Few accidents in Georgia are as deadly or devastating as those involving commercial vehicles, especially heavy semi-trucks, and other “Big-Rigs.” This article outlines key things every driver should know about accidents involving large trucks, including:
- How to determine who is responsible and can be held accountable for your injuries.
- The role of black boxes in truck accident personal injury claims in Georgia.
- The most common causes of truck accidents on Georgia roads.
What Are The Most Common Causes Of Truck Accidents That Lead To Liability?
Truck accidents are almost always more severe than car accidents, but the causes are often the same.
Inattention remains the single greatest cause of severe accidents. Truck drivers spend significantly more time on the road than the average driver, often living in their trucks for extended periods, sometimes without enough rest. This makes them particularly vulnerable to distractions, whether it’s using a phone or adjusting the radio.
If a driver’s inattention causes a truck accident, both the driver and the company operating the vehicle can be held liable for the resulting damages.
How Is Fault Determined In A Truck Accident In Georgia?
Fault in a truck accident works much the same as in any accident: someone is responsible if their negligence or recklessness caused the accident. However, determining fault in a truck accident can be more complex due to the number of potential responsible parties.
From the driver to the trucking company, many entities can be involved in causing the accident. Drivers are required to take breaks, companies must train their employees properly, and cargo must be loaded correctly. Even road conditions, especially if left in poor condition by a government agency, can play a role in the accident.
What Evidence Is Used To Determine Liability In A Truck Accident?
Proving liability requires gathering evidence, and in truck accidents, technology plays a crucial role.
One key piece of evidence is the truck’s black box, which records important data like the vehicle’s speed. This data provides a more precise view of the truck’s speed than calculations based on skid marks and other traditional methods.
A truck’s physical or computerized log books can also help determine when the driver last slept and how long they had been driving. As professional drivers, truckers are held to a higher standard of care, given the skill and responsibility their job requires. If the driver had been driving for too long, liability may also extend to their employer.
How Does The Black Box Data Impact Liability Decisions In Georgia?
Modern commercial vehicles are equipped with black boxes that record all sorts of essential information – information that is easier to confirm and harder to tamper with than the logbook.
For example, the black box allows us to see exactly how fast the truck was going in certain conditions. Sometimes, the difference between 55 and 65 mph is going to make or break the case. If the truck’s load is several tons and it is doing 10 miles more per hour, it will require dozens more yards to come to a full stop.
No one should be tailgating, but especially not trucks, because they cannot stop quickly. The heavier the truck, the longer the distance required to do so.
A professional driver should understand that and compensate for it. Fortunately, having the precision data of a black box is going to help us figure out whether the driver did the right thing or whether they should be liable for the accident.
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How We Approach Client Care
When you’re handling personal injury cases, you’re often working with clients who are going through incredibly difficult times. They’re suffering, and they’re emotional due to their situation – and honestly, it’s not always easy.
There are times when things can feel overwhelming, especially when we’re juggling new clients coming in and older cases being settled. Just the other day, I was talking with a client who’s still in the middle of their care program. We’re trying to figure out what’s wrong and what it’s going to take to get them the help they need.
It’s a heavy burden sometimes. I make myself available to clients even outside of regular business hours, and that can be difficult, too. I often hear bad news at all hours of the day, and it takes a toll. But when I come home, my kids are my saving grace.
My youngest, who’s six, loves video games. He knows how to set everything up and, when I walk through the door, the first thing he asks is, “Dad, do you have any work to do?” If I say no, I know it’s time to sit down and join him. Watching him play—or trying to play alongside him—is a great way for me to decompress. I may be terrible at Lego Pirates of the Caribbean, but we have fun, and that’s what matters.
At the end of the day, it helps me stay grounded, and when it’s time to get back to work, I feel refreshed and ready to jump back into the fight.
For more information on Determining Fault In A Truck Accident In Georgia, an initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (404) 678-1615 today.
