Atlanta Truck Accident Injury Attorney
Truck accidents are common, and serious injuries or even death can occur when these events take place. Due to their size and weight, truck accidents can have devastating consequences, especially when the accident involves a larger tractor-trailer truck or a semi-trailer. If you were involved in a truck accident and were driving in your personal vehicle or you were a pedestrian, it’s essential to know your rights and what you might be entitled to as a result of this type of accident. The attorneys at Williams Oinonen LLC are experienced in truck accidents and have been successfully handling these cases for years. When you hire us, you can be confident that you will receive the attention, compassion, and dedication that you truly deserve. We give every client our full attention, and you can rest assured that we will handle your case with competence, compassion, and care. Contact an Atlanta truck accident injury attorney today for a consultation by filling out our online form or calling (404) 654-0288.
Why Turn to Williams Oinonen LLC
If you’ve been in an accident involving a large commercial truck, it’s important to contact an experienced attorney right away. There are complexities and nuances to these types of cases that many people might not be aware of. Our Atlanta wrongful death lawyers have years of experience and ready to help you with your case.
What Evidence Do You Need to Collect After an Accident?
In truck accident cases, there is sometimes unique evidence that many people do not know about. A qualified lawyer can assist you in collecting the following types of evidence:
Black Box
Most commercial trucks have a black box, similar to what’s in an airplane. The boxes record data, such as how fast the truck was going, when the driver used the brakes, what type of steering action the driver took, and other important information that can help show exactly what caused the accident.
GPS Device
Most commercial trucks are also equipped with GPS tracking devices. This can show where the driver was going and where they were coming from, which can help determine whether the driver was acting in the scope of his employment. That could mean their employer could be held liable for the injuries and damages you sustained.
Dispatch Records
Dispatch records can provide information about the truck driver’s route, how long the driver had been traveling, and other important information that can also help determine if the driver was acting within the scope of his employment at the time of the accident.
Inspection Reports
Commercial trucks are required by law to be inspected regularly. If inspection reports show that the truck wasn’t inspected regularly or properly, this can help your case by showing that the company was negligent in terms of the truck’s safety.
Dash Cameras
Many commercial trucks are also equipped with cameras, showing exactly what happened during an accident and providing evidence regarding responsibility for the accident.
Common Injuries From Truck Accidents
Some injuries that occur when a person is involved in a truck accident are somewhat minor, but accidents involving these large trucks can also have devastating consequences. Some of the most common injuries that result from a truck accident include the following:
- Whiplash
- Broken or fractured bones
- Loss of limbs
- Internal bleeding
- Burns
- Concussions
- Cuts and bruises
- Traumatic brain injury
- Paralysis
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Truck Accident?
If you are injured as a result of an accident involving a large commercial truck, there are multiple parties that may be subject to a lawsuit. If the truck driver was within the scope and duty of their employment at the time of the accident, it’s likely that the employer can be held responsible through a principle known as respondeat superior. Respondeat superior is the principle that an employer can be automatically responsible for injuries and other damages sustained during an accident that was caused by their employee.
It’s always possible that a driver’s employer can dispute the fact that the driver was on duty and acting within the scope of their employment. However, in many cases, it will be cut and dry, and the employer can be sued and held legally responsible. This issue can become complex when the driver is an independent contractor hired by a trucking company. An experienced attorney can help you determine who is liable for the injuries and damages you or your loved one has suffered.
Direct Actions
In most cases involving Atlanta car accidents, the injured party can only sue the driver responsible for the accident. In accidents that involve a commercial semi-truck, the injured party is permitted to sue the truck company’s insurance company directly in what is called a direct action. In Georgia, truck companies that are involved in interstate commerce, meaning they regularly cross state lines for business purposes (which most trucks do), are required to carry at least $750,000 in liability insurance.
It’s also important to note that when you file a lawsuit for a truck accident case, the jury is permitted to know that the insurance company is the one who will be paying the damages. This is different from a typical car accident case, where the jury is not informed about the insurance liabilities. This is beneficial for the plaintiff because a jury may be more likely to award more compensation if they know that it isn’t coming directly out of the truck driver’s pocket.
Call an Atlanta Truck Accident Injury Lawyer
A semi-truck accident can cause severe problems for the driver, passengers, and anyone else involved in the accident. The guidelines for semi-truck drivers are far more different from drivers of passenger vehicles. The sheer size of these vehicles makes them a dangerous hazard on the highway. If you are the victim of a truck accident, don’t hesitate to contact an Atlanta truck accident injury lawyer at Williams Oinonen LLC. We can ensure that your case is handled appropriately, and we will do everything in our power to make sure you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
You’ll never have to wonder what’s going on with your case, as we will keep you updated every step of the way. We pride ourselves in being successful in the courtroom, so you can be confident that we will take your case to trial if there isn’t a reasonable settlement offer. Contact a lawyer in Atlanta today for a consultation by filling out our online form or calling (404) 654-0288.