Truck Accident Lawyers in Atlanta

Motorists in Atlanta and the surrounding area are used to seeing large commercial trucks on roads and highways. Unfortunately, it’s also not uncommon to see these vehicles involved in wrecks with other motorists. Just as the driver of a passenger vehicle can commit an act of negligence that leads to a crash, so can a truck driver.

Whether the driver of the truck is an Atlanta city public works employee or a private commercial driver, collisions between passenger vehicles and heavy trucks happen with frightening regularity. Of the 2,640 vehicles involved in fatal wrecks in 2021, about 9.3 percent involved commercial vehicles, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

You and your loved ones can suffer severe, permanent injuries as a result of a Georgia truck accident. If you are in this situation, know you have a dedicated advocate and ally in Seay/Felton LLC Trial Lawyers. We are committed to your welfare and well-being — our resourceful and talented team of Atlanta truck accident lawyers is here to help you recover the damages and compensation you deserve.

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Key Georgia Truck Accident Laws You Should Be Aware Of

If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, understanding the legal framework around these incidents is critical to protecting your rights. Here are some important Georgia truck accident laws that can impact your case:

Negligent Hiring and Entrustment

Trucking companies have a legal responsibility to vet their drivers thoroughly before allowing them to operate heavy vehicles on public roads. This includes reviewing the driver’s past accident history and checking their motor vehicle records. Employers should also reach out to previous employers for additional insights into a driver’s safety record.

If a company fails to perform this due diligence and hires an unqualified driver, it may be held liable if that driver causes an accident. This is known as negligent entrustment. Essentially, trucking companies must ensure they are putting responsible and well-trained drivers behind the wheel to keep everyone safe on the road.

Hours of Service Regulations

To minimize the risks associated with drowsy driving, federal laws regulate how long a truck driver can be on the road without rest. These rules are part of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) “Hours of Service” regulations. They include the following limits:

• Truck drivers can only drive for up to 11 consecutive hours after taking 10 hours off.
• After eight straight hours of driving, drivers must take at least a 30-minute break.
• Drivers cannot exceed 60 hours on duty over seven days or 70 hours over eight days, with the option to reset their workweek after taking 34 consecutive hours off.

These regulations are in place to prevent overworked and fatigued truckers from creating dangerous conditions on the road. If a trucking company pressures drivers to exceed these limits, they can be held responsible for any accidents that result from driver fatigue or violation of these rules.

What Makes Truck Accident Cases Different from Car Accidents?

Truck accident cases are far more complex than standard car accident claims. In addition to dealing with serious injuries and higher stakes, these cases often involve multiple potentially liable parties—such as the driver, the trucking company, cargo loaders, or maintenance providers. Federal and state regulations, like those from the FMCSA, must also be considered, adding another layer of legal requirements. Unlike passenger vehicle cases, commercial trucks are equipped with electronic logging devices and black box data that need to be preserved and analyzed. These complexities make it critical to work with an Atlanta truck accident lawyer who understands the intricacies of commercial transportation law.

Top Causes of Georgia Truck Accidents

Motor vehicle accidents are frequently the result of negligence, and truck accidents in Georgia are no different. Drivers who do not exercise a reasonable amount of care endanger themselves and others on the road. The following behaviors can cause a truck accident:

Speeding and Ignoring Other Traffic Laws

Some truck companies incentivize their drivers to make deliveries as quickly as possible. Other drivers face disciplinary action if it takes too long to reach their destinations. And some truck drivers are aggressive motorists who do not think they need to follow the law.

Regardless of motivation, a trucker who does not follow the law is at an increased risk of causing a truck accident.

Driving Without Adequate Rest

Federal and state laws limit how long a trucker can be on duty. These rules were made to help ensure the driver is adequately rested before getting behind the wheel of their rig. Drivers who circumvent these rules or who drive even though they are tired may not have the judgment and reflexes necessary to avoid a crash.

