Georgia Truck Accident Lawyers

Those who survive large truck accidents typically have serious injuries, lasting pain, and lingering psychological effects, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The Atlanta truck accident lawyers at The Dixon Firm, P.C. may be able to win you compensation that covers your injuries, pain and suffering, and future care.

We have a history of multi-million dollar settlements that have helped bring closure and stability to families in the Atlanta area. Don’t put your future in the hands of just any lawyer after a devastating truck crash. Choose an accident firm that is thorough, prepared, and has a proven track record of success – contact The Dixon Firm, P.C. today.

With such large vehicles at their command, truck drivers have a responsibility and a duty of care to other drivers on the road to follow all traffic and truck safety laws to prevent accidents. In fact, truck drivers have a set of special rules laid out in both federal regulations as well as state driver manuals that mandate certain breaks, driver logs, and safety procedures that passenger vehicle drivers do not have to adhere to. This is because these big rigs are dangerous, especially in the state of Georgia.

The Governor’s Office of Highway Safety reports that 86% of crashes in the state that involve large trucks are multi-vehicle collisions. Likewise, 76% of fatalities in truck crashes are occupants of other vehicles, while only 16% are the operators of the large trucks themselves. Nearly one in four large trucks involved in traffic crashes in Georgia are reportedly commercial motor vehicles, or CMVs.

Even when drivers make every effort to follow safety rules and regulations, they may be pressured to take on additional shifts, meet tight deadlines, and/or drive fatigued by their employers. Others may be operating trucks that have not been properly inspected for safety issues, or that were improperly loaded with shifting cargo. As a result, the employer of the truck driver who hit you may also be partially at fault for the accident.

Some common examples of negligence in Atlanta truck accidents include:

• Drowsy driving, with fatigue being especially common in CMV crashes
• Distracted driving, such as checking maps, cellphones, eating, or drinking while driving
• Drug or alcohol-impaired driving
• Reckless driving, such as speeding to meet deadlines
• Road rage
• Blind spots in commercial trucks
• Improper loading
• Failure to inspect vehicles
• Failure to make necessary repairs

The United States Department of Transportation (DOT) has issued several rules to govern the trucking industry. In Georgia, the Department of Public Safety administers these federal laws as well as sets minimum safety standards for all vehicles classified as large trucks (those with a gross weight of 10,001 pounds or more). One of the main federal laws that governs truck drivers is the Hours of Service (HOS) law.

This law requires truck drivers to rest for at least 10 hours after 11 hours of driving, or 14 hours “on duty” – which includes activities such as loading and unloading their truck or fueling. HOS law also covers other rest requirements for drivers, such as taking time off-duty after an extended period on duty of 7 days. The reason that HOS laws are so important is that drowsy driving on the part of truck drivers is one of the leading causes of truck accidents, and it can have catastrophic consequences.

Truck drivers tend to be under immense pressure from their employers to meet deadlines for delivery, so they have an incentive to push themselves to drive past the point where it’s safe for them to be on the road. A drowsy truck driver who falls asleep at the wheel, even momentarily, can cause a major accident, leading to serious injury or death for other drivers and passengers. HOS laws exist to help eliminate the risk of a truck accident caused by drowsy driving.

Liability in the state of Georgia after an accident is determined based on negligence. Negligent behaviors might include any of the above, such as HOS law violations, failure to perform safety checks, or driving under the influence. However, the trucking company can also be liable for negligent hiring practices, such as hiring a driver with a prior history of collisions or driving under the influence.

If you or somebody you love were injured in a collision caused by a negligent truck driver in Georgia, you can speak with a personal injury lawyer experienced in truck accident claims. You may be able to file a personal injury claim against multiple parties in a commercial vehicle collision case – not just the truck driver. Some examples of parties who may be liable aside from the individual driver include:

• The trucking company
• The shipper/broker
• The loading company
• The trucking company’s insurer
• The truck or trucking parts manufacturer
• Additional state agencies

Victims can hold a truck driver liable for negligent behavior or lapses in judgment, while the company that employs the driver can be liable for negligent hiring, training, or supervision. Faulty parts within the truck itself can also malfunction and cause an accident. In this case, the part manufacturer or person responsible for maintaining the vehicle may also be liable for damages.

At The Dixon Firm, P.C., our attorneys can help you understand your available legal options and how to best move forward with your situation. We may be able to help you win compensation that accounts for mounting losses after a truck accident, such as:

• Medical bills, such as surgeries, prescription painkillers, physical therapy, medical devices, and more
• Ambulance rides, hospital stays, and emergency medical care
• PTSD, anxiety, depression, and related treatments
• Accommodations to your living arrangements
• Live-in nursing or at-home healthcare
• Childcare costs
• Loss of consortium
• Loss of enjoyment
• Loss of a loved one, including funeral and burial costs, as well as temporary income
• Loss of your vehicle and/or vehicle repairs
• Time taken off work
• Inability to return to work, or needing to return to work in a reduced or altered capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Disfigurement and scarring
• Permanent disability or paralysis

If you are considering hiring The Dixon Firm, you may want to do so quickly because the truck company’s insurance company likely already had someone at the scene, gathering evidence to build their defense. Remember that going after a commercial insurance company means you will be up against corporate attorneys dedicated to protecting the company’s interests. The Dixon Firm, P.C. has the legal know-how and experience necessary to stand up to them for you.

When you work with us, you can expect personalized care and attention to your claim. After your initial consultation, we will gather evidence, contact expert witnesses who can support your claim where appropriate, and consider similar cases for information we can use to help your case. Examples might include prior accidents in the area, pointing to poor road design, and medical opinions that can speak to the level of care you have received.

We will pursue your case within the appropriate jurisdiction and will do our best to bring your case to a speedy and satisfactory resolution. If a fair settlement cannot be reached outside of court, we may bring your case before a judge to ensure your voice is heard and you have taken every avenue available to you for fair compensation.

The Dixon Firm, P.C. has the experience and dedication to fight for you. Our Atlanta truck accident lawyers are available for a free consultation anytime, so contact us today to schedule yours. Experience the difference that a compassionate and diligent legal team can make in your case.