increases the natural instability of the big rig, leading to a rollover or a jackknife. In these accidents, innocent motorists in adjoining lanes can be struck by the trailer, sometimes even crushed.
To assign liability, we need to determine how the accident happened and why. If the driver is to blame, then injured victims can sue him or his employer. If unbalanced cargo or a truck defect contributed to a crash, then defendants could include the loading company, mechanics, or the truck owner.
Federal and State Big Rig Regulations
Big rigs and other large commercial trucks cause thousands of deaths and serious injuries every year. Naturally, the federal government tightly regulates the industry and has passed rules to protect public safety.
Hours of service regulations limit how much time a driver can spend behind the wheel. As an example, a trucker cannot drive more than 60/70 hours in a 7/8 day period. There are other rules that limit the amount of driving in a single day and mandate a half-hour break after eight hours.
Federal law also prevents truckers from using a hand-held cell phone while driving. Hands-free devices are allowed, though some truckers push the limits or use illegal devices.
Other laws regulate the trucks themselves. For example, Georgia sets height, width, and length limits for commercial vehicles. These rules apply to both the tractor and the trailer.
Injuries & Compensation
Injuries tend to be serious because of the size of these trucks. Many of our clients suffer catastrophic injuries, including amputation, crush injuries, brain damage, paralysis, or spinal cord damage. Others suffer burns on visible parts of their bodies.
Even relatively “minor” injuries can cost tens of thousands of dollars to treat and rehabilitate. For example, someone with multiple fractures could require surgery to set broken bones and limit internal bleeding and other complications. A concussion could leave someone unable to leave the house or work for months on end.
Compensation will depend on the losses we can prove, such as:
- Medical care, including past and future care. Serious injuries often require ongoing medical attention, future surgery, or rehabilitation.
- Lost income or wages, including lost future earnings. A person who has suffered a permanent injury might be unable to return to their old job.
- Property damage. A big rig can absolutely destroy a smaller compact car. The owner needs the car replaced or repaired.
- Pain and suffering. This type of non-economic loss is somewhat subjective to value. But when a client suffers serious injuries, we can often request a considerable amount of pain and suffering compensation to try and make up for the reduced quality of life.
Most members of the public underestimate the true value of their claim, so reach out to an attorney for a full review.
Let Us Help You
There are certain steps an attorney must take to preserve their client’s ability to sue or negotiate a settlement. At MG Law, we understand the process in detail and can easily help you avoid hurdles that would impede other victims.
For example, we can immediately contact the trucking company and ask them to preserve relevant evidence, such as trucking logs, employee records, and training materials. We will want to make sure we fully understand whether the driver was qualified to be behind the wheel and whether he followed relevant laws.
We can also inspect your vehicle and possibly the big rig involved in the wreck. This inspection can help assign liability for the crash.
MG Law Values Our Clients
We have been practicing collectively for several decades and have kept abreast of changes involving the trucking industry. If you hire us, we will do everything possible to obtain the maximum compensation for your injuries. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
Our experienced attorneys also handle other type of trucks accidents including: