Atlanta, GA, is one of the most congested cities in the country. One of the major contributors to this traffic congestion is truck traffic. Commercial trucks of all types, including semis, delivery vans, and box trucks, are necessary to meet Atlanta’s needs.
Trucking companies are often liable for truck accidents. An Atlanta truck accident lawyer from Rafi Law Firm can stand up to trucking companies and their insurers on behalf of accident victims to fight for fair injury compensation.
If you have been in a truck accident, contact us today at (404) 800-9933 to schedule a free consultation.
How Rafi Law Firm Can Help After A Truck Accident In Atlanta, GA
At Rafi Law Firm, our Atlanta personal injury lawyers can provide the following legal assistance when you suffer an injury in a truck accident caused by a truck driver or a trucking company’s negligence:
- Talk to you about your injuries and the legal options we can pursue
- Investigate your case and collect evidence to support your claims
- Prepare a claim for the at-fault driver’s insurer and fight for a settlement
- Sue the at-fault driver if their insurer denies liability for your injuries
Our attorneys have over 50 years of combined legal experience. We have represented over 3,500 clients and recovered more than $200 million in settlements and court awards for them.
A truck accident in Atlanta, Georgia, often results in disabling injuries and substantial financial and quality-of-life losses. Contact our Atlanta truck accident attorneys to arrange a complimentary consultation.
Types Of Atlanta Truck Accidents
You can classify a truck accident in many ways, including its type, location, or cause. Some types of truck accidents are more common than others.
Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions happen when a truck rams the rear of the vehicle ahead of it. Large trucks have a much longer braking distance than a lighter automobile traveling at the same speed. At 65 miles per hour, a semi-truck might need over 300 feet more space than an automobile to stop.
As a result, truck drivers must maintain a greater distance than automobile drivers. When drivers tailgate or speed, they might not have enough time or space to stop. Trucks can also suffer brake failures that prevent them from stopping.
Intersection Crashes
Trucks may have more difficulty navigating intersections than smaller vehicles. They may swing wide on turns, sideswiping vehicles in adjacent lanes.
Drivers may also accelerate to try to beat a yellow light. However, since they have a longer braking distance, the driver might not be able to stop if the light changes or a vehicle ahead of them stops.
Rollover Accidents
Rollover accidents happen when the center of gravity of a truck shifts outside of its wheel track. This can happen in heavy winds that tip the trailer. Rollovers can also result from driving errors. A driver might swerve too violently when turning. They might also overcorrect when they drift out of their lane. Additionally, a loose or unbalanced load may cause or contribute to a rollover.
The truck may roll over onto another vehicle. It may also roll onto the road, obstructing traffic and causing vehicle collisions.
Lost-Load Accidents
Lost-load accidents can occur when a load falls onto another vehicle or onto the road. The sudden change in weight and weight distribution can cause the truck to move unpredictably. The driver may lose control of the truck and collide with other vehicles.
Additionally, the load itself can damage other vehicles. Drivers may hit the fallen cargo or swerve into other vehicles attempting to avoid it.
Jackknife Accidents
Jackknife accidents happen when a truck’s trailer swings outward at an angle to the cab. As the trailer moves across adjacent lanes, it can strike multiple vehicles or block a large portion of the roadway.
These crashes may occur when a truck driver brakes suddenly, loses traction, or loses control of the trailer. Speed, slippery roads, and improper braking can also contribute to a jackknife accident. Because the trailer can sweep across several lanes, nearby motorists may have little time or space to avoid a collision.
Liability For Truck Collisions Under Georgia Law
Negligence typically determines liability in truck accident cases in Georgia. If a truck driver engages in unreasonably risky behaviors, like tailgating or speeding, a jury could find them negligent.
An employer can be liable for their employee’s conduct when they were acting within the scope of their employment. Thus, a trucking company may be liable when a truck driver is an employee.
Additionally, the trucking company may be liable for negligence in maintaining or loading trucks. Even if the company did not load the trailer, it may be liable for failing to inspect the load.
Contact Our Atlanta Truck Accident Lawyers For A Free Consultation
Trucking companies and their sureties and insurers frequently fight truck crash claims. With over 50 years of combined experience and more than $200 million recovered, our legal team has a proven track record of success. Reach out to Rafi Law Firm for a free consultation with an Atlanta truck accident attorney.
Visit Our Truck Accident Law Office in Atlanta, GA
Rafi Law Firm – Atlanta
1776 Peachtree St NW UNIT 423, Atlanta, GA 30309
(404) 800-9933
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