If you or someone you know has been injured in a truck accident in Georgia, it is important to seek the assistance of a skilled Bainbridge truck accident attorney. Truck accident cases can be complex due to the combination of state and federal laws that may apply.
Our legal team has the experience and knowledge necessary to help you navigate the legal system and fight for the compensation you deserve if you have been injured due to the negligence of others. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your legal options.
Joe Durham Jr., P.C. is a law firm that specializes in truck accidents and understands the complex laws and regulations surrounding them in Georgia. Our experienced Bainbridge truck accident lawyers have a proven record of success in winning truck accident cases and obtaining compensation for our clients’ injuries, including lost wages, medical expenses, mental anguish, pain and suffering, and funeral costs.
If you or a loved one has been injured due to the negligence of other parties in a truck accident, contact us today for a free consultation. We are committed to fighting for your rights and helping you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.
Call us at 229-210-6226 or fill out our online form to start your personal injury claim. Don’t wait, reach out to us today!
Truck Accident Statistics
According to data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, there were 4317 fatalities resulting from crashes involving large trucks in 2016, with 179 of these accidents occurring in Georgia.
Although there has been a decline between 2006 and 2010, when there were 232 and 153 deaths respectively. In 2014, the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety reported 1164 fatalities in Georgia, with 117,347 drivers and passengers injured in car accidents that year.
Fatal accidents involving large trucks are more likely to happen in rural areas (61%) and on interstate highways (27%), with an estimated 84% of these accidents occurring on weekdays. Although large trucks only make up a portion of Georgia’s total road fatalities, they still account for a significant figure, with nearly one in every six fatalities caused by a large truck.
The high number of truck accidents in Georgia can be attributed to various factors, including both the vehicle and the driver. Driver errors are a significant cause, which includes internal and external distractions, speeding, fatigue, illness, aggressive driving, tailgating, poor driving skills, and misjudgment of gaps. In addition, road conditions, mechanical defects, and truck defects are other contributing factors.
What Should You Do After a Bainbridge Truck Accident?
In the event of a truck accident, it is crucial to remain calm and composed. It is important to avoid admitting fault, particularly if you are involved in a truck accident in Bainbridge. Here are some steps you can take:
- Call 911
- Help Others
- Exchange Info
- Document the Scene and Speak With Witnesses
- Seek Medical Attention
- Contact an Attorney.
What Are the Laws Regarding Truck Accident Liability?
Both federal and state laws regulate the trucking industry in Georgia. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the United States Department of Transportation oversee federal regulations, which cover safety requirements such as truck weight, maintenance, and driver hours.
Georgia also has its own set of laws governing the trucking industry. Commercial truck drivers are required to hold specialized licenses to operate their vehicles, and there are insurance requirements as well. Drivers must carry insurance coverage of at least $750,000 for interstate trucking, while trucks carrying hazardous materials must have a minimum coverage of $5,000,000.
How Can a Bainbridge Truck Accident Lawyer Help?
At Joe Durham Jr., P.C., we recognize that filing a lawsuit in Georgia for a truck accident can be a complex process. Trucking companies often have their own team of defense attorneys, medical professionals, and investigators to defend themselves.
However, our experienced truck accident lawyers are ready to stand up for your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Investigation
If you’ve been in a Georgia truck accident, it can be difficult to navigate the legal process on your own. Trucking companies and insurance providers often have teams ready to minimize their payouts. At Joe Durham Jr., P.C., we offer our expertise to level the playing field.
Our team will conduct our own investigation to determine liability and the true cause of the accident. We will handle communication with insurance companies and defend your legal rights. We understand Georgia laws and will work to ensure that you receive the full compensation you deserve. Don’t discuss your injuries with the other parties involved.
Contact us as soon as possible, and let us fight for you.
Filing a Claim
After gathering all necessary information related to your truck accident, we will file your claim outlining your injuries and the other party’s negligence, and demand appropriate compensation. Our team of experienced Bainbridge truck accident lawyers is equipped to handle settlement negotiations or litigation to help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
Negotiations
It is common for insurers to attempt to settle cases outside of court. The defendant’s insurance adjusters may contact your attorney to negotiate a settlement before a formal lawsuit is filed for your truck accident. Alternatively, negotiations for a formal settlement can occur after the claim has been filed in Georgia. If these negotiations are unsuccessful, our team of lawyers is prepared to litigate the case in court.
Litigation
If your truck accident claim goes to court, our experienced attorneys will be there to represent you every step of the way. We will work tirelessly to build a strong case and present it effectively in court.
Our team is experienced in dealing with complex truck accident cases and we will use our knowledge and expertise to fight for your rights and seek the maximum compensation available. We will also enlist expert witnesses, if necessary, to provide compelling testimony and bolster your case.
