On July 13th, 2017, 84 year old Gilbert Engle, of Thomson, Georgia, was heading west on I-20 in Columbia County when the pickup driving in front of him slowed down. Mr. Engle slowed down as well, but the tractor trailer traveling behind him didn’t. According to news reports, the driver of the tractor trailer didn’t pump the brakes before slamming into Engle’s car from behind.
The tractor trailer pushed Engle’s car into a pickup truck and in the collision Engle was killed. The driver of the tractor trailer is reportedly being charged criminally with driving too fast for conditions and following too closely.
Tractor Trailer Accidents In Georgia
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, there are thousands of fatal tractor trailer accidents each year. Just like in the accident discussed above, tractor trailer accidents sometimes occur because these large trucks follow passenger cars at close distances cannot slow down as fast as they need to in order to avoid a collision. Tractor trailer accidents also occur because large trucks cannot turn or maneuver as well as passenger cars. Some wrecks occur because trailers are overloaded and sometimes truck drivers exceed their maximum allowed hours of service and are fatigued. These types of accidents can be especially harmful because of the immense weight difference between tractor trailers and regular vehicles.
Because tractor trailers are so dangerous when they are out on the road, there are a number of federal and state regulations governing truck drivers and the trucking industry. Truck drivers and trucking companies have a duty to operate with reasonable care and to follow these regulations. When accidents are caused by the negligence of truck drivers or trucking companies, victims of harm are entitled to compensation for their loss. The attorneys at Williams Elleby Howard & Easter know how to get personal injury victims the justice and compensation they deserve.
Contact the Tractor Trailer Accident Injury Attorneys at Williams Elleby Howard & Easter, to Discuss Your Case
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident due to the wrongful actions of someone else, it is important to be aware of your rights and get the compensation you deserve. Cases arising out of tractor trailer accidents can be especially complicated because both state and federal laws and regulations could be applicable. Victims need to produce detailed and thorough evidence to prove their case.
The experienced personal injury attorneys at Williams Elleby Howard & Easter, can help by investigating the facts of your case, explaining your legal rights and options to you, gathering all of the evidence you will need to bring a lawsuit, and working to get you the compensation you deserve.
Williams Elleby Howard & Easter, is dedicated to getting justice for each of its clients no matter how much work it takes. In most cases, a settlement that is beneficial to our clients can be negotiated. But if a defendant will not agree to pay a fair amount, the Joel Williams legal team will vigorously fight for their clients in court. Williams Elleby Howard & Easter, is based out of Cobb County and serves clients throughout Georgia. If you would like to discuss your case, call Williams Elleby Howard & Easter, for a free consultation today at 833-LEGALGA.
