If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Georgia, it is important to seek the assistance of an experienced Dublin truck accident lawyer. Due to the complexity of state and federal laws related to trucks, truck accident cases can be difficult to navigate.
At Joe Durham Jr., P.C., we have a deep understanding of truck accident laws and regulations in Georgia, and a successful track record in winning truck accident cases. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries due to negligence by other parties, you may be entitled to recover damages, including lost wages, medical expenses, mental anguish, pain and suffering, and funeral costs.
Contact us today to begin the process of seeking the justice and compensation you deserve. Our personal injury lawyers will provide you with the best legal options available. Call us now at 229-210-6226 or fill out our form to schedule a free consultation.
At Joe Durham Jr., P.C., we are committed to fighting for your rights and getting you the compensation you deserve. Start your personal injury claim today by contacting us.
Truck Accident Statistics
Truck accidents can have devastating consequences, as evidenced by the high number of fatalities and injuries reported in Georgia and across the United States. According to data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, in 2016, there were 4,317 fatalities in crashes involving large trucks, with 179 of these accidents occurring in Georgia. Although there has been a decline in the number of fatalities in recent years, trucks still make up a significant portion of Georgia’s total road fatalities.
Truck accidents are more likely to occur in rural areas and on interstate highways, with an estimated 84% of accidents happening during weekdays. The causes of truck accidents are numerous, including driver error, vehicle defects, and poor road conditions. Driver errors can be linked to factors such as distractions, speeding, fatigue, aggressive driving, and misjudgment of gaps, among others.
If you have been injured in a truck accident, it’s important to seek the assistance of an experienced truck accident lawyer who can help you navigate the complex legal and insurance issues involved in your case. At Joe Durham Jr., P.C., our Dublin truck accident lawyers have a proven track record of success in truck accident cases and can help you recover the compensation you deserve for your injuries, lost wages, medical expenses, and pain and suffering. Contact us today at (229) 351-5320 for a free consultation.
What Should You Do After a Dublin Truck Accident?
Call 911
It’s essential to call for emergency services as soon as possible after an accident to ensure that you and anyone else involved in the accident receive the necessary medical attention. Calling 911 or local emergency services will also notify the police of the accident and allow them to begin an investigation into the cause of the accident.
Help Others
It’s important to prioritize your own safety first, but if you are able, checking on others involved in the accident can be helpful. If someone is injured and needs immediate medical attention, do not move them unless it’s absolutely necessary for their safety. Instead, try to keep them calm and wait for medical personnel to arrive.
Exchange Information
After securing the safety of yourself and others involved in the accident, it is important to gather information. Obtain the contact information of the truck driver, including their name, license number, insurance provider, and the name of the trucking company.
Document the Scene and Speak with Witnesses
Taking photos and videos of the accident scene can be crucial in proving negligence. Make sure to capture images of the location of the accident, including any relevant street signs or landmarks. Speak to any witnesses who saw what happened and take note of their account of the events. Be sure to gather their contact information as well.
Seek Medical Attention
When you call 911, always report any injuries you or anyone else sustained in the accident. Once medical help arrives, ensure that you get checked out thoroughly. Don’t ignore any symptoms and follow up with your doctor even if you feel okay. It’s possible that you have sustained internal injuries that were not detected by the onsite medical team.
Contact an Attorney
It’s important to remember that the insurance adjuster and lawyer representing the at-fault driver are not on your side and may try to minimize your compensation or deny your claim altogether.
By contacting an experienced Dublin truck accident attorney at Joe Durham Jr., P.C., you can have someone who will fight for your rights and help you obtain fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
Our team will handle communication with the insurance company, gather evidence, and build a strong case on your behalf. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have been involved in a truck accident in Georgia.
What are the Laws Regarding Truck Accident Liability?
Georgia state laws also mandate that commercial trucks carry a minimum liability insurance policy of $25,000 for property damage and $50,000 for bodily injury or death per person.
The state also requires that all commercial trucks undergo regular inspections and maintenance to ensure they are in good condition and safe for operation on the roads. Any violations of these laws can be used to establish liability in the event of a truck accident.
It is crucial to work with an experienced Dublin truck accident attorney who is familiar with these laws and regulations to build a strong case and secure the compensation you deserve.
How Can a Truck Accident Lawyer Help?
Here at Joe Durham Jr., P.C., we understand that filing a lawsuit in Georgia can be a complicated process, especially when it comes to truck accidents. Trucking companies have their own team of defense attorneys, medical experts, and investigators to help them minimize their liability. That’s why we’re here to fight for your rights and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. We provide a range of services, including:
Investigation
When involved in a truck accident in Georgia, it is important to remember that the trucking company and their insurance company will immediately start gathering information to limit their liability. This is where Joe Durham Jr., P.C. comes in. Our team will conduct our own investigation to determine liability and what really happened during the accident.
