If you or a loved one has suffered a serious accident involving a commercial truck, you need Augusta truck accident attorneys who have the knowledge, experience, and resources to handle a trucking accident claim properly. Rest assured, the insurance and trucking company already has a team of lawyers in place. Don’t try to handle your case alone. Call (706) 863-6600 to request a free consultation with an experienced Augusta truck accident lawyer from Chris Hudson Law Group in Augusta, GA, today.
Complex Trucking Cases Require An Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer
Trucking claims litigation, especially in cases involving a tractor-trailer accident, is a highly specialized field of practice for lawyers. Other than the complexities involved with dealing with severe injury or death, there exist numerous other complications in truck accident cases, including:
- the involvement of federal regulations governing tractor-trailers,
- the potential for multiple defendants in trucking cases,
- the extensive documents and records companies who operate tractor-trailers are required to keep,
- the need to examine the vehicle’s Electronic Control Module (the “ECM”), which electronically records data such as speed and brake system operation at the time of the accident, and
- the costs associated with adequately making a claim arising from a trucking accident.
Trucking accidents often result in severe, debilitating, and permanent injuries (and, unfortunately, often deaths). A fully-loaded tractor-trailer may weigh up to 80,000 pounds (40 tons). The average weight of a passenger vehicle is roughly 4,000 pounds. Therefore, serious or deadly results often occur in a car versus truck accident.
Our firm offers tremendous experience with many different kinds of truck accident claims, and we can fight to help you obtain all of the compensation you are entitled to. Call (706) 863-6600 to schedule a free consultation.
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Why You Should Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer
A commercial truck accident can result in catastrophic or fatal injuries and massive property damage. If a driver or trucking company’s negligence harmed you, you should contact an attorney as soon as possible. When you get a truck accident attorney in Augusta involved right away, they can preserve crucial evidence that can help demonstrate that a truck driver was at fault for a crash.
You could find yourself being offered a lump sum settlement by insurance companies, and an agent may say something about how accepting the offer will allow you to keep more money for yourself. Nothing could be further from the truth as most initial settlement offers are completely lowball amounts that do not cover enormous future expenses, which people must pay out of their own pockets.
You will want to have an attorney negotiating the settlement of your case because they will have a far better understanding of what your case is worth. Your lawyer can file a lawsuit if the other side doesn’t offer an acceptable settlement offer.
Another reason to retain legal counsel concerns liability, as truck accidents frequently involve multiple liable parties. Such parties are not likely to declare their negligence, and you may miss out on another avenue for compensation if an attorney does not identify the liable party.
Read more: What NOT to Say to an Insurance Adjuster
Why Choose Chris Hudson Law Group To Handle My Case?
Christopher Hudson received the Cali Award for the highest grade in Advanced Legal Writing and the Cali Award for the highest grade in Law Practice Management while attending Mercer University, showcasing the expertise of our law firm. He has received an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, denoting the highest level of professional excellence.
Amanda S. Morris has been licensed in Georgia since 2008 and has extensive trial experience as a former Assistant Public Defender for the Augusta Judicial Circuit from 2008 until 2017.
Types of Truck Accident Cases We Handle
Commercial truck accidents can vary in severity, depending on multiple factors. No two crashes are ever the same, but some accidents are more common than others. These accidents often result in serious injuries, requiring immediate medical attention and legal representation.
Some of the most common types of truck accident cases our firm sees include:
Blind Spot Accidents
Truck drivers must deal with significant blind spots on all sides of their vehicles. Failure to adequately check blind spots could result in a devastating collision, often leading to serious injuries.
T-Bone Accidents
T-bone collisions involve one vehicle striking the side of another automobile, and commercial trucks often cause devastating injuries when they T-bone passenger vehicles.
Rear-End Accidents
Any rear-end accident involving a commercial truck is far more likely to cause severe damage than a traditional passenger vehicle fender bender.
Jackknife Accidents
These crashes involve trailers swinging out at a 90-degree angle, much like how a jackknife folds.
Wide Turn Accidents
Truck drivers often need to swing their vehicles out to perform certain turns, and such maneuvers can cause wide turn collisions when a driver is negligent.
Head-On Collisions
The chances of fatalities are much more significant when a passenger vehicle collides head-on with a commercial truck head-to-head.
Underride and Override Accidents
Underride accidents involve passenger vehicles sliding underneath trailers, while override accidents happen when a trailer runs over a car.
Rollover Accidents
A commercial truck could be at risk of rolling over, possibly multiple times, in some crashes.
Tire Blowouts
If a tire on a commercial truck fails 0r blowouts, it causes a sudden lack of control for the driver, often making avoiding accidents impossible.
