Atlanta Truck Accident Lawyer

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, commercial trucks and 18-wheelers often weigh 20-30 times more than a passenger car and are taller with a greater ground clearance that leaves the occupants of smaller vehicles susceptible to extremely serious injuries or even death in a motor vehicle accident.

If you’ve been injured in an accident with a commercial truck, you may be eligible for compensation. An Atlanta truck accident attorney may be able to help. At The Champion Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.C., we can navigate the legal system, handle the trucking company, protect you from their large insurance companies, and pursue the maximum amount possible. Call, text, or chat for a free consultation.

Why Choose Our Atlanta Truck Crash Attorneys?

Compared to passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles are much more likely to leave you seriously injured in a crash. Traumatic brain injuries, spinal damage, and permanent disability are all common outcomes. That’s why you need to work with a personal injury law firm that isn’t afraid to go up against large trucking firms and their insurers to get results. When you work with us, you benefit from the following:

• Exceptional Client Service: At The Champion Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.C., we strive to prioritize our clients’ needs. Our goal is to alleviate your stress and allow you to focus on your health and loved ones. You can count on us to keep you informed with regular case updates and promptly respond to your phone calls or emails. We treat our clients with compassion and respect, recognizing the importance of their situation.
• Extensive Truck Accident Experience: We are well-versed in truck accident cases and have a proficient legal team with wide-ranging knowledge of federal and state trucking regulations, as well as Georgia liability, negligence, and insurance laws. Our track record of recovering millions for truck accident victims is a testament to our skill and dedication.
• We Handle Everything: From evidence gathering to witness statements and insurance claims, and medical documents, we manage the numerous details and deadlines required to secure the compensation you deserve.
• We Provide Peace of Mind: Although many cases are resolved through settlement, we are always ready to fight for your best interests and obtain a favorable outcome. We do everything possible to ensure that our clients receive the best result possible. We prepare every case as if it could go to trial. Most truck accident firms are too quick to settle, but our lawyers ensure your case is as strong as possible and that dedicated professionals are doing all they can to get you the compensation you deserve.

In one case, our Atlanta truck accident lawyers secured a $1.3 million settlement for a client who suffered catastrophic back injuries in a tractor-trailer accident. Although every case is different and no outcome is guaranteed, we always take the same dedicated approach: never settling for less than the full value of your personal injury claim. We also take truck accident cases on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t owe attorney fees if we don’t win.

Who Pays Your Bills After a Truck Accident in Atlanta?

After a truck accident, you may have a lot of medical bills and no way to pay them. You could also miss weeks and even months of work, which hurts your financial situation even more. While insurance may cover part of the financial aftermath of being in a wreck, identifying the party who caused the crash is the first step toward recovering financial compensation.

The problem is that tractor trailer accident cases are usually more complicated than passenger car claims. These vehicles are usually owned, maintained, and operated by several different entities, and each one has different legal responsibilities. Your personal injury claim may involve one or several of the following parties, depending on how the crash occurred.

• Truck Driver: The truck driver may be liable if they broke the law or acted carelessly behind the wheel. Common violations include driver fatigue, speeding, tailgating, texting while driving, or staying on the road past their federally regulated hours of service. If the driver was impaired, distracted, or simply driving too aggressively for traffic or road conditions, they could be held responsible for your injuries and financial losses.
• Trucking Company: The trucking company that employed or contracted the driver may also be liable. Companies are required to hire qualified drivers, provide proper training, and comply with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations. If they hired someone with a history of traffic violations, failed to monitor logbooks or maintenance schedules, skipped drug testing, or allowed big rigs with safety issues to remain in service, the company may share responsibility for your accident.
• Truck Manufacturer: The truck manufacturer or parts manufacturer could be held accountable if a mechanical failure contributed to the crash. This may include brake failure, steering issues, tire blowouts, or electrical system defects. Product liability claims typically require expert analysis to trace the failure back to a design flaw, manufacturing defect, or known safety issue that was never addressed.
• Loading Company: The loading or freight handling company may be at fault if the cargo wasn’t properly secured or distributed. Overloading, unbalanced loads, or failing to follow securement protocols can all affect how a truck handles on the road. A sudden shift in weight can cause a rollover, jackknife, or spill that harms other drivers. If a third party was responsible for the load, they could be liable for the crash.
• Other Drivers: Other drivers may be involved as well. In some collisions, another motorist’s poor decisions can create a chain reaction that causes the truck to hit your vehicle. For example, a sudden lane change, failure to yield, or dangerous passing maneuver can leave the truck driver without enough time or space to react. If another driver contributed to the wreck, your attorney may pursue claims against both the truck-related parties and the other motorist’s insurance.
• Government Entities: Government entities could also be liable if the tractor trailer crash was caused by unsafe road conditions or poor traffic management. That includes malfunctioning traffic signals, broken pavement, missing signage, or poorly marked construction zones. Claims against a city, county, or state agency follow different procedures and deadlines, so you need to act quickly if government negligence played a role.
• Third-Party Contractors: Third-party maintenance contractors may be responsible when poor inspection or repair work causes the truck to malfunction. If a maintenance company failed to replace worn-out brake pads, ignored fluid leaks, or didn’t follow proper inspection procedures, they could be held liable. These failures can lead to preventable crashes that injure innocent drivers and passengers.

