Ask any accident lawyer in Georgia and they’ll tell you – truck accidents are some of the most dangerous. Whenever a huge machine like a tractor trailer crashes into a passenger vehicle, the results are going to be disastrous. Very few people can withstand this kind of impact. A machine that weighs as much as 80,000 pound slams into your car, you’re going to feel the brunt of the crash. And, you’ll probably suffer some very serious injuries.
When you consider the most common reasons for truck accidents, it’s no surprise that an overloaded tractor trailer is more likely to get into a wreck than any other. When any driver, experienced or not, is carrying more cargo than they should, there is always the chance they’ll get into an accident. The question is, should a driver be able to do this? Is it fair, from a legal perspective, for a truck driver to intentionally carry more cargo than they know is safe?
The answer to this question isn’t so easy. On paper, it’s easy to say that the truck driver is at fault. However, every case is different. Your Augusta, Georgia truck accident lawyer is going to have to review the facts of your case before they can make any determination. Yes, it sounds as if the truck driver would be the liable party. But, what about the company whose goods they’re carrying? Don’t they bear some of the responsibility? They may. Your accident lawyer in Augusta is going to work hard to prove that they do.
What are the Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Georgia?
We hear about truck accidents on the news all the time. This is why so many drivers are afraid to share the road with truck drivers. We assume that they’re reckless. We assume that they don’t care about other motorists. This isn’t really fair. Truck drivers take their jobs seriously and try hard to do their job well. They follow their regulations and safety rules. They don’t want to get into an accident any more than a car driver does.
However, even the most careful truck drivers get into accidents. That’s why we call them accidents. They aren’t planned – they are the result of either negligence or circumstances beyond our control. When it comes to tractor trailer accidents, some of the most common causes are:
- Inexperienced drivers
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Impaired driving
- Poor weather conditions
- Too heavy of a load
When it comes to speeding or distracted driving, it’s not hard to say that the truck driver was responsible. The same is true for impaired driving. Nobody should drink after using alcohol or drugs. Sadly, it happens. And truck drivers are no better than anyone else. They make bad decisions. However, truck drivers know that their livelihood is on the line if they drink and drive. So, there are fewer drunk driving related truck accidents than you might think.
The Shipping Company May Also Be Liable
While it’s easy to point the finger at the truck driver, there may be other parties equally responsible. If the company the driver is carrying cargo for overloads the truck, they need to be held accountable. They know how dangerous an overloaded tractor trailer is. They may be trying to save money or cut corners. As a result, you or your loved one are injured or even killed.
Call a Truck Accident Lawyer if You’ve Been Injured by an Overloaded Tractor Trailer
If you or your loved one have been injured in a tractor trailer accident, contact our office right away. You need to sit down with a skilled accident lawyer in Augusta, Georgia. They can review your case and help determine who is responsible. This may mean you need to pursue more than just one party. It may also mean that your lawyer can find that you were partially at fault. Either way, you need to find this out sooner rather than later.
When you schedule your free initial consultation, you can ask your lawyer any questions you may have. They’ll review your case and give you an idea of what your case may be worth. Your attorney will try to negotiate a settlement with the truck driver’s insurance company. They’ll fight to get you as much money as possible. All you have to do is set up your first meeting. It’s absolutely free and you pay nothing until you settle your case.
