Big Truck Accident
Attorneys in Georgia
Claims involving trucking accidents are rarely as simple as determining who caused the wreck, which is why big truck accident attorneys can help.
Lawsuits against trucking companies may involve complicated issues like employer liability, negligent hiring and retention, negligent inspection, maintenance or repair, driver fatigue, direct actions against the insurance company or violations of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.
Causes of Big Truck Accidents
Many big truck accidents occur when the truck is stopped on or near a roadway. Federal regulations require tractor-trailer drivers to place warning markers behind their vehicles to minimize the risk of someone running into the rear of the stopped tractor-trailer.
Other big truck accidents occur when a driver blocks the roadway and is not easily visible to an approaching passenger vehicle. When passenger cars hit the side of big truck trailers, the result is usually death.
In these cases, lawyers must pay careful attention to multiple factors:
- Lighting
- Weather conditions
- Truck and trailer visibility
- Presence of reflectors and retro-reflective taping on the side of the trailer
We understand the time after being injured in a big truck accident is stressful and scary. If you or a loved one has been the victim of a negligent big truck driver in Georgia, you need the help of experienced big truck accident attorneys like those at Williams Elleby Howard & Easter. Our team routinely works with tractor-trailer accident reconstruction and trucking experts to investigate and pursue cases involving big truck wrecks in Georgia.
We have recovered millions of dollars in big truck accident cases for our clients, and you can trust us to handle your case with care during your time of need. Call 833-LEGALGA (833-534-2542) today for your free consultation.
Trucking Accident Statistics and Industry Information
One of the most dangerous hazards on the roads today is a negligently operated commercial motor vehicle. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, “Most deaths in large truck crashes are passenger vehicle occupants. The main problem is the vulnerability of people traveling in smaller vehicles.” 30% more people died in large crashes in 2017 than in 2009. Big trucks can weigh up to 40 tons and have poor braking ability due to their size and weight.
Most trucking companies and drivers are governed by federal and/or state laws related to “motor carriers.” There are two kinds of motor carriers: (1) interstate carries and (2) intrastate carriers. Interstate carriers transport goods or people across state lines and intrastate carriers operate entirely within one state. Extensive knowledge of the laws that regulate interstate and intrastate motor carriers is required to effectively pursue claims related to wrecks caused by big trucks and other commercial motor vehicles.
Trucking companies are also subject to federal regulations which require them to conduct pre-employment screening on their drivers. Trucking companies that comply with these regulations must make sure that:
- (1) Drivers are competent to drive the big trucks
- (2) Drivers meet certain physical requirements
- (3) Drivers have a reasonably safe driving record.
Trucking companies are also required to comply with strict guidelines for alcohol and controlled substance testing. Drivers must limit the amount of time they drive without going off duty. Other regulations require drivers to perform inspections of the tractor-trailer before it is driven to make sure it is in proper working order.
Williams Elleby Howard & Easter – Truck Accident Lawyers
If you need a law firm that is willing to investigate every angle of the big truck crash that caused your injuries, call Williams Elleby Howard & Easter right away. Our lawyers leave no stone unturned in our efforts to deliver justice for truck accident victims.
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