When you work with a personal injury law firm that handles commercial truck cases, they can gather the evidence needed to hold all responsible parties accountable and help you seek the fair compensation you need.

Truck Accident Claims, Lawsuits & Compensation

While every truck accident case is unique, if you or a loved one are injured, you may have various legal options available to secure compensation for your damages and losses.

In any truck accident case, it is important to seek the advice of knowledgeable truck accident attorneys who can help you navigate the legal process and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. An attorney can investigate the accident, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance providers, consult with accident reconstructions and other experts, and represent you in court if necessary.

• File an Insurance Claim: If the truck driver was at fault for the accident, you can file an insurance claim with the truck driver’s insurance company to seek compensation for your damages. If you were partially at fault for the accident, your compensation may be reduced proportionally to your degree of fault.
• File a Personal Injury Lawsuit: If the insurance company denies your claim or offers inadequate compensation, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the truck driver or trucking company. One advantage of a truck accident lawsuit is that a lawsuit can help you uncover additional evidence that may be under the truck company’s control through the discovery phase.
• File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit: If a loved one was killed in a truck accident, you may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the truck driver or trucking company to seek compensation for your losses, including funeral expenses, lost income, and other damages.

What Is Your Atlanta Truck Accident Case Worth?

The value of a truck crash and your resulting injuries depend on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the amount of property damage, and the at-fault party’s liability. Generally, the more extensive your injuries, the higher your damages, and therefore a potentially larger settlement.

After a truck accident, you may be able to recover your:

• Medical expenses (Current bills and future treatment)
• Lost income (Lost wages and lost earning potential)
• Property damage (To your vehicle or personal items)
• Pain and suffering (The physical and emotional stress you endured)
• Funeral expenses (If your loved one died in a fatal crash)

How Our Truck Accident Attorneys Maximize Compensation

Truck accidents can be devastating, with some injuries requiring considerable or even life-long care if you’re fortunate enough to survive. This level of care and treatment can be incredibly expensive, and it’s important to note that a truck accident settlement is final, so it’s vital to ensure the outcome covers everything.

With our experience and prior success in Atlanta truck accident cases, The Champion Firm maximizes the value of your personal injury claim by:

• Investigating your accident and collecting evidence such as photos, traffic camera footage, police reports, truck accident reconstruction reports, inspection logs, witness statements, and medical records.
• Identifying all the parties involved. In addition to filing a claim with the truck driver’s insurance company, lawyers may identify other sources of compensation such as the trucking company’s insurance, the manufacturer of the truck or its parts, or any other parties that may be liable for the accident.
• Fully evaluating your damages. Our personal injury lawyers will assess the damages you suffered, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any other losses resulting from the accident. But we will also consider how an accident will impact the rest of your life, what you can earn going forward, and how your life has permanently changed.
• Negotiating with the insurance company or the other party’s legal team to get the best possible settlement. We’ll use our knowledge of the law and the facts of the case to negotiate for a fair and just compensation.

