Atlanta Truck Accident Lawyer
Commercial truck accidents can lead to severe injuries. Those injured in such crashes may be entitled to significant compensation for their losses. Learn more about your legal rights regarding a truck accident injury.
A collision with a commercial semi-truck can be extremely devastating. On account of the size difference between large trucks and passenger vehicles, serious injuries and fatalities can result. In such cases, the accident victims and their families may face extreme hardships and financial challenges.
At Fried Goldberg LLC, we are known as “The Truck Accident Attorneys.” We devote more than 95% of our casework to truck accident litigation. We believe these types of cases deserve special attention due to the higher responsibility that comes with operating commercial trucks. Our long history of representing truck accident victims means that we understand the needs of our clients and what it takes to help them obtain justice.
Throughout the decades, we have returned successful verdicts on behalf of our clients due to our understanding of the nuanced laws and requirements specific to truck accident lawsuits.
If you or a loved one were injured in a truck accident and need legal representation, contact us at (877) 591-1801. We can set you up with a no-cost, no-obligation consultation with one of our experienced Atlanta truck accident lawyers to review your case.
Client Testimonial
“There really are no words to express our gratitude for how wonderful our experience was with Fried Goldberg. We all felt like we had a big family backing us up and helping us get through this ordeal!.”
Why Are Truck Accidents So Dangerous?
The number one reason why commercial semi-truck accidents are so dangerous is due to their massive size. By federal law, semi-trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds and even more if special overweight permits apply.
In contrast, the average passenger car weighs 3,000 to 4,000 pounds. Thus, in a collision with a truck accident, the driver and passenger inside the car can be subject to highly severe injuries, with the automobile being completely totaled in many cases.
Because of these size differences and the severity of injuries, truck accident lawsuits need to be handled differently than regular car accident lawsuits. Extensive compensation through a damages award may be needed to restore the injured parties and their families back to a proper quality of life.
How Can an Atlanta Truck Accident Lawyer Help With Damages?
A skilled and experienced truck accident lawyer can fight hard to ensure you are compensated to the fullest extent under the injury laws of your area. They can prepare the right evidence and legal strategy to support your case.
The devastation from a truck colliding with your vehicle can be colossal. You may have sustained injuries that could permanently affect your life and livelihood. Your vehicle is likely totaled beyond repair. In extreme cases, you may have lost a family member or loved one, and their support and companionship can never be fully replaced.
While such losses can never fully be undone, there are tangible benefits that can be obtained through a lawsuit verdict or a settlement, including:
- Payment for immediate medical costs, including medications, urgent care or emergency room costs, surgeries, and hospital bills
- Reimbursement for long-term treatments, including physical therapy, rehabilitation, medical equipment (such as a wheelchair or ramp), and other costs
- Costs not normally covered by insurance, such as psychological counseling and alternative treatments
- Lost wages from missing work during recovery
- Loss of future income due to a loss of bodily functions or other long-term disabilities
- Pain and suffering costs, including those associated with scarring, disfigurement, and emotional trauma
- Punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer in cases where their conduct was particularly negligent or reckless
- Wrongful death costs associated with the passing of a loved one, including loss of companionship, funeral expenses, and loss of household income
The amount of damages from a truck accident lawsuit can be significant, but they may also vary from case to case. The amount available depends on several factors, including the extent of the injuries and damage, the number of parties involved, and the degree of liability.
Damages can also depend on the skill of the attorney handling the case. It’s important to contact an Atlanta truck accident law firm that has a proven record in recovering financial assistance on behalf of clients.
What Are Some Common Types of Truck Accident Injuries in Atlanta?
Atlanta truck accidents can occur in both urban and rural settings, meaning they can involve both high-speed and low-speed crashes. Even at low speeds, a truck crash can result in serious injuries, which may require legal action to compensate the injured parties for their losses.
