If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in Atlanta, you need a skilled Atlanta truck accident lawyer to fight for your rights. Atlanta, a thriving hub for commerce and transportation, sees thousands of commercial trucks navigating its highways daily, including I-75, I-85, and I-285.
According to the Georgia Department of Transportation, large truck accidents contribute significantly to the state’s traffic fatalities each year. These collisions often result from the stark size and weight disparity between massive trucks and smaller passenger vehicles, making them far more dangerous than typical car accidents.
Even with safety features like seatbelts and airbags, smaller vehicles provide little protection against a semi-truck, leaving victims vulnerable to severe, life-altering injuries.
The consequences can be overwhelming: months of pain and medical treatment, unpaid bills due to lost wages, and sometimes permanent disability or even death. That’s where Ali Awad, the CEO Lawyer, comes in.
With over a decade of experience in personal injury law, he specializes in truck accident cases and leads a firm with a proven track record of holding negligent drivers and companies accountable. Ali Awad is dedicated to helping his clients recover the compensation they need to rebuild their lives, tirelessly pursuing fair settlements for their injuries.
As a seasoned truck collision attorney, Ali brings extensive experience and a proven track record to every case, ensuring that victims of truck accidents receive the justice they deserve.
For expert help, contact the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm for a no-obligation consultation.
Call (404) 777-4741 or reach out online to discuss your options and take the first step toward justice.
What Can an Atlanta Truck Accident Attorney Do for You?
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in Atlanta, you’re likely facing a challenging road to recovery. Medical bills are piling up, you may be unable to work, and the physical and emotional pain can be overwhelming.
During this difficult time, an Atlanta truck accident attorney can be your strongest ally.
They will take on the burden of investigating the accident, determining who was at fault, and building a strong case on your behalf. With their expertise in federal and Georgia-specific trucking laws and regulations, they can uncover violations that may have contributed to the crash, such as driver fatigue from exceeding hours-of-service limits or improper vehicle maintenance.
Dealing with insurance companies can be intimidating, especially when adjusters try to downplay your injuries or shift blame onto you to reduce payouts. A skilled truck wreck lawyer will handle all communications with insurance adjusters, shielding you from tactics designed to minimize your claim and fighting relentlessly for the compensation you are owed.
Truck accident cases can be complex, often involving multiple parties such as the truck driver, the trucking company, cargo loaders, or even manufacturers if a defect contributed to the crash. Your attorney will navigate these complexities, identifying all liable parties and pursuing claims against them to maximize your recovery.
Time is critical in these cases, as Georgia imposes strict deadlines for filing lawsuits: two years for personal injury claims, four years for property damage, and two years for wrongful death from the date of death. Your attorney will ensure your case is filed promptly, preserving your right to seek justice.
By partnering with an Atlanta truck accident attorney from the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm, you can focus on healing while they fight tirelessly for the compensation you need to rebuild your life. We offer free, no-obligation consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless they win your case, allowing you to access top-tier legal help without added financial stress.
Common Types of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents can have devastating consequences, including severe injuries, fatalities, and significant property damage. Understanding the different types of truck accidents and their causes is essential for promoting road safety and preventing future incidents.
Below, we explore six common types of truck accidents, detailing what they are, why they occur, and their potential impacts.
Sideswipe Accidents
Sideswipe accidents happen when a truck collides with the side of another vehicle. These incidents are frequently caused by blind spots or unsafe lane changes.
Trucks have large blind spots on both sides, making it challenging for drivers to see nearby vehicles. If a driver changes lanes without properly checking these areas, they risk sideswiping another vehicle.
To avoid such accidents, truck drivers should rely on mirrors, use turn signals, and ensure their blind spots are clear before maneuvering.
Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions occur when a truck strikes the vehicle in front of it. These accidents often stem from inadequate stopping distances or driver inattention.
Due to their size and weight, trucks require more time and distance to come to a complete stop compared to smaller vehicles. If a driver follows too closely or is distracted—perhaps by a phone or fatigue—they may not stop in time to avoid a crash.
Maintaining a safe following distance and staying focused on the road are critical prevention measures.
Rollover Accidents
Rollover accidents involve a truck tipping over onto its side or roof. They can be triggered by high speeds, abrupt maneuvers, or uneven loads.
