Atlanta Truck Accident Attorney

Pursue Just Compensation with Ross & Pines, LLC

The sheer size of trucks makes them imposing vehicles. It also makes drivers of smaller cars vulnerable to serious personal injury or wrongful death in the event of an accident. Truck drivers have strict guidelines they must follow to prevent accidents. Unfortunately, those guidelines are often ignored for the trucking companies to maximize their profits at your expense.

At Ross & Pines, LLC, our Atlanta truck accident attorneys are committed to holding negligent truck drivers accountable for their actions and helping you recover full compensation for your injuries. We are also committed to holding trucking companies responsible when they hire truck drivers who have poor driving records, prior convictions for DUI, or other criminal convictions. With more than a century of combined experience, our firm can handle whatever challenges you face, regardless of how significant the case may be.

Contact Ross & Pines, LLC by calling (888) 838-4858 for a free case evaluation today! We will not let big trucking companies take advantage of you.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Atlanta

​When a tractor-trailer or truck causes an accident, you can be certain that the trucking company will go to work immediately to build a case in its defense. It will put all its resources to use protecting its interests and assets. In fact, trucking companies often send insurance adjusters out to the scene of the accident to talk to you before you have the opportunity to seek medical treatment and consult a lawyer.

Tight deadlines and quotas often lead to the following safety failures:

• Improper loading
• Failure to secure loads
• Poor truck maintenance
• Driving too many hours
• Driving too fast

Other common causes of truck accidents include: 

• Driver fatigue
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Distracted driving
• Poor road conditions
• Negligence

Adjusters will often try to minimize their driver's responsibility for causing your injuries and the seriousness of your injuries. You have the right to protect your interests and well-being. If you or a loved one has been in a tractor-trailer crash, Ross & Pines, LLC can help.

Jackknife Truck Accidents in Atlanta

A jackknife incident occurs when the rear end of the truck swivels forward to meet with the front end, making the shape of an opening jackknife. Unfortunately, a jackknifed truck could cause a major crash by striking another car, blocking the road, or sliding into oncoming traffic. Our firm is here to help you seek compensation from the liable party after a serious accident, especially if that crash involved a jackknifed truck.

Common causes of jackknife incidents include:

• The driver hits the brakes suddenly
• The truck brakes malfunction or fail
• The truck brakes are poorly maintained or badly adjusted
• Drunk driving
• Driver error or recklessness
• Speeding
• The trailer is improperly attached to the truck
• The trailer is poorly loaded
• The cargo is poorly secured

If you or someone you love was injured in a jackknife truck accident, you need to take immediate legal action to fight for compensation and justice.

What to Do After a Truck Accident in Atlanta

A truck accident can be a terrifying experience. After the initial shock subsides, you may be unsure of what to do next. Our team at Ross & Pines, LLC, can help you navigate the aftermath of a truck accident.

Below is a list of what you should do after a truck accident:

• Seek medical attention: You should always seek medical attention after a truck accident. Even seemingly minor injuries may be more serious than you realize. Additionally, your health will be impacted by the accident, which may serve as evidence in your case.
• Gather evidence: You should gather as much evidence as you can following a truck accident. Evidence may include photographs of the scene, damage to your vehicle, and damage to the truck. You should also write down the names and contact information of any witnesses.
• Report the accident: You should report the accident to the police and to the trucking company. You may be required to submit a written report to the trucking company within a certain amount of time.
• Hire an attorney: You should hire an attorney as soon as possible after a truck accident. You may not be eligible for compensation if you do not hire an attorney right away.

In many cases, you may be eligible for catastrophic injury compensation if you were injured in a truck accident. Catastrophic injuries can result in permanent disabilities that drastically change your life. In severe cases, catastrophic injuries can even result in death. If you were injured in a truck accident, our team at Ross & Pines, LLC, can help you understand your legal options.

Who Is Liable After a Truck Accident?

The party most often held liable for a truck accident is the trucking company since these companies are often caught expecting their drivers to break trucking regulations in an effort to save time or money. There are times when the truck driver is held liable, especially if the accident was directly caused by their negligence, such as driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Although less usual, other parties can be found liable, such as a truck manufacturer or cargo loading team. Ross & Pines, LLC is experienced in investigating truck accident claims and is ready to help you today.

Compensation Available for Truck Accident Claims in GA

In Georgia, truck accident claims may involve various types of damages and compensation, depending on the specific circumstances of the case. Some compensation that may be available in truck accident claims in Georgia include:

• Medical expenses (past, current, and future)
• Lost wages (including both present and future earning capacity)
• Property damage (repair or replacement of damaged property)
• Pain and suffering (physical and emotional)
• Wrongful death (for surviving family members in fatal accidents)
• Punitive damages (in cases of extreme recklessness)
• Comparative negligence (compensation may be reduced based on the injured party's percentage of fault)

Handling Trucking Accident Claims in Atlanta, GA

Our lawyers at Ross & Pines, LLC are experienced trial lawyers who are respected for our case preparation and courtroom abilities. We will use that experience to get you the maximum compensation you deserve. We will conduct our own investigation, interview potential witnesses, and hire expert witnesses to ensure that your rights and interests are not only protected but also aggressively fought for.

Don't wait to get help today. Call our firm at (888) 838-4858 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accidents in Atlanta

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Truck Accident Claims in Georgia?

In Georgia, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim resulting from a truck accident is generally two years from the date of the accident. This time frame applies to most personal injury cases, including those involving truck accidents. It is crucial to initiate legal proceedings within this window to ensure that your case is heard in court. Failure to file within the specified period can result in the court dismissing your claim, potentially barring recovery of any compensation for damages incurred. Understanding the statute of limitations is vital for protecting your rights and ensuring access to legal recourse. Consulting an attorney promptly after an accident can help safeguard this process and address any legal nuances that might apply, such as exceptions or circumstances that could affect the deadline.

What Are Common Types of Injuries from Truck Accidents?

Truck accidents often result in severe injuries due to the sheer size and force of commercial vehicles. Common injuries include traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), spinal cord injuries, broken or crushed bones, internal organ damage, and severe cuts and bruises. These injuries can lead to long-term physical and emotional challenges and often require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. Because of the high potential for life-altering injuries, it is essential for victims to seek immediate medical treatment and follow up with a healthcare provider to assess ongoing treatment needs. Legal measures can help secure compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and psychological impact stemming from these devastating conditions.

How Does Fault Impact Compensation in Truck Accidents?

In Georgia, the concept of modified comparative negligence is applied to determine liability in truck accident cases. This means that if you are found to be partially at fault for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of your fault. For example, if you are found 10% at fault, your compensation will be reduced by 10%. However, if you are found to be 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover any damages. Understanding how fault influences potential compensation requires a thorough investigation and clear presentation of evidence to minimize any assigned negligence and maximize possible recovery. Legal advocates are adept at countering attempts to assign undue blame to victims.

How Are Commercial Truck Accidents Investigated?

Commercial truck accidents are investigated with a focus on multiple sources of evidence. These include the truck's black box data, driver logs, maintenance records, and any federal or state regulation violations. Investigators may also look into the road conditions, weather at the time of the accident, and possible mechanical failures of the vehicle. Thorough investigation by skilled professionals can piece together the factors leading to the accident and establish accountability. This comprehensive approach strengthens legal claims, which is why partnering with legal representatives who have access to industry experts and forensic resources is advantageous. A detailed investigation can uncover negligence or regulatory breaches that may significantly impact the outcome of a claim.