An accident with a large commercial truck can be devastating. Collisions can be traumatic, but colliding with a large truck can be especially scary and have far more catastrophic outcomes. Truck accidents can lead to months or years of recovery. If this happens to you, contacting one of our Sandy Springs truck accident lawyers may be in your best interests.
At Joel Thrift Law LLC, this can be a challenging experience. We will work with you to support your recovery with the goal of obtaining your maximum compensation. Working with one of our Sandy Springs personal injury attorneys may make the difference in having the resources you and your family need to recover.
Truck Accident Statistics
Traffic accidents happen every day. In the most recent reporting year, based on information from the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) shows that Georgia is in the top 10 states for truck accidents. In the most recent reporting year, we see the following statistics for Georgia accidents:
- 8,118 Crashes
- 8,822 Vehicles Involved
- 195 Fatalities
- 3,670 Injuries
The state of Georgia accounts for between 4% and 5% of national numbers. More specifically, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides data from the most recent reporting year with more specific details on truck accidents. This includes information on the driver’s driving history for the last few years. Based on these numbers, we see that truck drivers involved in accidents for the most recent reporting year had the following driving histories:
- .8% have a previous DWI conviction
- 20.8% had previous crashes
- 19.3% had previous speeding tickets
- 6.5% had previous license suspension or revocation
Metro Atlanta Statistics
The metro Atlanta counties of Fulton, Cobb, Dekalb, and Gwinnett are among the largest and most populated in Georgia. According to the link above, we have access to several figures regarding the Metro Atlanta area:
- Fulton County has the highest number and percentage of fatalities, at 10 of the 919 crashes. There were 392 reported injuries.
- These numbers rank Fulton County as the number one county in the state for fatalities. Fulton County accounts for 11% of accidents in the state of Georgia.
- Dekalb County is a close second to Fulton, with 724 crashes resulting in 252 injuries and 16 fatalities.
- Dekalb County accidents account for almost 9% of accidents in Georgia.
- Cobb County has 512 accidents, 237 injuries, and seven fatalities.
- Cobb County accounts for 6% of accidents in the state of Georgia.
- Gwinnett County comes in at 496 accidents, 166 injuries, and four fatalities,
- Gwinnett County accounts for 6% of commercial truck accidents in the state of Georgia.
These four metro Atlanta counties account for nearly a quarter of Georgia’s large truck accidents. At Joel Thrift Law, our truck accident attorneys are familiar with the case in this area and may be able to help you secure the compensation you are due.
How a Sandy Springs Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help
Navigating the negotiation process after being injured in a commercial truck accident can be overwhelming and detrimental to your recovery. A trucking accident attorney to help in your Sandy Springs truck accident may benefit you in several ways. The least of which is our attorney’s ability to act on your behalf for negotiations or court filings.
Insurance companies are looking out for themselves and their assets. That is their job, just like it is your attorney’s job to look out for and protect your assets. This makes talking with them a potential risk. Their job is to spot any weakness in your statements and use it to diminish the strength of your case. An experienced trucking accident lawyer can handle those negotiations to minimize this risk.
Knowing exactly how to proceed, what might make you eligible for compensation, or how to fight for it can be overwhelming. When you secure one of our truck accident attorneys, you will get our years of experience in trucking cases. This experience can guide you to the appropriate specialists and resources to promote your maximum compensation recovery.
Causes of a Sandy Springs Truck Accident
There are many factors at play in the cause of any accident. Much like a car accident, some of these factors could be:
- Driver inattention
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence
- Poor vehicle Maintenance
- Speeding
- Inexperience
- Improper loading of cargo
- Cargo shifting
- Exhaustion
- Poor or Inadequate training
- Blind spots
- Overloading
- Lack of familiarity with the roadway
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has analyzed available crash data in recent years and identified and organized some causal data. This report has identified four categories of driver-caused critical reasons for an accident.
Non-performance
An accident caused by non-performance might be one where the driver has fallen asleep. This could also be a medical event like a heart attack or stroke. Anything that incapacitates the driver would be considered non-performance.
Recognition
An accident caused under the category of recognition would be something like distracted driving or texting while driving. They could be distracted by something inside or outside of the vehicle. This categorization requires inattention or lack of appropriate awareness.
Decision
The decision category as an accident cause is related to judgment and mistakes in the driver’s decision. This could be something like misjudging the distance of another car and following too closely. It may also include driving too fast for road or environmental conditions.
Performance
Performance as a cause for an accident would related to something the driver actively did. This might be something physical, like using poor directional control. It may also be overcorrection due to panic.
The FMCSA has also identified associated factors that may increase the likelihood of an accident. These could be attributed to driver fault or something beyond driver error. The ten most common factors included:
- Brake malfunction
- Traffic congestion
- Prescription drug use
- Traveling too fast for conditions
- Lack of familiarity with the road
- Roadway problems
- Traffic control device or crosswalk
- Over-the-counter drug use
- Inadequate surveillance
- Fatigue
Liability in a Sandy Springs Truck Accident
Many parties might be liable in a Sandy Springs truck accident. The deciding factors are the cause of the accident. One of our experienced truck accident lawyers may look into the possible liability of:
- Driver: If the driver breaks traffic laws or does not follow regulations, this could cause an accident or prevent the driver from acting appropriately.
