Truck Accident Lawyers in Buford, Georgia

Serving Buford and the Entire State of Georgia

The immense size and weight of semi-trucks make them especially dangerous on the roads. When these vehicles are operated recklessly or not maintained properly, they pose a significant threat to other drivers. Unfortunately, truck accidents are all too common in the United States, resulting in over 4,000 deaths and tens of thousands of injuries each year.

At The McGarity Group, our experienced truck accident attorneys and dedicated staff understand the devastation a truck accident can cause you and your family. We are here to stand by your side and assist you in recovering the compensation you deserve. We recognize that trucking and insurance companies aggressively defend these claims, and we are prepared to fight tirelessly on your behalf.

By choosing The McGarity Group as your truck accident lawyer, you gain a team committed to protecting your rights and ensuring you receive the justice and compensation needed to rebuild your life after a tragic accident. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you move forward with confidence during your truck accident case.

Understanding Georgia Truck Accident Law

Understanding the nuances of liability requires a thorough investigation into the accident scene, reviewing driver logs and maintenance records, and compliance with state and federal regulations. The statute of limitations for truck accident victims in Georgia dictates that they have a 2-year window to file a lawsuit under Georgia Code § 9-3-33. This timeline begins from the date of the accident, and failing to file within this period can result in forfeiting your right to seek compensation. 

Georgia Code § 51-12-33 states that victims injured in truck accidents can only receive compensation if they are found to be less than 50% responsible for the accident. Our semi-truck accident attorneys can gather evidence to show that the at-fault driver is solely to blame, so you can recover as much compensation as possible.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Buford, Georgia

In many cases, trucking accidents can be attributed to the negligence of the truck driver, trucking company, or both. 

Our truck wreck attorneys serve Buford, GA, and the Greater Atlanta area, so we are familiar with the following causes of truck accidents on our busy roadways.

Truck trailer accidents are typically caused by:

• Driver fatigue: For truck drivers, time is money, and each year, many truck accidents are attributed to fatigue as drivers go over the legal limit of allowed hours per week and suffer from exhaustion. However, fatigued drivers are usually easy to spot. If you notice a truck driver swerving or increasing or decreasing speed suddenly, change lanes and avoid them.
• Driver intoxication: Drunk driving is illegal and extremely dangerous, as is operating any vehicle while under the influence of drugs. Drunk truck drivers pose an especially serious threat to the welfare of other drivers.
• Driver distraction: Talking or texting on a cell phone, eating or drinking, and other distracting behaviors that can divert a truck driver’s attention from the road, causing catastrophic injury to other drivers. In many cases, trucking companies require drivers to immediately respond to radio communications, even when it isn’t safe.
• Negligent maintenance: Trucks endure a lot of wear and tear. They need to be inspected regularly and serviced as soon as a problem is spotted. Too many truck drivers and companies ignore this duty, increasing the risk of an accident caused by worn-out brakes, bald tires, and other hazards.
• Defective parts: A truck that contains malfunctioning parts is a peril to passenger cars and motorcycles. Defective brakes, hitches, and tires can cause a truck to lose control and collide with several vehicles.

As soon as you hire our semi-truck accident attorneys, we set to work investigating your case to determine why the accident happened and who was at fault. We then fight for maximum compensation for your family in a personal injury or wrongful death claim.

What Should You Do After A Truck Accident?

Knowing what to do after a truck accident is necessary to protect your health, legal rights, and financial future. These actions help build a strong case to significantly increase your chances of recovering compensation for your damages.

Steps to take following a truck accident include:

• Contact local law enforcement: When the police arrive at the scene of the accident, they can file an official report.
• Seek medical attention: Get checked out by a physician right after a truck accident, as injuries may not show up until days or weeks later.
• Gather evidence: Take pictures or videos of the collision scene, speak to any witnesses involved or bystanders to get a statement, and exchange contact information with them.
• Don’t admit fault: Insurance companies will contact you following a car accident as part of their investigation. Avoid admitting guilt during the interview, as well as being dishonest or exaggerating events leading up to the accident.
• Consult our semi-truck accident lawyers: Reach out to our truck accident attorneys at The McGarity Group. We are well-versed in Georgia laws and regulations that govern the trucking industry.

After you’ve been in a truck accident, you should strictly focus on getting better. Our truck accident lawyers are available 24/7, so you won’t have to stress about the next steps, as we’ll do all the heavy lifting.

Understanding the Severity of Trucking Accidents

Due to their immense mass, trucks can cause more extensive damage upon impact, leading to severe injuries. The speed at which the vehicles were traveling at the time of the accident also plays a crucial role. Higher speeds can increase the force of impact, resulting in more severe injuries for everyone involved. 

