Truckers have several heightened duties of care when they get behind the wheel of a truck, tractor-trailer, or big rig. For example, truckers may face more serious repercussions for a DUI charge in comparison to someone with a normal license. Truckers are also required to get a certain amount of hours of rest in between drivers to avoid fatigue, and they may also be subject to drug testing. As a result, any collision with a truck driver who acted negligently by not complying with the trucking regulations could be held liable for damages in the event of an accident.
If you suffered injuries as a result of a truck driver’s careless actions, get in touch with a skilled attorney today. A Roswell truck accident lawyer may be able to review the details of your accident and help you come up with strategies to obtain the damages you are owed.
Truck accidents can occur at any time of day or night for many reasons, including driver drowsiness or intoxication. Reckless and aggressive driving can also result in accidents, including when the driver speeds and cannot react in time to stop the collision. Other reasons include distracted driving, such as a truck driver who was looking at their phone or an animal on the side of the highway instead of the road. Bad weather can also cause accidents, such as roads slick with ice.
The larger the truck involved in the accident, the more likely it is to cause catastrophic injuries. Some of the injuries you could suffer in a truck collision include:
Truck accidents can sadly also have fatal results, in which case they become wrongful death rather than personal injury cases.
According to the Official Georgia Code Annotated Title 9, Chapter 3, Article 2, legal action must be taken within two years of truck and other vehicle accidents. The time limit begins on the date of the accident unless the injured party passed away, in which case the limit starts on the date of the individual’s demise. If the accident resulted in property damage, the affected party has up to four years to file.
Filing after a deadline expires generally results in a judge dismissing the case, something a truck accident attorney familiar with the local area can help prevent.
Georgia courts refer to modified comparative negligence laws when assigning blame in vehicle accidents and other personal injury cases. Comparative negligence allows you to receive damages no matter how much of the incident was their doing. For example, if you are found 75 percent at fault for a truck accident because you were jaywalking, your damages will be reduced by that percentage.
Modified comparative negligence allows you to recover damages so long as you were not 50 percent or more to blame for the accidents. A responsibility of 40 percent would mean that you would receive a 40 percent reduction in damages, while a 65 percent responsible plaintiff will not receive compensation.
Ensure your claim falls within the state’s statute of limitations by contacting a Roswell truck accident lawyer today. A legal professional could determine the validity of your case and what you can expect from filing and other future processes.
Take action after getting injured by a negligent truck driver. Contact our firm to learn what your options are with the help of a friendly attorney. We look forward to assisting you.