We will handle communication with the insurance company on your behalf and advise you on how to proceed. It is important that you do not discuss your injuries or accept any settlements without consulting us first. With our knowledge and expertise in Georgia laws, we will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you.
Filing a Claim
Once we have gathered all relevant information regarding your truck accident, our team of Dublin truck accident lawyers will prepare and file your claim. This claim will detail all injuries sustained, the negligence of the other party, and will demand appropriate compensation.
Negotiations
Insurance companies often prefer to negotiate settlements outside of court, and the defendant’s insurance adjusters may attempt to reach a settlement with your lawyer before formally filing a truck accident lawsuit in Georgia.
Litigation
Our Dublin truck accident attorneys are committed to advocating for justice and maximizing compensation for our clients. In the event that a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiations with the defendant’s insurance company, our legal team is prepared to go to court to present a strong case on your behalf.
What Types of Compensation Can I Receive?
Economic Damages
Economic damages refer to the financial losses that you may have suffered as a result of a truck accident. These damages have a fixed dollar amount and may include medical expenses, such as the costs of surgery, emergency room bills, medical devices, and therapy.
They may also include lost wages, which compensates you for any cash you lost due to your inability to work, as well as lost earnings capacity. Lost earnings capacity refers to compensation for any long-lasting injuries you may have sustained that affect your future ability to earn income.
Non-economic Damages
Non-economic damages are losses that cannot be easily quantified or assigned a specific dollar amount. They are intangible losses and include:
Mental anguish: Truck accidents can leave victims emotionally and mentally traumatized, causing worry, fear, anxiety, and emotional distress.
Pain and suffering: The severity of the pain, the extent of the injuries, and the duration of the pain are factors considered in this type of compensation. All physical pain that a victim experiences should be compensated by the at-fault parties.
Punitive Damages
These damages are awarded to a victim when the court determines that the defendant’s actions were particularly egregious, malicious, or intentional. The primary purpose of punitive damages is not to compensate the victim, but rather to punish the defendant and discourage them and others from engaging in similar reckless behavior in the future.
Is There a Deadline for Filing a Claim?
It is important to note that the statute of limitations for filing a truck accident claim in Georgia is two years from the date of the accident. If you fail to file your claim within this time frame, your case may be dismissed, and you may be unable to recover compensation for your injuries and damages.
How is Fault in a Truck Accident Determined?
Determining fault in a truck accident is not always clear cut. In Georgia, the state follows an at-fault system, which means that the party responsible for causing the accident is also responsible for paying for damages. Evidence such as:
- Police reports
- Statements including those of witnesses
- Photos of the vehicles
- Weather conditions
- Photos from the scene of the accident
- Manufacturing defects
- Analyzing the driver’s logbook
Proving fault in Dublin, Georgia involves following various rules, such as demonstrating negligence by a driver, such as talking on the phone while driving, which typically places them at fault.
A driver who violates traffic laws is also usually considered at fault, and owners who fail to maintain their vehicles may be held responsible in the event of an accident. Additionally, drivers who engage in tailgating are typically found to be at fault in rear-end accidents. However, under Georgia’s comparative negligence rule, both drivers may be at fault, and the amount of compensation a person can recover is reduced based on their degree of fault.
If an individual is found to be 50% or more at fault for an accident, they may not be eligible for compensation, but they can recover a portion of the total costs if their fault is less than 50%. For example, if the other party was found to be 75% at fault, the person could recover 75% of the total costs.
Who Can be Held Liable For a Truck Accident in Dublin?
Truck Driver
Hold drivers accountable for breaking traffic laws by suing them for negligent behavior such as texting while driving or driving under the influence.
Trucking Company
You can hold a trucking company responsible for injuries caused by their poorly maintained vehicles.
Company Who Loaded the Truck
Loading companies can be held responsible for truck accidents if they ignore safety rules such as proper weight distribution on trucks. It is their responsibility to ensure that the cargo is loaded safely and does not exceed weight limits.
Vehicle or Parts Manufacturers
Truck manufacturers are responsible for installing functional parts that work properly. If a manufacturer installs faulty or defective parts, it may affect the driver’s ability to control or stop the truck in time, resulting in an accident. Premature wear and tear of some parts may also contribute to truck accidents in Dublin for which the manufacturer can be held responsible.
Review Your Claim With Our Dublin Truck Accident Lawyers
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a truck accident in Dublin, it is important to hold any responsible parties accountable. Truck accidents can result in severe injuries or even death, and it’s crucial to act within the two-year time limit to file a claim.
At our law firm, we can help you explore your legal options and recover your damages, including possible punitive damages if there was any malicious intent or fraud from the defendant. We offer free case evaluations and operate on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing until we win.
Contact us today to speak with one of our Dublin truck accident lawyers and start your truck accident claim. We are available 24/7 and are ready to provide you with the legal counsel you need.
