Getting into a truck accident can have a major effect on you and your family. You may face catastrophic injuries, expensive medical needs, and a great deal of pain and suffering. At BMW Law Group, we help injured victims involved in commercial truck, 18-wheeler and delivery truck accidents in Athens and throughout Georgia. We can help you recover and move forward.
Why Do You Need to Hire an Attorney After a Truck Accident in Athens?
It can be difficult to go up against a trucking company and its insurance provider alone after an accident. The trucking company will do what it can to avoid liability (financial responsibility) for your injuries and save itself money on your claim.
Hiring a truck accident attorney protects you from being taken advantage of by an insurer. Your lawyer will have the resources, personnel and experience to navigate the legal process of your claim. An attorney can also help you get access to the medical care you need, allowing you to focus on recovery while your lawyer fights for justice for you.
What Causes Truck Accidents in Athens, GA?
Trucking companies have a responsibility to reasonably ensure the safety of their trucks and truck drivers. They are obligated to take certain steps and obey federal safety rules to decrease the risk of traffic accidents. Unfortunately, many trucking companies cut corners to save time and money. This results in preventable hazards and deadly truck accidents.
Common issues that cause truck accidents in Athens include:
Distracted truck drivers
Cell phone use behind the wheel
Reckless driver behaviors
Speeding
Driving under the influence
Incorrect braking techniques
Truck driver fatigue
Trucking company negligence
Poor fleet maintenance
Poorly loaded cargo/overloaded trucks
These are all avoidable issues. If a truck driver or trucking company was careless or reckless, and this caused your Athens truck accident, you may be able to hold that party financially accountable. Call our Athens personal injury lawyer to discuss your case during a free initial case review.
What Makes a Truck Accident Case Unique?
Truck accidents are not like standard car accident claims. There are different laws, regulations and elements connected to the trucking industry that do not apply to other types of accidents. For this reason, it is even more important to hire an attorney to advocate for you and your family during a claim.
Many things could make your truck accident claim a challenge, including:
Types of evidence. The evidence involved in a truck accident case is different from a typical car accident. There may be driver logs, black box data, event data recorders, driving records, compliance reports, truck inspection documents and more to support your claim. It is important to collect evidence quickly – ideally, starting while still at the scene.
Federal rules and regulations. Trucking companies and truck drivers have to obey numerous safety rules under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. These include cargo securement rules and driver hours-of-service restrictions. Violating these laws can cause truck accidents.
Size of the adversary. Going up against a trucking company is different than an individual motor vehicle driver. Companies have a wealth of resources to put toward fighting claims. For example, a rapid response team will be at the accident site almost immediately to act on behalf of the trucking company. Hiring a lawyer can help you balance the scales.
A truck accident lawyer in Athens can help you work through all of the difficult aspects of your claim and negotiate on your behalf for the best possible financial outcome. Working with an attorney will make it easier to focus on what matters most – your recovery.
Speak to an Attorney at BMW Law for Free Today
If you or a loved one was recently injured in a truck accident, contact the Athens, Georgia personal injury attorneys at BMW Law Group. You may be entitled to a monetary recovery for your medical bills, vehicle damage, missed wages and other losses.
Start your case with a free consultation with one of our truck accident lawyers. We can explain your rights and estimate the value of your truck accident claim. Call (770) 225-4710 anytime or contact us online and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
