Numerous people in the state of Georgia sustain injuries or lose their lives in auto accidents. Truck accidents are particularly severe as they involve large vehicles weighing tens of thousands of pounds, with some carrying materials that are fatal in a crash.
As Mableton continues to see rapid growth, these accidents will continue to be more common. Fortunately, there is a recourse if you have been a victim of a truck accident. According to Georgia law, any victim of a truck accident caused due to carelessness or negligence is eligible for compensation. However, to get a fair settlement, you need a resource you can depend on and that’s where our Mableton truck accident lawyers at Hartley, Rowe & Fowler come into the picture.
Our personal injury attorneys have vast experience in auto accidents and know the laws surrounding truck accidents in and out. Call us today at 678-825-6004 for the best legal advice you can get in Mableton.
Truck Accident Statistics in Georgia
In comparison to national trends, the statistics regarding truck crashes in Georgia are mixed. Overall, there are fewer fatal accidents than the national average, but the fatality rates of people in passenger cars in these accidents are above the national average.
According to the NTSA, the state of Georgia recorded 195 fatal truck accidents in 2019. 8.9% of fatal accidents in the state were due to truck crashes, with 78% of the victims being occupants of other vehicles. Truck accidents accounted for over 200 deaths in 2019, a trend that has been going up over the years.
What Are the Laws Surrounding Truck Accident Liability in Georgia?
Truck drivers in Georgia have more rules and regulations to follow compared to other vehicles. It’s important as failure to follow these regulations can be grounds for finding the liable party for an accident. Some of the rules that apply to truck drivers in the state include:
- The driver needs to hold a Commercial Driver’s License. They must be at least 18 years old, and 21 if they intend to cross the state borders.
- The driver should be drug tested before employment and tested again if suspicions of drug use arise. In addition, the truck should be inspected on a regular basis and comply with Georgia’s minimum safety requirements like having working lights, brakes, etc.
- Proper signage should be used if they are transporting dangerous products and the load can’t exceed the road’s weight limit.
- The truck driver should follow basic traffic rules including stopping at red lights, using turn signals, and adhering to speed limits. In addition, they should take a mandatory 10-hour break after 14 hours of driving.
What Should You Do After a Truck Accident?
What you do following an auto accident may affect your claim and so, it’s important to ensure you do the following:
- Contact 911: Georgia law requires that you file a police report following a truck accident. Keep in mind it will be vital when proving your claim.
- Check on Others: If you’re not severely injured, check that the passengers and the other party are okay.
- Exchange Information: Ensure you share your driver’s licenses, registration, insurance information, contact information, as well as makes and models of the vehicles involved.
- Document the Scene: If possible take pictures and videos of both vehicles and injuries sustained
- Seek Medical Attention: Regardless of the extent of injury, it’s important to visit the doctor. Failure to do will only show that your injuries were not due to the accident.
- Contact a Mableton Truck Accident Lawyer: You’ll need all the legal assistance you can get to make a solid case.
How Can a Truck Accident Lawyer Help?
Truck accident claims can get complicated fast. One of the primary reasons is due to the fact that these crashes tend to have many defendants, each with their own team of lawyers and insurers. You will need an experienced truck accident lawyer as they can help with:
Case Preparation and Filing a Lawsuit
When it comes to filing for a truck accident claim, the attorney will go through your case, injuries and present the legal options available to you. They will then do a comprehensive investigation and garner the necessary evidence.
Also, there are numerous aspects that you need to comply with when it comes to filing a lawsuit, most of which are complex. This is where a Mableton truck accident lawyer comes in handy.
Settlement Negotiations
Truck accident claims do not always need to be settled in court. If the party at fault accepts liability and agrees to compensate you for the injuries and damages, you can settle the issue outside the court. However, you need a skilled lawyer for the negotiations, as the other party might attempt to low-ball you, paying an amount less than what you deserve.
Trial Preparation and Representation
If you don’t come to an agreement, your claim will proceed to court. Here, the outcome of your case will be at the hands of the judge or jury. Trial preparation and representation can be complicated and time-consuming and so, you’ll need a lawyer to create a solid case.
How Much Is My Truck Accident Claim Worth?
Every accident is different and so are the details surrounding each situation. Therefore, there’s no average settlement amount in regards to truck accident claims and how much you can expect to receive will depend on factors such as medical expenses, loss of earning capacity, the severity of the injuries, lost wages, pain & suffering, etc.
What Damages Can You Recover?
In Mableton, GA, you may be eligible for the following damages if you are a victim of a truck accident:
- Economic Damages: These cover the monetary losses including lost wages, medical expenses, damaged property, etc.
- Non-Economic Damages: These cover non-quantifiable damages like pain, suffering, loss of companionship, emotional distress, etc.
- Punitive Damages: If the truck driver was too reckless or ignorant, these damages can be awarded in order to punish them and showcase them as an example to the public.
How Long Do You Have to File a Truck Accident Claim in Mableton GA?
In the state of Georgia, the statute of limitations for auto accidents is two years from the date of the accident. This gives you enough time to recover before pursuing justice.
How Is Fault Determined in a Mableton Truck Accident?
Mableton’s authorities use the evidence collected to determine liability. This includes medical reports, CCTV footage, witness statements, etc.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Truck Accident?
As mentioned earlier, truck accident claims tend to be complicated, mostly due to the multiple parties that can be held liable. Examples include:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- The vehicle or parts manufacturer
- The company responsible for loading the truck
What Are the Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Mableton, GA?
Large trucks are extremely heavy compared to other vehicles and take longer to come to a halt. This explains why they are more prone to collisions. However, there are other common reasons for truck accidents in Georgia, including:
- Speeding
- Driver fatigue
- Wrong loading procedures
- Driving under the influence
- Unsafe driving, i.e being overconfident and careless
- Lack of truck maintenance
- Inexperienced drivers
- Distracted driving
- Trucking company negligence
- Poor road conditions
Hire a Mableton Truck Accident Lawyer Today!
Getting into a truck accident can leave you with severe injuries, some of which can affect your life forever. If you have been a victim of a truck accident, reach out to an attorney as early as possible. Do not feel pressured into agreeing on a settlement until you consult an experienced truck accident lawyer. The team at Hartley Rowe & Fowler is ready to help, and all you have to do is call our offices at 678-825-6004!
