Fuel trucks pass through Alpharetta daily. While most of these vehicles get to their destination safely, accidents can sometimes happen. Serious injuries or deaths from fuel truck accidents are more common than people realize.
Fuel trucks carry gas and other liquids that can be hazardous in an accident. The fuel might catch fire or cause an explosion upon impact. Smoke or chemicals can release into the air, causing illness to those around. If you or a loved one were injured in this type of crash, call an Alpharetta fuel truck accident lawyer.
John Foy & Associates has over 20 years of experience helping truck accident victims. We know how to handle these complicated cases and fight for your rights.
To learn more during a FREE no-obligation consultation, call (404) 400-4000. You can also fill out our online contact form.
Our Alpharetta truck accident lawyer can review what happened and explain your possible next steps.
Don’t Wait to Take Legal Action
A fuel truck accident is overwhelming for everyone involved. You probably have painful injuries and other stresses. A legal case is probably the last thing you want to think about. But it’s best to contact a lawyer as soon as possible because:
- Injuries can change or worsen quickly
- The accident scene and other physical evidence can disappear
- Witness memories can fade
- There is a legal deadline for filing a claim
If someone else was at fault for your accident, you have rights. You might deserve financial compensation for your injury costs. If so, you can file an insurance claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company.
The statute of limitations in Georgia is two years, as stated under the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) §9-3-33. In some cases, you have even less time. If you wait too long to build your case, you might be unable to seek any compensation.
The Dangers of Fuel Truck Accidents
Fuel trucks are designed to hold fuel or natural gases safely. These trucks can range from small to enormous, and they carry fuel over long distances. If a truck gets into an accident, many things can go wrong.
A collision can cause fuel to spill from a fuel truck at any time. Gas might flow onto the road, causing burns or traffic pile-ups. The truck itself can roll over, jackknife, or cause obstructions on the road. The impact can lead to explosions or large fires.
Common Injuries from Fuel Truck Crashes
Fuel truck accidents are some of the most serious collisions. The size, weight, and contents of these trucks can lead to life-threatening injuries.
Common injuries from a fuel truck accident include:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Severe burns
- Smoke inhalation
- Broken bones
- Nerve damage
- Loss of limb
Most truck accident injuries happen to passenger vehicle occupants. Other drivers and passengers tend to suffer injuries more often than truck drivers. However, truck drivers can still get hurt in this type of accident. Pedestrians, bicyclists, or motorcyclists can also become victims.
Tragically, fuel truck accidents often result in deaths. If a loved one died in this type of accident, you might have a wrongful death claim.
Talk to an experienced lawyer today about your compensation rights. John Foy & Associates will give you a FREE consultation, and there is no charge unless we win your case. Call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online to get started.
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Who’s At Fault for a Fuel Truck Accident
Before you can have a valid case, you must know who was at fault for your accident. In Georgia, the negligent party is liable for the damages.
Depending on the details, the at-fault party could be:
- The fuel truck driver
- The driver’s employer
- The company that owns the fuel truck
- A truck manufacturer
- A maintenance company
Your lawyer will need to investigate how the accident happened. They can trace back whose actions led to the crash and your injuries.
The responsible party is usually the driver or their employer. Some fuel truck drivers are independent contractors, not employees. Their work status might determine who is liable for the damages from an accident.
In some cases, poor maintenance or defective truck parts can cause an accident. These are details to consider when determining who is at fault.
Driver Negligence in Fuel Truck Accidents
Truck drivers often have strict and stressful schedules. Trucking companies set deadlines that are often difficult to meet. Plus, federal guidelines can cause a conflict between employer expectations and healthy boundaries.
Drivers or trucking companies might cut corners, even if the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations should prevent it. This can lead to unsafe actions like:
- Driving under the influence
- Drowsy driving
- Speeding
- Failure to yield
- Swerving
- Unsafe lane changes
Fuel truck accidents can also happen if someone improperly loads the fuel. Poorly-loaded cargo is a dangerous cause of truck crashes. Not filling the tank enough can also lead to sloshing, which can cause a driver to lose control of the vehicle.
Recoverable Damages After a Fuel Tank Accident
You can seek financial recovery from whoever caused your accident. The first step is usually to file a personal injury claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company.
Trucking companies often carry extensive insurance policies for accidents. However, that doesn’t mean it will be easy to get what you deserve. Large insurance companies will fight hard to protect their money.
Before filing a claim, make sure you know your total accident damages. Common fuel truck accident damages include:
- Doctor bills, medication costs, and other medical care expenses
- Lost wages from missing work time
- Loss of earning capacity
- Vehicle repairs or replacement
- Other property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Knowing your damages will determine the type of settlement you deserve. That includes any future treatment costs you might have. It’s best to contact a lawyer today who can calculate your damages and fight for your rights.
Talk to an Alpharetta Fuel Truck Accident Lawyer Today
Fuel truck accidents are often devastating. If you or a loved one were victims, the losses can be great. However, you do not have to handle the legal side of things alone.
We’re here for you at John Foy & Associates. As one of Georgia’s largest law firms with 20-plus years of experience, we know what it takes to win cases. You also don’t pay us until we win you compensation.
Call us at (404) 400-4000 to get started with a FREE consultation. You can also fill out our online contact form.
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