Lost Load Accidents
Failure to properly secure cargo can result in it falling off a truck, possibly onto other vehicles or into roadways. These lost loads can cause further accidents.
Types of Trucks
Many different kinds of commercial trucks can also be involved in these accidents. Click to find out more if you were involved in an accident with any of the following types of trucks:
- Tanker Trucks
- Dump Trucks
- Garbage Trucks
- Tow Trucks
- Buses
- Delivery Vehicles
- Construction Vehicles
- Emergency Vehicles
You will want the help of truck accident attorneys with experience handling truck accident cases and identifying liable parties. Some parties that could be liable in these cases include truck drivers, truck owners, trucking companies, shipping agencies, and possibly other drivers.
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Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Georgia
A vital part of any truck accident case is investigating the cause and who was at fault. Truck accident lawyers can help investigate the cause and identify the liable parties to ensure you receive fair compensation.
Common causes of truck accident cases we work on include:
- Defective Parts
- Blind Spots
- Unfamiliarity with Roads
- Inclement Weather
- Overloaded Vehicles
- Unsafe Passing
- Failure to Maintain Vehicle
- Poor Road Conditions
- Inadequate Driver Training
- Driver Negligence
- Other Drivers
- Road Construction
Proving Liability in an Augusta Truck Accident
Proving liability in a truck accident can be complex and requires the expertise of an experienced Augusta truck accident attorney. To establish liability, your attorney must demonstrate that the truck driver or trucking company was negligent and that their negligence caused the accident.
Some common ways to prove liability in a truck accident include:
Driver Fatigue
If the truck driver was fatigued or failed to follow federal regulations regarding rest and driving hours, this can be used to establish liability. Driver fatigue is a significant factor in many truck accidents, and an attorney can investigate whether the driver was compliant with hours-of-service regulations.
Distracted Driving
If the truck driver was distracted while driving, such as using a cell phone or eating, this can be used to establish liability. Distracted driving is a common cause of truck accidents, and proving this can strengthen your case.
Vehicle Maintenance Issues
If the truck was not properly maintained, such as failing to replace worn-out tires or brakes, this can be used to establish liability. Trucking companies are responsible for ensuring their vehicles are in safe operating condition, and failure to do so can be grounds for a claim.
Improper Loading
If the truck was overloaded or improperly loaded, this can be used to establish liability. Improper loading can cause a truck to become unstable and lead to accidents. An experienced attorney can investigate loading practices and determine if they contributed to the crash.
By thoroughly investigating the circumstances of your truck accident, an Augusta truck accident attorney can build a strong case to prove liability and help you secure the compensation you deserve.
Georgia Truck Accident Statistics
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), 166,853 large truck crashes occurred nationwide in 2022. They caused 75,502 injuries and 5,277 fatalities. During the same year in Georgia, 6,673 large truck accidents occurred, leading to 2,912 injuries and 246 deaths.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), 4,714 people nationwide died in accidents involving large trucks in 2021. Only 16 percent were truck occupants, while 68 percent were the occupants of other vehicles. Bicyclists, motorcyclists, and pedestrians represented 15 percent of total fatalities.
In crashes involving a large truck and passenger vehicle, 756 truck occupants died, and 3,217 passenger vehicle occupants died that year.
Fatalities in large truck accidents by road type in 2021 include:
- Freeways and interstates – 1,676 deaths (36 percent)
- Minor roads – 749 deaths (16 percent)
- Other major roads – 2,282 deaths (48 percent)
Statistics for the time of day large truck collisions occurred show most fatal crashes happened between noon and 3 p.m. The percentage of deaths in accidents involving large trucks based on the time of day was:
- Midnight to 3 a.m. – 8%
- 3 a.m. to 6 a.m. – 10%
- 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. – 16%
- 9 a.m. to noon – 16%
- Noon to 3 p.m. – 18%
- 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. – 14%
- 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. – 10%
- 9 p.m. to midnight – 8%
Statistics also found the days with the most commercial truck fatalities were Wednesday and Thursday, with 36 percent of fatal truck accidents occurring on these days. In 2021, 1,695 people died in large truck accidents on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
In multi-vehicle collisions between trucks and passenger vehicles, 14,962 passenger vehicle occupants died in 2021.
The number of deaths based on where the truck crashed into the passenger car includes:
- Front – 1,662 deaths (67%)
- Side – 349686 deaths (27%)
- Rear – 106 deaths (4%)
- Other – 41 deaths (2%)
Augusta Truck Accident FAQs
A truck clipped my car on the highway, but the truck driver insists I am at fault since I was in his blind spot-will I be found liable?