- Trucking company: The trucking company is responsible for ensuring that its employees and contractors are appropriate to be on the roads and that the trucks are safely maintained.
- Mechanic: If the mechanic is not appropriately licensed or cuts corners, this could mean the mechanic is at least partially at fault.
- Loading crews: If the truck was loaded improperly or unevenly, this could have caused or contributed to the accident.
Georgia uses modified comparative negligence to determine fault. If multiple parties are found at fault for the accident, the percentage of fault is determined, and they are responsible for that portion of overall damages.
If you are concerned about your possible contribution to the accident, do not let this deter you from contacting us to speak with a truck accident attorney. Georgia is a comparative negligence state. This means that you can recover compensation as long as you are less than 50% responsible, but your percentage of liability will reduce your sum. For example, if it were determined that you are owed $100,000 in damages but were speeding when the accident occurred, making you 15% liable, your compensation would be reduced by 15%, leaving you $85,000 to receive in compensation.
Truck accidents can quickly become complicated because of the many parties that may be involved. Our truck accident lawyers can help you navigate the process and work on your behalf to diligently investigate any avenues that may help your case. Every case is different, so you should speak with your attorney regarding any questions you may have about who is liable in your case.
Sandy Springs Truck Accident Injuries
Injuries in a truck accident can be the same as a car accident. However, much like a motorcycle accident, the size and weight difference between most cars and commercial vehicles can mean that even a minor accident can become far more dangerous. Around 10% of truck accidents in Georgia are fatal, and about 45% of them result in injury. Some of the injuries that our experienced 18-wheeler accident attorneys see are:
- Lacerations and bruises
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Internal Bleeding
- Broken Bones
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Many of the injuries sustained in an accident can result in significant distress. Broken bones may result in multiple costly and stressful surgeries. At a minimum, having a fractured arm in a sling or getting around on crutches may cause you to miss work or require adjusted duties. You should not have to pay for injuries caused by someone else’s negligence, and our 18-wheeler accident lawyers will handle your case with care to get you compensation to help you recover.
The relationship between car accidents and trauma symptoms is well documented. The first criterion for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is simple: to have exposure to actual or threatened death. Being involved in a collision with a truck may count as that for some people. Symptoms of depression, anxiety, or PTSD after a traumatic event may take months or years to fully resolve with the regular intervention of a mental health professional. Every case is different, and everyone has different recovery needs. Discussing any of these symptoms or concerns with your trucking accident lawyer may be beneficial in determining the best way to move forward.
Protecting Your Sandy Springs Trucking Accident Case
It can be chaotic and confusing in the immediate aftermath of a trucking accident. There may be first responders to evaluate you and the truck driver. Police may be present to take statements for their report or even tow truck or wrecker services to take away any inoperable vehicles. In these moments, there are a few things you can do to support your case and avoid working against your cause. A trucking accident attorney may recommend some of the following things:
- Accept any medical evaluation or treatment offered
- Take pictures of the scene
- Take photos of any injuries
- Exchange insurance information
- Avoid speaking too openly about the accident
- Avoid posting on social media
- Keep a record of any expenses incurred from the accident
A truck accident lawyer may advise these for several reasons. Most importantly, many of these start a trail of documentation or avoid opportunities for anyone to doubt the severity of your injuries. Accepting medical evaluation ensures that any immediate injuries are caught and addressed.
While it is not uncommon for inflammatory injuries to take a couple of days to present, refusing treatment at the scene may make it look like you aren’t hurt. It also starts medical documentation as early as possible. Talking about your case too openly or posting on social media can be counterproductive to your case because it may provide chances for the insurance company to make claims that your injuries are insignificant.
Damages in a Sandy Springs Truck Accident
Damages claimed can vary from case to case, depending on the specific circumstances. However, some of the more common damages may be for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Wrongful death
- Pain and suffering
Our big rig accident attorneys can work with you to determine which of these may apply to your case.
For many, even the time involved in navigating the accident, getting a rental car, or potentially shopping for a new car can mean time away from work. Even if you have paid days available or sick time to cover, you should not have to lose out on those days or that money because of someone else.
Suppose the situation is more severe. You may end up spending time in the hospital, needing multiple surgeries or even follow-up appointments for therapies. In that case, this can equate to weeks of lost time that you may be able to recoup. It may be helpful to keep a record of any time off requests or doctor recommendations for time off. You can speak with your truck accident lawyer to determine what documentation may be helpful for your case.
Addressing physical injury is essential, but the quality of life that may drop or suffer because of the accident is equally crucial. If you have sustained long-term significant or catastrophic injuries, this can dramatically alter the way you engage with life, and you may be eligible for pain and suffering damages.
Call our Sandy Springs, GA Truck Accident Attorney Today
Metro Atlanta is home to more than its fair share of commercial truck accidents, Sandy Springs, GA included. Having a committed and experienced truck accident attorney may make your life easier by having someone to negotiate on your behalf, answer your questions, and tell you what to expect in the process. If you have been in a truck accident, contact us today for a free consultation. You can call us or fill out a form online to discuss the details of your case and determine if you may be eligible for compensation.