Overloaded trucks are hazards on Sandy Springs roads. Unfortunately, overweight vehicles are more common than they should be. If you were injured in an accident from an oversized load, you might have costly medical bills, missed work time, and much more.
A Sandy Springs oversized loads accident lawyer can help you hold the responsible party liable. One or more parties could be at fault for the injuries and damages you have. As a result, you might deserve full compensation for your costs.
John Foy & Associates has been helping accident victims for over 20 years. If you or a loved one were hurt in a crash, we know how to fight for what you deserve. To learn more during a free consultation, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
Oversized Loads and Truck Accidents
Semi-trucks and tractor-trailers carry loads across the county and state lines. If someone overloads a truck, it’s incredibly risky. Large trucks are already more top-heavy than other vehicles. If a truck has overweight cargo, it’s even more hazardous.
Oversized loads can lead to issues like:
- Shifting cargo
- Loss of vehicle control
- Fallen materials
- Slower stop times
- Worn down brakes
If a truck crashes, the damage can be even worse with an oversized load. If the cargo falls into the road, it can injure nearby drivers or pedestrians. Shifting loads can also lead to rollover accidents that affect multiple vehicles.
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Damages from an Oversized Load Crash
Someone injured in an oversized loads accident might deserve compensation for damages like:
- Doctor and hospital bills
- Prescription medications
- Lost income
- Lost earning capacity
- Vehicle repairs
- Pain and suffering
- Future medical treatment
Large truck accidents often lead to severe injuries and costs. If you were a victim, it’s important to know your total damages. For example, you might need ongoing medical treatment for an injury or disability.
Talk to a Sandy Springs oversized loads accident lawyer about your economic and non-economic damages. Before filing a claim for compensation, you’ll need to know all of your losses. Otherwise, you could end up paying out-of-pocket for expenses you didn’t cause.
To discuss what you deserve with an experienced lawyer, contact John Foy & Associates for a free consultation. Call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online today.
Load Regulations in Georgia
Georgia has regulations on how much a commercial vehicle can weigh. According to the Georgia Department of Public Safety (DPS), vehicle manufacturers must use a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). This rating accounts for the weight of:
- The vehicle
- Cargo
- Fuel and other fluids
- Driver and passengers
Trucking companies must also follow specific rules when securing loads. An improperly-secured load can lead to a serious accident like an oversized load.
Who’s Responsible for an Oversized Load Accident
If you were hurt in an oversized load accident, you’ll need to know who is at fault. The details of your accident will determine who is responsible. The liable party could be:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- A shipping or loading company
- A government agency
- A third-party driver
Even if an overweight load contributed to the accident, other parties could be partly at fault. For example, another driver’s negligence or unsafe road conditions could also lead to the crash.
It’s vital to investigate the accident. If an oversized load might have caused the accident, talk to a lawyer immediately. An experienced lawyer can help gather information about the truck’s load and how it contributed to the crash.
A lawyer can help investigate details like:
- Work logs for the truck driver
- The driver’s work schedule
- The police accident report
- County and city laws on weight restrictions
- Pictures from the accident scene
An overloaded or oversized load can lead to a dangerous situation. If you or a loved one were injured, you have rights. Talk to a lawyer today about how you can seek compensation.
Documenting the Accident
After an accident, be sure to call 9-1-1 to report it. You must report any accident in Georgia with injuries, deaths, or over $500 in property damage. After calling the police, there are other ways you can document the crash.
If you can, gather evidence from the scene like:
- Pictures of your injuries and vehicle damage
- Photos of the entire accident scene
- Names and contact information for witnesses
- All driver(s) contact and insurance information
If anyone has life-threatening injuries, call 9-1-1 for an ambulance. Don’t wait to get treatment. If you don’t need treatment at the scene, see a doctor as soon as possible. Waiting to get medical attention will just hurt your case.
When officers arrive at the scene, they will investigate the crash. If they don’t look into the truck’s load, talk to a lawyer. You might need to gather your own evidence to show what happened. Evidence from the scene will help show that the truck was overweight.
An experienced attorney can call on experts to help show what occurred. They can also compile copies of your medical records and other documents. The investigation stage can take a lot of time, so don’t wait to consult with a lawyer.
Talk to a Sandy Springs Oversized Loads Accident Lawyer
An oversized load accident can be incredibly severe—and even deadly. Too many people have lost their lives because of a driver’s or trucking company’s mistakes. If you or a loved one were injured in this type of accident, it’s important to know your rights.
At John Foy & Associates, we can help you build a strong personal injury claim for what you deserve. If a loved one died in the accident, you might also have a wrongful death case. We’ll look at the details of your accident and determine your best legal options.
Our lawyers only work on contingency, which means:
- You don’t pay a thing unless we win you money.
- There are no upfront fees to get started.
- We’ll review your case for free.
The goal is to “make you whole” as fully as possible through financial recovery. To learn more about how we can help during a free consultation, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to take your call.
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