How Common Are Truck Accidents in Georgia?

Traffic fatalities in Georgia continue to rise. Data from the (NHTSA) states that approximately 13.8% of Georgia’s traffic fatalities come as a result of truck accidents. While large trucks don’t cause a disproportionate amount of traffic collisions, they are involved in more fatal incidents. These accidents often result in serious damages.

A big part of the reason for fatal accidents with semi-trucks is their size. The weight of these commercial vehicles also plays a significant role. On the low end of things, a semi-truck with an empty trailer might weigh 25,000 pounds. Meanwhile, a large truck with a complete load may weigh closer to 80,000 pounds. Most civilian automobiles weigh somewhere between 2,500 pounds and 6,000 pounds. Traveling at similar speeds, it only makes sense that a vehicle that weighs so much more would cause considerable damage to smaller cars and trucks on the road.

Semi-trucks cannot stop quickly due to their heavy loads. Especially when driving on wet pavement, a heavy vehicle may take much longer to come to a halt, resulting in crashes that could prove fatal. And even if they can stop, doing so may cause some trucks to jackknife or tip over.

The state of Georgia averages between 180 and 230 fatal trucking accidents every year. Statistics show that trucking accidents often occur in clear weather during daytime hours, which may seem contrary to what we’d typically expect. In fatal accidents, the truck driver is killed less than 15% of the time. Far more often, other drivers and their passengers are killed in deadly trucking accidents.

What Are Relevant Trucking Accident Laws in Columbus, Georgia?

In most car accidents, they hold only the at-fault driver responsible for damages. However, in trucking accidents, other parties might be liable since the driver typically represents just one component of the broader trucking company.. It is possible to file charges against the truck drivers, their carriers, the truck manufacturers, and the companies responsible for loading the truck’s cargo.

It is worth noting, however, that the other injured motorists may also hold some responsibility for their part in the crash. Columbus, GA, recognizes ‘comparative fault’ and, depending on the facts of the case, may determine that some party holds the majority of the blame while the other party still must shoulder the blame for their own faults. If a truck accident victim is considered partially responsible for the collision, this may limit the settlement amount they could potentially recover.

Columbus laws allow injured victims to sue for economic and non-economic damages related to a truck accident. Economic damages could include medical expenses, lost wages, physical therapy, property damages, and future lost income. Non-economic damages could consist of emotional pain and suffering, lost quality of life, loss of companionship, and psychological damage.

Do You Need to Hire a Lawyer?

While the law may be on the side of the victims in cases of trucking accidents, that does not mean that the victim is going to have an easy go of it. Commercial trucking is a multi-billion dollar industry and a significant part of the country’s economy. Truck companies employ teams of experienced lawyers to defend the company’s public image and bank account. They will not go easy on an accident victim.

Additionally, accident victims are often injured and still recovering. You should be allowed that time to heal from your wounds. Fighting with insurance companies and trucking company lawyers is sure to stress you out and slow your recovery period.

For these and other reasons, you should consider hiring a personal injury attorney experienced in representing clients in truck accident cases like yours.

Contact Our Law Firm to Schedule a Free Consultation with Our Truck Accident Attorneys Today

Depending on the unique circumstances of your case, our experienced truck accident lawyers may be able to assist you in filing a lawsuit against any at-fault parties, including the truck driver, the trucking company, the truck manufacturer, the mechanics, the truck’s parts producers, and the cargo companies. The sooner you speak with a lawyer, the sooner they will be able to begin building a solid case. The stronger the case, the better the chance you’ll be able to recover maximum compensation for your damages.

And if you lost a loved one in a truck accident, our legal team can help you file a wrongful death claim against the relevant at-fault parties. No financial compensation can truly bring back your dearly departed. However, a fair settlement might help. It can alleviate the financial burden from their early passing.

At Go Big Injury Law, our team of lawyers and legal associates boasts decades of experience. Committed to representing our clients’ interests, our team recognizes that clients seek our help during their darkest moments – periods of injury, financial strain, and significant loss. Passionately, we aim to provide compassionate and dedicated legal representation.If you have questions or concerns about your case, we want to hear from you. Our goal is to do whatever it takes to make you feel at ease.

Add to that the fact that our firm operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning that you don’t owe us anything in legal fees if we are unable to win a settlement for your case.

To schedule a free initial consultation with our law firm, please call us at (800) 777-7777.