Taking a turn too quickly or swerving suddenly can destabilize a truck, causing it to roll over. Similarly, improperly secured or unevenly distributed cargo can shift during transit, increasing the risk.
Drivers can reduce rollover risks by managing their speed, avoiding sharp turns, and ensuring cargo is loaded securely and evenly.
Head-On Collisions
Head-on collisions take place when a truck crashes into another vehicle front-first. These accidents are particularly dangerous, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities due to the immense force of impact.
Common causes include driver fatigue, impaired driving, or crossing into oncoming traffic. Given a truck’s massive size, the consequences are catastrophic.
Prevention relies on drivers being well-rested, sober, and strictly adhering to traffic rules to stay in their lanes.
Jackknife Accidents
Jackknife accidents occur when a truck’s trailer swings out to form a 90-degree angle with the cab. This typically happens due to sudden braking or slippery roads.
When a driver brakes hard, the trailer’s momentum can cause it to skid sideways, especially on wet or icy surfaces. These accidents can block multiple lanes and endanger other drivers.
To prevent jackknifing, truck drivers should brake gradually and exercise extra caution in adverse weather conditions.
T-Bone Collisions
T-bone collisions involve a truck striking the side of another vehicle, most commonly at intersections. These crashes often lead to significant damage and injuries and are caused by running red lights, failing to yield, or misjudging traffic speeds.
The perpendicular impact can crumple smaller vehicles, making T-bone accidents especially hazardous. Prevention requires all drivers—truck operators and motorists alike—to obey traffic signals, yield appropriately, and remain vigilant at crossings.
Types of Trucks Involved in Accidents
The size and weight of large trucks relative to other vehicles mean their very presence can make them significant road hazards. Different designs of trucks, by their nature, tend to be prone to specific kinds of accidents.
Semi-Trucks
Tractor trailers, more colloquially known as semi-trucks, are 18-wheeled vehicles that are often the largest vehicles on highways. They are easily recognizable by single cab units attached to cargo trailers designed for hauling heavy loads over long distances.
Though designed for safety, their size and profile make them vulnerable to:
- Jackknife Accidents: These are accidents where the mass of a trailer causes it to swing to the side, usually due to braking or slippery roads.
- Rollover Accidents: These tend to occur during sharp turns when cargo shifts, upsetting the trailer’s balance.
- Rear-End Collisions: Extremely limited field of view increases the risk that truck drivers misjudge the distance between them and any vehicles behind them. Alternatively, their momentum can increase stopping distances, causing them to collide with vehicles ahead.
Commercial Trucks
While technically a broad category rather than a specific type of vehicle, commercial trucks including box trucks, flatbeds, and refrigerated vans share common characteristics in terms of their purpose and operation that make them susceptible to accidents. Driver fatigue, load-related issues, and maneuverability challenges all increase the risk of getting into accidents.
Delivery Trucks
Delivery trucks, such as FedEx trucks and Amazon trucks, are commonly used for transporting packages and goods directly to businesses and residences. These vehicles are typically smaller than semi-trucks but still pose unique risks due to their frequent stops, tight delivery schedules, and operation in urban or residential areas.
Their design and usage make them prone to:
- Stop-and-Go Accidents: Frequent braking and starting in traffic can lead to rear-end collisions, especially if following vehicles don’t anticipate sudden stops.
- Pedestrian Incidents: Operating in populated areas increases the risk of striking pedestrians or cyclists, particularly when visibility is limited.
- Side-Impact Collisions: Narrow streets and frequent turns can result in side-swiping accidents with other vehicles or stationary objects.
Garbage Trucks
Waste collection vehicles are heavy-duty trucks designed to collect and transport municipal waste. Their frequent stops, large size, and specialized equipment make them prone to specific types of accidents, particularly in residential and urban areas.
Construction Vehicles
Unlike other large vehicles, dump trucks and cement mixers present hazards to road users even when stationary due to the operating conditions in and around construction sites.
Specific Laws About Commercial Trucks
Georgia, as a state with significant commercial trucking activity, relies on both state laws and federal regulations to ensure safety on its roads. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets national standards, but Georgia has its own statutes that either mirror these or add specific requirements, particularly for intrastate operations.
The Georgia Code, particularly Titles 40 and 46, governs motor vehicles and transportation, with relevant sections authorizing the adoption of federal rules or setting state-specific mandates.
