In the chaotic aftermath of a truck accident, it’s not uncommon to feel overwhelmed and uncertain about what steps to take. The physical, emotional, and financial toll can be immense, leaving victims unsure how to seek justice and fair compensation.
At Kevin A. Adamson, P.C., our truck accident attorneys understand the challenges you’re facing. With a team of highly skilled and compassionate attorneys, we bring years of experience in handling truck accident cases. Our track record of success speaks for itself, as we have secured significant settlements and verdicts on behalf of our clients. From the first consultation to the final resolution, we approach each case with dedication and determination, leaving no stone unturned in our pursuit of justice. A Duluth truck accident attorney can help.
Contact a Duluth truck accident lawyer at Kevin A. Adamson, P.C. for a free consultation today.
Why Are Truck Accidents So Much More Dangerous Than Car Accidents?
Truck accidents are far more dangerous than car accidents for a variety of reasons, including:
- Size – Commercial trucks are significantly larger and heavier than passenger cars. A fully loaded truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, while the average car weighs between 3,000 and 4,000 pounds. This difference results in devastating impact forces and tremendous danger to victims.
- Difficult to maneuver – Trucks require a much longer distance than cars to come to a complete stop. Because of this, a truck driver may be unable to stop to avoid a collision. They have a higher center of gravity, which makes them more susceptible to rollover accidents. Trucks also have larger turning radii and less agility than cars, making it harder for truck drivers to avoid accidents in certain situations.
- Blind spots – Commercial trucks have sizable blind spots along both sides, in front, and behind the vehicle. Smaller cars and motorcycles can essentially disappear within these blind spots, putting these drivers and riders at greater risk of injury.
What Are the Most Frequent Causes of Truck Accidents in Duluth?
Here are some examples of the most frequently occurring causes of Duluth truck accidents:
- Distracted driving
- Fatigued driving
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Failure to check blind spots
- Speeding
- Inexperience or inadequate training
- Improperly loaded cargo
- Bad weather
What Are the Most Common Types of Truck Accidents in Duluth?
Truck accidents can take many forms, including:
- Rear-end collisions
- Head-on collisions
- Jackknife accidents
- Rollover accidents
- Underride accidents
- Side-impact accidents
- Wide turn accidents
- Tire blowouts
What Are the Most Dangerous Areas of Duluth for Truck Accidents?
According to data from the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), Duluth drivers experience the greatest risk of truck accidents in intersections.
Here are the most common places for truck accidents in Duluth:
- The intersection of N. Berkeley Lake Road and Pleasant Hill Road, near the Walmart Supercenter
- The intersection of Peachtree Industrial Boulevard and Duluth Highway
- The intersection of Pleasant Hill Road and Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, near Peachtree Hill Shopping Center
- Downtown Duluth, near Main Street Park
Are There Federal Regulations that Commercial Truck Drivers Must Follow?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets and implements federal regulations that all commercial drivers must follow.
Federal regulations for commercial truck drivers in Georgia:
- CDL regulations – While truck drivers must obtain their commercial driver’s license (CDL) from their home state, federal regulations set standards that are required for drivers in every state. For example, people seeking an initial CDL must complete entry-level driver training.
- Hours of service – The FMCSA limits the number of hours truck drivers can work and operate commercial trucks. For example, truck drivers cannot exceed 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty.
- Drug and alcohol regulations – Employers of commercial truck drivers must comply with federal standards for drug and alcohol testing. Federal regulations prevent truck drivers from working with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.04 percent or greater.
Is the Truck Driver Always the One Responsible for the Crash?
The truck driver is not always liable for a commercial truck crash.
Other parties that may bear responsibility for a truck crash include:
- Trucking company – The company that owns or operates the commercial truck may be liable for accidents caused by their drivers if they push them to meet unreasonable deadlines.
- Truck manufacturer – The manufacturer could be responsible if a truck defect, such as a brake or steering malfunction, caused the accident.
- Maintenance company – If the trucking company outsourced its maintenance and the work was performed incorrectly, the maintenance company could be liable.
- Cargo loading company – If the cargo was improperly loaded or secured and an accident resulted, the cargo loading company could be held accountable.
What Evidence Can Prove Liability in the Accident?
Truck accident lawyers could collect the following evidence to use as proof of liability in a truck accident:
- Police officer crash reports
- Eyewitness testimony
- Expert testimony
- The truck’s black box data
- Photographs and surveillance footage of the accident scene
- Medical records
- Cell phone records
- Truck maintenance records
- Employment and driving records
What Types of Compensation Might I Receive for My Truck Accident Claim?
Victims of truck accidents may recover compensation for the following losses through a truck accident claim:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income and benefits
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of quality of life
- Property damage
Is There a Statute of Limitations for Filing a Truck Accident Claim in Georgia?
Georgia’s statute of limitations sets a two-year deadline for those injured in truck accidents to file a personal injury lawsuit against the negligent party. This deadline is important even if you don’t plan on filing a lawsuit. While your right to seek justice at trial remains available, the insurance company will likely treat your claim seriously. Once the deadline passes and you forfeit that right, the insurance company knows you have little recourse other than to accept whatever settlement amount they offer. Contact a Duluth truck accident lawyer today.
Contact a Duluth Truck Accident Lawyer
As you navigate the aftermath of a truck accident, it’s crucial to have a legal advocate who knows the intricacies of trucking regulations, understands the tactics employed by insurance companies, and isn’t afraid to go the extra mile to protect your rights.
At Kevin A. Adamson, P.C., we believe everyone deserves a chance to rebuild their lives after a truck accident. Let us shoulder the legal burdens while you focus on healing. Contact Kevin A. Adamson, P.C. today to speak with one of our experienced Duluth truck accident lawyers. Duluth personal injury attorney.