Schedule a Free Case Review With a Top-Tier Brookhaven Truck Accident Attorney

Located in the Atlanta metro area, Brookhaven is a dynamic city characterized by its historic neighborhoods. It serves as a hub for education and innovation, home to several top-rated schools and cutting-edge businesses. The city’s transportation infrastructure offers excellent connectivity to Atlanta, making it ideal for professionals seeking a balance between city and suburban life. 

At Ponton Law, our Brookhaven semi-truck accident lawyer has the professional skills, legal experience, and proven expertise that you can trust. Insurance companies must be held accountable. Hurt in a bad tractor trailer crash in DeKalb County? We can help. Contact us today to set up your free initial case review with a top-tier Brookhaven semi-truck accident lawyer. 

Steps to Take After a Semi-Truck Accident in Brookhaven, GA

Being involved in a semi-truck accident in Brookhaven, can be a harrowing experience. Given the size and weight of these vehicles, collisions can result in major property damage and severe injuries. If you find yourself in such a distressing situation, it is crucial to know the steps to take immediately. Here are four key steps to take after a tractor trailer crash in Brookhaven: 

1. Pull Over and Report the Crash: Safety should always be your primary concern. If you’re involved in a semi-truck accident, pull over safely if you can. Activate your hazard lights to alert other drivers. Contact law enforcement, such as the Brookhaven Police Department. 
2. See a Doctor Right Away if Injured: Even if you believe your injuries are minor, it’s essential to seek medical attention immediately. Some injuries, like internal bleeding or concussions, might not show symptoms right away. Prompt medical care is essential. 
3. Document Your Truck Accident: Collect as much information as possible at the scene. Take photographs of the vehicles, your injuries, and any relevant road conditions or signage. Exchange information with the truck driver, including their name, contact details, insurance information, and their employer. 
4. Beware of the Insurance Company: Insurance companies are not on your side. After a semi-truck accident, you may be contacted by the trucking company’s insurance provider. Exercise caution when dealing with insurance adjusters. Their goal is often to minimize the company’s liability and compensation. A Brookhaven, GA attorney will protect your rights. 

Georgia is a Fault-Based Commercial Truck Accident State

Georgia is a fault-based truck accident liability state. The party—trucking company or otherwise—who is found to be at fault for the crash can be held responsible for the damage. Every crash should be thoroughly investigated. Common examples of truck company negligence include: 

• Inadequate Driver Training: Truck companies sometimes fail to provide sufficient training for their drivers, leading to accidents due to lack of experience or knowledge in safely operating large vehicles.
• Poor Vehicle Maintenance: Neglecting regular maintenance and necessary repairs can result in truck malfunctions, such as brake failures or tire blowouts, causing accidents.
• Overloaded or Poorly Loaded Trailers: Exceeding the legal weight limits increases the risk of tire failure and makes trucks harder to control, significantly raising the likelihood of crashes.
• Violating Hours of Service Regulations: Pushing drivers to work beyond the legal hours limits can lead to fatigue, decreasing their reaction time and increasing the chance of accidents.
• Failing to Conduct Proper Background Checks: Hiring drivers without thorough background checks can result in employing those with a history of traffic violations or substance abuse problems.
• Neglecting Federal and State Safety Regulations: Ignoring safety standards and regulations set by federal and state authorities can lead to unsafe practices, such as insufficient securing of loads, which poses a risk to everyone on the road.

Under Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 51-11-7), truck accidents are subject to a modified comparative fault standard. As long as you are at-fault for less than 50 percent of a crash, you can still recover compensation. However, your recovery will be reduced proportionally to your degree of blame. 

A Two-Year Statute of Limitations for Tractor Trailer Injury Claims

You only have a limited amount of time to file a truck accident injury lawsuit in Georgia. Under state law (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33), there is a two-year statute of limitations. If your lawsuit is not filed within two years of the date of your crash, you may not be able to recover compensation at all. Do not fall behind the insurance company. Consult with a Brookhaven truck accident lawyer right away. 

How Much Compensation Can I Expect to Recover in My Case?

It depends. In Georgia, car crash victims have the right to seek financial compensation for the full extent of their damages, including non-economic losses. That being said, in practice, the big insurance companies can make the legal claims process extremely challenging. Our Brookhaven accident lawyer goes the extra mile to help victims secure the maximum recovery, including for: 

• Vehicle repairs or vehicle replacement; 
• Emergency medical services; 
• Other medical expenses; 
• Loss of wages and loss of future earnings; 
• Pain and suffering & mental distress; 
• Long-term physical disability; 
• Scarring or disfigurement; and
• Wrongful death. 

Why Rely On Brookhaven Semi-Truck Accident Attorney James Ponton

Semi-truck accident claims are challenging. Founded by James T. Ponton, our law firm is proud to fight for the rights and interests of injured victims. When you reach out to our office, you will have an opportunity to work with a Brookhaven truck accident attorney who can: 

• Listen what you have to say and explain your rights/options;
• Investigate your truck accident—gathering evidence to prove fault’ 
• Handle the insurance claims process, including settlement discussions; and
• Take legal action to help you secure the maximum financial recovery.  

We Take On Truck Accident Cases On Contingency Fee

You do not have to worry about the cost of hiring a Brookhaven, GA semi-truck accident attorney. With Ponton Law, we represent tractor trailer accident victims on a contingency fee basis. That means there are no upfront costs or hourly bills. We only get paid when you get paid. Our Brookhaven, GA truck accident lawyer is committed to providing aggressive legal representation to secure the compensation you deserve. 

Contact Our Brookhaven Truck Accident Lawyer Today

At Ponton Law, our Brookhaven tractor trailer accident lawyers fight hard to protect the legal rights and financial interests of victims and families. Call us now or contact us online for a free, no obligation initial case evaluation. We handle commercial truck accident claims in Brookhaven, DeKalb County, and throughout the Greater Atlanta metro area.