Cargo trucks and other commercial vehicles in Alpharetta can be incredibly dangerous. When a large truck crashes into another car or truck, the results can be disastrous. Victims of truck accidents often suffer severe or fatal injuries and other damages.
If you or a loved one were victims of this type of crash, contact an Alpharetta cargo truck accident lawyer. You might deserve financial compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and more. An experienced lawyer can help.
At John Foy & Associates, we have 20-plus years of experience helping accident victims. Our team knows how to fight for the maximum recovery you deserve. You also don’t pay us unless we win you money.
To get a FREE consultation, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
Common Injuries from Cargo Truck Accidents
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), large trucks weigh 20-30 times more than passenger vehicles. That’s why most cargo truck accident deaths involve people in passenger vehicles.
Severe injuries are more widespread in cargo truck accidents. The weight, size, and cargo on these trucks increase the risk of life-threatening damage.
Cargo truck accident injuries often include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Broken legs, collarbones, ribs, or other bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Neck and shoulder injuries
- Back injuries
- Loss of limb
- Internal organ damage
- Injuries that lead to death
Some injuries worsen with time. A victim might not realize the full damage until hours or days later. This is why it’s vital to get medical attention as soon as possible. A doctor will help you understand the full extent of your injuries. He or she will also create a record of treatment that you’ll need for your claim.
Commercial truck accidents are some of the most deadly crashes. If you lost a loved one, you might have a wrongful death claim. Talk to a lawyer about seeking compensation after this type of accident.
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Liability in a Cargo Truck Accident
Everyone in Alpharetta has a duty of care to avoid causing harm. If someone is not careful, they are negligent. And when someone’s negligence leads to an accident, that person is liable for the costs.
Cargo truck accidents are more complicated than most collisions. When two cars collide, the at-fault driver’s insurance company should pay for the injured driver’s medical and other costs.
But when a cargo truck crashes, the truck driver might not be fully liable. The at-fault parties could include:
- The driver operating the truck
- The trucking company that employs the driver
- The maintenance company that worked on the truck
- The manufacturer of the truck’s parts
According to the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) §51-12-33, more than one party can be liable for an accident. For example, the trucking company might be responsible if the trucker is an employee. Even if the driver is a contractor, the company might provide liability insurance to cover the accident.
Truck defects or poor maintenance might also contribute to a crash. Since multiple parties could be liable, it’s important to investigate the accident. You’ll need to know who was at fault and where to seek compensation.
Our Alpharetta cargo truck accident lawyers can help determine the cause of your accident. We also know how to build a strong claim for the recovery you deserve. To learn more during a FREE consultation, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
How Cargo Truck Accidents Happen
Truck drivers are often under a lot of pressure. Companies try to move cargo from one place to another as quickly as possible. This might lead to tight deadlines that encourage unsafe practices.
Trucking companies should allow regular breaks for drivers. They must also follow federal regulations established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) as to how long drivers can be on the clock. However, industry pressures might lead drivers or companies to cut corners. This can easily lead to serious or deadly accidents.
Examples of truck driver negligence:
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Unsafe lane changes
- Failure to yield
- Tailgating
- Reckless or aggressive driving
- Distracted driving
If you believe a driver’s actions caused your accident, talk to a lawyer. Your attorney can gather evidence to show the driver’s negligence. If the trucking company or another party is at fault, your lawyer can help compile the right information.
Cargo trucks often carry hazardous materials. If someone fails to load or secure the cargo properly, the contents might spill out. Poorly-secured cargo can also cause the driver to lose control of the truck.
Damages You Can Recover from a Cargo Truck Accident
If someone else caused your accident, you have rights. You can seek compensation for your damages. Personal injury damages include:
- Doctor and hospital bills
- Prescription medications
- Future medical expenses
- Physical therapy or rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Vehicle repairs or replacement
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
Unfortunately, you cannot automatically receive compensation for an accident. There is a process, including building a strong insurance claim. You’ll need to gather evidence from the scene and of your damages.
Talk to an experienced lawyer about how the accident has affected you. They can help calculate your total damages, including emotional losses. For example, the accident might decrease your enjoyment of life or lead to mental anguish.
If a loved one died, you might have a wrongful death claim. A lawyer can help you seek compensation for funeral costs and more. Money cannot undo what happened, but it can help your family cover costs and start to heal.
Talk to an Alpharetta Cargo Truck Accident Lawyer Today
Cargo truck accidents are often severe, costly, and tragic. If you were injured or lost a loved one, you’re not alone. You also don’t have to handle the legal side of things alone.
At John Foy & Associates, we’ll handle the details while you focus on healing. There is also no risk for you to get started with us. The consultation is free, and you don’t pay at all unless we win you money.
To discuss your rights during a FREE consultation, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