What Types of Compensation Can I Receive?
When you file a truck accident claim in Georgia, you may be able to recover various forms of compensation as these claims generally fall under personal injury claims.
Economic Damages
Economic damages in a truck accident claim refer to monetary losses and can cover expenses like medical bills, therapy, and lost wages. If the accident caused injuries that affect your future ability to work, you may also be eligible for compensation for lost earning capacity.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are intangible losses that do not have a fixed value. They may include:
- Mental anguish: Truck accident victims in Georgia often suffer from emotional and mental distress after accidents, such as worry, fear, anxiety, and emotional trauma.
- Pain and suffering: This type of damage takes into account the severity and duration of physical pain and injuries suffered as a result of the accident. At-fault parties may be liable to compensate victims for all physical pain and suffering experienced.
Punitive Damages
These are punitive damages, which are awarded to a victim in cases where it is found that the defendant acted in a reckless, malicious, or willful manner. The primary purpose of punitive damages is to punish the defendant for their actions and to deter similar reckless behavior in the future.
Is There a Deadline for Filing a Claim?
To ensure that you can seek compensation for your injuries and damages sustained in a truck accident, it is important to file your claim within the two-year time limit in Georgia. If you miss this deadline, you may be barred from pursuing your case, and your claim may be dismissed.
Therefore, it is crucial to seek legal assistance as soon as possible after a truck accident to ensure that your rights are protected and that you have the best chance of receiving fair compensation.
How Is Fault in a Truck Accident Determined?
Assigning fault in truck accidents can be a complicated process. In Georgia, as an at-fault state, the party responsible for the accident must bear the cost of the damages resulting from their negligence. Evidence that may be used to establish fault includes:
- Eyewitness accounts and statements
- Police reports
- Traffic camera footage
- Truck driver logs
- Vehicle maintenance records
- Expert witness testimony
- Physical evidence from the accident scene, such as skid marks and debris
- Medical records and testimony from healthcare providers
- Other relevant documentation and information related to the accident
Various rules are used to prove fault in Bainbridge, Georgia. They include:
- If a driver was engaging in negligent actions like talking on the phone, the driver is most probably at fault.
- A driver who has broken a traffic law is at fault.
- An owner who has not maintained their vehicle leading to an accident is at fault.
- Drivers engaging in tailgating are typically at-fault for rear-end accidents.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Truck Accident in Bainbridge?
Truck accident cases are more complicated than regular car accident cases.
While drivers are often blamed for truck accidents, it is important to note that other parties may also be held liable. If you have been involved in a truck accident in Bainbridge, GA, you may be able to pursue damages from the following.
Truck Driver
If a driver violates traffic laws, they should be responsible for their actions. You have the right to file a lawsuit against a driver who engages in negligent behavior such as texting while driving or driving under the influence.
Trucking Company
If a poorly maintained truck was the cause of your injuries, you may have a claim against the trucking company responsible for maintaining the vehicle.
Company Who Loaded the Truck
If a truck’s cargo is improperly secured, it can cause the truck to lose balance or spill its contents, leading to a serious accident. If this happens, the loading company can be held liable for the accident and the resulting injuries.
Vehicle or Parts Manufacturers
Truck manufacturers can be held liable if their defective parts or improper installation of parts cause a truck accident in Bainbridge. It is their responsibility to ensure that all parts are properly functional and installed correctly to avoid premature wear and tear that may affect a driver’s ability to control or stop the truck in time.
We at Joe Durham Jr., P.C. understand the complexities involved in determining fault in truck accidents. Our team of experienced truck accident attorneys will analyze all the evidence presented and carry out independent evaluations to determine who is at fault. We will fight tirelessly until those responsible for your injuries are held accountable for their actions.
Review Your Claim With Our Bainbridge Truck Accident Lawyers
If you or your loved one has been involved in a truck accident in Bainbridge, it is essential to seek legal assistance to hold the responsible party accountable. With severe injuries and even fatalities resulting from truck accidents, it is crucial to understand your legal options. At Joe Durham Jr., P.C., we are available to guide you through the legal process and help you recover the damages you deserve.
We understand the importance of acting quickly, as there is a two-year time limit to file your truck accident claim in Georgia. Our experienced truck accident attorneys will assess the evidence and conduct independent evaluations to determine the liable parties. We will fight tirelessly to ensure you get maximum compensation, and we may also push for punitive damages in cases of malicious intent or fraud.
Our team operates on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing until we win. We offer free case evaluations to all our clients and are available 24/7. Contact us today at 229-210-6226 to speak to one of our Bainbridge truck accident lawyers and start your claim.
