Atlanta Truck Accident Attorney

Supporting Clients After Semi-Truck Accidents in Atlanta, GA

Trucks can cause significant damage and catastrophic injuries in collisions. The aftermath can involve extensive time in the hospital, time off work, pain, and, in severe cases, wrongful death. If you or a loved one has been injured in a commercial truck accident, our truck accident attorney in Atlanta can support you.

At The Law Office of Brian H. Sumrall, we help clients understand their rights and the next steps. With our dedicated team at your side, you can focus on recovery.

To learn more about how our truck accident lawyer in Atlanta, GA, can support you, schedule a free consultation with us. Call (404) 857-3835.

Common Causes of Trucking Accidents

Semi-trucks are massive vehicles that can easily crush smaller vehicles, which is why trucking accidents can be so catastrophic. 

Common causes of accidents involving semi-trucks or 18-wheelers are: 

• Truck driver fatigue: If a driver is tired, their driving ability, judgment, reaction times, and attentiveness can significantly decrease. They might even fall asleep at the wheel.
• Driving errors: While driving, truck drivers may not drive cautiously. Because they are speeding, infrequently checking their blind spots, not using their turn signals, and/or turning into curves too fast, a collision occurs.
• Issues with truck equipment: Failure to properly maintain or check equipment, manufacturing problems, or design errors can lead to mechanical problems. These problems can include faulty brakes, unsecured cargo, tire blowouts, and more, which can cause a collision.

In the Atlanta area, these hazards can be made worse by heavy traffic on interstates like I-20 and I-75. Our experienced Atlanta truck accident attorney knows how to evaluate your case to understand whether a trucking company ignored safety rules that are meant to protect drivers on Georgia highways.

Severe Injuries from Truck Accidents: Know Your Rights

Trucking accident victims and survivors often find themselves struggling because of a decreased quality of life and pain and suffering caused by the crash. 

This is in large part due to severe injuries that you can sustain, such as: 

• Back and neck injuries: These injuries may involve neck pain, whiplash, or dislocated discs.
• Broken bones: Victims may suffer multiple fractures or crushed bones.
• Burns: The severity of burn injuries often depends on the materials the truck was transporting.
• Head trauma: Traumatic brain injuries can lead to loss of cognitive or motor function.
• Internal injuries: These may include internal bleeding or damage to organs such as the liver, spleen, pancreas, or kidneys.
• Lacerations: Deep cuts or gashes can be painful and may result in permanent scarring.
• Rib or torso injuries: Broken ribs or severe bruising can affect breathing and mobility.
• Spinal cord damage: Serious spinal injuries can cause partial or complete paralysis.
• Wrongful death: In the most severe cases, truck accidents can result in fatal injuries.

Compensation for Truck Accident Victims in Atlanta

These injuries not only impact your ability to complete daily tasks or go to work but can also involve costly surgeries, hospital stays, physical therapy appointments, and other medical care costs. 

In pursuing a truck accident claim, you may be able to receive compensation for:

• Lost wages
• Healthcare bills (past and future)
• Travel costs associated with getting to appointments
• Property damage
• Emotional distress
• Pain and suffering

Detailed documentation of missed work, mileage to treatment centers in and around Atlanta, and out-of-pocket costs can make a significant difference in the value of a claim. Our commercial truck accident attorney in Atlanta can gather supporting records and present your losses in a way insurance adjusters can understand.

Proving Liability After a Truck Accident

In trucking accident cases, proving liability can be a unique challenge. 

Depending on accident causation, the party legally responsible for your injuries and other damages could be the:

• Truck driver
• Cargo loader
• Truck manufacturer or owner
• Parts manufacturer
• Local government agency responsible for highway design or upkeep

This is why you must contact an Atlanta truck accident attorney as soon as possible. A reliable attorney will be able to investigate the accident alongside accident reconstructionists and other experts to determine who is liable.

What to Do After a Truck Accident in Atlanta

The moments and days after a serious collision with a large truck can feel overwhelming, especially if you are dealing with injuries and damage to your vehicle. 

Taking the following steps can help guard your health and your potential legal options:

1. Call 911: Reporting the crash provides emergency medical care and allows law enforcement to document the accident.
2. Seek medical attention: Get evaluated as soon as possible, even if symptoms seem mild, as truck-related injuries may worsen over time.
3. Gather information at the scene: Obtain the truck driver’s name, contact details, the name of the trucking company, insurance details, and note the exact location of the crash.
4. Document the accident: Take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries to capture details that may not appear in a written report.
5. Collect witness information: If witnesses stop to help, ask for their names and phone numbers, as independent accounts can be important when insurers review a claim.
6. Notify your insurance company: Let your insurance company know about the accident and give them the basic facts.
7. Save medical records: In the days that follow, keep copies of discharge papers, imaging reports, prescriptions, and medical bills from hospitals or clinics.
8. Limit insurance and social media statements: Avoid posting about the crash online or giving detailed statements to insurers before understanding your rights.
9. Consult an attorney early: Speaking with a semi-truck accident attorney Atlanta residents trust can help you navigate the next steps.