Atlanta Truck Accident Attorney

Trucking accidents demand the attention of specialized professionals—truck accident attorneys. Our legal experts are well-versed in the intricacies of handling cases involving trucking companies, where thorough investigations into truck driver actions and liability assessments are paramount to building a compelling case for compensation.

The role of the trucking company, as the employer of the truck driver, holds significance in the aftermath of a trucking accident. Our Atlanta truck accident lawyers scrutinize the practices and policies of trucking companies to identify potential negligence or improper training that may have contributed to the occurrence of the accident.

Central to understanding the dynamics of a trucking accident is a thorough investigation into the actions of the truck driver. We delve into factors such as adherence to traffic laws, compliance with mandated rest periods, and potential intoxication, establishing the driver’s liability as a critical step in building a robust legal case.

Passenger vehicles, often more vulnerable in collisions with large trucks, bear significant consequences in trucking accidents. Our truck accident attorneys become staunch advocates for the rights of those in passenger vehicles, tirelessly working to secure fair compensation for medical expenses, property damage, and other losses incurred as a result of the accident.

Initiating an Atlanta truck accident claim involves navigating meticulous legal processes. Specialized truck accident attorneys in Atlanta are well-equipped to guide clients through gathering evidence at the accident scene, negotiating with insurance companies, and, if necessary, representing them in court to ensure a just resolution to their case.

If you have been injured in an accident involving a tractor-trailer or other large truck, you need an experienced Atlanta truck accident lawyer to represent you. Contact us at our Atlanta office today for a free consultation with a Georgia semi-truck accident attorney.

What Causes Trucking Injuries?

Truck accidents are the most devastating accidents that occur on our roads. A vehicle with a gross weight over 10,000 lbs. is considered a large truck and many tractor-trailers weigh in excess of 80,000 lbs. Because these commercial vehicles often weigh 20 – 30 times more than passenger cars, accidents involving a tractor-trailer or other large commercial trucks are more likely to result in death or serious injury. Notably, our region sees more than its fair share of commercial truck accidents. In Georgia, I-285 was recently named the deadliest highway in the United States, in part due to a large amount of commercial vehicle traffic.

The Large Truck Causation Study was undertaken by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and is based upon a nationally representative sample of almost 1,000 injury crashes. The study found that a number of factors are at play in a trucking injury crash, and typically involve the following:

Driver fatigue and hours of service;
Vehicle Maintenance and Inspections;
Driver’s Working Environment;
Environmental Factors;
Truck Driver Performance;
Vehicle Design and Load;
Truck Driver Licensing and Monitoring; and
Truck Driver Training and Experience.

Georgia is an At-Fault State for Commercial Truck Accident Claims

Who is legally responsible for a semi-truck accident? In Georgia, liability for a crash is based on “fault.” The party (or parties) who are deemed to have caused the accident through negligence can be held liable for the damages. Truck accidents can be especially complicated because multiple parties may be responsible. Examples include:

Truckers;
Trucking companies;
Truck manufacturers;
Highway road crews; and
Other motorists.

Under Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 51-11-7), truck accidents claims are subject to a modified comparative negligence standard. If you are partly to blame for the accident, you can get less money for your damages. For example, imagine that you are found 20 percent at fault for a truck accident in Fulton County. You would bear liability for 20 percent of your own damages under Georgia law.

What is the Statute of Limitations for a Semi-Truck Crash in Atlanta?

Do not wait to take action after a commercial truck accident. The statute of limitations for a truck accident in Atlanta is set by Georgia law—and it is generally two years. If you are hurt in a tractor trailer crash in Atlanta, you have two years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you might not be able to take legal action at all. Consult with an experienced truck accident attorney as soon as possible after a crash in Atlanta.

We Help Truck Accident Victims in Atlanta Secure the Maximum Financial Compensation

After a commercial truck accident in Atlanta, it is of the utmost importance that victims and their families are able to recover the absolute most possible financial support. Georgia law allows for the recovery of both economic/non-economic losses—but navigating the process can be immensely challenging. At Ponton Law, we are committed to defending the rights of truck accident victims throughout North Georgia. Our Atlanta truck accident lawyers help victims seek compensation for:

Property losses, including vehicle repairs;
Ambulance costs and other emergency medical needs;
Medical expenses, including rehabilitative treatment;
Loss of income and diminished future earnings;
Disability or disfigurement; and
Wrongful death.