Failing to Manage a Medical Condition

Unlike private drivers of passenger vehicles, commercial drivers must undergo periodic physicals. Any medical conditions that could jeopardize others’ safety must be adequately managed. Drivers who are diabetic or who forego routine medical screenings can suffer a sudden but foreseeable episode that makes them unable to drive their trucks safely.

Equipment Failures and Malfunctions

Commercial trucks accumulate hundreds of thousands of miles annually, putting considerable wear and tear on the tractor, trailers, and their components. These parts need regular inspection, maintenance, and replacement as they become worn.

Drivers and companies that put off this essential maintenance are creating an increased likelihood that their equipment will fail and lead to a wreck.

Uncovering the cause or causes of your Georgia truck accident is a crucial first step in identifying who owes you compensation for your injuries. At Seay/Felton LLC Trial Lawyers, our team’s decades of experience mean more than just knowing how to get to the bottom of your wreck quickly. We know the steps to take once the causes are identified to help you recover legal damages.

You have only a limited amount of time to pursue compensation for your injuries and losses, so contact Seay/Felton Trial Lawyers immediately.

Types of Truck Accidents in Georgia

Not all truck accidents look the same. In Georgia, some of the most devastating crashes involve specific types of collisions that are unique to large commercial vehicles:

• Jackknife accidents: Occur when a truck’s trailer swings outward and forms an L-shape with the cab, often due to sudden braking or slippery roads.
• Underride accidents: Involve smaller vehicles sliding underneath the rear or side of a trailer, frequently resulting in catastrophic injuries or fatalities.
• Rollover accidents: These happen when a truck tips over, typically caused by sharp turns, speeding, or improperly loaded cargo.
• Wide-turn collisions: Occur when a truck swings left to make a right turn, potentially trapping vehicles between the curb and trailer.
• Blind spot crashes: This happens when a truck driver fails to see a vehicle traveling in their large no-zone areas—especially dangerous in congested areas like Atlanta.

Understanding the type of crash helps a truck accident lawyer in Atlanta determine liability and collect the right evidence to build a strong case.

Depending on the specifics of your case, various individuals or entities may share liability for the collision and the resulting damages. Here are some of the most common parties who could be at fault:

The Truck Driver

The truck driver is usually one of the first individuals looked at when determining responsibility. Whether they were speeding, driving while overly tired, or engaging in reckless behavior, their actions behind the wheel can directly contribute to an accident. If the truck driver was negligent in any way, they could be held liable for your injuries and losses.

The Trucking Company

Trucking companies must do more than just hire drivers—they are required to maintain their fleet and ensure drivers follow safety regulations. This includes making sure that trucks are serviced regularly, drivers are trained properly, and federal and state laws regarding hours of service are strictly followed. If a company cuts corners on safety, hires unqualified drivers, or fails to keep their trucks in good working condition, they may be legally responsible for the crash.

The Manufacturer

In some cases, the truck itself—or a specific component within it—might have a defect that causes the crash. If a mechanical failure, such as faulty brakes or steering, was due to a manufacturing defect, the company that made the truck or its parts could be held accountable. Truck manufacturers are responsible for ensuring that their vehicles are safe to operate on public roads.

Georgia Statute of Limitations for Truck Accident Lawsuits

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Georgia, it’s important to act quickly. Under Georgia law, most personal injury claims—including those involving commercial trucks—must be filed within two years of the date of the accident. Waiting too long could result in your case being dismissed, no matter how serious your injuries are. Crucial evidence like traffic camera footage, black box data, and eyewitness testimony can also disappear over time. Speaking with a qualified truck accident attorney in Atlanta as soon as possible ensures your claim is filed on time and backed by the strongest possible evidence.

