According to reports, accidents related to large commercial trucks are not rare in Sandy Springs, Georgia. For this reason, if you or a loved one is a victim of a truck accident, do not hesitate, speak to an experienced Sandy Springs Truck Accident Lawyer today.
At Ted A. Greve and Associates, we are dedicated to delivering the best legal advice possible. This is why we focus on offering professional and personalized service to every client. We understand each case is different, and so; is the compensation amount awarded. Furthermore, our team includes a podiatric physician, chiropractic physician, a licensed insurance adjuster, and other experienced paralegals.
By contacting us, you get a free no-obligation case review, no upfront fees, or generalized services. We are available every day of the week. Remember, we work on a contingency basis, which means that we do not get paid unless we win. Contact our Ted A. Greve and Associates Sandy Springs Truck Accident Lawyer to learn more about your case and the best legal action to take.
Truck Accident Statistics In Sandy Springs, Georgia
According to statistics, truck accidents tend to be fewer compared to other forms of vehicle-related accidents. However, truck accidents tend to involve more fatalities and carry worse injuries. according to Federal Motor Carrier Safety, commercial truck accidents in Georgia and other parts of the U.S. are 65% higher during the day. The report further mentions that 64% of all truck accidents involve 2 or more vehicles.
Distracted driving is the most common cause of truck accidents in America. It accounts for nearly 17% of all accidents. Georgia average between 190 to 240 fatal truck accidents each year. This accounts for nearly 14% of total motor vehicle accident fatalities within the state. This information came from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIIHS).
What To Do After A Truck Accident?
The actions you take after a truck accident does affect the amount of compensation you will get. For this reason, it is paramount to take the correct steps to improve your chances. Therefore, after a truck accident, you should –
- Call the police – it is highly important to contact the police as they will help in not only conducting investigations but also filing a report. This report plays an important role in the lawsuit.
- Help Others – Helping others is part of being human. However, do not help others at the expense of your life (if it is not safe to) or if you are not in a position to do so.
- Collect and exchange info – It is wise to collect relevant info from the other party. This should include contact info, address, insurance number, vehicle number plate, and others.
- Document the scene and talk to witnesses – You can always be your own advocate. Locate witnesses and document the scene of the accident by taking photos of anything relevant
- Seek immediate attention – Your health is paramount, and it is wise to have yourself checked out even if you are feeling fine.
- Contact a lawyer – Always contact a truck accident lawyer in Sandy Springs, Georgia. The lawyer will protect your rights and prevent being rushed into a quick settlement agreement.
Which Are Truck Accident Liability Laws In Georgia?
To protect other road users; trucks are regulated by the federal and state governments. The federal government rules are known as Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. Georgia like many states has adopted the same set of regulations. However, the differences are mainly in the form of names. For example, the federal rules are known as 49 CFR § 390.4, while Georgia rules are known as DPS 1-390.4.
Both these laws define commercial motor vehicle, with the following parameters: –
- The vehicle is used or intended to carry more than eight commuters – the driver included
- Has a gross combines weight rating, gross vehicle weight rating, gross combined weight rating, or gross vehicle weight of 10,001 or more pounds
- A vehicle designed to transport more than 15 passengers and not used for compensation
This section of the law is wide. To know more contact our Greve and Associate truck accident lawyer.
How Can A Sandy Springs Truck Accident Lawyer Help?
A truck accident lawyer has many functions or responsibilities which he must fulfill. These include:
- Investigation and filing the lawsuit
- Negotiation or settlement
- Case preparation and representation
What Types Of Compensations Can You Receive In Georgia?
All compensations can be categorized under three different types. These are: –
- Economical Damages – This form of compensation covers any damage that can be calculated. It covers lost wages, medical expenses, future lost income, etc.
- Non-Economic damages – This form of compensation covers damages that cannot be seen, such as pain and suffering, trauma, loss of life enjoyment, etc.
- Punitive damages – This form of compensation is awarded by the court as a way to punish the offender, and discourage future offense repetition.
How Much Is My Tract Accident Claim Worth?
There is no definite way to calculate the true worth of your compensation without speaking to an experienced lawyer. Contact us to know the true worth of your claim.
Is There A Deadline For Filing A Claim In Sandy Springs, Georgia?
Just like many states in the U.S., there is a deadline for filing litigation against the at-fault party in a truck accident. This is known as the statute of limitations. In Georgia, the statute of limitation to file a compensation claim in a truck accident is two years starting from the date of the accident.
If you are filing a compensation claim against any national, state, or local government, then you must do so within six months.
How Is Fault Determined In A Truck Accident In Georgia?
Georgia follows a comparative fault rule when calculating the amount of compensation, a victim should be awarded. For this reason, a fault is determined by proving the following four elements: –
- Duty of care – The victim must show the truck driver, company, or other party had a duty of care.
- The breach of that duty of care – The victim must show the driver, truck company or other third party breached the duty of care.
- The breach of duty of care caused the accident – The victim must show that the breach of duty of care was the main cause of the accident.
- The injuries and damages – Finally, the victim must prove that the accident was the cause of the injuries or damage sustained and nothing else.
Can A Lawyer Prove The Truck Driver Was Careless?
The short answer is YES! For a lawyer to prove the truck driver was negligent, the lawyer must prove the driver failed to meet all the four elements of determining fault.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
After a truck accident, an investigation must be carried out to determine what happened and why it happen. A full review of the evidence may indicate other parties would be held accountable for the accident. This can happen individually or as a collective. The parties that can be held liable are:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- The company responsible for loading the truck
- The vehicle or part manufacturers
What Are The Most Common Causes Of Truck Accidents?
- Distracted driving
- Fatigue
- Drug use
- Reckless driving
- Improper freight securing or oversized
- Lack of proper truck maintenance
- Inexperienced or poorly trained drivers
- Poor road condition
- Equipment malfunction
Do not allow yourself to fall victim by allowing bills and other expenses to bury you in a huge mountain of debt caused by another person’s negligence. Call us today and allow us to protect your rights and offer you the best legal action to take. At Ted A. Greve and Associates, we are dedicated to offering the best service to our clients. This is why we focus on offering personalized service.
