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If you have ever driven around Metro Atlanta, you know that our highways and byways are frequented by tractor-trailers. Metro Atlanta is a hub for transportation and commerce in the Southeast, so there is often a large quantity of big trucks traveling through the area. While commerce and transportation are a benefit for our area, it also has a downside – a high rate of truck accidents.
At The Dixon Firm, P.C., our truck accident lawyers in Jonesboro receive calls and questions about truck accidents on a daily basis. We have helped many clients who have been injured in accidents involving large trucks. These accidents are catastrophic and impact almost every aspect of the victims’ lives.
That is why we strive to help victims of truck accidents understand their legal rights and get the compensation they deserve.
Negligence Causes Many Truck Accidents in Jonesboro, GA
Truck accidents happen for numerous reasons. Many of them involve negligence on the part of a driver. Some examples include:
- Distracted Driving
- Driving While Fatigued
- Speeding
- Impaired or Drunk Driving
- Driver Inexperience
- Improper Cargo Loading, Securing, or Weighing
- Defective Truck Parts
- Malfunctioning Truck Parts
It is important to note that not all truck accidents are the fault of the truck driver. Many accidents involve other drivers who may be equally as negligent. Investigating the exact cause of a truck accident is a critical step in getting compensation for your injuries, property damage, or other losses.
Truck Drivers: State and Federal Regulations
While truck drivers may not be able to control how truck parts operate, they are responsible for routine maintenance and proper upkeep. There are federal guidelines for truck owners and operators about how to properly maintain, service, and record repairs. When these regulations are not followed, the results can be disastrous.
The United States Department of Transportation (DOT) has many regulations that truck drivers must follow, including:
- Truck owners and operators must abide by federal safety standards when equipping trucks.
- Truck drivers must follow Hours of Service (HOS) guidelines, which state that drivers must take at least a 10-hour rest period after driving 11 or more hours, or after working for 14 hours in any capacity.
- Truck drivers must keep records of all hours worked or driven, and must report this to their supervisor.
Many states also have regulations or legal statutes relating to commercial drivers. If you have been injured in a truck accident in Georgia, it is important to speak with a truck accident lawyer to find out more about the laws, and your legal rights.
Compensation for Truck Accidents in Jonesboro
If you have been injured in a truck accident, of course, you are concerned about your expenses and losses. Your insurance company may have denied your claim or offered less than what you need to cover your expenses. That is where a personal injury lawsuit can help. Successful personal injury lawsuits can help you cover your truck accident-related expenses and losses, including:
- Medical Expenses
- Funeral Expenses (if filing on behalf of a deceased loved one)
- Lost Wages
- Pain and Suffering
- Mental Anguish
- Disfigurement or Disability
Depending on the employment status of the truck driver, you may be able to sue the driver and his or her employer (trucking company, etc.). Employers are liable for the actions of their employees while they are in the course of work-related activities.
Understand Your Legal Rights
State and federal laws can be difficult to understand, especially while you are battling injuries or emotional trauma from an accident. It is important to understand how these laws affect you and your legal rights, however. Victims of truck accidents should never feel like they have no option but to recover what they have lost.
At The Dixon Firm, our Jonesboro truck accident lawyers will review your case and provide you with information about your legal rights. We will work with you to find the best outcomes for your case, including maximizing your compensation. Our personal injury firm has experience working through truck accident cases, and we have the knowledge you need to recover after a truck accident.
To find out more about your legal rights, contact us to schedule a free consultation. You can contact us by calling 404-733-1166, by sending us an email, or by chatting online via our website.