If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, our Georgia truck accident lawyers may file a lawsuit on your behalf and present a strong case in court.

Overall, maximizing compensation after a truck accident requires a thorough understanding of the law, attention to detail, and the ability to negotiate. Let us explain how the Champion Firm can help in a free, no-risk consultation.

How Do Atlanta Truck Crashes Happen?

There are many factors that can contribute to truck accidents in the Metro Atlanta area, but some of the most common causes are:

• Truck Driver Error: Truck drivers may cause accidents due to fatigue, distraction, speeding, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or simply making a mistake behind the wheel.
• Hours of Service Violations: Many truck accidents are caused by truck drivers and companies who violate federal hours of service regulations. These regulations limit the number of hours that truck drivers can work and require them to take breaks and rest periods to prevent fatigue-related accidents.
• Poor Vehicle Maintenance: Trucks require regular maintenance to ensure that they are safe to operate. Neglecting maintenance can lead to mechanical failures, such as brake failure, tire blowouts, or steering problems, which can cause accidents.
• Improper Loading: When cargo is not loaded properly, it can shift during transport and cause the truck to become unbalanced, increasing the risk of a rollover or jackknife accident.
• Bad Weather: Poor weather conditions, such as heavy rain, snow, or fog, can make it difficult for truck drivers to see the road ahead and control their vehicle, increasing the risk of an accident.
• Road Conditions: Poorly maintained roads, construction zones, and other hazards can create dangerous driving conditions for truck drivers.
• Inexperienced or Improperly Trained Drivers: Truck drivers need to have specialized training and experience to safely operate their vehicles. Inexperienced or improperly trained drivers may not know how to handle difficult driving situations, increasing the risk of an accident.
• Overloading: Overloading a truck can cause it to become unstable and difficult to control, increasing the risk of a rollover or other accident that leads to cargo loss and severe injury.
• Defective Equipment: If a truck or its parts are defective, they can malfunction and cause an accident.

Types of Atlanta Truck Crashes

Truck accidents happen under a wide range of circumstances. They include:

• Rear-End Truck Collisions: These accidents occur when a commercial truck strikes the rear of a vehicle traveling ahead. Due to their long stopping distances, large trucks are especially dangerous when operators follow too closely or fail to react to changing traffic patterns. Even low-speed rear-end collisions can result in extensive damage and traumatic injuries due to the truck’s weight and force of impact.
• Jackknife Truck Accidents: A jackknife happens when the trailer of a semi-truck swings out at an angle from the cab, often forming an L or V shape across multiple lanes. This loss of control is typically caused by abrupt braking, inclement weather, or improperly balanced cargo. Once a trailer jackknifes, the driver is no longer able to steer or stop the vehicle. 
• Rollover Truck Accidents: A rollover occurs when a truck tips onto its side or roof, typically as a result of excessive speed during turns, sharp steering maneuvers, or unevenly distributed cargo. These crashes are usually violent and can trap nearby drivers, block roadways, or result in secondary collisions with oncoming traffic.
• Underride Accidents: Underride collisions happen when a smaller vehicle crashes into the back or side of a commercial truck and slides underneath the trailer. Contributing factors include inadequate underride guards, poor visibility, and a lack of reflective markings or proper lighting on the trailer.
• Head-On Collisions: These high-impact collisions take place when a truck crosses into oncoming traffic or travels the wrong direction, resulting in a direct collision with another vehicle. Given the massive weight of a commercial truck, the force of impact in head-on crashes is often fatal for occupants of the smaller vehicle.
• T-Bone Accidents: Also known as side-impact collisions, T-bone accidents occur when the front of a truck strikes the side of another vehicle, usually at intersections.The side of a vehicle offers little protection, making these collisions especially dangerous for passengers seated on the impacted side.
• Lost Load Accidents: When cargo is not properly loaded or secured, it can shift during transit or fall from the trailer onto the roadway. This creates serious hazards for nearby drivers who may be struck by debris or forced to swerve into other lanes to avoid it. Lost load incidents are often linked to improper training, failure to follow load securement regulations, or exceeding the trailer’s weight capacity.
• Brake Failure Accidents: Brake system failure in a commercial truck can make it impossible for the driver to reduce speed or stop in time to avoid a collision.When trucks operate without properly functioning brakes, especially on inclines or in stop-and-go traffic, the risk of serious collisions increases substantially.
• Truck Tire Blowouts: Tire blowouts may cause the driver to lose control of the truck or veer into adjacent lanes without warning. In addition to the immediate risk of collision, tire fragments can become airborne hazards for other vehicles, increasing the likelihood of secondary crashes.
• Wide Turn Truck Accidents: These collisions occur when a truck swings into adjacent lanes while attempting to complete a wide turn, usually at intersections or narrow roadways. Pedestrians and cyclists may also be at risk if the driver fails to monitor blind spots while turning.

