Bigger Vehicles Bring Bigger Problems

ATHENS, GEORGIA TRUCK ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS

GET THE COMPENSATION YOU DESERVE FOR YOUR 18 WHEELER OR TRACTOR TRAILER WRECK.

The National Traffic Safety Board (NTSB) reports that there is an average of 23,000 truck accidents every year in the United States. A large number of these collisions result in serious injuries or fatalities. 18 wheeler tractor trailer wrecks aren’t just big car wrecks. When an 80,000 pound tractor-trailer collides with a 5,000 pound car the force equation likely means the injuries are worse. Often these wrecks are not just “carelessness,” but sleep deprived drivers in violation of federal hour or safety regulations. These violations can be the result of trucking companies putting profit over safety.

The ATHENS, GEORGIA TRUCK ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS at Norris Law

In fact, the NTSB reports that 30-40% of documented crashes with a tractor trailer are due to driver fatigue. Those numbers are most likely even higher as police reports tend to not include this information. Other accident causes are distracted driving, mechanical failure, and human error; tractor trailers have much more force behind them when compared to a car, so they are not able to stop as quickly. Sometimes drivers may misjudge distance and cause a crash. This can be due to impairment from exhaustion. Reaction times become much slower the more tired someone becomes.

Truck Accident Injuries

Specific injuries from truck accidents vary depending on circumstances and type of accident. A driver in a car may suffer head trauma, facial fractures, internal bleeding, or serious back injuries from a collision. More minor injuries would include road rash and minor spinal cord trauma. If you’ve been in an accident with an 18-wheeler, you may be more likely to experience serious crush injuries due to your vehicle having sustained significant damage. Regardless of how you were injured or what type of crash caused it, talk to someone about your injury — you may have a right to compensation beyond what your insurer offers.

It is important to remember that your injuries may not always be physical. You can suffer mental trauma as well such as depression, anxiety, and even PTSD from an accident. This sort of trauma may also be compensated for with help from a lawyer. Any injuries sustained in an accident are important to address as medical bills can pile up for something you did not cause. That’s why it is important to contact an attorney immediately after an accident.

Time is of the essence in a truck wreck case and you need an attorney quickly before the evidence helpful to your case gets destroyed. Sometimes trucking companies would rather destroy the records than let them see the light of day in a courtroom. Delay allows the companies to destroy records and escape accountability. Let the Attorneys at Norris Law fight for you and your family.

What We Do

At Norris Law, we know that car accidents can have serious and lasting effects on victims and their families. We will manage every step of your case so you can focus on your recovery and not worry about other details. You’ll be in good hands with us, as our team has years of combined experience handling cases just like yours. Our lawyers are dedicated to helping you get fair compensation for your injuries and damages.

We will work on compiling evidence for your case as quickly as possible to ensure that all evidence is safe and preserved. We’ll also make sure you have a strong claim against any liable parties, such as truck drivers or manufacturers of defective parts. If necessary, we’ll file a lawsuit in court to help you get what you deserve from those who caused your accident. Car accidents are serious events that can result in serious injuries, but there are many things you can do after an accident to protect yourself legally and financially — most importantly is to contact a lawyer as soon as possible after your accident.

A truck accident lawyer in Athens, Georgia from Norris Law is there to help you through each step of your case, from gathering evidence to bringing a lawsuit. There are several different roles that a lawyer can play in a trucking accident case. First, a lawyer will find out if you have a valid claim by investigating whether or not fault lies with another party. A trucking accident attorney can also offer legal advice, including guidance on how much compensation to seek, and they will communicate with your insurance company and any involved parties on your behalf. Finally, in some cases, you may need an attorney present at mediation or arbitration meetings where damage amounts are discussed and decided upon. Your lawyer will inform you of any upcoming meetings so that you can make arrangements to attend as necessary.

If you, or someone you know, has been involved in a truck accident, reach out to truck accident lawyers in Athens, GA at Norris Law immediately!

What causes truck accidents?

There are many contributing factors that can cause a truck accident, as our Athens, Georgia truck accident lawyers have uncovered. Some examples where a truck driver or the trucking company may be liable for the accident include driving while fatigued, distracted driving, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, failing to drive properly based on road and weather conditions, driving recklessly or speeding, negligent hiring by trucking company, failing to train drivers adequately, failing to enforce break periods, and more. Our team at Norris Injury Law can investigate further to uncover all the contributing factors of the accident.

Why do truck drivers drive fatigued?

Truck drivers are often put under a strict schedule and feel the pressure to meet the demands that their employer is requiring of them. Commercial trucks do carry produce and materials that we need all across the country. But despite their contribution, many trucking companies are just focused on getting the delivery to the destination as quickly as possible. As a result, a trucker may miss out on much needed rest or drive too long behind the wheel, and then become seriously fatigued where an accident is more likely to happen.

How can I prevent being in a truck accident?

There are some things that car drivers can do to help reduce the chances of being in an accident with a large commercial truck. As our Athens truck accident lawyers suggest, it’s always a good idea to drive defensively, keep your attention on the road at all times, remain safely within speed limits, and allow a truck as much space as they need. Never tailgate behind a truck, and do not change lanes closely in front of them, as the trucker may not have enough time or space to halt if a sudden change or road conditions were to occur.

Are there types of compensation am I eligible for?

There are many different types of damages that you may be eligible for if you are in an accident with a commercial truck and the trucker was mostly at-fault. Examples of damages you may receive include repayment for property damage, loss of earnings, medical bills, pain and suffering, disability, loss of enjoyment of life, and more. Depending on the factors of the accident, there may be more than one party who is liable. For instance, the truck driver may have been speeding at the time of the collision, but the brakes may have needed replacing, which means the party responsible for truck maintenance could share liability.  

When is the right time to have a lawyer help me?

If you were involved in a commercial truck accident, then the time to contact a lawyer is right now. The more time that you wait, the less evidence that will be readily available. Additionally, do not accept a settlement offer from an insurance company, as this amount is likely to be only a fraction of what your total losses are. By hiring a legal team shortly after the truck accident, you can have your best interest protected from the start. Our Athens truck accident lawyers from Norris Injury Law are ready to come to your aid.

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"Blaine is one of the most knowledgeable and caring professionals I have ever met. He has been very helpful to me and several of our clients. I would highly recommend Blaine and his firm."
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TRUCK ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS

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