Decatur, GA Truck Accident Lawyers
Located in the Atlanta metropolitan area, Decatur is no stranger to traffic. This bustling community has its fair share of truck accidents, due to major routes like Georgia State Route 155 and U.S. Route 78 running through it. Truck accidents are extremely dangerous, generally causing much more damage than crashes involving smaller vehicles.
If you’ve been injured in a truck collision, odds are good that you have plenty of medical bills coming your way—not to mention the expenses associated with repairing or replacing your vehicle. We can help you fight for the compensation you’re owed after a collision. Call The Stein Firm at 770-824-3107 to schedule a time to talk to our team.
The Dangers of Truck Accidents
While every accident has the potential for fatal and severe injuries, truck accidents account for an above-average amount of catastrophic injuries. A number of factors contribute to the sheer number of fatalities, totaled vehicles, and serious injuries caused by truck accidents:
Size and shape of tractor-trailers:
Tractor-trailers’ long shape makes them far harder to operate than smaller vehicles. This shape also gives trucks massive blind spots that put vehicles on all sides at risk. When you consider the size of a typical tractor-trailer, the dangers only increase; even a partially loaded tractor-trailer dwarfs any standard passenger vehicle. Any crash, even one at a very low speed, could end in tragedy.
Stopping distances:
Due to their size, tractor-trailers need far more time to stop than smaller vehicles. The heavier a truck is, the more time it needs to stop. This is particularly dangerous in inclement weather or heavy traffic.
The mental demands of truck driving:
Truck driving is a physically and mentally demanding job. Sitting in the same position for up to 11 hours at a time can take a toll on the body, and driving requires intense mental focus and concentration. It’s natural for truck drivers to become distracted or fatigued. Driving while distracted or fatigued, though, can dramatically increase the likelihood of an accident.
General lack of knowledge about trucks:
If other drivers were more careful around trucks, it’s likely that accident rates would go down. However, many personal drivers don’t fully understand the risks of driving near tractor-trailers. They may not know that trucks have blind spots on all four sides, need more than twice as long to stop, or can only reach the speed limit before a speed lock stops them. All of these factors should cause drivers to be much more cautious.
Common Types of Truck Collisions
Each type of truck accident comes with unique risks and challenges. Rear-end collisions, perhaps the most common type of vehicle accident, are much more dangerous when a commercial truck is involved. A smaller passenger vehicle can be completely crushed when hit by a tractor-trailer, which is why it’s so important to avoid cutting off trucks or stopping abruptly in front of them.
A similar type of accident is the underride collision, which happens when a smaller car runs into the back of a truck. The smaller vehicle rides under the truck and gets stuck. Usually, the smaller car is completely destroyed.
Jackknife accidents are relatively common, especially among new truck drivers. When a truck driver swerves or otherwise tries to avoid an obstacle, they may lose control of the vehicle. The tractor then swings away from the trailer and pulls it, often spinning out of control on the road. The truck comes to a natural stop, but in the meantime, it may take out other vehicles, public structures, and other property.
You should also watch out for rollover accidents. Trucks are at a heightened risk of rollovers, due to their higher center of gravity. This is another reason to avoid driving next to a truck for any longer than necessary.
Types of Compensation Awarded to Victims
Truck accident victims could be awarded substantial compensation if they are able to prove liability. Commercial trucks carry much larger insurance policies than smaller passenger vehicles since they can do more damage than smaller cars. Higher policy limits protect insurance companies and trucking companies from expensive lawsuits.
If your claim is successful, you could be compensated for:
- Medical expenses, including transportation, copays, prescriptions, surgeries, rehabilitative care, and follow-up appointments.
- Lost wages and income if you are prevented from working due to your injuries.
- Pain and suffering—this is especially important since truck accidents are more likely to cause injuries that leave victims with chronic pain.
- Property damage, including the cost of vehicle repairs or a replacement vehicle.
- Wrongful death if a truck accident victim ultimately passes away from their injuries.
How Our Law Firm Can Help You Pursue Compensation
When you are involved in a truck accident, it may seem obvious to you what went wrong. Perhaps the truck driver veered into your lane, pushing you into the median or crushing the side of your vehicle.
Maybe they spun out of control on the road ahead of you and you were unable to stop. Regardless of the circumstances of your accident, do not expect the insurance company to do the right thing and pay out a settlement until they are forced to do so. Their focus is not doing what is best for you—it’s doing what is best for their company.
Truck companies often have massive legal teams fighting for them. When one of their drivers causes a collision, their financial stability, reputation, and ability to retain clients are all on the line. By having their team of lawyers swoop in right away and shield them from claims, they can protect their own best interests at your expense.
You need an advocate whose only priority is what is right for you. Our truck accident lawyers are committed to helping you seek the compensation you need to cover your accident-related losses and get back to life as normal as quickly as possible. Let us handle your legal needs while you tend to your physical recovery.
Explore Your Legal Options with the Team at The Stein Firm
At The Stein Firm, we know that you are depending on a fair settlement to bounce back from an accident. We know what it takes to hold companies accountable and how to build the strongest case possible. Set up your free consultation now by contacting us online or calling us at 770-824-3107.