Limits on the number of hours truckers can drive each day
Truck drivers also aren’t supposed to drive if they are too tired or ill, but sometimes these rules get ignored. Unfortunately, tired drivers are three times more likely to be in a crash than those who aren’t tired.
When truckers drive while overtired, the risks to others on the road can be very high. For this reason, truck drivers are required to keep a logbook of how many hours they drive each day.
Those hauling cargo should not drive for more than 11 consecutive hours or be on duty for more than 14 consecutive hours, following an off-duty period of at least ten consecutive hours. This is managed under Georgia Code Section 40-14-12, which empowers the commissioner of public safety to enforce these rules.
Regular Inspections
Regular inspections of brakes, tires, steering, and other parts are required through the same adoption of federal regulations, again under Georgia Code Section 40-14-12. This ensures trucks are maintained safely, though companies sometimes pressure drivers to skip inspections, risking accidents.
Commercial License Requirements
Commercial truck drivers need to have a commercial license, with specific requirements outlined in Georgia Code Sections 40-5-131 to 40-5-133.
Depending on the kind of truck they will be driving, they may or may not need to be certified for that specific vehicle. For example, some trucking jobs require HAZMAT certification if the driver is hauling certain volatile materials.
Liability Insurance
For intrastate operations, Georgia Code Section 40-9-82(d) mandates minimum liability insurance of $100,000 per person/$300,000 per accident for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage. For interstate operations, Georgia Code Section 46-7-22 requires insurance aligning with federal minimums, ranging from $750,000 to $5,000,000 based on cargo type, which is higher than non-commercial vehicle requirements.
Alcohol Consumption
Truckers cannot drink alcohol while on duty, prohibited under Georgia Code Section 40-6-391 for DUI and Georgia Code Section 40-5-134 for CDL disqualification. Additionally, Georgia Code Section 40-14-12 adopts federal rules banning alcohol use during duty.
Cargo Distribution and Securing
Safe cargo handling is ensured under Georgia Code Section 40-8-71, requiring vehicles to be maintained safely, and Georgia Code Section 40-8-72, allowing inspections for proper loading, aligning with federal standards to prevent accidents from shifting loads.
Causes of Large Truck Accidents
Many factors might contribute to commercial truck accidents. Every crash is different, and if you are trying to get to the bottom of what happened, your best option is to consult an Atlanta truck accident attorney.
They can go through the police report and evidence from the scene and help you figure out who was likely at fault. In many cases, the truck driver is mostly or entirely at fault due to the additional regulations placed on those who drive commercial vehicles.
Here are some common situations we see that lead to truck crashes:
- Distracted Driving: Just like with passenger vehicles, driving a truck while distracted – by a phone, a hairdo, a GPS unit, or anything else that takes your eyes and attention off the road – is a serious problem. But when commercial trucks collide with smaller vehicles, the situation is even more dangerous for the occupants of the passenger car.
- Tired Driving: As we mentioned earlier, regulations require commercial drivers to stop after a certain number of hours and track their hours. Unfortunately, sometimes these logs aren’t always accurate.
- Not Accounting for Road or Weather Conditions: Truckers need to be very careful in wet or icy conditions or if they spot any hazards in the roadway.
- Impaired Driving: This is always a bad idea, but when combined with the weight of a commercial truck, it can be even more deadly.
- Speeding and/or Reckless Driving: You’re probably familiar with maintaining a safe stopping distance while driving in a passenger car. Something to remember about commercial trucks is that it takes even longer to stop them due to their weight.
Most of the above issues are mistakes on the truck driver’s part. However, we talked a little about the company’s role that hires the driver. Often they also contribute to or cause accidents through errors such as:
- Negligent Hiring: Most trucking companies run thorough background checks and MVR record checks and perform a drug test before hiring a driver. Unfortunately, some smaller companies may have lower standards for hiring.
- Improperly Training Drivers: This is another potential issue with the trucking company. If they fail to provide up-to-date training for all drivers, they may be liable.
- Poor or No Truck Maintenance: Truck drivers are supposed to inspect their trucks for issues regularly. Still, it’s usually up to the company to fix these (except in some situations where the driver is an owner/operator).
- Not Observing or Enforcing Hourly Limits for Truck Drivers: Again, this can be a problem, especially with manual logs. Often a company representative is supposed to audit the logs.
