Augusta Truck Accident Lawyer
If you are involved in a truck accident, you can suffer severe injuries. Broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and organ damage are just a few of the ways a driver can be injured in a collision with a commercial truck. These injuries can have life-changing complications, such as paralysis and psychological trauma.
As a driver, take care to share the road with commercial trucks. Give them the following distance they need and stay out of their large blind spots. By keeping these tips in mind as well as obeying the standard rules of the road, you can significantly reduce your chance of being injured in a truck accident.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
There are many types of negligence that can cause a truck accident to occur, such as the following:
- Drowsy driving;
- Drunk driving;
- Distracted driving;
- Reckless driving; and
- A driver’s inexperience or incompetence causing him or her to lose control of the truck.
However, a truck driver is not always to blame for a truck accident. In fact, while truck drivers certainly have the potential to cause an accident through an act of negligence – such as those acts listed above – a trucking company, a loader of cargo, or a truck parts’ manufacturer may also be held liable. A trucking company may be responsible if the company pressured the driver to breach federal hours of service regulations, failed to maintain or service trucks, failed to properly train a driver, or otherwise committed an irresponsible and dangerous act. A loader of cargo, or a shipper, may be held liable if a shift in cargo caused the accident, and if that shift in cargo would not have occurred but for improper loading or securement. Finally, manufacturers of vehicles and vehicles parts are not perfect, and sometimes, vehicles parts or designed or manufactured with defects that make operation of the vehicle dangerous. Defective tires, brakes, ignition systems, and more can also contribute to a deadly truck accident.
In some cases, a third party other than those listed above may be to blame. A truck accident may occur because of another driver’s actions, such as cutting a truck off or performing an illegal turn maneuver. Or, a truck accident may be caused because of defects in a road, or because an animal runs in front of the truck.
Because of the many potential causes of truck accidents in Georgia, it is essential to work with an attorney who is willing to put in the time and work – and has the skill set necessary – to fully investigate a crash.
What to Do After a Truck Accident
If anybody involved in the accident needs emergency medical attention, call 911 to have an ambulance sent to the scene. Do this first to ensure that anybody in critical condition receives the care they need.
Then, call the local police to have an officer sent to the scene. File an official police report with the officer. This document, which will be an important piece of evidence to support your claim later, contains details about the accident such as its exact location, whether any laws were violated, and the weather conditions at the time of the collision.
Exchange insurance and contact information with the truck driver. If you choose to file a personal injury claim, you will need to file it with the truck driver’s insurance provider. Take as many photographs of the accident as you feel are necessary to communicate what happened. If there were any witnesses to the accident, take down their contact information as well in case you need their testimonies later to support your claim.
As soon as you are able to, you should contact a Georgia truck accident attorney. An investigation into a truck accident should begin as soon as possible; if too much time passes, evidence may be destroyed. Because of the statute of limitations surrounding truck accident claims, which is two years from the date of accident, calling a lawyer immediately following the accident is essential – if you do not file your claim within two years’ time, you will be barred from recovering compensation at all.
The sooner you call an attorney, the sooner they can begin working on your claim and building your case, and the sooner that you may be able to recover the compensation that you deserve.
Seeking Compensation for your Damages After a Truck Accident
An injury sustained in a truck accident can be expensive. To recover money for your expenses, consider filing a personal injury claim. Through one, you can seek compensation for the following damages:
- Medical bills;
- Lost wages; and
- Pain and suffering.
You have the right to seek compensation for all of your losses, both economic and noneconomic. Noneconomic damages are those for intangible losses, such as loss of quality of life or emotional anguish. If you lose a loved one in a truck accident, you can file a lawsuit to recover compensation for the loss of companionship, guidance, and value of services your loved one provided. You can also seek damages for loss of earning capacity and funeral and burial expenses.
In order to recover your full compensation amount, you will need to prove that the truck driver’s negligence directly caused your accident and thus, your damages. You can do this through the evidence you provide alongside your claim. In Georgia, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident.
Work with an Experienced Augusta Truck Accident Lawyer
Once you have received appropriate medical care for your injury, it is time to think about pursuing a personal injury claim to seek compensation for your damages with help from an experienced truck accident lawyer. To learn more about this process and discuss your case in detail, schedule your free case evaluation with The Law Offices of Andrew E. Goldner, LLC. Mr. Goldner understands the specific challenges truck accident victims face and can advocate for you to help you seek the money you deserve.
What Evidence Do I Need To Win My Truck Accident Case?
Trucking accident cases can be tricky. On one hand, the accidents often involve multiple vehicles and can be quite complex. On the other hand, there is typically a lot of evidence that can be used to prove liability. Here are some of the most important pieces of evidence that you will need to win your truck accident case:
* The police report from the accident. This will include information about what happened and who was at fault.
* Eyewitness testimony from people who saw the accident. This can be invaluable in helping to prove what happened.
* Photos or videos of the accident scene. These can help to show the damage that was done and who was responsible.
* The truck’s black box data. This can provide information about the speed and braking of the truck at the time of the accident.
* The truck driver’s logs. These can help to show whether or not the driver was following hours-of-service regulations at the time of the accident.
By gathering this evidence, you will greatly improve the chances of you and your Augusta truck accident lawyer winning your truck accident case.
