What Truck Accidents Attorneys in Decatur, Georgia Can Do For You

Truck accidents are some of the most serious and devastating collisions that can happen on the road. If you were hurt or have lost a loved one in a truck wreck, our attorneys at Chambers & Aholt, LLC are here to help you seek justice. We understand you’re going through a great deal of pain and suffering, and we’re dedicated to delivering the guidance and support you need during this difficult time.  

Our truck accident attorneys have been securing favorable results for vehicle accident victims and their families for more than 40 years. We will put our knowledge and experience to work as we pursue the maximum financial compensation you deserve, so that you can recover from your losses and hopefully move forward with your life. 

Recovery begins with a call. Contact us today at our office in Decatur, Georgia, to request a free consultation so we can discuss the details of your case and how to best proceed. Our personal injury and wrongful death attorneys proudly serve those throughout our community and the neighboring areas, including DeKalb County, Gwinnett County, Floyd County, Clayton County, Fulton County, Cobb County, Douglas County, and Polk County.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Truck Accident? 

Wrecks involving commercial trucks are far more complicated than a typical car accident claim. The gravity of the resulting injuries can be immense and there are often multiple parties involved. Depending on the details of your personal injury or wrongful death case, one or several of the following individuals may be held liable for the accident: 

• The driver

• The trucking company that employed the driver

• The company that owned the truck and/or trailer 

• The manufacturer of any defective parts on the tractor/trailer

• The loading/cargo crew

• The maintenance company for the truck and/or trailer 

Factors That Determine Liability 

A number of factors can play a role in the determination of who’s liable for an 18-wheeler accident, and our attorneys at Chambers & Aholt, LLC have the experience to investigate and evaluate such factors that include: 

• The truck driver. Truck drivers are known to work long hours. If they don’t prepare accordingly and fail to get sufficient rest before their shift, they risk falling asleep at the wheel. Driver fatigue is a common cause of their inability to safely operate their vehicle. Other examples of driver negligence involve distracted driving, such as driving while texting.  Also, speeding to meet a shipping deadline is a common cause of accidents Due to their size, trucks simply cannot respond to situations as fast as cars. Fatigue, inattention and speed reduce a driver's ability to respond to foreseeable situations.

• The trucking company. The company or companies that own, lease and/or maintain the truck can be held responsible for truck problems that were known or should have been known if such problems contributed to the cause of the accident. Also, the trucking company that employs the driver can be held vicariously liable. However, many trucking companies will try to avoid responsibility by claiming the driver is an independent contractor as opposed to an employee. If such a contention is made, the attorneys at Chambers & Aholt, LLC will investigate whether the driver is or is not operating under the trucking company's authority pursuant to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. 

• The loading company. The company that improperly loaded the truck/trailer can be held responsible if shifting of the load contributed to the cause of an accident.

Because of the many factors at play, truck accident injury cases become complex rather quickly. Your recovery and your future are too important to put at risk, which is why it’s important to seek skilled legal counsel as soon as possible. As your truck accident attorneys, we will thoroughly review and investigate all the facts of your truck accident in order to counsel you and to pursue justice on your behalf if the facts and law support your claims.  

What Are the Laws Regulating Trucking Accidents? 

Interstate trucking is governed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration which has issued numerous regulations. When trucks only travel on Georgia highways and roads, they must comply with Georgia's laws and regulations that incorporate many of the federal regulations. Trucking companies and drivers must follow these various regulations, which govern: 

• Regular vehicle inspections 

• Adequate insurance policy coverage 

• Mandatory testing for drugs and alcohol 

• Hours of Service

• The transporting of hazardous materials

• Verification of employment and driving history

• Recordkeeping

    

Filing a Personal Injury Claim in Georgia 

According to Georgia’s personal injury statute of limitations, trucking accident victims must file their claim or lawsuit within two years of the accident date. There are certain exceptions to the statute of limitations—but, for the most part, if you miss your filing deadline, there is a high likelihood that the court will dismiss your case.  

In cases where trucking accident injuries lead to death, family members of the deceased may also file a wrongful death claim. The statute of limitations for wrongful death lawsuits in Georgia is two years from the date of death.  

No matter what, enlisting the help of a professional personal injury lawyer is crucial. Our attorneys enlist their extensive understanding of the law to negotiate with insurance companies and effectively pursue the fair financial compensation our clients deserve. If your case goes to court, our experienced trial lawyers will be ready to fight on your behalf.