Trucking Accidents

Why Are Atlanta Truck Accidents Worse Than Car Wrecks?

It’s simple physics: the average car weighs about 3,000 pounds and a pickup truck between 4,000 and 6,000 pounds. The average motorcycle weighs about 500 pounds.

A fully loaded trailer can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds. At 65 mph, that truck needs at least 720 feet, or the length of two football fields, to come to a complete stop. If the truck’s brakes aren’t properly maintained, or there are adverse road conditions, that stopping distance is even longer.  In a crash, a truck delivers the force of over 20 cars.

What Kinds Of Injuries Do Truck Accidents Cause?

An accident with a big truck means injuries are more severe, and death is more likely. You may suffer catastrophic injuries such as:

• Broken bones
• Loss of limbs
• Spinal injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Internal organ damage
• Other disabling injuries or death

Property damage to a vehicle is more likely to be a total loss.

How Is A Trucking Accident Different Than A Car Accident?

While driving a commercial truck, drivers are required to follow federal regulations, including the USDOT’s Hours of Service. They have specific rules to follow, and any accident with a big truck will also involve the DOT.

In an accident with two or more cars, you’re dealing with a driver and their insurance company.

Who Else Is Involved In A Truck Accident?

If you’re involved in an accident with a big truck, you’ll be dealing with:

• The driver of the truck
• The company that hired or employed the driver
• The owner of the truck and possibly the trailer
• The company that loaded and secured the freight, as well as their employees
• One or more companies that shipped the freight, depending on who owns the cargo and how much of it was on board
• The manufacturer of the truck as well as any truck parts involved
• Other companies involved in the truck’s journey, such as a third-party logistics company (called a 3PL)
• The agency or entity involved with road maintenance

If the trucking company is located out-of-state or outside of the US, the case becomes even more complicated.

What Are The Main Causes Of Trucking Accidents?

Much like car crashes, there are many typical reasons for a truck accident, such as:

• Speeding
• Driver fatigue
• Driver distraction
• Aggressive driving
• Failing to adjust to different road conditions

Truck accidents can also consist of:

• Trailer detachment due to a defective hitch
• Improperly loaded or secured freight that causes
  • Rollovers
  • Freight to fall out of the trailer, hitting and damaging other vehicles
• Tire blowouts that cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle
• Jackknifing due to loss of control or sudden braking, causing the trailer to swing into a 90-degree angle
• Vehicles that slide or ride underneath the trailer during a side or rear-end collision

Even a rear-end collision with a truck behind a car can be much more destructive than if a car rear-ended another car.

What Kind Of Damages Can I Pursue After A Trucking Accident? 

• Current and future medical expenses related to the accident
  • This can include expenses like physical therapy, rehab, diagnostic testing, prescriptions, and other medically necessary items
• Lost wages, current, and future
• Loss of career as well as future earning capacity
• Disability and/or permanent injury
• Pain and suffering
  • Including mental & emotional suffering
• Modification for your home and vehicle, such as wheelchair ramps, lifts, and other adaptations

If you’ve lost a loved one in a trucking accident, you can also file a wrongful death lawsuit, including damages for:

• Final medical expenses due to the accident
• Funeral, burial, and other final expenses

What Do I Do If I’m In An Accident In Atlanta With A Commercial Vehicle?

Any accident is going to be a surprise, but it’s important to proceed with caution.

• Call 911 to alert the authorities, and request medical assistance if there are any injuries
• If you’re in traffic or otherwise in a dangerous situation, get to safety as quickly as possible
• Use your phone to take pictures of the accident scene, the vehicles before they are moved, and any injuries
• Request the driver’s name and insurance information, but do not discuss the accident with the driver.
• If there are witnesses, request their names and contact information
• Do not admit any fault until you know all the facts of your case and have spoken to an accident attorney
• Cooperate with the attending police officer and give him or her the facts of your case to use in their report
• Get medical attention, even if you think your injuries are minor
• Keep all documentation related to your accident, including
  • Medical bills
  • Repair bills for your vehicle
  • Correspondence from insurance companies, including emails

What If They Contact Me?

Should you receive a call from the trucking company, their insurer, or their attorneys, do not discuss the case with them and refer them to your attorney. Anything you say, no matter how innocent, will be used to deny your claim.

Once you are able, it’s time to find an Atlanta trucking accident attorney to represent you and defend you against the companies that will try to deny you compensation for your injuries. The sooner, the better, or you could end up settling for less than your case is worth.

Call Goldstein Law Group For An Atlanta Trucking Accident

An accident with a big truck can be devastating—and complicated. That’s why it’s important to find an Atlanta trucking accident attorney who will work with you on your claim, your medical bills, and your car repair. Sean Goldstein is ready to help get you the compensation you need to heal so you can move on with your life.

If you or a loved one has experienced a truck accident in the Atlanta area, please call us today at (678) 757-5529 for a free consultation.