Alpharetta Truck Accidents

Truck accidents in Alpharetta, Georgia can have significant consequences for those involved. Commercial trucks’ sheer size and weight can lead to more severe injuries and damage than typical car accidents.

The Alpharetta truck accident lawyers at Childers & McCain, LLC, have extensive experience handling truck accident cases in Alpharetta. Information on how truck accidents differ from other vehicle collisions and what legal options may be available to those affected. Here, we explain the key factors in truck accident cases and can help you make informed decisions about how to move forward after the crash.

What Are the Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Alpharetta?

Truck accidents can be caused by a variety of factors, often involving both human error and mechanical issues.

Common causes include:

• Driver fatigue
• Distracted driving
• Speeding
• Improper loading of cargo

Fatigued drivers are particularly dangerous due to:

• Long hours on the road, leading to delayed reaction times and poor decision-making
• Possible violations of hours-of-service regulations, which limit the number of driving hours before mandatory breaks

Mechanical failures can also contribute to accidents:

• Brake malfunctions
• Tire blowouts
• Poor maintenance or defects in the vehicle

Improperly loaded cargo can cause:

• An unbalanced truck
• Increased risk of rollovers or jackknife accidents

Additional contributing factors:

• Weather conditions
• Poorly maintained roads
• Difficulty in stopping or maneuvering due to the heavy weight of trucks

How Is Liability Determined in a Truck Accident?

Liability in a truck accident can involve multiple parties, including the driver, trucking company, manufacturer, and cargo-loading company. Drivers may be responsible for negligence, while trucking companies can be accountable for poor training or pressuring drivers to exceed hours-of-service limits.

Manufacturers may share responsibility if mechanical failures occur, and companies that improperly load cargo can also be liable. In some cases, multiple parties share liability, complicating the legal process. Each case is unique, and our Alpharetta truck accident lawyers manage thorough investigations that determine liability.

What Should I Know About Insurance Issues in a Truck Accident?

Truck accident cases often involve multiple insurance policies, which complicate claims processes. Commercial trucking companies typically carry larger insurance policies than individual drivers, as the potential damages in a truck accident are often higher. However, this does not mean that receiving compensation is easier. Insurance companies may aggressively defend against claims to minimize their financial responsibility.

Other policies may be involved in addition to the trucking company’s insurance, including those covering the truck’s cargo, the trailer, or even third-party contractors involved in the trucking operation. Sifting through different policies requires a comprehensive understanding of the insurance landscape and careful negotiation with insurers.

What Types of Injuries Are Common in Truck Accidents?

Truck accidents often result in more serious injuries than standard car accidents due to the size and weight of the vehicles involved. Our Alpharetta truck accident lawyers represent clients with traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and severe lacerations. In some cases, survivors may suffer long-term or permanent disabilities that require ongoing medical care and rehabilitation.

Spinal cord injuries are particularly serious, as they can lead to partial or complete paralysis. Traumatic brain injuries may cause cognitive impairment, memory loss, and other long-term effects that can impact a person’s ability to work or perform daily tasks. Broken bones and fractures are also common, particularly in the arms, legs, and ribs, which may require extensive treatment and surgery.

In addition to physical injuries, truck accident survivors may experience emotional and psychological trauma. The stress and anxiety resulting from such a traumatic event can be long-lasting and may require professional counseling or therapy.

What Compensation Is Available in Truck Accident Cases?

In Georgia, truck accident survivors may be eligible for several types of compensation, depending on the circumstances of the accident and the extent of their injuries. Compensation can include:

• Medical expenses can include hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any other treatment necessary for recovery.
• Lost wages are calculated based on the income the injured person would have earned if they had not been injured, and in cases of permanent disability, future lost wages may also be considered.
• Pain and suffering compensation is more subjective and accounts for the physical and emotional distress caused by the accident. This type of compensation aims to provide relief for the non-economic impacts of the accident, such as reduced quality of life, emotional trauma, and ongoing physical pain.

What Steps Are Involved in Investigating a Truck Accident?

A thorough investigation is critical in truck accident cases to determine liability and uncover the cause of the accident. This often involves reviewing the truck’s black box data, examining driver logs, interviewing witnesses, and analyzing the accident scene. Trucking companies are required to maintain records of their vehicles and drivers, which can provide important evidence in determining what led to the collision.

Investigators may also review maintenance records, indicating whether the truck was properly serviced and in good condition at the crash. Additionally, if the accident involved improperly loaded cargo, the investigation may include a review of loading procedures and inspection reports.

How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Claim?

In Georgia, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim, including truck accidents, is generally two years from the date of the accident. Truck accident survivors must file their claim within this period to preserve their right to seek compensation. Failing to file within the statutory deadline can result in the claim being barred, leaving the injured party without legal recourse.

It is important to note that there may be exceptions to the general two-year rule. For example, in cases where a government entity is involved, such as if a municipal vehicle contributed to the accident, the time limit for filing a claim may be shorter. Conversely, if the accident survivor was a minor at the time of the crash, the statute of limitations may be extended.

The Alpharetta Truck Accident Lawyers at Childers & McCain, LLC Offer Free Consultations for Truck Accident Victims

If you or someone you care about has been seriously injured in a truck accident, contact our experienced Alpharetta truck accident lawyers at Childers & McCain, LLC. We have extensive experience handling truck accident cases and are committed to helping clients fight to get the compensation they deserve. For a free consultation in Savannah, Albany, Atlanta, Bibb County, Chatham County, Columbus, Crawford County, Oglethorpe, and Peach County, submit our online form or call our Macon, Georgia, office at 478-254-2007.