Truck Accidents
Protecting Truck Accident Victims—It’s What We Do.
Truck Accident Attorneys in Macon
Allow Us to Seek Compensation for Your Injuries
At Adams, Jordan & Herrington, P.C., we understand that a truck accident can wreak havoc on a person’s life, affecting their physical well-being and financial stability. For years, we’ve helped countless people recover millions of dollars in compensation after they were injured by someone else’s negligence.
As experienced truck accident lawyers in Macon, we’ve dedicated our careers to helping our clients by giving each and every case our personal attention and a customized approach. Our team prides itself on being skilled trial lawyers and on being a diverse group of experienced and compassionate attorneys.
Call us today at478-743-2159 to reach our offices in Macon, Milledgeville, and Albany. We offer free initial consultations for all new clients.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Large commercial trucks can cause devastating injuries due to their size and weight. If you or your loved one was involved in a truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation to recover the losses you’ve suffered, such as current and future medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. Our team of experienced trial lawyers can provide a free consultation and help identify which party was at fault, as well as who can be held legally responsible.
Some of the most common causes of truck accidents we have handled include:
- Truck driver negligence
- Driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs
- Fatigued driving
- Hours-of-service violations
- Negligent hiring or supervision
- Poor weather conditions
- Distracted driving
- Traffic law violations
- Reckless or aggressive driving
- Improperly loaded/overloaded cargo
- Unrealistic deadlines/quotas
These and other factors can contribute to devastating accidents, resulting in catastrophic injuries and fatalities. If you were severely injured or if your loved one was killed in a truck accident in Macon or the surrounding areas, turn to Adams, Jordan & Herrington, P.C. to learn more about your legal rights and options under Georgia personal injury law.
Are Truck Drivers Responsible for Damages?
While a truck driver may cause an accident, he or she may not be legally liable for the resulting damages. This is because truck drivers are “on the clock,” so to speak, meaning they are operating their vehicles under the scope of their employment. As such, the trucking company that employs the driver is often responsible for damages in the event of an accident under what are known as respondeat superior rules. Put simply, respondeat superior is a doctrine that states employers are liable for the actions of their employees when such actions result in harm or injury to another and when those actions occur while the employee is carrying out duties covered in the scope of their employment and/or that benefit the employer. In other words, even if a truck driver was negligent, the trucking company may be liable for your damages.
This is not always the case, however. If the truck driver in question is not classified as an employee but, rather, as an independent contractor, the trucking company has virtually no responsibility for the actions of the driver (as long as the driver is, in fact, an independent contractor and is not misclassified as such). Additionally, a trucking company may argue that it is not liable for a driver’s actions if those actions fall outside the scope of his or her employment or when the driver violates company policies (e.g. driving drunk, breaking traffic laws, etc.).
In some cases, neither the truck driver nor the trucking company are liable for an accident and the resulting damages. This could be the case when a third party, such as another motorist, causes the accident or when the accident is the result of a defective vehicle or part.
It’s important to work with an attorney who understands the various nuances involved in truck accident claims and who knows how to determine exactly how an accident occurred—and who is liable. We invite you to contact our Macon truck accident attorneys today to learn more about how we can help you with your case.
Put 150+ Years of Combined Experience in Your Corner
When you’re ready to move forward with your claim, we’re prepared to offer you quality legal representation. Adams, Jordan & Herrington, P.C. is experienced in complex litigation, and we’re a small enough firm that every case matters. We provide our legal services on a contingency fee basis, meaning you do not owe any attorneys’ fees unless we recover compensation for you!
1. What are my rights if I am injured in a truck accident in Georgia?
As an accident victim, you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional suffering. Georgia law allows injured parties to file personal injury claims against negligent parties. However, proving negligence requires strong evidence and an understanding of legal procedures, making it essential to work with an experienced truck accident attorney.
2. How does insurance coverage work in truck accident cases?
Unlike standard car accidents, commercial truck accidents involve multiple insurance policies. Trucking companies, drivers, and even cargo owners may have separate insurance policies covering different aspects of liability. Identifying the right insurer and negotiating a fair settlement is complex, which is why legal assistance is highly recommended.
3. What if I was partially at fault for the truck accident? Can I still file a claim?
Yes. Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning you can recover compensation if you are less than 50% at fault for the accident. However, your settlement amount will be reduced based on your percentage of fault. A skilled attorney can help minimize your liability and maximize your compensation.
4. What makes truck accident injuries more severe than car accidents?
Commercial trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, significantly increasing the impact force in a collision. This often leads to catastrophic injuries, such as spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, amputations, and internal organ damage. Recovery time is typically longer, and medical expenses can be substantial.
5. How can I prove the truck driver or trucking company was negligent?
Negligence can be established through various forms of evidence, including:
- Black box data: Captures speed, braking, and driving behavior before the crash.
- Driver logs: Federal regulations limit driving hours, and logbooks can show violations.
- Maintenance records: Poor truck maintenance can contribute to accidents.
- Cargo records: Improperly loaded cargo can cause rollovers or jackknife accidents.
- Surveillance footage & eyewitness accounts.
A detailed investigation by a truck accident lawyer will uncover critical evidence to support your claim.
6. What happens if a truck accident results in a fatality?
If a loved one tragically dies in a truck accident, surviving family members may file a wrongful death lawsuit. This claim can seek damages for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, emotional suffering, and loss of companionship. These cases require legal expertise to navigate state laws and determine liability.
7. How long does a truck accident case take to resolve?
The duration of a truck accident claim varies based on factors such as:
- The complexity of the accident investigation
- The severity of injuries and ongoing medical treatment
- Insurance negotiations and potential legal disputes
- Whether the case goes to trial or settles out of court
Some cases settle in a few months, while others may take over a year if litigation is necessary.
8. Why should I hire a truck accident attorney instead of handling the claim myself?
Trucking companies and their insurers have aggressive legal teams working to minimize their financial liability. Without legal representation, victims often receive lowball settlement offers or struggle to prove fault. A knowledgeable attorney will:
- Conduct a thorough investigation
- Negotiate for maximum compensation
- Handle legal procedures and deadlines
- Fight for your rights in court if needed
Hiring a truck accident attorney significantly improves your chances of securing a fair outcome.
Reach out to our team today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Call 478-743-2159 or submit an online contact form to get started.
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