Common types of truck Atlanta truck accident injuries may include:
- 1. Head and Brain Injurie
- 2. Burn Injuries
- 3. Spine and Neck Injuries
- 4. Internal Injuries
- 5. Broken Bones
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) occur when a jolt or violent blow to the head causes damage to the sensitive brain tissue. In a truck accident, this can occur in many ways, such as if a flying object strikes the head, or if the head hits a window. Note that brain injuries can also occur even without contact, such as when the head is shaken back and forth abruptly.
Brain injuries can range from a mild concussion to extremely severe damage, sometimes resulting in dizziness, pain, loss of consciousness, and loss of bodily functions. Some of these symptoms can be permanent and may cost the injured person and their families exorbitant amounts for treatment over a lifetime.
Additional symptoms and indicators of traumatic brain injury can include headache, nausea, vomiting, confusion, drowsiness, changes in memory, mood, concentration, or personality, and sudden mood swings.
One distinct aspect of brain injuries is that they may not always manifest in symptoms immediately or in a physically visible way. This is why it’s important to seek medical treatment as soon as possible after a truck accident, and also follow-up appointments to detect if any brain changes have occurred.
Truck accidents can often result in serious burn injuries, more commonly so than with conventional car accidents between passenger vehicles. Commercial trucks may often be hauling flammable substances in their tankers, such as gasoline and other hazardous materials.
Even semi-trucks that aren’t specifically transporting flammable liquids in a tanker can carry tremendous amounts of fuel, sometimes up to 300 gallons. A collision with a large commercial truck can create an explosion which may present serious risk of burn injuries to the surrounding vehicles on the road.
A chemical fire or gas explosion can cause first, second, or third-degree burns. First-degree burns are the least serious, whereas second and third-degree burns can result in scarring, disfigurement, and damage to the nerves. Severe burn injuries can be life-threatening in some cases.
The intense forces involved in a commercial truck accident can damage the body in ways that involve severe contortions or blows to the spine, back, and neck.
Spinal Injuries
A truck accident can put extreme force on a person’s spine, causing the discs to slip out of alignment (slipped disc). The accident may even tear or rupture the spinal discs (herniated disc). These types of spinal injuries can be excruciatingly painful and can cause reduced mobility, making it difficult to stand, walk, or perform everyday tasks.
If the accident injures or damages the person’s spinal cord (the bundle of nerves encased in the spine), it can lead to further conditions like numbness, loss of feeling, or even partial or complete paralysis. As one can imagine, these can be costly and difficult to manage over time.
Whiplash Injuries
Whiplash happens when the head is thrown in one direction upon impact and then forcefully thrown the other way when recoiling back. This usually happens in a front-to-back motion, but in a side-impact collision, it can involve side-to-side movements or other angles. This can cause severe damage to the ligaments, muscles, and tendons in the neck.
If the impact of the truck accident is strong enough, a whiplash motion can even damage the bones and discs of the person’s spine. These injuries can also be extremely painful and tough to recover from completely.
Truck accidents can result in a group of injuries known as “internal injuries.” These can occur when the person’s torso is impacted violently or collides with other objects. This can happen for instance if the person’s body slams into the dashboard, steering wheel, or other component of the car, or if they are injured by their seatbelt.
Internal injuries can include broken ribs, ruptured organs (such as a ruptured spleen or liver), internal bleeding, ruptured arteries, or a punctured or collapsed lung. Many of these can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.
Truck accidents can create situations where the people inside the car are trapped, pinned, crushed, or thrown around inside the vehicle. This can lead to broken bones in the limbs, ribs, spine, or the skull.
In crashes between passenger vehicles, the structure of the car often remains intact, which helps to lessen the severity of injuries. In contrast, the bone fractures caused by truck accidents may be particularly catastrophic and may require surgery and intensive rehabilitation.
Truck Accident Lawsuit Results
Clients choose us due to our remarkable record of success over the decades
What Are Some Common Causes of Truck Accidents?
Truck accidents can occur due to a wide range of causes. Depending on the exact source and cause of the accident, liability may be affected, as well as the overall damages award.
