Truck accidents can cause severely painful injuries that restrict peoples’ abilities to work and enjoy their lives. Thankfully, victims may pursue financial compensation for the injuries they endured. There are several types of damages that may be compensated through a truck accident lawsuit.
If you were injured because of a truck accident, then our legal team can evaluate the strength of claim against the at-fault party. During your free case review, we will determine the appropriate route to compensation and explain which damages may be available to you.
In the aftermath of your truck accident, seek guidance from our truck accident attorneys at Howe Law by dialing (844) 876-4357 today.
Assessing Settlement Offers in Truck Accident Lawsuits
After filing a truck accident lawsuit, the defendant or their insurer will likely reach out and attempt to settle your claim before going to trial. If you accept a settlement offer, then the defendant will pay you a specific sum of damages and your case will be dismissed. There are advantages to settling before trial. As an example, plaintiffs who settle early may acquire compensation sooner. Further, they may save on trial costs such as administrative expenses and witness fees.
However, many defendants in truck accident cases try to settle their claims quickly and cheaply. It is likely that the first offer you are presented with will not represent the true value of your case. Our experienced truck accident lawyers can help negotiate with the defendant so that you may receive an appropriate settlement offer.
If an adequate settlement offer is not presented, then you will probably have to go to trial to acquire the full extent of compensation you are owed. Support from our legal team can be highly valuable when deciding whether to accept a settlement offer or go to trial in your case.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Marietta, GA
Unfortunately, truck accidents often result from negligent conduct exhibited by truck drivers and trucking companies. If your crash stems from any of the following forms of negligence, then you may be entitled to significant compensation for the damages you incurred:
Distracted Driving
When a truck driver engages in distracted driving, their attention is diverted away from the crucial task of operating their vehicle safely. There is a range of activities that can distract drivers such as texting, talking on the phone, eating, or even reading. In today’s digital age, the temptation to check notifications or respond to messages can lead to a momentary lapse in focus. For instance, a truck driver may look at their phone to read a text message while cruising down the highway. In that moment, while their eyes are off the road, they may fail to notice the sudden slowdown of traffic ahead and cause a rear-end collision.
Speeding
Speeding is a common form of negligence that can have devastating consequences on the road. When a truck driver exceeds the posted speed limits or drives too fast for current road conditions, they significantly reduce their ability to react to unexpected events. Consider a situation where a truck driver is navigating a winding mountain road while traveling above the speed limit. As they approach a sharp curve, they realize too late that their speed prevents them from safely maneuvering, causing the truck to lose control and veer off the road.
Improper Vehicle Maintenance
Proper vehicle maintenance is essential to ensure the safe operation of trucks. Neglecting routine maintenance tasks, such as brake checks and engine inspections, can lead to mechanical failures while on the road. For example, a truck driver may be descending a steep incline when their brakes suddenly fail because of inadequate maintenance. With no way to slow down, the truck becomes increasingly difficult to control, potentially leading to a collision with other vehicles or obstacles.
Improper Cargo Storage
Safe cargo storage is crucial for maintaining a truck’s stability and balance while in motion. When cargo is improperly loaded, secured, or distributed, it can lead to dangerous situations on the road.
For instance, a truck’s cargo may be stacked too high and unevenly loaded. As that truck attempts to navigate a sharp turn, the imbalance of the cargo causes the vehicle to tip over and crash. Thankfully, our legal team can help identify the at-fault party after accidents caused by improper cargo storage.
Tired Driving
Driving while fatigued impairs a truck driver’s cognitive functions and physical reflexes, making it challenging to make split-second decisions on the road. Long hours behind the wheel without sufficient rest can lead to reduced concentration and delayed reactions.
For example, a truck driver may remain on the road for several consecutive hours, struggling to keep their eyes open. In this fatigued state, they could cause a collision by failing to notice an oncoming vehicle before making a left turn or by failing to notice a red light before proceeding through an intersection.
Illegal Lane Changes
Making sudden and illegal lane changes without proper signaling or checking blind spots can lead to dangerous collisions. Such actions can catch other drivers off guard and result in sideswipes or rear-end accidents. Consider a truck driver who abruptly changes lanes without signaling or checking their blind spot may collide with a vehicle already occupying the lane they were moving into.
Careless Hiring Practices
Negligent hiring practices by trucking companies can lead to inexperienced or unqualified drivers being entrusted with commercial vehicles. This can increase the risk of accidents caused by inadequate training or reckless behavior. Consider a situation where a trucking company hires a driver without thoroughly checking their driving record or verifying their qualifications. If this driver’s history includes multiple traffic violations or a lack of proper training, they are more likely to be involved in an accident due to their inadequate skills and knowledge.
Call Our Truck Accident Lawyers for Help with Your Potential Case in Marietta, GA
If you were injured because of a crash involving a large truck in Marietta, get assistance from our experienced truck accident attorneys by calling Howe Law at (844) 876-4357.
