Car accidents between two normal-sized vehicles can cause devastating injuries, but accidents involving trucks can be even more dangerous. If you were injured in an accident involving a big rig, your bills and expenses could be covered by the responsible party through a personal injury claim.
An East Point truck accident lawyer, like the ones serving Georgia victims at Bader Law Injury Lawyers, can help you by gathering evidence and creating a case. You do not have to face a personal injury suit alone. Contact our office today to set up a free consultation at (404) 888-8888.
Causes of Truck Accidents
Car crashes can occur due to a variety of reasons, including:
- Driving under the influence
- Distracted driving
- Failure to yield
- Failure to obey traffic signs
- Speeding
- Running red lights
In addition to these reasons, long-haul trucks carry their own specific risks due to their large size, the cargo they carry, and the schedules of drivers. Truck accidents can be caused by:
- Improperly loaded cargo
- Equipment defects or malfunctions
- Driver fatigue
- Road hazards
- Weather
- Braking
Large vehicles by their very nature are more difficult to operate. For instance, braking can be challenging for large vehicles. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), loaded tractor-trailers require 20-40% more distance to come to a complete stop. Failure to take this into account by a truck driver could lead to a tragedy.
Underride and Override Accidents
Underride and override accidents are unique to large trucks. These accidents occur when a smaller vehicle goes under a larger vehicle. Underride accidents happen when a car comes in contact with a large truck from the side or the rear, while override accidents happen when a car comes in contact with the front of a large truck. The height difference results in the smaller vehicle sliding underneath the larger one, potentially causing severe injuries and even fatalities.
The Government Accountability Office (GAO)estimates an average of 219 deaths per year due to underride accidents. However, these crashes are often underreported. If you were injured in an underride or override accident, a lawyer can help you understand your rights to compensation. Contact the office of Bader Law Injury Lawyers today at (404) 888-8888 to learn more.
Wrongful Death
Sadly, big rig accidents can cause the tragic death of a loved one. If this happened to your family member, you can pursue a wrongful death claim to receive compensation. No dollar amount can replace a human life, but damages from a wrongful death claim can help cover funeral expenses, medical bills, and even compensate you for the loss of income and companionship your family member provided you. An East Point truck accident lawyer can help you determine if you qualify for a wrongful death suit.
For a free legal consultation with a truck accidents lawyer serving East Point, call (404) 888-8888
How Truck Accidents Differ
All personal injury claims must prove the other party was negligent. That means your Atlanta truck accident lawyer must demonstrate that an individual behaved in a way that caused your injuries. Anyone who operates their vehicle in a way that does not take into account the safety of others around them could be held liable for negligence.
In a car accident involving private individuals driving their own vehicles, the negligent party typically has their insurance cover many of the injured party’s expenses. On the other hand, truck accidents can differ because most semis are driven commercially rather than privately. In other words, you may find yourself dealing not with the driver and their insurance company, but with the driver, their insurance company, their employer, and their employer’s insurance.
To file a personal injury claim following a truck accident, you will need to know who can be held liable. A free case evaluation by the team at Bader Law Injury Lawyers can help you determine who can be held responsible in a personal injury suit.
Determining Liability
Who can be held liable in a truck accident depends on:
- What caused the accident
- Who owns or services the truck
- How the driver is employed by the trucking company
Not all truck accidents are caused by driver error. Malfunctions or defects in the truck itself may not be the fault of the driver. Likewise, hazards from poorly maintained roadways can also contribute to a crash. If your accident was caused by potholes, lack of signage, or obstructed signage you may be able to pursue the city, state, or county for compensation. An East Point truck accident lawyer can make inquiries and gather evidence to track down the true cause of your accident.
Furthermore, determining whether your accident was caused by a malfunction or defect with the truck will be crucial in determining liability. Rather than holding the driver responsible, the trucking company, the dealership, or even the truck manufacturer could be held liable.
Finally, some drivers have insurance and liability coverage through their trucking company that could cover some accident expenses. However, if the driver was an independent contractor rather than an employee, as is common, the trucking company may avoid any liability for an accident. A truck accident lawyer serving victims in East Point can help you determine the liable parties in your case.
East Point Truck Accident Lawyer Near Me (404) 888-8888
Your Injuries and Losses Could Warrant Compensation
Truck accidents can cause devastating effects on your life. You could suffer anything from soft tissue injuries, like bruises and sprains, to debilitating injuries, like spinal and brain injuries. An East Point truck accident lawyer can work with you to pursue the compensation you deserve.
Bader Law Injury Lawyers advocate for Georgia accident victims as they attempt to regain a sense of normalcy following an accident. We will stand for you, evaluating your case for free, gathering evidence and testimony, determining liability, and pursuing damages all the way to court if necessary. Contact our office today to get started at (404) 888-8888.
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