Liability depends on the specific circumstances of the crash. If you followed traffic laws and the truck driver failed to check blind spots before changing lanes, he may be at fault. However, if you were speeding, changing lanes without signaling, or driving aggressively, you could be found negligent. In situations with conflicting accounts, filing a police report is crucial, as it helps clarify what happened. Insurance companies may resist paying claims in disputed cases, so consult a truck accident attorney for a thorough investigation and legal guidance.
I was recently hit by a moving truck when it ran a red light; the driver claims the brakes malfunctioned, but I’m not sure. Who is responsible for my injuries?
Liability in moving truck accidents can be complex. The driver-often not commercially licensed-may be responsible due to distraction, inexperience, or negligent driving. However, rented trucks endure heavy use and need regular maintenance. If brake failure truly caused the crash, the rental company may be liable. A careful investigation is needed to determine whether the driver or the rental company is at fault. If you’ve been injured, contact a truck accident attorney to help assess the situation and guide your next steps.
I recently suffered serious head and neck injuries in an underride accident with a truck, but since I rear-ended the trailer, is the wreck my fault?
Not necessarily. While rear-end collisions are often blamed on the trailing driver, underride accidents involve unique factors. Questions like whether the truck’s brake lights worked, if you were cut off, or if you maintained a safe distance can affect liability. Additionally, trailers must have properly maintained underride guards. If your injuries were worsened due to a faulty or missing guard, the trucking company may share responsibility. An experienced truck accident attorney can help investigate the crash and pursue compensation if trucking negligence played a role.
Can I be compensated for damage caused by a truck’s tire debris hitting my car?
Yes, but only if you can prove the tire debris came from a specific truck. Truck drivers are held to high safety standards and must maintain proper speed, tire condition, and avoid overloading. If a truck’s poorly maintained tire sheds tread that damages your vehicle or injures you, the driver or trucking company may be liable. However, identifying the exact truck responsible can be difficult, especially if the debris was already in the road. An experienced attorney can help investigate and strengthen your claim for compensation.
How long do I have to file a car accident suit in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, it’s important to act quickly to preserve evidence and begin your claim process. Some exceptions exist-if you were under 18 or mentally incompetent at the time of the crash, you may have one year from the date you reach legal age or regain competency to file. A lawsuit officially begins when you file a summons and complaint and serve the defendant within 120 days. Speak with an attorney to protect your rights.
How long will it take to resolve my truck collision case?
There’s no set timeline for resolving a truck accident claim-it depends on many factors. Serious injuries require time for full recovery, so you may need to wait until you reach maximum medical improvement to understand your total losses. A thorough investigation is also needed, which can take time, especially if the trucking company is uncooperative. Disputes over fault or difficult negotiations can cause further delays. In some cases, litigation may be necessary. While most cases settle before trial, resolution could still take months. A truck accident attorney can guide you through each step.
How can the truck’s black box help in my truck accident case?
A truck’s black box, or event data recorder (EDR), captures key data that can strengthen your accident claim. It records the truck’s speed, braking, hours driven, and performance, including maintenance and hard stops. It may also store emails between the trucker and company about fatigue or repairs. This data helps show negligence, such as speeding or violating rest rules. Because EDRs overwrite data after 30 days, acting quickly is crucial. An attorney can send a spoliation letter to preserve this evidence and may seek a court order if needed.
What evidence can I use to prove the truck driver’s fault in my truck accident?
To prove a truck driver’s negligence, you’ll need evidence like crash scene photos, police reports, and unique trucking records. Black box data can reveal speed, braking, and driving hours. Truck cameras may show distracted or reckless driving. Drug tests, driver logs, inspection and maintenance records, and internal company files can highlight violations or negligence. An accident reconstruction expert or NTSB report may also support your case. To preserve this evidence, an attorney should send a spoliation letter promptly after the crash.
I was in an accident with a truck carrying hazardous materials. What should I do now?
Accidents involving trucks carrying hazardous materials pose serious risks. These trucks may transport flammable, corrosive, radioactive, or poisonous substances. Drivers and handlers must follow strict federal and state safety regulations, including training, inspections, and proper labeling. If you’ve been exposed to hazardous materials-even without a direct crash injury-you should seek immediate medical care. Long-term health complications are possible, and the trucking company may be liable if regulations were violated. If you’ve suffered injury or property damage, consult an attorney to explore your right to compensation.
Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer from The Chris Hudson Law Group in Augusta
Did you sustain catastrophic injuries, or was your loved one killed in a truck accident in Augusta or another community in Richmond County? Augusta truck accident attorneys at Chris Hudson Law Group can help you get the justice you deserve.
Our attorneys have a long history of helping clients obtain the compensation they need and deserve.
Call (706) 863-6600 for a free consultation and case review.
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