A fully loaded 18-wheeler can legally weigh up to 80,000 lbs while traveling on interstate roadways. The size differential makes collisions between passenger vehicles and large commercial trucks especially dangerous. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the U.S. recorded 4,444 fatalities in large truck crashes in 2020, with 68% of the fatalities being occupants of passenger vehicles.
The Georgian roads experience their fair share of truck accidents. The Peach State recorded 224 fatalities in accidents involving a large truck in 2021, a slight increase from the 235 deaths recorded in 2020.Â
There is no question that an accident with a large truck can be devastating. Don’t bear the burden of fighting for your fair compensation alone. Contact an attorney at MG Law today if you or a loved one suffered injuries in an 18-wheeler accident.Â
Why Should I Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer in Lawrenceville?
Dozens of truck accident lawyers advertise their legal services to residents and visitors of Lawrenceville, Georgia. However, you don’t want just any attorney. You want a team of attorneys with experience in Georgia truck accidents who care deeply about your needs.
Our firm stands out among the rest. The attorneys at MG Law focus exclusively on personal injury matters and have fought to secure compensation for truck accident victims in Georgia. We can help you by:
- Negotiating with the opposing party on your behalf to maximize your settlement;
- Locating potential witnesses who can testify on your behalf;
- Identifying evidence that will help your case; and
- Calculating the value of your losses.
A Lawrenceville truck accident lawyer from our office can use their knowledge and expertise to negotiate for the best settlement in your case or, if necessary, to fight your case in court.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
A variety of factors can contribute to a truck accident. Establishing what caused a truck accident is the first step in determining who was responsible. Some common causes of truck accidents include:
- Inadequate driver training,
- Driver fatigue,
- Distracted driving,
- Driving under the influence,
- Driving too fast for the conditions,
- Tailgating,
- Tire blowouts,
- Defective truck parts, and
- Improper maintenance of the truck.
Although these factors can contribute to any vehicular accident, their impact can be significantly more dangerous with a large truck. For example, since large trucks weigh considerably more than passenger vehicles, their weight makes it harder for them to stop within a short distance. Loaded commercial trucks typically need between 20 and 40 percent more distance to stop than a regular car. If the driver is texting while driving, and something happens on the road, they have far less time to bring their vehicle to a complete stop than if they were driving a car.
Who Is Liable in a Truck Accident in Georgia?
Truck accidents differ from passenger vehicle accidents because multiple parties may share responsibility for the collision. The parties who may face liability include:
- The truck driver,
- The company that owns the truck,
- The company that hires the truck driver, or
- The truck manufacturer.
The party most people assume is to blame for the truck accident is the driver. However, many drivers operate commercial vehicles as part of their employment. Thus, the employer may also be liable if a truck driver causes an accident while on the clock. Additionally, companies are prohibited from urging drivers to disobey regulations imposed by the FMCSA. If an employer encourages employees to violate these regulations, they can be held liable for losses from a truck accident.Â
A manufacturer may also be liable for your losses if a defective truck part causes an accident. In a defective product claim, you do not need to show the at-fault party was negligent, only that you suffered injuries from the defect. For example, if a manufacturing defect causes a brake to fail during a long road trip, the brake manufacturer is automatically liable for damages caused by the brake failure.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a truck accident, a member of our team can help you determine who is liable for your losses. Contact our office today so we can start investigating your case.
How Are Truck Accidents Different from Car Accidents?
Truck accidents often involve more damage and injuries than typical car accidents. This is due to the size and velocity of trucks. As a result, many truck accident victims require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation after a crash.
Additionally, determining the cause of an accident and the responsible parties can be challenging. This is why you need a qualified attorney who can review the details of your case and determine the cause of your accident and who is responsible for your losses.
Compensation for a Truck Accident
Truck accident injuries can cost you financially and emotionally. The damages you can seek in a truck accident claim include economic and non-economic damages, which we explain below.
Economic Damages
Economic damages include tangible, monetary losses you suffer due to the truck accident. Examples of economic damages include:
- Rehabilitation costs,
- Lost wages,
- Costs of vehicle repairs,
- Medical bills, and
- Loss of future earning capacity.
The injuries incurred in a truck accident can require years of medical treatment and rehabilitation. A truck accident settlement can help you pay these expenses and restore your life to what it was before your injury.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages include intangible, unquantifiable damages like:
- Pain and suffering,
- Emotional distress,
- Anxiety, or
- Psychological trauma.
Non-economic damages from truck accident claims differ, depending on each person’s experience. An attorney at MG Law can help you evaluate your non-economic damages and help you determine the approximate value of your claim.
Contact a Lawrenceville Car Accident Lawyer at MG Law
Truck accident claims can be confusing, challenging, and downright exhausting, particularly if you are trying to heal from your injuries. Fortunately, the attorneys at MG Law are highly experienced in fighting for injured victims in Georgia truck accident cases. Our lawyers strive to provide each of our clients with expert legal service and are committed to working to secure the best outcome possible. Our team will negotiate with the opposing party on your behalf to ensure their settlement offer fully compensates you for your losses. If a settlement offer falls short, we will not hesitate to bring your case to court.Our firm prides itself on our client-centered representation model. Michael Geoffroy, our founding attorney, focuses on advocating for victims injured by someone else’s negligence. Michael has been recognized for his advocacy with a 10.0 rating on Avvo. Contact our office today to schedule your free initial consultation and discuss your case with a lawyer.