Roadside collisions with large trucks or eighteen-wheelers may be devastating for the people involved. If you are hurt, talk to a lawyer about how you can get compensation from the person responsible.
There might be a few different parties to consider when we decide who should be held responsible for the accident. Truckers are often the primary defendants, but their employers and other drivers on the road might be named in the case, too. Knowing who to name in your case will help us get compensation for your numerous damages, including compensatory damages for economic and emotional costs. Your attorney can work with you and the authorities to determine the cause of your truck accident. They can also help you find evidence that supports your claims for damages.
Speak to our Marietta truck accident attorneys at Howe Law for a free review of your case by calling (844) 876-4357.
The People Responsible for Truck Accidents in Kennesaw, GA
There are often various parties involved in truck accidents, and knowing which are responsible for the crash and which are other injured victims can be difficult. In many cases, the driver of the truck is the primary defendant. Trucker negligence is a factor in many accidents, and the trucker in your case should absolutely be investigated.
If the trucker is named in your case, you might also name their employer, whichever trucking company they work for. Employers may be held liable for a negligent employee’s actions under the legal theory of respondeat superior. If the trucker engaged in some negligent behavior while in the course of their normal job duties, their employer may be liable.
To help us determine whether the trucker and their employer should be held liable, our truck accident lawyers can compare their actions to regulations imposed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Numerous safety regulations are imposed on truckers and trucking companies that are designed to promote safety on the road. If we find out that the trucker or their employer disregarded one or several important regulations, they should definitely be named in your lawsuit.
Possible Damages and Injuries in Kennesaw, GA Truck Accident Cases
Your damages might be far more significant than you first think. Plaintiffs often focus on a few key damages while overlooking others. A lawyer can help you properly identify, evaluate, and claim all your damages so you get the maximum compensation possible.
First, we should assess the state of your physical injuries. Truck accidents are often severe, and those involved usually have serious injuries. We can consult your doctor and use your medical record to determine the severity of your injuries and how long they may impact your life. While some people can recover relatively quickly with proper treatment and rest, others live with long-term complications from their injuries.
Next, we must account for all your costs. Continuing with your physical injuries, your medical treatment for those injuries might be substantial. Just a single night in the emergency room might be worth thousands of dollars. The costs might be off the charts if you are looking at long-term or even lifelong care.
We should also account for the cost of your vehicle. You might need very expensive auto repairs or a totally new car after the crash. Either way, these bills should be covered by the people responsible for the accident. Similarly, we can help you claim income or wages you lose because you are too injured to return to your job.
Finally, we need to think about how the accident and your injuries have affected you mentally and emotionally. Truck accidents are known for being serious, and people do not often just get up and move on like nothing happened. Many people spend years wrestling with the trauma of the accident and the long-term effects of their injuries. Your pain, suffering, and other non-economic damages deserve fair compensation.
Determining What Caused Your Truck Accident in Kennesaw, GA
As briefly discussed before, we need to determine how your accident happened to help us understand who should be held liable and where we can find evidence to support the case. Trucks are very different from typical cars, and a number of factors might be at play in your accident case.
Speed or other traffic code violations are common in all sorts of accidents, including those involving large trucks and trailers. If a trucker is driving too fast before hitting their brakes, they might cause the truck and trailer to jackknife, causing numerous other vehicles to crash. Other violations, like failing to signal or not checking blind spots, are incredibly dangerous, as trucks are extremely large and heavy.
Fatigued drivers are another major problem on the road. In fact, truck drivers are usually required to spend a certain amount of time resting during a trip and between trips to ensure that they are awake and alert on the road. Unfortunately, many trucking companies push their drivers to stay awake longer to complete trips faster. This means many truckers are overly tired and might doze off behind the wheel.
Another possibility is that the truck and its equipment were improperly maintained leading up to the collision. Brakes, lights, trailer hitches, underride bars, and various other parts of the truck must be regularly inspected and maintained. If it is not, an accident is just waiting to happen.
We should also investigate how the cargo in the truck was loaded. If heavy cargo is loaded improperly, it might cause the trailer to tip or swerve on the road.
We might also consider where your accident happened. Trucks are often required to stay on larger main roads and highways. Smaller residential streets are usually off-limits. If you were in a truck accident on a street where trucks are prohibited, we can help you hold the tucker responsible.
Our Kennesaw, GA Truck Accident Lawyers Are Prepared to Help You
Speak to our truck accident attorneys at Howe Law for a free review of your case by calling (844) 876-4357.
