Vinings Truck Accident Lawyer

Of all the different types of auto accidents, those involving large trucks are some of the worst. Even when a transport truck is not carrying any cargo, it can weigh up to 40,000 pounds. When a large truck is fully loaded, that weight increases to 80,000 pounds. Considering the average passenger vehicle weighs just 4,000 pounds, on average, it is easy to see why truck accidents cause some of the most severe injuries.

After a crash involving a transport-trailer, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, pain and suffering, and more. Unfortunately, just as truck accidents are some of the most serious, a truck accident claim following these crashes are also some of the most complicated for truck accident victims. Our Vinings truck accident lawyer can help you overcome the challenges these truck accident claims present.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Vinings

Vinings is a small community, but it still sees some of the most serious truck accidents. Some of the most common causes of these crashes include:

• Speeding
• Distracted driving
• Driver fatigue
• Impaired driving
• Improper loading
• Mechanical failures

Truck drivers spend long hours on the road. Their jobs are very demanding and they operate on tight deadlines. As such, they become tired more easily than other motorists. Many truckers also believe that using drugs or alcohol will help them stay awake on the road. Impaired driving is always dangerous, though, particularly when a person is operating such a large and heavy vehicle. After an accident, you may not know what caused it as you will be in a great deal of pain and will be focusing on your injuries. Our Vinings truck accident lawyers can conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the crash.

Determining Liability for a Truck Accident

It is critical to determine what caused your truck accident so you know who to hold liable for the accident scene. Determining liability after a crash involving a commercial truck is one of the most challenging aspects of these cases. Unlike crashes involving passenger vehicles, in which one of the drivers at the scene is liable, there are many other parties that may be at fault for a truck accident. They include:

Other parties: Anyone who works on a truck, such as an inspection or maintenance company, can be held liable if they do not perform their duties properly. Additionally, government entities can be held liable if improper road design or road defects caused the crash.

Truck drivers: It is natural to assume that the truck driver is the one to blame for a crash, as they are the one operating the vehicle that caused your injuries. It is true that any time a truck driver acts negligently, such as speeding or driving while distracted, they can be held liable for paying damages.

Trucking companies: Trucking companies can be held liable for an accident in a number of ways. They may engage in negligent hiring or training practices by failing to conduct background checks on all drivers or by allowing inexperienced drivers to get behind the wheel. When a truck driver is an employee and acts negligently, the trucking company can also be held vicariously liable for their actions.

Truck manufacturers: Manufacturers of trucks and truck parts have a legal duty to ensure the products they manufacture are safe and free of defects. When they fail to fulfill this duty, they can be held liable.

Important Laws Governing Truck Accidents

When two or more passenger vehicles are involved in a crash, state law will apply to the case. State law applies in truck accident cases, as well. In Vinings, as throughout all of Georgia, you can file a claim against the negligent party that caused your crash. A factor that makes truck accident cases so complicated is that federal law also applies, and many people are unaware of these laws. Some of the most important federal laws that apply in truck accident cases are as follows:

• Hours of service: The hours of service rule is one of many regulations outlined by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The law outlines how long truck drivers can remain on the road before they must take a rest break. It is meant to prevent fatigued truck drivers from operating their vehicle so everyone is kept safe.
• Testing for substances: The FMCSA also requires all employers of commercial drivers to regularly test for substance abuse to ensure that when drivers are on the road, they are not impaired.
• Truck maintenance: The FMCSA also has a set of laws on truck maintenance that require trucking companies to ensure their vehicles are properly inspected and maintained at all times so defective trucks do not cause a crash.

The above are just a few of the main federal laws that apply in truck accident cases. A Vinings truck accident lawyer can advise on all of the laws that apply to your accident, and if they can help you build a stronger case.

The Statute of Limitations in Truck Accident Cases

In Georgia, you only have a certain amount of time to file your truck accident case with a Vinings truck accident attorney. This time limit is known as the statute of limitations and if it expires, you will lose your right to claim any compensation at all. In most cases, you have just two years from the date of the crash to file your accident claim with a personal injury attorney. While there are exceptions that may toll, or delay, the statute of limitations, they are quite limited. For this reason, you should speak to a Vinings truck accident lawyer as soon as possible so they can get started on your case right away.

Talk to Our Experienced Truck Accident Attorney in Vinings Today

The injuries suffered after a truck accident are some of the most severe. They may even remain with you for the rest of your life. If you have been hurt, our Vinings truck accident lawyer can help you build a strong case so you obtain the full and fair damages you are entitled to. Call our experienced truck accident lawyer now at 404-418-8507 or fill out our online form to schedule a free case evaluation and to learn more about how we can help you receive compensation from the insurance company for your truck accident injuries.