Truck Accidents

How A Marietta Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help Truck Accident Victims

Truck accidents can be devastating. Thousands of people die due to injuries suffered in moving vehicle accidents with large trucks and more than 100,000 receive serious injuries that have a significant impact on their lives. Regulations covering the trucking industry are complex and it can be difficult to determine the exact cause of such accidents. Victims of truck accidents can trust a Marietta personal injury lawyer working at Blevins & Hong because our firm has successfully handled vehicle accident cases involving trucks and we have the resources and experience necessary to help you receive compensation for brain injuries and wrongful death of a loved one caused by a negligent truck driver.

The sheer size and weight of large trucks makes them difficult to control and stopping is a challenge because they require so much distance to slow down. These vehicles have blind spots and often have to make wide turns on tight streets, both of which make them more prone to being involved in truck accidents. This is especially true for semi trucks traveling on the highway and around the busiest areas in Cobb County and Atlanta. When a truck collides with a car, the passengers of the car are more likely to have serious personal injuries.

Here are some of the common causes of accidents involving trucks:

• Drivers without a driver’s license
• Drivers who are operating on-board computers or cell phones while driving
• Driving over the speed limit
• Failing to inspect the vehicle
• Failing to maintain important safety systems
• Failing to yield to other drivers when they have the right of way
• Driving while under the influence of alcohol
• Brakes that fail to work properly
• Violating driving rules
• Failing to use turn signals
• Driving recklessly or aggressively
• Overloading the truck
• Parts that are defective
• Poorly designed vehicles
• Loads that shift while on the road
• Drivers driving without enough sleep
• Incompetent drivers
• Failures of equipment
• Failing to back up carefully
• Blind spots
• Operator error
• Trucks that overturn
• Drivers with inadequate training
• Drivers under the influence of drugs
• Truck loads that are not secured properly
• Vehicles with poorly designed parts
• A truck that is not crashworthy
• Stopping suddenly
• Loads that spill

Steps to Take When You are Involved in a Crash

If you have been involved in truck accidents, you must preserve any evidence so there can be an investigation of the vehicles involved. This is critical when you need to prove a personal injury case. Investigators must examine the accident scene while any gouge marks and skid marks are still fresh. In many cases, a court order is required to preserve certain types of evidence, including car and truck parts. Investigators will also need to speak to witnesses as soon as possible.

Contact with investigating authorities is important because they are in charge of reconstructing truck accidents. Log books often provide important information about repairs, maintenance and the driver’s work schedule. It is not unusual for drivers to violate regulations limiting their time behind the wheel. Some employers even encourage this type of behavior.

You should speak to a qualified truck accident lawyer to begin an investigation into your claim.

You must receive the proper medical attention for treatment of your injuries. Read our car crash page to learn more about what you need to do to immediately following a serious accident involving a truck.

Who is Legally Liable for the Injuries Caused by a Truck Accident

Drivers who are negligent and fail to operate their trucks properly can be liable for wrongful death and injuries. The driver’s employer is vicariously liable when an employee is negligent. The employer is directly liable if the driver is incompetent or does not have the proper training or if he or she is aware a driver is no longer qualified. Federal regulations hold some lessees liable for personal injuries suffered in a truck accident. Lessees and employers include shipping companies, grocery stores, department stores, manufacturers, distributors, construction companies and other types of businesses. Under certain circumstances a third party is liable due to negligent loading, which results in a load falling off the truck or shifting under transport. If the investigation determines the truck was poorly designed or defective, the truck’s manufacturer will be held liable for product liability and negligence.

Truck accidents can involve other trucks, motorcycles, cars, pedestrians or bicyclists. Each type of case is covered by different insurance rules. Trucks that transport commerce across state lines typically carry liability insurance worth at least $750,000 and sometimes more if the truck is carrying any hazardous materials.

You must hire a qualified and experienced truck crash attorney in Marietta. Blevins & Hong attorneys have experience helping victims of truck accident receive the compensation they deserve. Our lawyers are capable of handling their cases beginning with the initial investigation and following through to the trial and any necessary appeals.

Selecting a Qualified Truck Accident Attorney in Marietta

A qualified attorney knows how to protect your rights. It is important to find a lawyer who is familiar with the complex trucking industry regulations and who has access to the resources necessary to handle the case. Action must be taken immediately to protect your rights. The Georgia Statute of Limitations governs all types of motor vehicle accidents. The notice provisions for some accidents are shorter than the notice provisions for others.

Please visit our Truck Accident page to learn more about how to choose a qualified attorney.

You must take immediate action if you are involved in a truck accident. Contact us today at 678-354-2290. Schedule your free consultation with a lawyer at Blevins & Hong.