Common truck accident injuries include:

• Head and brain injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), concussions, and other head injuries can lead to long-term or permanent cognitive and physical impairments.
• Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis, requiring extensive medical care and rehabilitation.
• Broken bones and fractures: The force of a truck collision can cause multiple fractures, necessitating surgeries and prolonged recovery times.
• Internal injuries: Internal bleeding and organ damage are common and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
• Psychological trauma: The emotional impact of a trucking accident can lead to anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Different types of truck accidents, such as rollovers, head-on collisions, rear-end collisions, underride accidents, and jackknife accidents, have varying impacts on the severity of injuries. Properly functioning safety systems, including airbags and seat belts, can mitigate the severity of these injuries. 

Who May Be Liable in a Georgia Truck Accident

In Georgia, you’ll need the assistance of our truck accident attorneys to identify all the liable parties in a Georgia truck accident claim. 

In instances of potentially fatal truck wrecks, the liable parties could include:

• The truck driver: If the truck driver’s negligent actions caused the collision, they could be liable for your injuries. Examples of truck driver negligence include 
  • Speeding
  • Tailgating
  • Impaired driving, 
  • Distracted driving, 
  • Failing to follow required safety regulations.
• The trucking company: If their negligent actions contributed to the crash, the truck driver’s employer could be liable for the accident. Having protocols in place that lead to drivers violating safety regulations is a way that trucking companies could be liable for a collision.
• The truck parts manufacturer: If a truck’s brakes, tires, engine, transmission, or other components have a manufacturing or design defect, and the faulty part doesn’t function properly, the truck driver may lose control and collide with others on the road. This makes the manufacturer responsible for the truck wreck due to faulty products.
• Local government agencies: In Georgia, city and state governments are often responsible for road maintenance and design. If a local government fails to repair potholes or fix poor signage and its negligence in performing proper road maintenance causes a truck accident, it could be liable. 
• Cargo loaders: Semi-trucks are prone to rollover accidents because they’re top-heavy. If truck cargo loaders don’t properly secure and balance the truck’s load, the truck could tip over and cause a crash.

At The McGarity Group, we work alongside a team of investigators, accident reconstruction specialists, and medical specialists to gather evidence, reconstruct the accident scene, and establish a clear chain of events leading to the collision. 

Why You Need an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer

Trucking accident cases are more nuanced than typical car accidents due to the involvement of multiple parties, including the truck driver, trucking company, and insurance providers in Georgia. 

Our truck accident attorneys at The McGarity Group will:

• Investigate the accident thoroughly: We will gather and analyze evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and truck maintenance records, to determine the cause of the accident.
• Identify all liable parties: Liability in trucking accidents can extend beyond the driver to the trucking company, manufacturers, and even cargo loaders. We ensure all responsible parties are held accountable.
• Negotiate with insurance companies: Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts. We will handle all negotiations to secure a fair settlement for you.
• Advocate for your rights in court: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, our experienced trial lawyers are prepared to take your case to court to fight for the compensation you deserve.

If you sustained injuries in a Georgia truck crash, the last thing you need is the hassle of preparing for a legal case on your own. We can investigate the cause of the crash for you, gather evidence to support your claim, file all the necessary legal paperwork, and protect your interests during settlement negotiations with insurance companies. Our truck accident attorneys can also help you properly assess your damages to make sure any settlement offer covers your current and future needs.

Why Choose The McGarity Group

Our 65 years of experience have allowed us to build a solid reputation with clients and among our peers in the legal community of Georgia. Our proficient truck accident lawyers possess in-depth knowledge of the industry’s regulations and the specific laws that apply to truck drivers, trucking companies, and equipment maintenance. 

In truck accident claims, insurance companies often employ teams of adjusters and lawyers to protect their interests and attempt to minimize the compensation you receive. They can even deny your claim altogether. Our truck accident lawyers at The McGarity Group know how to negotiate with insurance companies. We can divert their tactics and secure compensation that covers the full extent of your truck accident injuries.

Truck Accident Injury Compensation You May Be Entitled to in Georgia

In a trucking accident claim, you may be eligible for various types of compensation in the form of economic and non-economic damages. Our truck wreck attorneys have helped victims injured in truck accidents receive compensation that covers:

• Medical expenses: Covering current and future medical bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, and therapy.
• Lost wages: Compensation for income lost due to your inability to work during recovery.
• Loss of earning capacity: If your injuries result in a long-term or permanent disability affecting your ability to earn income.
• Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
• Property damage: Reimbursement for repairing or replacing your damaged vehicle and personal belongings.
• Punitive damages: In cases of egregious negligence, you may be awarded punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior.

Call our office in Buford, GA, at 770-932-8477, and our truck accident lawyers will deal with insurance companies on your behalf while you recover. We strongly encourage victims not to accept the first settlement offer they receive. Reach out to us online and consult with our truck accident attorneys before agreeing to any settlement. We will review the offer, assess whether it is fair, and negotiate on your behalf to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.

FAQs: Truck Accidents in Georgia