EFFINGHAM COUNTY TRUCK ACCIDENT LAWYERS

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Truck accidents cause some of the most devastating and destructive accidents in Georgia and across the United States. A massive, fully loaded commercial truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, compared to the average passenger vehicle, which generally weighs between 2,500 and 6,000 pounds, depending on the size of the vehicle.

Unfortunately, when a passenger vehicle is involved in a truck accident, the occupants of the passenger vehicle often suffer catastrophic injuries, if they are fortunate enough to survive the crash. If you or a loved one suffered severe, life-threatening injuries in a truck accident, you may be entitled to substantial compensation by filing a personal injury lawsuit against the party responsible for causing the accident.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents?

Truck drivers are expected to follow the rules of the road and avoid unsafe driving behaviors that can jeopardize the safety of other motorists on the road. Too often, however, truck drivers engage in the following unsafe driving behaviors which can increase the risk of a devastating truck accident:

  • Drowsy Driving: This remains a serious problem in the trucking industry due to the tight delivery deadlines that truck drivers are expected to meet. While the hours of service (HOS) regulations place limitations on the number of consecutive hours a truck driver can be on duty, these regulations are not always enforced, and truck drivers continue driving without getting the sleep they need. Fatigue can affect a driver’s reaction times, coordination, and judgment.
  • Speeding: Truck drivers may also feel pressure to exceed the speed limit so they can make their deliveries on time or even ahead of schedule. This makes it even more difficult for a truck driver to slow down in time to avoid hitting another vehicle. In addition, the faster the truck driver is traveling, the greater the force of impact in the event of a collision. High-speed truck accidents are particularly devastating.
  • Distracted Driving: Any time a truck driver’s attention is distracted by a phone call, a text message, reaching for something in the cabin, or any other behavior that takes their attention away from the road can result in a serious truck accident.
  • Impaired Driving: Illegal drugs, alcohol, and even certain prescription medications cause impairments like reduced coordination, poor judgment, and slower reaction times.
  • Unsecured Loads: When a truck’s cargo is not properly loaded and secured, it can come loose or even fall out of the back of the truck. This can make it very difficult for the truck driver to maintain control of the truck. In addition, if there are other vehicles in the vicinity, this can have devastating consequences.

Where Are the Most Dangerous Highways in Georgia for Truck Accidents?

Unfortunately, truck accidents can occur anywhere if truck drivers do not obey the rules of the road and make safety a priority. However, according to a recent study that looked at fatal accidents in Georgia, there is a greater risk of truck accidents on the following roads:

  • Moreland Avenue (Georgia 42)
  • I-20
  • The Perimeter (I-285)
  • Georgia 85
  • Old National Highway (Georgia 279)

Who Are the Liable Parties in a Truck Accident?

Truck accidents are different from regular car accidents in that several parties may be responsible for the accident. In most cases, the truck driver is liable if they were speeding, distracted, driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or engaging in other unsafe driving behaviors. However, there are other parties that may be liable as well, including the following:

  • The Trucking Company: If the truck company failed to properly train the driver involved in the accident or violated state or federal regulations, they could be responsible for an employer’s negligence.
  • The Truck Manufacturer: The manufacturer may be liable if a defective part caused the truck accident.
  • Third-Party Contractors: In some cases, the company responsible for loading and securing the cargo may be liable if it was negligent in its duties and the unsecured cargo caused the accident.

Compensation for a Truck Accident in Effingham County

Truck accidents cause severe injuries ranging from broken bones and internal injuries to serious burns and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). These injuries often require extensive, ongoing medical care. The costs associated with these injuries can accumulate very quickly. You may be entitled to the following compensation after a truck accident:

  • All medical expenses associated with your injuries
  • Future medical costs
  • Lost wages if your injuries prevent you from being able to return to work
  • Loss of future earning capacity
  • Property damage
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of enjoyment of life

What if I am Partly to Blame for Causing the Truck Accident?

Georgia is a modified comparative negligence state, which means that you may still recover damages if you were partly at fault for causing the truck accident, provided your percentage of fault is less than 50 percent. For example, if you were found to be 20 percent at fault, and the total damages are $100,000, you may recover $80,000. Keep in mind, however, that if you are 50 percent or more at fault, you will be unable to recover any damages. A dedicated truck accident lawyer will protect your legal rights and negotiate the best possible settlement outcome.

Effingham County Truck Accident Lawyers at Kicklighter Law Pursue Maximum Compensation for Truck Accident Victims

If you or a loved one suffered severe injuries in a truck accident, contact the Effingham County truck accident lawyers at Kicklighter Law at your earliest convenience. We will conduct a thorough investigation, determine who is at fault for causing the accident, and assist you with every step of the claims process. Call us at 912-754-6003 or contact us online to schedule a consultation. Located in Springfield, Georgia, we serve clients in Effingham County, Savannah, and the surrounding areas.