Doraville Truck Accident Attorney

Truck accidents are some of the most serious crashes on the roads in Doraville. Transport-trailers are very large and extremely heavy, so they cause some of the most severe injuries, and even fatalities, during an accident. Don’t treat truck accidents like a minor car accident. If you or someone you love has been hurt in an accident, you may be entitled to compensation by working with an experienced truck accident lawyer or car accident attorney. Our Doraville truck accident lawyer and car accident lawyer can help you obtain the full damages you are entitled to and help take care of any future medical expenses.

Why are Truck Accidents So Serious?

When 18-wheelers are fully loaded, they can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. This is much heavier than standard passenger vehicles, which weigh on average, just 4,000 pounds. This size and weight are just a few reasons truck accidents are so much more serious than other collisions on the road. Other factors that make truck accidents so severe are as follows:

• Transport-trailers take longer to stop and change positions when traveling at high speeds
• Truck drivers have reduced visibility compared to other motorists
• Many trucks carry dangerous materials that cause further damage during a crash
• When large trucks are involved in a crash, they are at greater risk of rolling or tipping over
• Despite federal regulations, truck drivers work long shifts, making them more tired behind the wheel and can cause distracted driving

Damages Available After a Truck Accident in Doraville

The damages available after a truck accident are meant to compensate accident victims for the losses they suffered due to someone else’s negligence from the truck accident scene. These damages are divided into three different categories: economic damages, non-economic damages, and punitive damages.

Economic damages are also referred to as special damages. These have a quantifiable dollar value and so, they are relatively easy to calculate. Medical expenses and medical bills often make up the bulk of economic damages, such as spinal cord injuries, but there are other losses, as well. These include:

• Lost wages: The injuries suffered during a truck accident are very severe and so, you likely will not be able to return to work right away. Previous pay stubs and other documentation can help prove your lost wages.
• Loss of earning capacity: Depending on the nature and extent of your injuries, you may not be able to return to the same line of work in the future. You may also have to accept a lower-earning job. In this case you can pursue damages for loss of earning capacity.
• Property damage: Your vehicle will likely need to be repaired or replaced after an accident involving a large commercial truck. You can pursue damages for the cost of this damage, as well as any damage to your other personal belongings, such as your phone.
• Transportation: You can also collect damages for the cost of transportation to and from your medical appointments.

Non-economic damages are also referred to as general damages. These are not as easy to calculate and they cannot be proven through receipts or invoices. Non-economic damages include losses such catastrophic injuries such as pain and suffering, loss of companionship, and loss of quality of life.

Punitive damages are not intended to compensate you for the losses you sustained in the accident. Instead, they are meant to punish negligent driver or defendants and deter them and others from acting in a similar manner in the future. Punitive damages are rarely awarded in truck accident claims. They are only available when the defendant acted willfully or maliciously.

Determining Liability After a Truck Accident

Determining liability after a truck accident is very complex. This is because unlike other types of auto accidents, in truck crashes there are multiple parties that could be at fault for a truck accident. These include:

• The truck driver: Just like other motorists, truck drivers can act negligently and cause a crash. Some of the most common acts of negligence include drunk driving, driving while fatigued, and speeding.
• The trucking company: Trucking companies can also be liable for a truck accident or car accidents. They may not follow proper hiring or training practices, allowing inexperienced and incapable drivers to get behind the wheel. Additionally, when truck drivers are employees, the trucking company can be held vicariously liable for their actions in Doraville truck accident cases.
• Manufacturers: All manufactures in Doraville, and throughout Georgia, have a legal obligation to ensure their products are safe to use. This includes manufacturers of trucks and truck parts. When manufacturers fail to fulfill this duty and a defective part causes a crash, they can be held liable against an experienced truck accident attorney.
• Third parties: Any third party that works on the truck can also be held liable if they do not perform their job properly. These third parties include inspection and maintenance companies, cargo loading companies, and others.
• Government entities: Government entities can be held liable when an improper road design or a lack of road maintenance caused a crash.

Statute of Limitations in Truck Accident Cases

You only have a limited amount of time to file a claim after a truck accident. This is a legal process known as the statute of limitations. In most cases, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the crash. There are some exceptions to this law, but they are quite limited. If you do not file your claim within this time, you will be barred from receiving any compensation at all. The insurance companies, as well as the courts, will throw out your Doraville truck accident claim.

While two years sounds like a long time, it is not. Before filing your personal injury claim, an investigation must be conducted to determine which party is liable for the crash and evidence must be collected to prove your case with our auto accident attorneys regarding the commercial vehicle accident. All of this takes time and so, it is important to speak to a Doraville truck accident lawyer as soon as possible so they can get started on your insurance claim.

Call Our Truck Accident Attorney in Doraville Today

Truck accidents cause some of the most serious injuries and now is the time for you to focus on your recovery and not on the truck accident attorney cost. At Ponton Law, our Doraville truck accident lawyer can handle the legal details of your claim so you can focus on getting better and still receive the medical attention and maximum compensation you are entitled to with proper legal representation. Truck accident victims need to call our Doraville truck accident attorney at our law firm today at 404-418-8507 or contact us online to schedule a consultation and to get the legal help you need.