Atlanta Truck Accident Lawyers

What Should I Do After a Truck Accident in Atlanta?

Acting right from the beginning is essential. Follow these steps to set yourself up for the best chance at a successful claim:

• Call 911 to report the accident to the Atlanta Police Department and request emergency assistance if needed.
• Get medical attention, even if you feel fine, as some injuries may not show symptoms right away.
• Document the scene by taking photos and videos of vehicle damage, road conditions, skid marks, and any visible injuries.
• Exchange contact and insurance information with the truck driver and collect details from any witnesses.
• Avoid admitting fault at all costs to insurance companies before consulting a lawyer.
• Contact our truck accident attorneys to review your case and protect your rights.

Thompson Law is ready to support you every step of the way. Call us today to get a free consultation and focus on your recovery.

Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Truck accidents in Atlanta often happen because of careless or unsafe behavior. Common causes include:

• Fatigued driving, as truckers sometimes push past legal driving limits, leads to slower reactions and poor judgment.
• Distracted driving, including using phones, GPS, or eating while behind the wheel, which diverts attention from the road.
• Speeding, especially on highways like the I-5 or 405, increases the risk of severe crashes.
• Improperly loaded cargo, where uneven or unsecured loads can cause tipping or loss of control.
• Mechanical issues, such as brake failures, tire blowouts, or poor maintenance, can lead to dangerous accidents.
• Inexperienced drivers may struggle to navigate busy streets and freeway systems.
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs the ability to focus and react quickly.

If you’ve been hurt in a truck accident caused by any of these factors, our lawyers will thoroughly investigate your case and work to secure the compensation you deserve.

Common Truck Accident Injuries

Trucks tend to carry 20-30 times more than cars and take as much as two football fields to come to a complete stop, which can increase the potential of injuries and provoke a specific kind of common injury, such as:

• Traumatic brain injuries, with impacts to the head, cause concussions, memory loss, or lasting cognitive challenges.
• Spinal cord injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis, significantly affecting mobility and independence.
• Internal injuries, such as organ damage or internal bleeding from the force of the collision, can be life-threatening.
• Burn injuries caused by fires or chemical spills often require skin grafts and intensive medical treatment.
• Psychological trauma, including PTSD, anxiety, and emotional distress, are common after serious truck accidents.
• Amputations, where the severity of the crash leads to traumatic limb loss, permanently altering the victim’s life.
• Broken bones and joint injuries, including fractures in the limbs or ribs, often require surgery and lengthy recovery.

Were you a victim of a truck accident? Our team is dedicated to helping you secure compensation for medical care, rehabilitation, and any long-term support you may need.

Trucking Incident Statistics in Atlanta

In 2023, Atlanta reported 85 truck accidents in the metropolitan area, 60 of which resulted in injuries! This means that more than 50% of all Atlanta trucking incidents result in some sort of injury.

However, the most common areas for fatal truck accidents do not even happen in the metropolitan area—rural roads and Interstate highways get around 61% of all incidents.

If you have fallen victim to one of these incidents, don’t hesitate to contact us to get the proper assistance you need.

High-Risk Highways for Truck Accidents in Atlanta

Atlanta’s busy roadways, particularly major highways and interstates, present a heightened risk of truck accidents. Some of the most accident-prone areas include:

• I-285: This heavily congested highway, known as the “Perimeter,” is a notorious hotspot for truck accidents due to heavy traffic and high speeds.
• I-75: A major trucking route, I-75 experiences a significant number of truck accidents attributed to driver fatigue, speeding, and mechanical failures.
• I-20: This interstate, a crucial route for commercial vehicles traversing Atlanta, also has a high incidence of truck accidents.

Determining Liability After a Truck Accident

Determining liability after a truck accident can be hard. Unlike typical car accidents, these accidents often involve multiple potential parties, and faults can become hard to discern. To truly find out, let’s look at the common parties involved.

• The Truck Driver: Driver error is a leading cause of truck accidents. Negligent or reckless driving behaviors, such as speeding, distracted driving, or driving under the influence, can lead to collisions.
• Vicarious Liability: Federal law generally holds trucking companies responsible for the actions of their drivers.
• The Trucking Company: Trucking companies can be held liable for accidents resulting from driver negligence, inadequate driver training, poorly maintained trucks, or equipment malfunctions. Companies are legally obligated to ensure the safe operation of their vehicles.
• Third-Party Drivers: Other drivers on the road can contribute to truck accidents. For example, a car suddenly cutting off a truck may cause a chain reaction collision. In such cases, the third-party driver may share liability.