- Unrealistic Expectations: As we mentioned earlier, sometimes truck drivers don’t want to falsify logs or work longer hours than required by law. However, the trucking company may put them in an impossible position, insisting they deliver a load in a specific time frame that can’t realistically be accomplished while also following federal regulations limiting driving hours (Keep in mind that drivers also shouldn’t speed).
Avoiding Large Truck Accidents
While many accidents are due to the truck driver or trucking company’s negligence, there are a few things you can do to reduce your risk of being struck by a commercial vehicle. Pay attention to your driving, obey the speed limit, and drive defensively.
Remember the longer stopping distance for larger vehicles, and add more space between you and a large truck if they are in front of or behind you. If you have to pass a tractor-trailer, doing so on the left side gives the driver a better chance of seeing you than passing on the right.
What Should You Do After a Truck Accident?
As with any accident, you should call 911 to report the accident and request an ambulance if needed. If you’re able, move your car out of the roadway and try to take pictures of the damage.
There’s a high likelihood that the trucking company’s insurance adjuster will be very eager to talk to you. In some situations, they even show up at the scene of an accident. They’re hoping you’ll say something they can use to paint the accident as your fault.
Under Georgia’s comparative negligence laws, if they successfully convince a jury you were at least partly at fault, that will reduce the damages they have to pay. If they can convince the jury you were at least 49 percent at fault, they won’t have to pay anything.
Additionally, they may want to make you an offer that isn’t nearly high enough to cover all your damages (which you probably won’t be able to calculate yet, anyway).
The best thing you can do is refuse to talk to the insurance company until you’ve spoken with an Atlanta trucking accident attorney. If they show up at the scene, tell them you have too many things to deal with right now and will get back to them.
Do not answer any of their questions until you’ve had a chance to speak with a qualified Atlanta personal injury lawyer.
Common Truck Accident Injuries
Due to the nature of these crashes, injuries can be severe. The truck’s weight may crumple a small car, leaving the occupants trapped inside until help arrives.
Lacerations from broken glass, broken bones, spinal cord injuries, other internal injuries, and concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are common injuries. These can be financially devastating, as the medical bills may be very high, and you may be out of work for quite some time.
Permanent disability and inability to return to work are also possible.
Recoverable Damages in Truck Accident Cases
If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, you’re likely facing a range of challenges—physical, emotional, and financial. The aftermath of such a devastating event can leave you with mounting medical bills, lost income, and a long road to recovery.
Fortunately, you may be entitled to compensation, known as “damages,” to help you rebuild your life and cover the losses you’ve suffered. These damages are designed to address both the tangible and intangible impacts of the accident.
While every case is unique, below are the most common types of recoverable damages in truck accident cases.
Medical Expenses
Truck accidents often result in severe injuries requiring extensive medical care. You can seek compensation for both your current and future medical expenses, including:
- Hospital stays and emergency room visits
- Surgeries and specialized treatments
- Medications and medical equipment (e.g., wheelchairs, prosthetics)
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Ongoing care, such as in-home nursing or future surgeries
If your injuries require long-term or lifelong treatment, these costs should be factored into your claim. A dedicated truck crash attorney will work closely with you to assess the full extent of your losses, both economic and non-economic, and pursue every avenue to secure the maximum recovery possible.
Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity
If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages—the income you’ve missed while recovering. Beyond that, if your injuries impact your ability to work in the future, you can also claim damages for loss of earning capacity.
This applies if your job options are limited or you can no longer earn at the same level as before the accident. This type of compensation ensures your financial stability is protected, even if you can’t return to your previous career or work full-time.
Pain and Suffering, Mental Distress, and Emotional Anguish
The effects of a truck accident go beyond physical injuries—they can leave deep emotional scars. Compensation for pain and suffering, mental distress, and emotional anguish addresses these non-financial losses, such as:
- Physical pain and discomfort
- Emotional trauma, including anxiety, depression, or PTSD
- Loss of enjoyment of life, if you can no longer participate in activities you once loved
While these damages are harder to quantify than medical bills or lost wages, they are a critical part of your recovery. A skilled attorney can help ensure the full extent of your suffering is recognized and fairly compensated.
Loss of Consortium
A serious injury doesn’t just affect you—it can also strain your relationships, especially with your spouse or partner. Loss of consortium refers to the loss of companionship, affection, and intimacy caused by your injuries.
