Alpharetta Trucking Company Negligence Lawyers

Large trucks like tractor-trailers can cause severe injuries and even death to the occupants of other vehicles during a collision. The driver and passenger of a small car don’t stand much of a chance when a commercial truck crashes into them, especially at high speeds. The Alpharetta truck accident lawyers of Jonathan R. Brockman, P.C. know the devastation a truck accident can cause and how much it can affect your life. You experienced significant physical and emotional trauma and deserve the opportunity to hold the negligent party liable for their actions.

Even though the truck driver was at the wheel, their employer could be responsible for the crash. Trucking companies must follow specific regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. If they violate any of the regulations and an accident occurs with one of their big rigs, they could be financially liable for your resulting medical bills and other expenses.

Sometimes, truck drivers face strict deadlines for transporting consumer goods throughout Georgia and across the country. Their employer might encourage them to drive beyond the maximum number of hours allowed. The company might also ignore a failed drug test from a trucker taking illegal substances to stay awake during those long hours on the road.

If a trucking company was negligent in their hiring practices, supervision of the drivers, or another set of circumstances, you could pursue compensation for the losses you suffered in the accident with their tractor-trailer. Do not hesitate to reach out to Jonathan R. Brockman, P.C. for a free consultation to discuss your legal options. Our Alpharetta trucking company negligence lawyers are ready to take your call and advocate for your rights in your case. Call us now at 678-213-2401.

Common Causes of Accidents Due to Employer Negligence

Violating federal regulations doesn’t always lead to a motor vehicle crash. However, there are times when a trucking company disobeys the law and places their truck driver and the occupants of other vehicles at risk of serious injuries and fatalities.

Collisions involving commercial trucks and passenger vehicles are often catastrophic. In 2019, there were 4,119 fatalities in accidents with large trucks. Of those deaths, 67% were non-commercial occupants, while only 16% were the occupants of commercial trucks.

The most common examples of trucking company negligence are:

Inadequate training – Trucking companies must provide training to their drivers. Truckers need to know state laws, federal regulations, and how to operate their trucks safely. If they don’t receive the necessary training, they won’t know how to maneuver the truck around other vehicles or respond to an emergency situation.
Hiring procedures – Extensive background checks on new employees are necessary. Trucking companies must look for a criminal history, previous records of accidents, and documentation of experience driving a truck.
Retention problems – A lack of experienced drivers or staff shortages at a trucking company could lead an employer to hire whoever’s available to drive. They might ignore the person’s lack of qualifications or inexperience, placing dangerous drivers on the road. A company might also try to make money by retaining an employee even if they’re not good at their job, so they have enough drivers.
Loading cargo incorrectly – Regulations for cargo securement are in place to keep cargo in the truck and prevent it from shifting. If the company uses defective securement devices or knowingly loads items beyond the maximum weight limit, it could cause problems for the driver.
Poor repairs and maintenance – Routine maintenance is crucial to keep a truck in good working condition. Failure to perform routine maintenance or repair damage promptly can lead to an accident. Defective truck parts could malfunction, causing the trucker to lose control of the entire vehicle.

The Alpharetta trucking company negligence lawyers of Jonathan R. Brockman, P.C. understand the stress of healing your injuries while pursuing a legal case. It can be overwhelming and cause significant strain to your emotional well-being and economic standing. You should not be forced to pay out of pocket for the costs you incurred from the accident. The trucking company should accept liability for their misconduct and provide the compensation you need to afford your medical bills.

Common Injuries Associated with Truck Accidents

Commercial trucks are massive in size and weight. They can cause significant property damage and debilitating injuries during an accident. The violent impact of a crash is enough to cause the smaller vehicle occupants to suffer immediate physical harm and subsequent injuries from flying debris.

The most common injuries caused by truck accidents are:

Loss of limb
Concussion or whiplash
Broken bones
Traumatic brain injury
Internal bleeding
Paralysis
Spinal cord damage
Crush injuries
Back injuries
Psychological trauma

A mental or physical disability could result from any severe injury in a truck accident. If you require ongoing physical therapy or lifelong assistance performing routine tasks, you could end up with expensive medical bills. Even long after your case ends, you might need to attend doctor’s appointments to manage chronic pain or improve your loss of mobility. The at-fault trucking company should face the consequences of their actions and provide the financial compensation necessary for your ongoing treatment.

Compensation Available Following a Truck Accident

If a trucking company was responsible for the accident you were in, they should provide the financial means to pay for your medical care, prescription drugs, and other expenses.

Car insurance policies come with small liability limits that might not cover the losses you suffered in the accident. Fortunately, federal regulations require much higher limits for truck drivers. Trucking companies must buy and maintain insurance coverage with limits that depend on the cargo being transported and the truck’s weight. For example, a truck weighing under 10,001 pounds and carrying non-hazardous materials must have at least $300,000 in liability coverage.

This amount is likely adequate to cover your past and future losses. However, it’s critical to remember that just because you have a significant coverage amount available, that doesn’t necessarily mean that’s how much the insurance company will pay. Insurance companies are typically looking out for their own interests and want to avoid large payouts. They might look for reasons to deny your claim or get away with providing a low settlement offer.

At Jonathan R. Brockman, P.C., our Alpharetta trucking company negligence lawyers know how to maximize the value of a case and seek the necessary monetary award that compensates for multiple losses, such as:

Medical bills
Permanent disability
Lost income
Loss of future earnings
Pain and suffering
Diminished quality of life
Property damage
Emotional distress
Physical impairment or disfigurement

You can count on us to thoroughly review the trucking company’s insurance policy and determine how much coverage is available for us to pursue on your behalf. You shouldn’t be responsible for filing the claim or negotiating with the insurance company. We can take on all legal aspects of your case so you can focus on what’s important – recovering and getting your life back on track.

We understand truck accidents can result in economic strain and possibly lead to debt. Our legal team will tirelessly work to seek the maximum settlement necessary so you’re not left with any bills to pay yourself. If the insurance company refuses to settle for an amount that we believe is adequate, we can file a lawsuit and take them to court.

Filing a Lawsuit in Georgia

Filing an insurance claim with the trucking company’s insurer isn’t your only option for recovering compensation. You could also file a lawsuit in civil court. There’s a strict timeframe that you must follow if you want to sue someone for your losses. Georgia has a two-year statute of limitations. That means you have two years from the date of the accident to file your lawsuit. If the deadline passes, you could lose your chance of holding the trucking company liable in court.

During a lawsuit, a jury will review the facts of the case to determine whether your actions partially contributed to the crash. If they find that you share any amount of fault for your injuries, they could use the modified comparative negligence rule to reduce your monetary losses by the percentage of blame you share.

For example, let’s say you suffered $100,000 in losses. Under normal circumstances where the trucking company is 100% at fault, you could pursue $100,000 in compensation. However, if the jury determines you were 20% to blame for the crash, they could diminish your financial award to $80,000. If you’re at least 50% responsible for the truck accident, you would be prohibited from recovering any compensation.

Contact Jonathan R. Brockman, P.C. for a Free Consultation

The Alpharetta trucking company negligence lawyers of Jonathan R. Brockman, P.C. have been fighting for our clients for more than 30 years. We use our experience and knowledge of truck accident cases to create the right strategy for each client that comes to us. You will be our top priority as we’re attempting to secure the maximum compensation you deserve.

If a trucking company’s negligent actions caused your injuries in a crash, contact Jonathan R. Brockman, P.C. immediately for a free consultation. One of our Alpharetta trucking company negligence lawyers will be happy to discuss the circumstances of your case and determine whether we can represent you. Call 678-213-2401 now or reach out to us online.