Fatigued Driving is Especially Dangerous (Truckers Must Follow Federal Regulations)

Fatigued driving – driving while drowsy or with low energy – is a serious threat. Fatigued driving reduces reaction times creating further and unwarranted risk to everyone on the roadways. Please contact us online or call Ponton Law today at (404) 418-8507 if you have been injured by a driver who acted recklessly and drove while fatigued.

Driver Fatigue Statistics

According to a study conducted by the National Sleep Foundation, 60% of surveyed drivers had driven a vehicle while feeling drowsy and 37% of the surveyed drivers had fallen asleep while driving during the previous year. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has estimated that “100,000 police-reported crashes are the direct result of driver fatigue each year.” The NHTSA found that these accidents resulted in an estimated:

1,550 deaths,
71,000 injuries, and
$12.5 billion in monetary losses.

Is Fatigued Driving a Problem for Truck Drivers?

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, almost 4,000 people die in semi-truck crashes each year with driver fatigue as a leading factor. Because fatigued driving is such a serious issue with commercial truck drivers, rules have been put in place to regulate the amount of time semi-truck drivers can go without having to stop to rest. These rules include:

Truck drivers are limited to a maximum average work week of 70 hours, (previously this had been a maximum of 82 hours);
Truck drivers are required to take a 30-minute break during the first eight hours of a shift; and
Truck drivers have an 11-hour daily driving limit and a maximum 14-hour work day.

Because fatigued driving is such a serious issue, there are serious consequences for those who break these rules. Commercial freight companies that allow drivers to exceed driving limits can be fined $11,000 per offense. Furthermore, the drivers themselves could face penalties of up to $2,750 for each offense.

What Causes Fatigued Driving and How Can it Be Prevented?

Remaining alert is critical to safe driving. 18-wheeler drivers have difficult jobs that are both physically and mentally demanding. Long drives, often with no companionship, can create unsafe environments when the truck drivers become fatigued. However, drivers still have a duty to exercise extreme care when operating a commercial truck. All drivers, but especially commercial drivers, should consider the following to prevent fatigued driving.

Sleep. Most adults need between 7 – 9 hours of sleep each night. Getting less will lead to fatigued driving.
Breaks. Frequent breaks are important to ensuring that both the mind and body remain alert.
Companionship. Some trucking companies operate their trucks by using two drivers. This allows drivers to switch when one becomes fatigued.

Commercial truck drivers will often resort to caffeine or other substances to remain alert. Stimulants tend to give the user a spike of energy followed by a massive crash. Commercial truck drivers cannot rely on stimulants and must get the proper amount of rest.

Hire A Lawyer Who Understands Truck Accidents

Because commercial truck accident cases are more complex than traditional automobile accident litigation, it is important to hire a lawyer who understands all facets of truck accident investigation and litigation. Our attorneys know the state and federal trucking regulations and how to use them to win your case.

Among other things, our experienced Atlanta truck accident attorney is ready to:

Conduct a free, comprehensive review of your case;
Investigate your truck crash, securing relevant evidence;
Represent you in any settlement discussions with insurers; and
Take aggressive legal action to help you secure the maximum compensation.

The trial lawyer, paralegals, private investigators, and trucking industry experts that make up the trial team at Ponton Law are well versed in the complexities of semi-truck accident litigation and have successfully litigated tractor-trailer accident cases throughout Georgia and across the Southeast.

You can rely on our Atlanta, GA truck accident lawyers for personalized, results-focused legal guidance and support.

Schedule Your Free Consultation With a Top-Tier Atlanta Truck Accident Lawyer

At Ponton Law, our Atlanta truck accident lawyers are aggressive, experienced advocates for injured victims. If you or someone you know has been injured or killed as a result of a trucking accident, contact a knowledgeable truck accident attorney at Ponton Law at 404) 418-8507 or contacting us online. With an office in Atlanta, we handle truck accident claims throughout the wider region.

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