Commercial truck accidents in Atlanta are always hazardous to everyone on the road. When the truck’s cargo spills, the dangers are even more significant. If you or a loved one were the victims of this type of accident, help is available. Our Atlanta spillage of contents accident lawyers know what to do.
If you did not cause the crash, you have rights. You can pursue compensation for your costs. However, seeking a full recovery is nearly impossible without legal help.
At John Foy & Associates, we put our 20-plus years of experience to work. We’ll help you build a strong case to fight for compensation. To discuss the details during a FREE consultation, call (404) 400-4000, or contact us online.
Injuries from Spilled Truck Contents in Atlanta
Truck spill accidents are often catastrophic. The results are exceedingly terrible if the truck had a chemical spill. Some trucks carry substances that are dangerous to humans in many ways.
Hazardous truck cargo might lead to injuries like:
- Severe or chemical burns
- Lung damage
- Carcinogen exposure
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Eyesight loss
- Digestive damage
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Disfigurement
- Broken bones
- Amputations
Chemical- or fuel-related injuries often need ongoing treatment and rehabilitation. Some truck contents are dangerous for everyone in the area, as well.
The health hazards might be both immediate and long-term. For example, some chemicals are known to cause cancer. If your accident involved spilled truck contents, you must see a doctor as soon as possible. Then, talk to a truck accident attorney.
Even if the truck’s contents were not chemically harmful, they’re still a threat. Cargo spilling onto Atlanta roads can cause multiple-vehicle accidents. When some drivers swerve to avoid the cargo, it can cause additional collisions.
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Truck Hazardous Materials Codes
Vehicles that carry chemicals must have hazardous materials markings. Large trucks must use a four-digit number demonstrating the type of material in the truck. If a truck spill accident happens, the police should view the number to know what has spilled.
If a driver or trucking company does not follow labeling guidelines, it’s negligence. The driver or company will likely be liable for injuries.
At John Foy & Associates, we know how to investigate complicated accidents. We’ll determine who was at fault and what type of cargo was involved. To talk about your case today, call us at (404) 400-4000 for a FREE consultation.
How Atlanta Spillage of Contents Accidents Happen
Every truck spill crash is slightly different. However, some of the most common causes of these accidents include:
- Driver fatigue
- Truck not filled to capacity
- Improperly-loaded cargo
- Driving losing control
- Tire blowouts
- Turning too quickly
- Speeding
- Hazardous road conditions
- Equipment defects
Many times, the driver or trucking company is at fault. Truck drivers often have strict guidelines to follow while on the clock. A driver might cut corners to meet deadlines. As a result, they make mistakes because they’re so exhausted.
If someone does not fill the truck with enough fluid materials, it can lead to sloshing. Sloshing often causes rollover accidents that lead to tanker spills or leaks. Liquid spills create slippery road surfaces that lead to severe accidents.
Improperly-loaded cargo is a widespread cause of truck accidents. Even a small difference in cargo weight can cause the truck to sway or the driver to lose control.
Determining Liability After Truck Contents Spills in Atlanta
Truck drivers have a lot of responsibility. The driver must ensure their vehicle is safe to be on the road before taking off. Unfortunately, negligence is too common.
If the driver is an independent contractor, the driver might be personally liable. Often, the trucking company is responsible for a driver’s actions on the job. In some cases, a manufacturing company might be at fault for what occurs.
To prove liability after an accident, you must show that:
- The party owed you a duty of care,
- The party breached its duty of care,
- That breached duty led to your accident, and
- You suffered injuries because of your accident.
The at-fault party in a truck accident is liable for the damages. However, trucking accidents are complicated. You’ll need help from a lawyer who can determine fault in your crash.
You’ll need to investigate your accident to know who was at fault. With truck accidents, more than one party could be liable. It’s best to contact an experienced lawyer who will help you start gathering information.
Don’t Wait to Get Started on Your Case
In Atlanta, you typically have two years from the accident date to file a case. Since truck accidents are very involved, the time to get started is now. If you miss the statute of limitations, you’ll miss any chance to seek compensation.
It’s also crucial to start now because:
- The accident scene can become lost or cleaned up.
- Witnesses might forget details of the accident.
- Your case may take longer to build than you expect.
- The insurance companies will not make the process easy.
You might first file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company for compensation. When you file a claim, the insurance company will respond. Most of the time, you’ll get a lowball settlement offer.
Do not take the first insurance offer. It’s nearly always much less than you deserve. Instead, contact a lawyer before speaking with the insurance company. Your lawyer will protect your rights and work to negotiate a fair offer.
If you cannot settle, you might need to file a lawsuit. An experienced Atlanta truck accident lawyer will help you each step of the way.
Talk to an Atlanta Spillage of Contents Accident Lawyer for Free Today
Truck content spills often have severe long-term consequences. If your or a loved one suffered injuries, don’t wait to get help. Contact John Foy & Associates to learn your options.
At John Foy & Associates, we know what it takes to win cases. With over 20 years of experience, we’re not afraid to take your case as far as necessary. We also will not charge you unless we win your compensation.
To get started with a FREE consultation, call (404) 400-4000, or contact us online.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