At Fried Goldberg, our Atlanta truck accident lawyers have decades of experience investigating truck accident incidents to determine the exact cause and how it may affect the final verdict or settlement. Common causes of truck accidents are discussed below:
- 1. Driver Fatigue
- 2. Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
- 3. Negligent Driving
- 4. Speeding
- 5. Distracted Driving
- 6. Blind Spots or “No-Zones”
- 7. Improperly Loaded Cargo
- 8. Poor Truck Maintenance
- 9. Inadequate Training/Lack of Credentials or Certification
Commercial truck drivers are required by law to take breaks after certain amounts of time driving during their shifts. If they violate these rules in order to “make up time” or complete a delivery, it could mean they are driving fatigued.
Driving while fatigued can reduce reaction time and can lead to an accident caused by falling asleep at the wheel. Driver fatigue is one of the most common concerns with truck crashes.
Georgia law defines driving under the influence (DUI) as “driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or other intoxicating substances.” Any type of DUI accident can be deadly, but with truck accidents, a DUI situation can make matters exponentially worse due to the size of the trucks.
Note that DUI also includes being affected by prescription medications — any substance that potentially impairs the driver can create a DUI scenario.
Negligent driving occurs when a truck driver disregards their duties to follow road rules and safe semi-truck operations. This can involve violations such as speeding, tailgating, swerving, running stop signs, failure to use turn signals and improper turning, improper lane changes, and road rage or aggressive driving.
Negligent driving is often tied to fatigued driving, as the driver may make poor choices if they are driving while tired or sleepy.
Speeding is a specific type of negligent driving that plays a factor in many truck accident cases. Maintaining safe speed while operating a large truck is extremely important. The faster the truck is traveling, the longer it takes to slow down, and the more damage it can potentially do if a crash occurs.
Anything that takes a truck driver’s attention off of the road may be considered distracted driving. Smartphone use is the most common form of distracted driving. Other forms include eating or drinking while driving, adjusting the radio or dashboard controls, looking at a map, rubbernecking, or even talking to a passenger.
If a truck driver fails to properly check their blind spots, nearby drivers can be struck during a lane change or other maneuver. Blind spots on a truck can be much larger than on a normal passenger vehicle. Failure to follow proper lane change procedure can lead to liability for the truck driver.
Failing to load cargo onto a semi-truck can cause the weight to shift, presenting a risk of a rollover accident, or a spill on the highway. Proper loading also includes the transport of liquid materials. For instance, failure to set the cap correctly on a tanker truck can cause a leak or an explosion.
Both trucking companies and their drivers bear a responsibility to ensure their fleet is well-maintained. Poor maintenance, documentation, or record-keeping can cause them to be at fault if a mechanical issue causes a truck accident. Common examples of this include accidents caused by bald tires or worn-out brakes.
An improperly trained driver may lack skills such as defensive driving, vehicle handling, or other safety measures. Such a driver presents a high risk to others on the road. Truck companies can be held liable if they knowingly hire an unlicensed or unqualified driver.
Truck accidents can take many forms, such as rear-end accidents, t-bone crashes, rollover or tip-over incidents, spill accidents, head-on collisions, and other types. Each of these may involve different causes, and accident investigation can often be complex. However, a skilled attorney will be able to determine aspects like causation and liability.
Contact us at (877) 591-1801 so we can assess your situation and determine what your next steps are.
Georgia Truck Accident Statistics
In one year, 244 out of 1,797 total road crash fatalities involved a large truck in Georgia. This represents 13.5% of all crash fatalities in the state.
For context, 391 of all fatalities involved alcohol impairment, and 369 fatalities involved speeding. Thus, large trucks are a major source of all fatal highway accidents in Georgia.
Reach out to a Fried Goldberg lawyer at (877) 591-1801 if you or a loved one have been affected by a commercial truck accident.
How Can an Atlanta Truck Accident Lawyer Help?
Truck accidents can be complex and may involve several legal issues and laws all in one case. A crash can leave a person with serious, life-changing injuries that permanently affect their life and their family.
We understand that after a truck accident, you may be facing the strain of financial difficulties due to medical costs and missed work. We sympathize with your situation and do all we can to assist you during these challenging times.