If the accident has diminished your ability to maintain a normal relationship, your partner may be entitled to compensation for this loss. This acknowledges the broader impact of your injuries on your loved ones.
Property Damage and Necessary Vehicle Modifications
Truck accidents often cause significant damage to your vehicle, and you can seek compensation for:
- The cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle
- Any necessary modifications to your vehicle or home due to your injuries (e.g., wheelchair ramps, modified controls)
These damages ensure you’re not left paying out of pocket for the destruction caused by the accident or the adaptations needed to accommodate your new circumstances.
The Statute of Limitations for Atlanta Truck Accident Cases
Understanding the legal time limits for filing claims is critical. These time limits, known as statutes of limitations, determine how long you have to initiate a lawsuit for various types of claims stemming from the accident.
Missing these deadlines can mean losing your right to seek compensation.
Filing Deadlines in Georgia
In Georgia, the statutes of limitations for truck accident claims vary depending on the type of claim. Here’s a clear breakdown:
- Personal Injury Claims: For injuries sustained in a truck accident, such as medical expenses, pain and suffering, or lost wages, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. This deadline starts ticking on the day the accident occurs, so prompt action is essential.
- Property Damage Claims: If your vehicle or other personal property is damaged in a truck accident, the statute of limitations is four years from the date of the damage. This longer timeframe gives you additional flexibility to assess and pursue compensation for property losses compared to injury claims.
- Wrongful Death Claims: When a truck accident results in a fatality, the statute of limitations for a wrongful death lawsuit is two years from the date of death. Notably, this period begins on the date the person passes away, which may differ from the accident date if death occurs later due to injuries sustained.
To put Georgia’s deadlines into context, here’s how they stack up against the statutes of limitations in California, Texas, and New York:
- Georgia: 2 years from the date of the accident
- California: 2 years from the date of injury
- Texas: 2 years from the date of injury
- New York: 3 years from the date of injury
Georgia aligns with California and Texas with a two-year limit for personal injury claims but offers less time than New York’s three-year window.
While these timeframes provide a general guide, certain circumstances can alter the statute of limitations. For instance, if the injured party is a minor or the accident involves a government entity, special rules might extend or shorten the filing period.
Additionally, the “discovery rule” could apply in rare cases where injuries or damages aren’t immediately apparent, potentially delaying the start of the clock.
Given these potential variations, it’s wise to seek legal counsel soon after a truck accident. A qualified attorney can assess your specific situation and ensure your claim is filed within the correct timeframe, though this information is not tied to any specific law firm.
Secure Your Compensation With Our Atlanta Truck Accident Law Firm
If a situation like this happens, you may feel overwhelmed. Attorney Ali Awad, the CEO Lawyer, is here to stand up for your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Don’t accept lowball offers from an insurance company eager to pay as little as possible. Arm yourself with the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm’s team of Atlanta truck accident lawyers and get the legal representation you need to acquire a fair amount of damages for your injuries.
Contact us online or call (404) 777-4741 today.
Atlanta Truck Accident FAQ
Below are answers to frequently asked questions about truck accidents in Atlanta, Georgia. Whether you’re seeking guidance on immediate steps, liability, compensation, or legal processes, this section offers clear, actionable insights tailored to your needs.
What should I do immediately after a truck accident in Atlanta?
After a truck accident in Atlanta, ensure your safety first by moving to a secure spot if possible, then call 911. Seek medical attention for any injuries, document the scene with photos (vehicles, damage, injuries), and exchange insurance details with the truck driver without discussing fault.
Contact a truck accident lawyer quickly to safeguard your rights.
How do I prove the truck driver was at fault for the accident?
Use evidence like police reports, witness accounts, dashcam footage, and truck black box data. A lawyer can help compile this to demonstrate negligence.
How much compensation can I receive after a truck accident?
The amount you can get varies depending on the case, but generally, compensation reflects medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. Severe cases yield higher amounts.
How do insurance companies handle truck accident claims?
Insurance companies typically approach truck accident claims with the goal of minimizing their financial responsibility, which can make the process challenging for victims seeking fair compensation. They often use a variety of tactics to reduce payouts, including disputing fault, minimizing injuries, delaying the process, or offering low settlements.
What is a “no-zone” truck accident?
A no-zone truck accident happens when a collision is in one of a commercial truck’s multiple blind spots. These “no-zones” vary with the type of truck, but can typically be classified as front, rear, and side no-zones.
