18-Wheeler Accidents

Atlanta 18-wheeler accidents can cause devastating injuries. Every year, 18-wheeler truck accidents result in nearly 4,000 fatalities, according to the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety. Most of the deaths that happen in large 18-wheeler truck accidents are the occupants of passenger vehicles that collide with trucks. Semi-trucks often weigh 20 to 30 times as much as passenger vehicles. The heavyweight and size of the semi-trucks make them particularly dangerous in motor vehicle accidents. 

If You Have Been Injured in an Atlanta 18-Wheeler Accident, We can Help

At James A. Rice, Jr., PC, we have helped many truck accident victims recover compensation for their injuries. We offer dedicated representation throughout Atlanta and the surrounding area. We have extensive experience representing clients in motor vehicle accidents. We will guide you through the entire process from start to finish, providing you with the greatest chance of success. With offices in Atlanta and Duluth, we are ready to discuss your case today. Contact us today to schedule your free initial consultation. 

Our Law Firm Has a Proven Record of Obtaining Large Settlements

At James A. Rice, Jr., PC, you do not need to take our word for how we can help you. Instead, you can look to the proven track record of settlements we have secured for our clients. We understand that those who have suffered injuries in Atlanta 18-wheeler accidents often experience financial hardship. That is why we fight so hard for our clients’ right to compensation for injuries they have received in 18-wheeler accidents. We have recovered nearly 13 million dollars for clients who became injured in tractor-trailer accidents. 

Common Causes of Atlanta 18-Wheeler Accidents

Crashes involving 18-wheelers can happen from a wide variety of circumstances. There are several different parties who may be at fault, depending on the specific facts of the case. In some cases, the injured party may be able to bring a lawsuit against the truck driver himself or herself. 

If the trucking company negligently hired a trucker who caused the accident, the injured party might be able to bring a lawsuit against the trucking company. Finally, if a truck manufacturer or maintenance crew failed to properly maintain the truck, the injured party may be able to bring a product liability lawsuit or a negligence lawsuit against them. Some of the most common causes of truck accidents include the following:

• Left-hand turns
• Improper maneuvering of the truck
• Cargo shifts
• Truck drivers who stop too fast
• Rear-end collisions
• Improper loading
• Truck drivers using excessive speed
• Failure to properly maintain the truck
• Drunk driving
• Employer negligence
• Failure to check properly before making a lane change

Atlanta Truck Accidents are Different Than Car Accidents 

If you have suffered an injury in an 18-wheeler accident, you will benefit from hiring a law firm with specific experience in representing truck accident victims. At James A. Rice, Jr., PC, we understand these differences and have recovered nearly 13 million dollars for our clients who have been injured in 18-wheeler accidents. There are several key differences between trucking accidents and regular passenger vehicle accidents.

Commercial truck drivers are subject to different regulations than passenger vehicle occupants. Figuring out whether or not commercial truck drivers have violated laws or rules is an important part of the personal injury lawsuit process. When commercial truck drivers are in violation of safety regulations, it makes it easier to prove that their negligence caused the Atlanta 18-wheeler accident. Some of the important regulations include the following:

• How long truck drivers can operate a truck without taking a break
• How often truck drivers must rest
• How often truck drivers must submit to drug tests for narcotics and alcohol
• Truck drivers are prohibited from falsifying their logbooks 
• Truck drivers must make sure their cargo weight is below the legal limit
• Truck drivers must regularly maintain the truck itself
• Truck drivers must have a valid commercial driver’s license

Examples of Truck Driver Negligence in Atlanta

When a truck driver’s negligence causes an accident that results in an injury, he or she is liable for that injury. Even drivers who are in compliance with federal and state regulations can drive negligently in other ways. For example, a driver might have met the requirements for rest times, but he or she could still be driving while fatigued and cause an accident. 

Or, a driver might have a valid commercial driver’s license but not have enough experience. This lack of experience could cause a serious accident. 18-wheeler trucks are so large that a simple mistake can have devastating consequences. When a poor road condition happens, an inexperienced 18 wheeler driver could overcorrect his or her driving, causing a multi-vehicle truck accident. 

The Process of Filing an 18-Wheeler Personal Injury Lawsuit in Georgia

After becoming a client at James A. Rice, Jr., PC, our legal team will conduct a thorough investigation into your 18 wheeler accident. We will take over your case so you can focus on your recovery. Our team will arrange for an immediate accident investigation. Gathering evidence is an important type of the Atlanta litigation process. The amount of compensation that a plaintiff will receive depends on the type of evidence presented that proves the defendant’s negligence. The investigation process includes the following:

• Hiring accident reconstruction accidents
• Reviewing police records and any available video or photographic evidence of the accident
• Identifying any faulty components on the truck
• Conducting interviews with any witnesses who were present when the accident took place

Seeking Compensation After an 18-Wheeler Accident

Successful plaintiffs are entitled to economic and non-economic damages under Georgia’s personal injury laws. Economic damages include any financial expenses you have incurred from your injuries, such as medical expenses and expenses from time off of work. Non-economic damages include payment for your pain and suffering. Contact James A. Rice, Jr., PC, as soon as possible to schedule your initial consultation.