18 Wheeler Accident Attorneys
The consequences of a collision between an 18 wheeler and a passenger vehicle are often devastating. Serious accident injuries and fatalities are common in Georgia. Those in the passenger vehicle are often severely injured due to the sheer size difference. In many of these cases, 18 wheeler accident victims can seek justice with the help of our law firm.
The lawyers of Fried Goldberg LLC are known as “The 18 wheeler Accident Attorneys,” based in Atlanta but servicing Georgia, South Carolina, Florida, Alabama, Tennessee and New York, focusing specifically on 18 wheeler accident injury law. Over the years we’ve achieved successful verdicts for our clients through our understandings of the nuances specific to 18 wheeler accident litigation.
We dedicate more than 95% of our practice to accidents involving commercial vehicles. This includes cases that involve commercial 18 wheelers, tractor trailers and RVs. An 18 wheeler accident lawsuit requires a specific knowledge of this type of law and the regulations required by those in the industry.
18 wheeler accident cases are different than regular motor vehicle accident cases and include specific information regarding the operation of commercial vehicles.
If you or a loved one has been a victim of an 18 wheeler accident, contact our law firm for your free case evaluation. Our 18 wheeler attorneys have over 100 years of combined legal experience in this field and have achieved multi-million dollar settlements for our clients, across Georgia, South Carolina, Florida, Alabama, Tennessee and New York. We can help you too.
Our experienced attorneys have represented individuals who have been seriously injured. In particular, we have recovered a total of nearly $1 billion for our clients in the state of Georgia.
$30 million+
$11-$30 million
$1-$10 millionGet a Free Case Evaluation
What To Do After an 18 Wheeler Accident
An 18 wheeler accident can be a traumatic experience, and recovery from injuries can last days or even weeks following the original incident. When you’ve sustained a personal injury as a result of a 18 wheeler accident, you will want to contact an attorney as soon as possible to discuss your legal options.
An attorney can gather the evidence necessary to put together an 18 wheeler accident lawsuit on your behalf. Insurance companies will usually want to settle a claim as quickly as possible, which often does not allow for the full coverage of costs for the injuries sustained.
Our lawyers will gather all the necessary information, such as accident reports, driver’s logs, 18 wheeler maintenance records and accident-related costs, to build a strong case on your behalf.
We will fight for the maximum amount of compensation owed to you.
Causes of 18 Wheeler Accidents
There are multiple factors that can contribute to an 18 wheeler accident. A motor vehicle accident that involves a commercial 18 wheeler is much different than when the accident involves two passenger cars.
The size and weight of a commercial 18 wheeler have a huge impact on the amount of property damage and the seriousness of injuries that can arise out of this specific type of accident.
18 wheeler drivers are obligated to abide by specific federal safety regulations when they are on the road. When these are not followed, accidents happen. Occurrences of 18 wheeler accidents often occur due to:
- Driving when fatigued
- Reckless driving (especially during adverse weather conditions)
- Defective equipment
- Improperly secured loads or loads that exceed a 18 wheeler’s maximum capacity
- Unsafe passing
Fatigued driving remains one of the top reasons that commercial 18 wheelers are involved in auto accidents. There are strict regulations in place to ensure that 18 wheeler drivers are receiving adequate amounts of restful sleep between the long hours traveling on the road. Failure to adequately log breaks or rest times is against federal safety regulations and puts everyone in danger on the road.
Additional Dangers of Commercial 18 Wheelers
There are also separate dangers possible when operating a commercial 18 wheeler versus a regular motor vehicle. For example, it takes longer for an 18 wheeler to be able to fully slow down or brake than a car.
This means that cutting in front of a 18 wheeler or weaving in and out of traffic can easily lead to an accident on the road. A commercial 18 wheeler should maintain a proper distance between vehicles to prevent this from happening.
It is up to each 18 wheeler company to properly train its drivers and keep updated records of vehicle maintenance, changes in safety guidelines and any other information that is relevant to providing safety on the road. When an accident occurs, both the driver and his or her 18 wheeler company can be held liable for damages.
In addition to handling cases that involve commercial 18 wheelers on the road, we also handle cases that involve RVs and tractor trailers. These types of cases are unique in nature and can be prevented when implementing the right safety measures. These accidents are often due to vehicle rollovers, faulty equipment or driver negligence.
18 Wheeler Accident Liability
When auto accidents occur, there is typically an exchange of contact information and insurance between the parties involved. Depending on the details of the case, there may be more than just the drivers who are held responsible for being at fault.
Although 18 wheeler drivers are directly accountable for the accidents they cause, liability might also apply to the company the driver works for, the company the shipment is being delivered to, or the company that loaded the 18 wheeler.
18 wheeler companies must ensure that their vehicles are in good working condition and have been properly inspected and maintained. It is also the responsibility of a driver and the 18 wheelers company to ensure that log books are being properly updated and protocols are being followed.
Drivers of RVs or other large vehicles must also develop experience to operate such vehicles. They must also follow road rules, but also have additional factors to consider when driving due to the size of their vehicle.
Occasionally, cases, drivers will travel in teams. One person will drive the 18 wheeler while the other person rests and then they switch. When there is an 18 wheeler accident which involves a co-driver, this person may also be able to sue the actual person driving at the time and the 18 wheeler company, if they are injured.
18 Wheeler Accident FAQs
Can you sue for an 18 wheeler accident?
