Athens Truck Accident Lawyer

• Improperly Maintained Vehicles
• Tired or Fatigued Drivers
• Distracted Driving
• Intoxication Or Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol
• Violate safety laws, or federal regulations, such as speeding, cutting off drivers, and making incorrect turns  
• Unrealistic schedules 
• Improperly loaded or overloaded trucks 
• Unqualified drivers or lack of training 
• Dangerous weather conditions

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the most commonly cited cause of truck accidents is due to driver error. Drivers of large trucks are ten times more likely to cause trucking or auto accidents than other factors, such as weather, road conditions, and vehicle performance. The FMCSA study also examined factors that cause truck drivers to make errors such as the use of prescription and over-the-counter drugs, speeding, fatigue, inattention, distractions, work environment, and unfamiliarity of the road.   

Operating a semi-truck is a big responsibility.  Failing to operate it safely can lead to auto accidents that can cause massive amounts of damage physically and financially due to lost wages from missing work. 

If you've been in a truck wreck, you need to speak to our Tractor Trailer Accident Lawyers.  We will set up an initial consultation and answer any questions you may have about your accident with the commercial vehicle. 

We'll make sure that you'll get fair compensation from the trucking company responsible to help with the physical and financial damages you've faced. 

Thankfully, these attorneys work on what is called a Contingency Fee Basis. A Contingency Fee Basis means that you do not pay any legal fees upfront, and your attorneys only collect a fee in the form of a small percentage of your final settlement.

First, Call the Athens Police. Contacting the authorities is important to make sure that everyone who needs medical treatment gets the medical care needed, and formally documenting the accident in case you have to file a truck accident claim.

Write down the officer's name and badge number and request that you also receive a copy of any police reports documenting the tractor-trailer wreck. 

Usually, truck accidents cause more severe injuries, suffering, and property damage, leading to larger settlement amounts. Getting an accurate police report from the authorities is a crucial piece of evidence that will be used to prove fault in your accident and make sure you get the compensation you deserve.

Second, Gather Evidence. If you can, you should gather as much evidence from the scene of the accident as possible. The important pieces of evidence you should try and get include:

• Pictures of damage to all the vehicles and Injuries
• Drivers Credentials
• Police Report
• Witness Statements
• License Plate and Serial Numbers

By gathering relevant evidence, you strengthen the potential lawsuit you may have, potentially leading to a larger financial settlement.

Third, Contact our Truck Accident Law Firm. Semi-Truck Accident cases can become incredibly complex due to catastrophic injuries, damage, expenses, and the number of parties that could be held responsible.

Speaking with our Truck Accident Law Firm early on can prevent you from making any mistakes or leaving out any details that could negatively impact your case. By relying on the expertise of your legal representative, you ensure your legal rights are protected (especially if there is a wrongful death due to driver negligence) and get the maximum compensation possible

Yes.

Truck Drivers and Trucking Companies have stricter Guidelines that they must follow when operating their vehicles. These guidelines are written out in both Federal and State level mandates. If a Driver or Company is in violation of any of these guidelines, they can be fined or lose their license.

Some of the different concepts that are covered in these guidelines include:

• Hours of Service
• Securing Loads
• Weight Limit
• Maintenance Schedule
• Drug Testing
• Driver Physical Exams

If it is determined that a company or driver was in violation of any of these laws, it can mean a larger settlement when it comes to your accident injury settlement.

States have what is called a Statute of Limitations which provides a timeframe for which a legal claim must be filed after an accident.

In Georgia, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the accident. However, even though you are given a two-year window for which to act, cases are usually stronger and have larger awarded settlements the sooner they are filed.

If you have any questions about your tractor-trailer accident, contact our Truck Accident Law Firm today.  We fight for our clients and will make sure you get the maximum compensation possible.