Buchanan Truck Accident Lawyer
Did you get hurt in a truck accident in Buchanan, Georgia? You could have grounds for an insurance claim or lawsuit against the driver, the trucking company, or another party. With a successful case, you could recover monetary compensation for your hospital bills, lost income, and more.
Demanding fair compensation from a truck accident claim isn’t easy, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Sherrod & Bernard, P.C., our local truck accident attorneys are here to help. Let us handle every aspect of your truck accident injury case while you take the time you need to heal.
Contact us now to begin your free consultation session with our attentive team.
Why Are Truck Accidents More Severe Than Car Accidents?
Truck accidents often result in more catastrophic outcomes than other accidents for several reasons.
First, trucks are substantially larger and heavier than cars, so they carry more force upon impact. Trucks also have higher centers of gravity, making them more prone to tipping or rolling over. When these massive vehicles roll, they can cause multi-vehicle accidents and additional damage from cargo spills.
Some trucks carry hazardous materials or heavy cargo, adding another layer of danger in the event of an accident. Finally, the stopping distance for trucks is much longer than for cars, increasing the risk of rear-end accidents and high-speed collisions.
What Are the Top Causes of Truck Accidents in Buchanan?
Numerous factors can contribute to a truck accident, but some are more common than others, such as:
- Driver Fatigue: One of the most prevalent reasons for truck accidents is driver fatigue. Long hours on the road and insufficient rest breaks can impair a driver’s focus, slow reaction times, and compromise decision-making.
- Distracted Driving: With smartphones, GPS, and other gadgets, distractions are abundant. A distracted trucker can easily miss seeing a vehicle, pedestrian, or road obstruction and crash.
- Speeding and Reckless Driving: Speeding is a significant factor in many accidents, including truck wrecks. The heavier the truck, the longer it takes to stop, which can be disastrous at high speeds.
- Impaired Driving: Alcohol and drug use, even below legal limits, can impair a truck driver’s ability to operate safely. Such substances affect concentration, coordination, and reaction time.
- Inadequate Training: Driving a commercial truck requires specialized skills and training. Inexperienced or poorly trained drivers are more likely to commit errors that lead to accidents.
- Equipment Failure: Brake malfunctions, tire blowouts, or steering system failures can occur if trucks aren’t properly maintained. Equipment failure is a common cause, sometimes due to the trucking company’s negligence.
- Cargo Issues: Overloading a truck or improperly securing cargo can lead to poor balance, making it difficult to steer or stop a truck and increasing the risk of rolling over or jackknifing.
- Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, lack of proper signage, or other road obstacles make it challenging for even experienced drivers to maintain control, particularly in bad weather.
What Types of Truck Accidents Occur Most Often?
Common types of truck accidents in Buchanan, Georgia, include the following:
- Head-on collisions
- Rear-end accidents
- Sideswipe crashes
- T-bone accidents
- Override accidents
- Jackknife accidents
- Rollover accidents
- Cargo spill accidents
- Blind-spot collisions
- Wide-turn wrecks
- Runaway truck accidents
What Are Common Injuries from a Truck Accident?
Truck accidents are notorious for causing severe injuries, such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage
- Lacerations
- Burn injuries
- Sprains and strains
- Dislocated joints
- Amputations
- Crush injuries
- Puncture wounds
- Eye injuries
- Dental injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Nerve damage
- Psychological injuries
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
What Should I Do If I Am in a Truck Accident?
If you get hurt in a Buchanan truck accident, you should:
- Seek immediate medical attention.
- Follow your doctor’s orders.
- Attend all follow-up appointments.
- Document your recovery in a pain journal.
- Gather photos and other evidence from the scene.
- Ask eyewitnesses for contact information.
- Keep track of crash-related documents and expenses.
- Watch what you say to the insurance companies.
- Be careful about what you post on social media.
- Contact a truck accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Are Truck Drivers Required to Follow Different Laws When Driving?
Yes. Truck drivers are subject to a unique set of laws and regulations beyond those governing private motorists. In the U.S., the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets standards for commercial truck operations. These include rules about driver qualifications, hours of service limits, vehicle maintenance standards, and cargo loading requirements.
How Do I Prove Who Was at Fault for the Truck Wreck?
An experienced truck accident lawyer can help you identify and present evidence of fault, such as:
- Photos of the scene, visible injuries, and vehicle damage
- Video footage from traffic cameras, dash cams, and security cameras
- Statements from eyewitnesses who saw the collision
- Testimony from experts like accident reconstruction specialists
- Data from the truck’s black box or other internal computer systems
- GPS data, cell phone data, or dispatch communication records
- Hours of service logs and other truck driver or trucking company records
What Compensation Can I Receive for My Injuries?
A knowledgeable truck accident attorney can prepare a strong injury claim on your behalf to seek compensation for the following losses:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Incidental, out-of-pocket costs
- Lost income from missed work
- Losses in lifetime earning capacity
- Pain, suffering, and lost quality of life
How Much Time Do I Have to File My Truck Accident Claim in Georgia?
The time limit for Georgia personal injury lawsuits, including truck accident lawsuits, is two years from the accident date. This means you have a two-year window to initiate a lawsuit after you get hurt in the accident. If you fail to file within this timeframe, you could lose the right to sue altogether.
There are exceptions to the two-year rule, such as in cases involving minors or injuries that aren’t discovered immediately. You should consult a knowledgeable Georgia injury attorney as soon as possible after a truck accident to ensure you don’t miss any important deadlines.
Contact a Buchanan Truck Accident Lawyer
Get the legal support you need and deserve after a Buchanan truck accident. Contact Sherrod & Bernard, P.C., to discuss your rights in a free initial case evaluation.
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