Truck accidents are responsible for some of the most devastating accidents on Warner Robins’ roads. Accidents involving large trucks often result in catastrophic injuries. Further, the length and costs of medical care can be staggering.
Fortunately, an experienced truck accident attorney can help victims recover compensation for the injuries a truck driver’s negligence caused. Truck accidents can occur in many ways that could play an important role in how your case develops. Also, there could be several parties responsible for your injuries that will need to be named as a party to a lawsuit.
If you were injured because of a truck accident in Warner Robins, get help holding the negligent parties accountable for your injuries. Contact our experienced Warner Robins truck accident attorneys today by calling Howe Law at (844) 876-4357 for a free case review.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Warner Robins, GA
Trucks are large vehicles often loaded with cargo, making the chances of a devasting accident more likely than a typical car accident. There are many ways that truck accidents can happen in Warner Robins. The following is a list of some of the most common causes of truck accidents:
Equipment Failure
Equipment failure is a leading cause of truck accidents in Warner Robins. Defective brakes, tire blowouts, defective trailer couplings, broken lights, and defective steering columns are ways a truck’s equipment might fail and cause a catastrophic accident. Truck drivers are responsible for inspecting their truck’s equipment and making the necessary repairs before a disaster occurs.
Truck Driver Errors
Truck driver error is another major cause of truck accidents in Warner Robins. A truck driver can be distracted by numerous things in most modern trucks. Using the phone or texting, checking GPS, eating, and operating a handheld radio are common distractions that can lead to an accident. Drivers might operate their trucks recklessly, taking corners too fast and not checking blind spots. Also, driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs is a serious cause of truck accidents.
Inclement Weather
Being around a large truck during poor weather can be much more dangerous. Large trucks often carry heavy cargo and can be difficult for a driver to control during heavy rainfall and wet roads. The decreased visibility during a rain or snowstorm also increases the chances of a devastating accident. Strong winds can make steering a truck difficult and could cause a driver to be pushed into another driver’s lane.
Improper Loading
Trucks carrying cargo have an extra dimension of danger. Truck drivers are responsible for ensuring that their cargo is loaded properly. If cargo is exposed and not properly secured, it could fall from the truck during transport, resulting in chaos on the road. Also, if the cargo’s weight is not evenly distributed, the driver might have trouble handling the truck on the road.
Truck Driver Fatigue
Important delivery schedules and long distances make truck driver fatigue a common cause of accidents in Warner Robins. There are laws to regulate the number of hours a trucker driver is permitted to drive. Truck drivers should not be driving more than 11 hours in a 14-hour period. However, these laws are not always followed, and pressure from trucking companies could push a driver too hard.
Improper Truck Maintenance
Generally, truck drivers are required to do daily inspections and complete inspection reports for their employer. This allows a trucking company to address any defects discovered before they cause an accident. Regular maintenance includes changing the truck’s oil, checking tire pressure, refilling the brake fluid, and rotating tires. Our Warner Robins truck accident attorneys can help you gather evidence to determine how your truck accident was caused and which parties might be responsible.
Common Types of Commercial Trucks Involved in Truck Accidents in Warner Robins, GA
Trucks come in several categories and varieties, each with its own safety and maintenance requirements. The following are examples of trucks that are commonly involved in truck accidents in Warner Robins:
- Tractor-trailers, known as 18-wheelers
- Flatbed trucks
- Garbage trucks
- Delivery box trucks
- Mail delivery trucks
- Fire engines
- Tanker trucks
Even relatively small trucks can cause devasting injuries. Our Warner Robins truck accident attorneys can help you with your truck accident case regardless of the type of truck that caused your injuries.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Truck Accident in Warner Robins, GA
There are several federal and Georgia laws regulating the activities of truck drivers and their employers. In most cases, you will name the truck driver in your lawsuit as the party responsible for your injuries. Truck drivers must make routine inspections and operate the truck safely on the road. When a truck driver causes an accident because they failed to maintain their truck or were negligent while driving, you can sue them for the damages their negligence caused.
In many cases, you will also be able to sue the trucking company. Vicarious liability is a legal theory that states that employers could be held liable for their employee’s negligence if the accident was caused during the normal course of their job. Truck companies can also be held directly liable for their poor hiring practices. Trucking companies are required to thoroughly screen potential employees for dangerous drivers. Failure to check a driver’s record and qualifications, administering drug and alcohol tests, and violating other hiring regulations can be a basis to sue a trucking company for negligence.
In Warner Robins and throughout the State of Georgia, you may also file what is known as a direct-action lawsuit. Georgia law allows for the victims of truck accidents to name the truck driver’s commercial insurance as a defendant in a truck accident lawsuit. Our Warner Robins truck accident attorneys can help ensure that every responsible party is identified and named in your lawsuit.
Time Limit to File a Truck Accident Lawsuit in Warner Robins, GA
Under Ga. Code § 9-3-33, the Georgia statute of limitations allows two years from the accident’s date for the truck accident victim to file a lawsuit in Warner Robins. There are very few exceptions, so filing your lawsuit within the two-year time limit is crucial, or your case will be dismissed. Our Warner Robins truck accident attorneys can help you gather the necessary documentation to file your lawsuit promptly.
Our Warner Robins, GA Truck Accident Attorneys Can Help
If you were injured in a truck accident, our Warner Robins truck accident attorneys are here to fight for the compensation you deserve. For a free assessment of your case, call Howe Law at (844) 876-4357.