Compensation may be available, but it may require a positive effort to pursue legal action. After a truck accident, you might not be able to perform various tasks, but that’s what our law firm is here for — to help you. At Fried Goldberg, our truck accident lawyers can help you by:
- Investigating the scene of the accident for evidence
- Compiling police reports, medical records, and other important documents
- Gathering witness statements, expert medical witness input, and photos or videos that may be used in trial
- Researching the applicable laws for your case
- Devising a strong legal strategy based on the facts of your case
- Negotiating and arguing for the highest possible recovery available to you under the law
You deserve to obtain the proper compensation you’re entitled to, and liable parties need to be held accountable for their actions. Our Atlanta truck accident lawyers do all we can to ensure that justice is served and that you regain the quality of life you need to recover. You do not need to go through this process alone and without help.
What Do State and Federal Trucking Laws Cover?
Commercial trucking carriers and drivers are subject to both business and public safety laws. They must abide by a broad range of both state and federal laws that exist to help protect motorists and enforce stricter road safety standards.
State and federal trucking laws can cover issues such as:
“Hours of Service” refers to the number of hours a truck driver can drive before they have to take a break. For instance, recent changes to Hours of Service laws require that a truck driver take a break of at least 30 consecutive minutes after 8 cumulative hours of driving time.
Hours of Service laws also regulate other aspects of driver trips, including sleeper berth provisions, logging drive time, and various exceptions for short hauls, adverse weather, and other factors. These types of laws are intended to reduce accidents involving driver fatigue.
The Code of Federal Regulations, Title 49 covers substance abuse testing laws for truck drivers. All commercial truck drivers are required to submit to and pass drug testing before being hired by a truck company.
These regulations also require testing whenever an accident happens, and employers should test when they have “reasonable suspicion” that an employee is using alcohol or drugs while driving.
Georgia state laws (and the laws of various other states) require that all large commercial trucks be regularly inspected. Such vehicles must comply with maintenance requirements and meet standard operational safety criteria.
Vehicles that do not satisfy the safety standards are required to be removed from service, either permanently or until the truck can be adequately repaired. Violations of these standards are serious and can cause major accidents which injure people; they are not taken lightly and can even result in misdemeanor charges in some instances.
Commercial trucks and vehicles are also subject to various other requirements. For instance, they must be clearly marked if transporting dangerous or hazardous materials and loads cannot exceed maximum weights for certain highways and road structures. Lastly, commercial truck drivers must obey all Atlanta traffic laws, especially those governing speed limits and traffic signs.
While these laws do exist, violations and accidents still occur in high numbers every year. If you have any questions at all about trucking laws and regulations and how they may factor into your injury case, contact one of our lawyers as soon as you can to determine your rights.
Contact Our Atlanta Truck Accident Law Firm Now
For decades, truck accidents were litigated in much the same way as conventional automobile crash cases. However, the groundbreaking trial work and strategy of the lawyers at Fried Goldberg have changed this. Truck accident litigation now focuses more on the distinct aspects of such crashes, to ensure that they properly account for the differences between trucks and passenger cars.
If you have been injured in a truck accident, you may be entitled to financial recovery for your losses. You may need the assistance of an Atlanta truck accident lawyer to guide you through the process.
Why Hire Fried Goldberg
At Fried Goldberg, we have earned a national representation for fierce legal representation for truck accident injury victims that delivers real results. Since 2008, our team has successfully litigated hundreds of truck accident lawsuits in federal and state courts, obtaining multiple 7- and 8-figure awards for our clients. Lawyers throughout the country often seek to collaborate with us or consult with us for guidance on difficult cases.
When you choose us, you can rest assured that you are protected by the right attorneys for your truck accident case. Contact us at (877) 591-1801 to schedule a no-cost consultation where we can discuss your rights. Don’t delay — filing deadlines may apply, so it’s important to take action quickly.
Atlanta Truck Accident Attorney FAQs
What is a truck accident?
A truck accident may be defined as any traffic crash involving a passenger vehicle and a large commercial truck (not a passenger truck such as a pickup truck).
