Atlanta is a major city in the heart of Georgia with a heavy flow of commercial trucks. With endless traffic moving through the city, accidents are bound to happen. While it is a common perception that all vehicle accidents are handled in the same way.
However, there are some substantial differences based on the type of motor vehicle involved in the accident. The severity and claims process are the key differences between truck and car accidents in Atlanta.
If you were involved in a traffic collision, a truck accident attorney in Atlanta can help you better understand the differences. Understanding the distinctions can be vital to safeguarding your rights, as well as plan effectively for compensation claim.
- Difference in Size from other Vehicles
Trucks are enormous in size compared to other vehicles on the road. These trucks, when fully loaded, can weigh multiple tens of thousands of pounds. This huge size increases the risk of accidents as trucks can take longer to stop and cause serious damage when a collision happens. This also makes trucks more prone to serious damage even at low speeds.
- Determining Liability in Truck Accidents
While in a car accident, one of the drivers is at fault and is held liable for the damage. Liability is one of the most complicated aspects of a truck accident. Truck drivers are driving on behalf of a company. They are hired to deliver cargo for a set amount of time. So, the truck driver may not be the one liable. It is often the trucking company that is liable to pay out the settlement.
The trucking company could be liable for failing to perform needed maintenance, neglecting training practices, or pressuring drivers to meet strict deadlines. On the other hand, truck manufacturers could be held liable for malfunctions such as faulty brakes, defective steering systems, and tire blowouts.
That’s why a truck accident requires a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause and the party liable for the damages. To obtain fair compensation, your truck accident attorney in Atlanta can help identify the possible liable party.
- Multiple Potential Causes
Additionally, there may be multiple causes for the accident which can make things even more complex. The collision may have happened due to various factors such as:
- Poor maintenance
- Equipment failure
- Improperly loaded or unsecured cargo
With so many moving parts, you need to ensure that all the details are examined thoroughly. Having an experienced truck accident attorney in Atlanta on your side can ensure the details are properly investigated.
- Evidence in Truck Accidents
After a truck accident, it is important to act quickly to gather evidence from the black box. The device records critical data about the truck. The data recorded can include:
- Speed immediately before the collision
- When and if the brakes were applied
- Tire pressure
- Communication between the driver and their employer
There is a plethora of other evidence that your attorney can gather including:
- Inspection reports of the truck
- Trucker’s driving record
- Cell phone records
- Trucker’s medical record
Talk to Our Experienced Truck Accident Attorney in Atlanta
At Karma Injury Law, we have experience in helping truck accident victims get the compensation they deserve. Our legal team of truck and car accident lawyers in Atlanta is committed to advocating for your rights.
Schedule a Free Consultation Today For any Questions You May Have!
