Georgia is an important commercial hub, with thousands of trucks operating in Columbus annually. When a truck accident happens, it can leave the victim with significant injuries.
Some truck accident victims might not know where to begin when determining who should be responsible for their injuries. Fortunately, a Columbus truck accident attorney can be helpful. While a truck driver might be the most directly responsible for the accident, their employer could also share some blame. However, much of a truck’s maintenance is outsourced to third parties, so someone other than the driver in the trucking company could be at fault for your accident.
If you were injured in a Columbus truck accident, get the help you deserve holding the negligent parties accountable. Contact our dedicated Columbus truck accident attorneys at Howe Law today by calling us today at (844) 876-4357 for your free case evaluation.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Columbus, GA
Trucks are complex machines and can cause accidents in a variety of ways. In some cases, it can be difficult to determine the liable party depending on the cause of the truck accident. The following are some common causes of truck accidents in Columbus:
- Driver fatigue
- Distracted driving
- Hours-of-service regulation violations
- Failure to properly maintain a truck
- Speeding
- Driving in a truck’s blind spots
- Improper cargo securement practices
- Inappropriate use of tie-downs
- Drunk driving
- Defective vehicle parts
- Defective cargo securement devices
Several parties could be responsible for your injuries if your accident occurred in one of the mentioned ways. Our experienced Columbus truck accident attorneys can help you get the justice you deserve regardless of how your accident was caused.
Common Types of Injuries Caused in Truck Accidents in Columbus, GA
The fact that trucks are large, powerful vehicles means that the injuries from accidents involving them can be catastrophic. Even minor truck accidents can cause serious and long-term injuries. The following are common categories of truck accident injuries suffered by victims in Savannah:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Burn injuries
- Internal injuries and bleeding
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Amputations
- Death
The injuries from a truck accident can be life-altering. Our Columbus truck accident attorneys have years of experience helping victims recover compensation for their injuries.
Parties That Can Be Held Liable for a Columbus, GA Truck Accident
Because trucks are used for various purposes, several parties could be liable for causing an accident.
Truck Driver
The truck driver is most likely to be the responsible party for causing an accident. Truck drivers are responsible for inspecting their vehicles before use, driving a limited amount of hours before resting, following posted speed limits, and numerous other duties. However, a truck driver’s employer can also be liable for the negligent actions of their driver.
Trucking Company
In many cases, a trucking company could be held liable for its negligent driver’s conduct. Under the theory of vicarious liability, a trucking company can be held liable for a driver if the accident was caused while performing their normal job functions. For example, if a truck driver was speeding to complete a delivery on time, both the driver and the trucking company could be held responsible.
Trucking companies can also be held liable if they violate regulations in the hiring process. Trucking companies must conduct background checks and drug testing on prospective drivers to prevent dangerous ones from gaining employment. Trucking companies are also required to provide adequate training to their employees.
Trucking Parts Manufacturers
Trucks are highly complex vehicles that rely on countless parts for their safe operation. GPS systems, braking systems, and truck transmissions are a few major systems that could malfunction because of a design or manufacturing defect. Designers and manufacturers of defective truck
Third-Party Repair Shop or Truck Mechanic
Many trucking companies outsource truck repairs, maintenance, and inspections to third-party repair shops and truck mechanics. These third parties are typically responsible for checking tires, brakes, and numerous other trucking systems.
Trucking Company’s Insurance Company
In Georgia, truck accident victims are allowed to file what is known as a direct-action lawsuit. In direct-action lawsuits, an injured person names the trucking company’s insurance provider as a defendant in their truck accident lawsuit to recover compensation for negligently insuring the trucking company. A direct-action lawsuit also does not need to be filed along with your truck accident lawsuit but can be filed separately. Our Columbus truck accident attorneys can help you determine each negligent party in your case.
Types of Compensation That Can Be Recovered in a Columbus, GA Truck Accident Lawsuit
When a person is injured in a truck accident, they are entitled to compensation. If a truck accident case goes to trial, several types of damages could be awarded after a successful lawsuit. These damages can compensate victims for the economic and non-economic losses they suffered in a truck accident.
Economic Damages
If you incurred medical bills and other treatment expenses for the injuries you sustained in a truck accident, the liable parties should be responsible for those payments. This includes past medical bills associated with your injuries, as well as your current medical expenses.
If injuries are serious enough or take long to heal, you could also recover any future medical expenses needed to treat your injuries. Damages for future medical costs could include the costs of physical therapy, additional surgeries, and in-home nursing care expenses.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are commonly referred to as pain and suffering. These kinds of damages are intended to compensate a victim for the pain caused by the accident. Non-economic damages include any past pain and suffering you have experienced because of your injuries. It can also include future pain and suffering, loss of the enjoyment of life, and embarrassment from visible scarring. For instance, your neck injury from a truck accident might have healed, but the pain and suffering from arthritis that developed because of it could last a lifetime. Our Columbus truck accident attorneys can help explain how damages are awarded and clear up any confusion.
Our Columbus, GA Truck Accident Attorneys Can Help
If you have been injured in a truck accident, our Columbus truck accident attorneys can help you determine the parties liable for your injuries. For a free case assessment, call Howe Law at (844) 876-4357.
