The Basics of Semi Truck Accident Claims
Driving on Georgia’s highways can be risky for all motorists, but it’s especially so for those who are driving near semi trucks. With their heavy weight and large size, tractor trailers can cause accidents with serious injuries and substantial damage. When a semi truck hits a car, motorcycle, or a pedestrian, the results can be catastrophic – and in some cases, even fatal.
If you’ve been injured in a semi truck accident in Georgia, it’s important to hire an attorney who is experienced and knowledgeable in both state laws and federal semi truck regulations.
The Basics of Semi Truck Accident Claims: Federal Regulations
Due to their size and cargo, semi trucks and their operators are typically held to higher safety standards. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets the regulations for both semi truck drivers and the companies that employ them. The FMCSA establishes strict guidelines for how often the semi trucks are maintained, how long semi truck drivers can be on the road, and how much weight the semi truck can carry. Additionally, drivers must have special licenses to operate semi trucks. While the safety regulations are extensive, and the penalties for violating those federal and state rules can be severe – still, accidents do happen. There are thousands of semi truck accidents in the US every year.
The Basics of Semi Truck Accident Claims: Applicable Laws
There’s a wide variety of laws that apply to semi trucks, semi truck drivers, and commercial trucking companies. Violating any of these laws can form the basis of a personal injury claim, either against the driver or their employer. At Burrow & Associates, our semi truck accident attorneys can investigate the cause of the accident, whether it was the driver’s negligence, the truck company’s negligence, or a faulty vehicle. Common semi truck violations include:
- Commercial Driver’s License Violations
- Distracted Driving (ex: cell phone use)
- Driver’s Hours of Service
- Driving Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol
- Negligent Hiring or Training Practices
- Reckless Driving
- Vehicle Maintenance Violations
The Basics of Semi Truck Accident Claims: Filing a Claim
Semi truck accidents, unlike other vehicle accidents, are handled through the trucking company’s commercial insurance provider. Semi truck insurance policies are worth significantly more than other accident policies. Generally speaking, there are three main damages that go into determining a compensation award: 1) past and future medical bills, 2) past and future lost wages, and 3) past and future pain and suffering. The more severe the damages, the more compensation the claimant may receive.
Georgia law handles all personal injury cases in accordance with modified comparative negligence laws. These laws dictate how much the injured party can be compensated, depending on their involvement in the accident. Under Georgia law, if the claimant was not at fault (they did not cause the accident), they may receive full compensation. If the claimant is partially at fault, they may receive reduced compensation. If the claimant is more than 50% at fault, they may be barred from receiving any compensation for the accident.
The Basics of Semi Truck Accident Claims: Settlements
If you or a loved one was injured or killed in a semi truck accident, you need an experienced attorney on your side. Burrow & Associates can help bring comprehensive claims that address the full value of our clients’ losses. Every year, semi truck accidents result in close to $20 billion in settlement payouts. Most of those funds go to injured victims who have suffered a significant to severe lost quality of life. When an accident happens, the trucking company and its insurer immediately start working on a defense strategy. Their goal is to deny blame so they don’t have to pay any damages and their insurance rates don’t go up.
Have Additional Questions? Contact Our Team of Semi Truck Accident Attorneys
Burrow & Associates’ semi truck accident attorneys have more than 45 years of combined experience in aggressively pursuing compensation for victims who have suffered physical, emotional, and financial losses. We have represented a large number of commercial vehicle accident victims. If you or a loved one has been involved in a semi truck accident, us at (678)-323-2394 or via our online contact form. We have six conveniently located offices and we offer free initial consultations.
