Truck Accidents Lawyers in Morrow, GA
Georgia is one of the most heavily trafficked states when it comes to commercial trucks. With all of the ports in Florida and other southern states, like South Carolina, it only makes sense for commercial trucks to transport cargo through Georgia to the rest of the nation.
With such a high number of trucks on the road, Georgia sees more than its fair share of devastating truck accidents each year. I-75 cuts right through the middle of Morrow, GA, with trucks heading to and from the Atlanta area. And there is also heavy truck activity passing through and around Clayton County on State Route 54 (Jonesboro Road), Southlake Parkway, Morrow Road, and Mt. Zion Road.
According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 2,387 truck-involved crashes in 2020, resulting in 230 deaths. Nationwide, of the total truck fatality accidents, 71% of the people killed were occupants of other vehicles.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in an 18-wheeler crash, you may be entitled to compensation for damages like medical care, lost income, and pain and suffering. But proving liability in truck accident cases can be challenging. As a client of The Stein Firm, you won’t have to worry about navigating these complexities alone. Our Georgia truck accident lawyers are well-versed in all the statutes that could impact the outcome of your claim. Contact us today at 770-961-1700 to learn more about your options.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Accidents involving trucks can be more severe than car accidents due to their larger size and weight. A loaded tractor-trailer can weigh up to 40 tons, which can cause severe injuries and property damage. In fact, big rig accidents are some of the most serious and fatal of any crashes.
The operation of an 80,000-pound vehicle requires specific training, a specialized license, and a great deal of care. Though most tractor-trailer accidents are the result of excessive speed, there are a number of other common reasons for these accidents:
- Distracted driving
- Drowsy driving
- Intoxication
- Bad weather
- Aggressive driving (road rage)
- Failure to yield
- Poor road conditions
- Inexperienced operators
- Excessive cargo
- Poor vehicle condition
- Third-party negligence
When these accidents occur, the results can be catastrophic. Truck crashes often result in lengthy hospital stays, surgeries, and painful rehabilitation.
Who Might Be Responsible for a Truck Accident?
The owners and operators of trucking companies have a legal obligation to put safe vehicles on the road. But this doesn’t always happen. Unlike with car crashes, when there’s a truck accident, it can be tough to figure out who to blame. Here are some of the parties that could be held responsible for a commercial truck accident.
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- The truck manufacturer
- The shipping company
- The truck maintenance company
- A broker
- A third party (another party that may have contributed to the crash)
It’s important to understand that the trucking industry is highly regulated. Truck drivers have limited operating hours by law and trucking companies have a duty to furnish safe equipment to their drivers. At the same time, trucking companies usually have high-limit insurance policies, so they also have teams of attorneys ready to protect their financial interests. You need a skilled lawyer in your corner who can help even the playing field.
What to Do After a Truck Accident
Being involved in any type of truck accident can be devastating and incredibly stressful. It can be hard to remember what you’re supposed to do to protect your rights. But time isn’t on your side. If you or a loved one have been in an accident with a truck, remain as calm as possible and follow these steps:
- Call 911 and get immediate medical attention if someone is injured. Even if you think you aren’t hurt, seek medical care as soon as possible to document any potential injuries.
- Remove your vehicle from the roadway if it is safe to do so, but don’t leave the scene of the accident.
- Ask the police to complete an accident report and request a copy.
- Note the license plates of all parties involved and write down the name of the trucking company. Also, record driver’s license and insurance information.
- Take photos of the accident scene and vehicle damage.
- Get the names and contact information of any witnesses.
- Begin keeping a daily journal to document your injuries, pain, and damages (lost work and other expenses related to the accident).
It’s vital that you avoid admitting fault to anyone. In fact, don’t even discuss what happened on social media. Instead, contact an experienced Morrow, GA, truck accident attorney as soon as possible to learn more about your options.
How a Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help
At The Stein Firm in Morrow, GA, we know that your priority is recovering from your injuries. You deserve a dedicated and experienced truck accident attorney who will fight for you. Our firm’s founder, Bob Stein, has been practicing law in Morrow, GA for more than 40 years, specializing in personal injury and wrongful death cases. Mr. Stein and his team have secured settlements and jury verdicts for clients in excess of $130 million dollars.
We know how the system works and aren’t afraid to take on the big insurance companies. If you hire us, our Georgia truck accident lawyers will fight for you by:
- Getting the evidence necessary to prove the cause of your crash
- Identifying all potentially responsible parties
- Defending your rights when someone tries to blame you for the accident
- Securing access to specialists for medical care and property repairs or replacements
- Collecting records to document your injuries and damages
- Working with specialists and experts to prove your case
- Representing you in negotiations and court hearings
Helping you reclaim your life after an accident with a large truck is our priority. We’ll assume the tough job of dealing with insurance companies and defense lawyers. That way, you can focus on recovering and moving forward.
Contact a Qualified Morrow, GA Truck Accident Attorney
The two-year statute of limitations period to file a claim might seem like a long time. But realistically, it’s critical that you speak with a truck accident attorney as soon as possible after an accident. People’s memories can fade, and evidence is known to disappear virtually overnight.
When we handle your case, we won’t waste any time. And you won’t pay The Stein Firm anything unless we collect compensation on your behalf. To learn more about how an experienced Georgia truck accident lawyer can protect your rights, call us today at 770-961-1700 to schedule a free consultation. From our office in Morrow, we represent clients throughout the state.