Big Rig Accidents Can Cause Catastrophic Injuries and Suffering
Truck accidents are some of the most devastating collisions that can occur on our roads. Not only are they typically much more destructive than regular car accidents, but they also often involve serious injuries or even death. In addition to the physical pain and suffering that can result from a truck accident, the emotional trauma can be immense. Victims may be left with devastating injuries that require extensive medical treatment, or they may be left grieving the loss of a loved one. No matter what the outcome, truck accidents can have a profound and lasting effect on those involved. These are some of the most common, serious injuries suffered by truck accident victims.
1. Traumatic brain injuries
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are one of the most serious types of injuries that can be caused by a truck accident. TBIs occur when the head suffers a forceful impact, which can cause the brain to swell or bleed. TBIs can lead to long-term cognitive problems, paralysis, and even death.
2. Spinal cord injuries
Spinal cord injuries are another type of serious injury that can be caused by a truck accident. These injuries occur when the spinal cord is damaged, which can lead to paralysis. In some cases, people with spinal cord injuries may be able to regain some movement and sensation with rehabilitation and therapy.
3. Internal organ damage
Internal organ damage is another possible consequence of a truck accident. This type of injury occurs when the force of the impact causes one or more of the organs in the body to rupture or bleed. Internal organ damage can be extremely serious and may even lead to death.
4. Broken bones
Broken bones are another common type of injury that can be caused by a truck accident. The force of the impact can cause bones to break, which can lead to severe pain and disability. In some cases, broken bones may require surgery to heal properly.
5. Soft tissue damage
Soft tissue damage is another type of injury that can be caused by a truck accident. This type of damage occurs when the force of the impact causes muscles, tendons, or ligaments to tear or rupture. Soft tissue damage can be extremely painful and may require surgery to repair.
6. Psychological trauma
Psychological trauma is another possible consequence of an accident with a truck. This type of trauma can include anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health problems.
Why Are Truck Accidents Different From Other Auto Accidents?
Any car accident has the potential to be serious, but big rig accidents tend to be more dangerous due to the size and weight of the vehicles involved. Commercial trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, while the average passenger car weighs around 3,000 pounds. This weight difference means that trucks have much more momentum and require much more distance to stop. In addition, trucks are often carrying large loads that can shift during an accident, increasing the risk of toppling over. And because trucks sit higher off the ground than cars, they are more likely to crush smaller vehicles in an accident.
For all these reasons, it is important to use extra caution when sharing the road with trucks. By following safe driving practices and giving trucks plenty of room, you can help to prevent accidents and keep yourself safe.
Why Are Truck Accidents Law Suits Different From Car Accident Law Suits?
Though both car and truck accidents can lead to devastating consequences, there are some key ways in which accidents involving commercial trucks differ from those stemming from car accidents. One of the biggest difference has to do with the issue of negligence. In a car accident lawsuit, each driver is typically held responsible for their own actions. However, in a commercial truck accident lawsuit, the trucking company may also be held liable if it is found that they did not properly maintain the vehicle or adhere to federal regulations.
Another key difference is the amount of damages that may be awarded. Since trucks are much larger and heavier than cars, the injuries sustained in a truck accident are often more severe. As a result, plaintiffs in trucking accident lawsuits may be eligible for significantly higher damages awards than those in car accident lawsuits. Finally, truck accident lawsuits often take longer to resolve than car accident lawsuits. This is due in part to the complex nature of these cases, the need to obtain expert testimony and the nature of dealing with the insurance company(s).
For all these reasons, it is important to seek out an experienced truck accident attorney if you have been involved in an Augusta truck accident.
Understanding Georgia Semi Truck Laws
In Georgia, the laws that govern semi trucks are largely the same as those that govern other types of vehicles. However, there are a few key differences that truck drivers need to be aware of. For instance, trucks are subject to weight limits that are higher than those for other types of vehicles. This is because trucks typically carry heavier loads than other vehicles. In addition, trucks are required to have a special permit in order to operate on certain roads. These permits are typically obtained from the Georgia Department of Transportation.
Lastly, trucks are subject to stricter rules regarding hours of service. This is because truck drivers often cover long distances and may be at risk for fatigue. By following these laws, truck drivers can help to ensure their safety and the safety of other motorists.
August Has Excellent Hospitals If You’ve Been Injured In A Truck Accident
No matter how severe or minor your accident, the very first thing you need to do is seek medical attention. Augusta, GA accident victims have access to some of the best hospitals in the state.
Augusta University Medical Center is a 546-bed hospital that serves as the teaching hospital for the Medical College of Georgia. The medical center offers a wide range of services, including cancer care, cardiology, neurology, orthopedics, and surgery.
Doctors Hospital of Augusta is a 209-bed hospital that offers a variety of medical services, including emergency care, heart care, cancer care, and orthopedic care. The hospital also has a Level II trauma center.
Piedmont Augusta Summerville is a 120-bed hospital that offers emergency care, heart care, cancer care, and women’s health services. The hospital also has a Level III neonatal intensive care unit.
Work with an Experienced Augusta Truck Accident Lawyer
Once you have received appropriate medical care for your injury, it is time to think about pursuing a personal injury claim to seek compensation for your damages with help from an experienced Augusta truck accident lawyers.
To learn more about this process and discuss your case in detail, schedule your free case evaluation with The Law Offices of Andrew E. Goldner, LLC. Mr. Goldner is an experienced truck accident lawyer who understands the specific challenges accident victims face and can advocate for you to help you seek the money you deserve.