Atlanta Truck Accident Liability and Your Rights to Compensation In A Claim
Truck accidents in Atlanta pose significant risks to local motorists, causing severe injuries and considerable financial costs. Multiple parties may be at fault, which creates challenges in determining liability.
If you or a loved one gets injured in a truck accident, it is vital to be aware of how these crashes typically happen and who may be held accountable. Our Atlanta truck accident lawyers explain common causes of truck accidents in our area and your rights to compensation.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Atlanta
Atlanta truck accidents can happen for many reasons, but negligence-whether on the part of the driver, trucking company, or another party-is often ultimately responsible. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), this is likely to include:
- Driver fatigue, which is common due to long hours on the road and few breaks;
- Speeding and reckless driving, especially on highways and tight turns;
- Distracted driving, including texting, eating, or using in-cab technology;
- Improper truck maintenance, such as brake failures or tire blowouts;
- Overloaded or unbalanced cargo, which increases the risk of rollovers and loss of control;
- Adverse weather conditions, which make it harder to stop or maneuver a large truck.
These factors can lead to devastating crashes, including multi-vehicle pileups, jackknife accidents, underride collisions, and rollovers. Knowing what caused a truck accident in Atlanta is key to determining liability and seeking compensation.
Who Is Liable For Your Losses In An Atlanta Truck Accident Claim?
One of the first challenges in Atlanta truck accident cases is determining who is negligent and, therefore, liable for your losses. Under the Georgia Code, multiple parties may be at fault, depending on the exact cause of the accident:
- The truck driver: If the driver was speeding, driving under the influence, distracted, or violating federal trucking regulations, they may be personally responsible for the crash.
- The trucking company: Companies that set unrealistic deadlines, fail to train employees properly, or neglect truck maintenance can be held liable for accidents.
- The cargo loading company: If improperly loaded or unsecured cargo shifts and causes an accident, the company that loaded the truck may be partly responsible.
- Truck manufacturers and parts suppliers: Defective brakes, steering systems, or tires can cause catastrophic crashes for which manufacturers or parts suppliers are liable.
- Maintenance providers: Mechanics may be at fault if improper inspections or repairs contributed to the crash.
- Other drivers: Reckless motorists who contribute to truck accidents may share liability for losses.
For Trusted Legal Representation, Contact Our Atlanta Truck Accident Lawyers
Truck accidents in Atlanta can result in serious, life-changing injuries. As they often occur due to negligence on the part of multiple parties, determining liability is a challenge and can impact your rights to compensation.
At Shiver Hamilton, LLC, we provide the trusted legal representation you need to make the maximum recovery in a claim. Our office serves clients in Savannah, St. Simons Island, Alpharetta, Decatur, Johns Creek, Jonesboro, Marietta, Roswell, Sandy Springs, and all of DeKalb, Fulton, and Gwinnett Counties. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our Atlanta truck accident lawyers.
Sources:
fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/data-and-statistics/large-truck-and-bus-crash-facts
advance.lexis.com/documentpage/