In many instances, an insurance company may seek to settle a claim for injuries caused by a trucking accident. However, most of the time, such a settlement will not cover all the expenses and losses involved, especially for serious accidents.
In such cases, pursuing legal action may be the best option to ensure that the victim of the crash is fully compensated. Contact a qualified and experienced 18 wheeler accident lawyer at Fried Goldberg at (877) 591-1801 for a free consultation. During the consultation, we can determine how best to proceed with your case.
What compensation can be recovered?
If you are a victim of an 18 wheeler accident, the most important thing to focus on is your health and recovery. Accident-related expenses, such as medical costs to pay for 18 wheeler accident injuries, can quickly add up causing undue stress on a person.
Hiring an 18 wheeler accident attorney can help you get the compensation you need from an insurance company to cover expenses such as medical bills, time lost from work, rehabilitation and any other costs that you might have to endure as a result.
Payment for damages in an 18 wheeler accident settlement can help take care of:
- Emergency room and hospital bills
- Rehabilitative care
- Lost wages or the loss of earning capacity due to injuries
- Pain and suffering
The cost of being injured in an 18 wheeler accident can lead to expenses that last several days or even weeks past the initial incident. We want to make sure that you are eligible for the full amount of compensation you are entitled to in order to provide relief for the future.
Over the years, our attorneys have secured successful verdicts and multi-million dollar settlement for our clients. We work hard for the best possible outcome with every case we take.
How can an Atlanta 18 wheeler accident lawyer help me?
When you’ve been injured in an 18 wheeler accident, the last thing you may want to do is deal with an insurance company or a driver’s company. We have the experience and expertise necessary to handle your case, whether in Georgia, South Carolina, Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, or New York, so you can concentrate on your recovery.
Since our practice is devoted to these specific types of cases, we know the rules that an 18 wheeler company must follow and expectations to set when discussing settlement offers.
Without an attorney, an insurance company may pay out a minimal settlement to you that will not begin to cover the cost of your 18 wheeler accident injuries. You should not have to suffer more for an accident that you were not at fault for causing. Our lawyers will fight on your behalf for a favorable verdict and fair settlement offer.
There is a statute of limitations in place, which is the time a person has to file a claim for an 18 wheeler accident. Therefore, it’s best to speak to an attorney as soon as possible to review your options and begin gathering evidence and information from the accident to put together a complete claim.
What is the average settlement for an 18 wheeler accident?
Every 18 wheeler accident case is different. There’s no real “average” settlement amount for 18 wheeler or eighteen-wheeler accidents. The final settlement for any 18 wheeler accident claim will depend on many factors, including the extent of the injuries, financial losses involved, and fault (such as whether a driver was acting negligently versus recklessly).
On the other hand, the opposing party (and their insurance company) will likely try to present a settlement figure that is too low or that doesn’t cover all the losses involved. A skilled attorney will be able to negotiate for the proper settlement amount that fully meets the injured party’s needs.
At Fried Goldberg, our team of Georgia 18 wheeler accident lawyers have secured settlements for amounts over $30 million. We have recovered a total of nearly $1 billion for our clients in the state of Georgia alone.
How much is an 18 wheeler accident worth?
As mentioned, there is no set average for the amount of compensation issued in an 18 wheeler accident. Each case will be different, and damages will be calculated based on a number of factors. However, the worth of filing a lawsuit can also include lead to many additional benefits and improvements.
For instance, filing a lawsuit may help to reveal other negligent practices or violations in a trucking company. In many cases, a lawsuit can also initiate the creation of new laws that help make our roads safer.
What to ask an 18 wheeler accident lawyer
It’s a lawyer’s job to ensure that all your questions and concerns are addressed. You should feel free to raise any inquiries that you may have in connection with your 18 wheeler accident case. You can ask any variety of questions, like:
- How long do I have to file an 18 wheeler accident lawsuit?
- Will this incident affect my work situation?
- What damages might be available to me?
- Who can I contact as my case is being handled?
You can reach the attorneys at Fried Goldberg at (877) 591-1801 for a free, no obligation consultation. Our attorneys are available to answer any questions you might have about your case.
Why Choose Our 18 Wheeler Accident Lawyers?
At Fried Goldberg LLC, our 18 wheeler accident attorneys have devoted many hours of research and study of state and federal 18 wheeler laws. We have written a book outlining these very regulations and have litigated against numerous 18 wheeler accidents claims throughout the Eastern region.
We have the resources and expertise necessary to help you obtain the compensation you deserve. Don’t accept a settlement offer from any insurance company until you’ve had a chance to speak with a lawyer about your case. Contact Fried Goldberg LLC, we offer free case evaluations and we are dedicated to helping our clients seek justice.
Client Reviews
“The customer service of Attorney Parker Green was Outstanding. Parker Green was my mom’s attorney and he made the process with my mom’s case manageable. He took his time to go over the entire process with My mom and I and gave my mom frequent updates on her case.”
– Alison H.
“I have nothing but great things to say about Adam Smith with Fried Goldberg LLC, I am very pleased. After being injured in a dump truck accident my experience with him could not have been better. He was very professional, knowledgeable, and attentive to my healthcare needs. I definitely appreciate him for being an amazing communicator by being forthcoming with information leaving no room for confusion and/or misunderstanding. I would recommend him to anyone that needs a great attorney.”
– Jackie H.
Atlanta Truck Accident Law Firm
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At Fried Goldberg, we handle a wide range of cases in addition to 18 wheeler accident claims. Click on the links below to view our different practice areas:
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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
