A Sandy Springs Truck Accident Lawyer
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At Ponton Law, our Sandy Springs truck accident attorney is a passionate, experienced, and reliable advocate for justice. We hold large trucking companies and their big insurance carriers accountable. If you or someone you care about was hurt in a semi-truck accident, we are more than ready to help. Call us at (404) 418-8507 or contact us online to set up your free, no-obligation consultation with an experienced Georgia truck accident attorney.
What to Do After a Commercial Truck Crash in Sandy Springs, Georgia
If you or your loved one was involved in a large truck accident in Sandy Springs or elsewhere in northern Fulton County, it is crucial that you know the steps to take to protect your health, your financial interests, and your legal rights. Here are four things to do after a semi-truck collision:
- Stop Your Vehicle and Report the Truck Accident: Georgia law requires all parties involved in a commercial truck accident to stop their vehicle and remain at the scene of the crash. Make sure that your truck accident is reported to law enforcement—such as the Sandy Springs Police Department or Fulton County Sheriff’s Office—right away.
- Seek Medical Attention: All large truck accident injuries should be evaluated by a doctor. Many people are far more injured than they initially realize. You cannot bring a successful commercial truck accident claim in Georgia without documentation of your injuries.
- Gather Evidence and Document the Crash: Take pictures or videos of the accident scene, your injuries, and damage to your vehicle. Beyond that, note the truck driver’s name, license number, truck registration details, and insurance information.
- Consult a Sandy Springs Truck Accident Lawyer: You cannot rely on an insurance company to look out for your interests. To understand your rights, be sure to consult a Sandy Springs attorney experienced in truck accidents.
The Most Common Reasons Why Truck Accidents Happen in Sandy Springs
A fully loaded tractor-trailer can weigh as much as 40 times more than a standard passenger car. Large truck companies must ensure that their fleet is operated in the safest possible manner. Sadly, too many preventable truck accidents happen. Some of the most common reasons why semi-truck accidents happen in Sandy Springs, Georgia include:
- Trucker Fatigue: Long hours on the road without adequate breaks can lead to exhaustion, making it difficult for truck drivers to stay alert and focused.
- Speeding: Large commercial trucks should always be operated at a safe speed. A speeding truck is not only more likely to crash, it is more likely to be involved in a catastrophic wreck.
- Distracted Driving: Truck drivers might become distracted by things like mobile phones, eating, or adjusting the radio, leading to accidents.
- Inadequate Training: Truck companies sometimes fail to provide sufficient training to their drivers, leading to poor driving decisions.
- Poor Truck Maintenance: Trucks not kept in good condition can cause breakdowns or malfunctions, leading to collisions.
- Overloading of Trailers: Excessive cargo weight can cause a truck to become unstable or hard to control, especially at high speeds or on curves.
Key Things to Understand About Semi-Truck Accident Liability in Georgia
Similar to most but not all states, Georgia operates under an “at-fault” standard of liability for motor vehicle collisions. Truck accidents are no exception. The party who is found to be at fault for the accident is responsible for compensating any victims for their injuries or losses. One of the things that make truck accidents especially complicated is that a wide range of different parties could bear liability for a crash, including:
- The truck driver;
- The trucking company;
- The company that loaded the trailer;
- The truck manufacturer;
- A road maintenance company; and
- Third-party motorists.
Georgia is a modified comparative negligence state. In effect, the law allows an injured truck accident victim to recover damages even if they are partially at fault for the crash. They can do so as long as they are less than 50 percent at fault. That being said, the amount of compensation they receive will be reduced by the percentage that they were at fault. As an example, assume a truck accident victim in Sandy Springs is found to be 20 percent at fault for an accident. Under Georgia law, they would be liable for 20 percent of their own damages—meaning they would be eligible to recover compensation for 80 percent of their damages from the at-fault party.
Recovering Financial Compensation Through a Truck Accident Claim in Sandy Springs, GA
Hurt in a truck accident in Sandy Springs? You have the right to pursue compensation for economic and non-economic damages. At Ponton Law, our Sandy Springs truck accident lawyers fight tirelessly to help injured victims secure the maximum settlement or verdict, including for:
- Vehicle repairs;
- Emergency room care;
- Other medical expenses;
- Lost wages;
- Loss of earning power;
- Pain and suffering;
- Disability;
- Disfigurement; and
- Wrongful death.
How Sandy Springs Commercial Truck Accident Lawyer James T. Ponton Can Help
Truck accident claims are complicated. Our founder and lead attorney James T. Ponton is a former insurance company defense lawyer who has a proven record of success fighting for the rights and interests of injured victims and their families. We are proactive and results-driven. When you contact our firm, you will have a chance to speak to a Sandy Springs truck accident lawyer who can:
- Hear your story and answer questions about your tractor-trailer accident claims;
- Investigate your crash—gathering all of the evidence needed to build your case;
- Represent you in any settlement negotiations with the insurance company; and
- Develop a well-rounded legal strategy focused on maximizing your recovery.
Set Up a Free Consultation With Our Sandy Springs Truck Accident Attorney Today
At Ponton Law, our Sandy Springs semi-truck accident lawyers are standing by, ready to get started on your case. Hurt in a tractor-trailer crash? Call us now at (404) 418-8507 or contact our personal injury firm online for a free, no-commitment initial consultation. We handle commercial truck accident claims in Sandy Springs and throughout all of Northern Fulton County.