Steps to Take Following a Georgia Truck Crash

A negligent truck driver has just hit you. While you are at the scene of the crash and before you have a chance to call your experienced truck accident lawyer, take the following steps to protect yourself:

• Call 911 if you believe you or anyone else is severely hurt
• Comply with reporting requirements by calling law enforcement if there is an injury, death, or extensive property damage
• Cooperate with any law enforcement investigation but give only facts about the crash that you are convinced happened
• Do not discuss fault or admit to making mistakes to either the truck driver or law enforcement
• Rule out underlying or hidden injuries by getting a medical evaluation as quickly as you can from your doctor or the emergency room

Enlist a knowledgeable truck crash lawyer to help in filing a compensation claim. Do not settle your claim with any insurance company or trucking company without first discussing the matter with legal counsel. Hiring a lawyer helps ensure you receive the financial compensation you need and are entitled to receive.

The Importance of Preserving Evidence After a Truck Accident

Preserving evidence is one of the most important steps in building a strong truck accident case. Key pieces of information—like black box data (event data recorders), driver logs, onboard GPS records, maintenance history, and dashcam footage—can help prove how the crash occurred and who was at fault. Unfortunately, this evidence can be lost or destroyed if legal action isn’t taken promptly. Trucking companies may only retain certain records for a short time. Working with an experienced Atlanta trucking accident lawyer ensures that preservation letters are sent quickly to secure all critical documentation before it disappears, strengthening your case from the very beginning.

How to Get Compensated for Your Truck Accident Damages

Following a truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation for a variety of damages, including:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Property damage, including vehicle repairs or replacement
• Loss of companionship
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Disfigurement or disability

Financial compensation can provide you with the resources needed to recover from the crash, both physically and emotionally. At Seay/Felton LLC Trial Lawyers, we fight to ensure that you receive fair compensation for all of your losses.

What to Expect During a Truck Accident Lawsuit?

If you decide to pursue a personal injury lawsuit after a truck accident, knowing what to expect can help ease the stress of the legal process. Your Georgia truck accident lawyer will first conduct a full investigation, gathering medical records, accident reports, and evidence from the scene. Once the claim is filed, negotiations with the trucking company’s insurance provider typically follow. Many cases settle at this stage, but if an agreement isn’t reached, your attorney will be ready to take the case to trial. Throughout the process, your legal team will advocate for your rights and keep you informed every step of the way.

Damages You May Be Entitled To After a Truck Crash

Victims of truck accidents may be entitled to a broad range of compensation, depending on the extent of their injuries and losses. These damages generally fall into the following categories:

• Economic damages: These include tangible losses such as medical expenses, hospital bills, lost wages, and the cost of future medical care or rehabilitation.
• Non-economic damages: Victims may also seek compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life.
• Punitive damages: In cases involving gross negligence—such as drunk driving, falsified logbooks, or willful safety violations—additional damages may be awarded to punish the at-fault party and deter similar conduct.

An experienced Georgia truck accident attorney can evaluate the full scope of your damages and fight for a settlement or verdict that reflects your long-term needs.

Proven Success: Our Results Speak For Themselves

One of the key attributes of our firm is our extensive track record of achieving favorable settlements and successful case outcomes for our valued clients. We fully understand the substantial financial and emotional challenges that often accompany personal injuries. Our primary commitment is to secure the compensation essential to assist you on your path to rebuilding your life.

WE OBTAINED $4,490,000 FOR OUR CLIENT

Our client, a successful professional, suffered catastrophic injuries when her SUV was struck head-on by a large truck driven by an employee of a major asphalt company. The driver’s distraction, coupled with the company’s negligence in training, led to the accident. We secured a settlement to aid our client in her recovery.

WE OBTAINED $3,000,000 FOR OUR CLIENT

Our client sustained severe injuries when he was hit by an 18-wheel tanker truck that illegally made a left turn across a highway. We obtained a settlement to support our client’s recovery.

 

 

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Do Not Delay in Contacting Seay/Felton LLC Trial Lawyers

Your Georgia truck injury collision lawyer from Seay/Felton LLC Trial Lawyers is only a phone call away. With years of experience helping individuals hurt by large trucks in the Atlanta area, our firm’s knowledge and resources are ideally suited to help you recover damages quickly. Contact us immediately for a free consultation!