Remember that each case is unique, and an investigation needs to be conducted to identify all responsible parties and hold them accountable.

How to Prove Negligence After a Truck Wreck?

Proving negligence is critical to obtaining the compensation you deserve. Without proper legal guidance, critical details might be overlooked. Our Atlanta truck accident lawyers review each piece of evidence to build a strong case that will speak for you.

These are the key elements of negligence:

• Duty of care. Truck drivers and trucking companies have a legal obligation to operate safely, follow traffic laws, and comply with federal regulations to protect others on the road.
• Breach of duty. We demonstrate that the responsible party, such as the driver or trucking company, failed to meet this obligation. Examples include reckless driving, speeding, neglecting safety rules, or inadequate vehicle maintenance.
• Causation. Our team connects the negligent actions directly to the accident, proving that this failure caused your injuries and losses.
• Damages. We document the full extent of your physical, emotional, and financial damages through evidence like medical records, bills, lost wages, and details of how the accident has impacted your daily life.

How Can Our Truck Accident Attorneys in Atlanta Help?

At Thompson Law, our lawyers are equipped with the experience to handle the most challenging cases. We are committed to thoroughly investigating your accident to uncover the facts and identify the responsible parties.

Our team carefully gathers and analyzes the following evidence to build a stronger case.

• Eyewitness accounts
• Official police report
• Your detailed account of the accident
• Testimony from accident reconstruction and industry experts
• Medical records and treatment documentation
• Surveillance or dashcam footage
• Photos and videos of the crash site
• Truck maintenance logs and driver records

Let us advocate for the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Why Choose Thompson Law?

Choosing the right legal team for your truck accident case is crucial to achieving the best outcome. At Thompson Law, we are dedicated to providing outstanding service, support, and results for truck accident victims.

• No Fees Unless We Win – We don’t ask you to pay anything upfront. In fact, we only get paid if we win your case and recover compensation for you.
• Proven Success – With over $1.9 billion recovered for our clients, we have the expertise to win your case.
• Quick and Easy Process – Contact us from your smartphone or computer, and we’ll begin working on your case right away.
• Available 24/7 – We know accidents can happen at any time. Our team is available around the clock to provide the support you need when you need it.
• Personalized Care – Every client is important to us. We provide compassionate, respectful service and keep you informed throughout your case.
• Bilingual Assistance – Everyone deserves justice. Our bilingual team makes sure that Spanish-speaking clients have access to our lawyers.

Whether investigating the accident, negotiating with insurance companies, or preparing for trial, we handle every aspect of your case. Focus on what truly matters: your health and recovery.

Call us today for a free consultation, and let our Atlanta truck accident lawyers fight for the justice and compensation you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much are most truck accident settlements in Atlanta?

Truck accident settlements in Atlanta can vary widely but typically range from $43,000 to $75,000. For cases involving severe injuries like spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, or wrongful death, settlements can exceed $1 million.

What are typical lawyer fees for a truck accident case?

We operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no upfront fees. We only get paid if we win your case and recover compensation for you.

How much time do truck accident settlements take in Atlanta?

Like everything, it depends. Cases involving minor injuries tend to settle quickly. In contrast, more serious cases with disputes over fault or severe injuries can take 12 to 24 months or longer, particularly if they go to trial.

What are the responsibilities of a driver after an accident?

Following an accident, drivers have several legal obligations:

• Check for injuries and call 911 for medical assistance if needed.
• Stop immediately and remain at the scene.
• Exchange information with other parties, including names, contact details, driver’s license numbers, and insurance information.
• Report the accident to law enforcement.
• Avoid admitting fault and only provide necessary details to police officers.

Why are truck accidents different from car accidents?

Truck accidents are more complicated than standard car accidents due to several factors, such as the size and weight of trucks, the federal trucking regulations governing driver hours, and the parties involved.

Settlements are often higher because injuries and property damage are typically more extensive.