We Represent Truck Accident Victims in Duluth, Norcross, Doraville & Throughout Gwinnett County

Duluth Truck Accident Attorney

With its proximity to the state’s capital and I-85, transport-trailers and other commercial vehicles are a common sight in Duluth. These vehicles are much larger than standard passenger vehicles, but they are just as likely to become involved in a crash. Due to their massive weight and size, when they are involved in motor vehicle accidents, victims suffer some of the most serious injuries.

If someone else’s negligence caused a crash, you may be entitled to compensation. Unfortunately, claiming the full amount you deserve is not easy without experienced truck accident attorneys. Our Duluth truck accident lawyer can help you navigate the process so you obtain the full and fair settlement you are entitled to from your truck accident claims.

Why are Truck Accidents Different from Car Crashes?

It is easy to assume that commercial truck accidents are similar to other collisions on the road, but they are not. Consider that smaller passenger vehicles weigh between 2,500 and 4,000 pounds while trucks weigh much more. Even when an 18-wheeler is not loaded, it still weighs approximately 35,000 pounds. When a truck is carrying a full load, that weight can increase up to 80,000 pounds. With a difference in weight this significant, it is easy to see why occupants of smaller vehicles are usually the ones to suffer the most serious injuries from a truck crash.

The cargo trucks carry can also cause a serious accident. It can become dislodged from the truck or fly off of the bed of a commercial vehicle. This can cause a serious accident if it falls onto the road or strikes other vehicles. Sometimes, the cargo carried on a truck is inherently dangerous. For example, dangerous chemicals can pose a hazard to motorists when it leaks onto the road before or during a crash.

Due to the fact that truck accidents happen to cause such serious injuries, insurance companies are also much more hesitant to pay full settlements for truck accidents and other motor vehicle accidents. Insurance companies are huge businesses and they are more interested in protecting their bottom line and profits than they are in protecting your safety and well-being. Insurance companies also have significantly more resources than accident victims to defend against claims, which can infringe on the rights of injured individuals.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents for Truck Accident Victims

There are many different causes of truck accidents. The most common of these are as follows:

• Fatigued driving: Truck drivers are under enormous pressure to deliver their cargo within tight deadlines. While the hours of service rule was implemented to prevent fatigued driving, many truckers and trucking companies do not comply with this law.
• Speeding: Due to their immense size, trucks take much longer to slow down and come to a complete stop with a tractor trailer. When truck drivers speed, it takes even longer and they may not be able to stop before they have crashed into another vehicle.
• No-zones: A truck’s blind spots are huge and they are located on each side of the vehicle. While other motorists should take care to stay out of these areas as much as possible, truck drivers must also know how to check and navigate them.
• Impaired driving: Truck drivers often use alcohol or drugs while behind the wheel because they mistakenly believe these substances will help them stay awake. Instead, they only impair the driver’s judgment, slow their reaction times, and have other dangerous side effects that can cause an accident.
• Distracted driving: Truck drivers have a lot of distractions on the road. They often eat and drink behind the wheel, have to operate multiple systems within the truck, and they use GPS when traveling in unfamiliar neighborhoods and can cause a semi truck accident and severe injuries. 

Determining Liability After a Truck Accident With a Duluth Truck Accident Attorney

Another reason truck accidents are different from car crashes is because it is much harder to determine who is liable for the personal injury claims, or at fault, for the collision. When two passenger vehicles are involved in an accident, the fault typically lies with one of the drivers involved. While this can be true for truck accidents, as well, there are many other potentially liable parties in collisions involving 18-wheelers. They are as follows:

• Truck drivers: Truck drivers have a high duty of care to operate their vehicle safely so no one becomes hurt. When they drive distracted, fatigued, or impaired or otherwise act negligently, they can be held liable for a crash.
• Trucking companies: Trucking companies also have a legal duty to keep people safe. When they engage in negligent hiring and training practices, they can be found at fault for a crash. Additionally, trucking companies can be held vicariously liable for the negligent actions of their employees, which include some truck drivers.
• Third parties: Trucking companies often hire many third party companies to work on their trucks. When inspection, maintenance, and cargo loading companies fail to do their job properly, they can be held liable if those actions caused a crash.
• Manufacturers: Manufacturers of trucks and truck parts have a legal duty to ensure their products are safe and free of defects. When they release defective parts onto the market, they can be held liable if those parts cause a crash.
• Government entities: Improperly maintained roads, poor road design, and other defective road conditions can also cause truck accidents. When they do, the government entity responsible for maintaining or designing the road can be held liable.

Determining liability is much more difficult in truck accident cases than it is after a car crash. A Duluth truck accident lawyer will conduct an investigation to determine who is liable and collect evidence that supports your case.

Our Truck Accident Lawyer in Duluth Can Handle Your Case

The aftermath of a truck accident is stressful and complicated. While you are suffering from serious injuries, you may not know what to do next. The first thing to do after any crash is to contact our Duluth truck accident lawyer at Ponton Law. Our seasoned attorney at our personal injury firms will accurately value your claim, determine who is liable for your injuries, and handle all the other details so you obtain the maximum compensation you deserve. Call our Duluth truck accident attorney and personal injury lawyer today at 404-418-8507 or fill out our online form to schedule a consultation and to get the legal help you need.