Typical Truck Accident Injuries

Truck crashes in Metro Atlanta can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor bruises and cuts to severe, life-altering injuries. Here are some of the most common injuries after a serious truck wreck:

• Head and Brain Injuries: Head injuries can range from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), which can result in long-term disability or even death. These injuries can be caused by a blow to the head or whiplash from the force of the accident.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Spinal cord injuries can result in paralysis or loss of sensation and movement below the site of the injury. These catastrophic injuries can be caused by the impact of the accident or by debris or objects penetrating the spinal cord.
• Back Injuries: Back injuries can range from muscle strains and sprains to herniated discs and fractured vertebrae. These injuries can result in chronic pain and may require surgery.
• Neck Injuries: Neck injuries, including whiplash, can be caused by the sudden jolting motion of the accident. These injuries can result in chronic pain and limited mobility.
• Broken Bones: Fractures and broken bones can be caused by the impact of the accident or being crushed by the weight of the truck or cargo.
• Internal Injuries: Internal injuries, including organ damage and internal bleeding, can be caused by the force of the accident or by objects penetrating the body.
• Burns: Burns can be caused by fires or explosions that occur during the accident or by contact with hot surfaces or fluids.
• Psychological Trauma: The emotional trauma of a serious truck accident can be just as debilitating as physical injuries. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression are common psychological injuries that may require ongoing treatment.
• Wrongful Death: Tragically, far too many people lose their lives in avoidable truck accidents due to the considerable physical trauma involved in a major collision.

These injuries can have a significant impact on a victim’s life, causing physical, emotional, and financial hardship. Victims of truck accidents and the loved ones left behind after a fatal truck crash may be entitled to compensation for their injuries, including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Therefore, you should always consult an experienced Atlanta truck accident lawyer.

Schedule a Free Consultation with an Atlanta Truck Accident Attorney

Many truck accident lawyers in Atlanta, including those at The Champion Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.C., offer a free consultation and case evaluation for prospective clients. This will be a time for you to ask the attorney questions as well as to share the details of your case with him or her. As free consultations tend to be relatively brief, it is important to go to the meeting prepared.

Here are some things to keep in mind as you get ready for your consultation:

• Bring all the documents you have relating to your case, including a copy of the accident report, medical bills, medical documents relating to your prognosis, the names and contact information from any witnesses, any information you have gathered about the driver of the truck and the company he or she works for, photos of the accident scene, and photos of the damage to your vehicle.
• Be sure to bring a notepad and paper so that you can take notes as the attorney answers your questions. Remember to also bring the list of questions you have for the attorney.
• Be honest with the attorney during your consultation and answer the questions that he or she has for you to the best of your ability.
• There will be documents to sign. Be sure to read all these documents carefully. If you have questions about the information in the documents, be sure to ask all the questions and have them answered to your satisfaction before signing.

During your free consultation, ask the truck accident attorney if they’ve handled cases involving similar accidents and injuries. Ask them the types of results they have obtained in those cases. While every case is unique, a personal injury lawyer who has handled a case with similar issues as yours can apply that experience to your case to help you get the best possible result.

Frequently Asked Atlanta Truck Accident Questions

Call Our Atlanta Truck Accident Lawyers Today

If you've been injured in an accident involving a semi, 18-wheeler, box truck, or any commercial vehicle in Metro Atlanta, we can help. Contact The Champion Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.C. and speak with our attorneys today at 404-596-8044 by phone, text, or chat. We don't charge upfront fees unless we win.