The definition of a commercial truck is broad and may include various types of trucks like tractor trailers, cargo trucks, tanker trucks, garbage trucks, and other trucks. Truck accidents can also include collisions between such trucks and other vehicles like motorcycles.
How are commercial truck accidents different from car accidents?
The main difference between these types of accidents is the size difference with commercial trucks. Due to their immense size, a crash involving a commercial truck can cause highly severe injuries, and, in many cases, fatalities can result.
Besides this, a main difference is that commercial truck accidents often involve a trucking business or trucking carrier company. This makes issues such as liability, insurance, and damages more complex than in a normal automobile accident case. As a result, truck crash cases may also take more time to investigate and resolve.
Can I recover damages in a truck accident lawsuit?
To recover damages for injuries caused by a truck accident, it is generally necessary to prove that the truck driver failed to exercise the duty of care needed to operate the truck. Truck drivers are held to different standards than conventional drivers, as they need special training to operate large trucks. Failure to meet these standards can result in liability.
Damages in such cases can cover a wide range of losses including medical and hospital bills, lost wages and loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and other costs.
Who can be held liable for a truck accident injury?
Depending on the injury and the nature of the truck accident, many different parties could potentially be held liable for causing injuries. These include the truck driver, the driver’s employer or carrier company, manufacturers (for instance, if a truck defect caused the accident), or even a mechanic or repair company (for faulty truck repairs).
Liability in a truck accident can be difficult to determine, and is best handled by an experienced truck accident lawyer.
Can I file a sue the trucking company for my injuries?
In many cases, yes. This depends on the employment relationship between the commercial driver and the trucking company that hired them. It also depends on the root cause of the accident as well as many other factors.
For instance, if the accident was the result of the driver being improperly trained, and the truck company knew about their inadequate training and still let them drive, the company might be held liable. These are complex liability determinations that are best handled by a truck accident lawyer.
Which federal laws regulate trucking activity?
Commercial trucking activity is regulated by the rules and laws set forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, also known as the FMCSA. This organization sets and monitors rules such as those covering truck driver licensing, training and physical criteria, drug testing, cargo safety standards, hours of operation, and other aspects of trucking activity.
How long will my truck accident case take?
There is no set time period for how long a truck accident lawsuit might take. Some cases can be resolved within months, while others can take a year or longer to fully resolve. The amount of time needed depends on many factors, including the severity of the injuries, the liable parties involved, and the cause of the accident.
When should I contact an Atlanta truck accident lawyer?
You should contact a truck accident lawyer as soon as you are able to after a truck accident. That way, your attorney can begin investigating your case and protecting your rights so you can recover in peace. By hiring an attorney early on, they can perform services like gathering evidence, and they will also communicate on your behalf so you don’t have to speak directly to insurance agents or other parties.
Contact Fried Goldberg at (877) 591-1801 to speak with an Atlanta truck accident attorney today. Filing deadlines may apply, so you don’t want to miss your opportunity to obtain recovery and compensation.
Proudly Representing Atlanta Truck Accident Victims
The Truck Accident Attorneys
The Truck Accident Attorneys at Fried Goldberg LLC devote at least 75% of their caseload to representing the victims of accidents involving tractor trailers and other commercial vehicles. Our extensive experience with the laws governing the trucking industry is the reason we are routinely successful at taking on trucking companies when someone is seriously injured.
Get a Free Case Evaluation
The Truck Accident Attorneys
The Truck Accident Attorneys at Fried Goldberg LLC devote at least 95% of their caseload to representing the victims of accidents involving tractor trailers and other commercial vehicles. Our extensive experience with the laws governing the trucking industry is the reason we are routinely successful at taking on trucking companies when someone is seriously injured.
Get a Free Case Evaluation
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Millions Recovered
Our experienced attorneys have represented individuals who have been seriously injured. We are proud of the outstanding reputation we have within our industry and our track record of success, which sets us apart. In particular, we have recovered nearly $1 billion for our clients throughout the country.
$30 million+
$11-$30 million
$1-$10 million
