Hit by a semi-truck or 18-Wheeler or other commercial truck and need an Atlanta lawyer? Contact Millar Law Firm
The Millar Law Firm is Your Atlanta Team of Experienced Truck Accident Attorneys
Our Atlanta Law Firm specializes in representing victims of tractor-trailer and other commercial vehicle accidents in the Atlanta metropolitan area and throughout Georgia. For over 32 years we have been representing clients in tractor-trailer, semi-truck, 18-wheeler, box truck and other truck and commercial vehicle accident cases.
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Our truck accident attorneys and investigators have the knowledge and experience necessary to handle the most complex truck accident cases. We understand the challenges that victims of truck accidents face, and we are committed to helping you recover the justice and full compensation you and your family deserve.
Differences Between Atlanta Truck and Car Accidents
What You Need to Know About Truck Accidents in Atlanta
Experience Matters More in Trucking Cases: New and different legal and evidentiary issues and safety standards come into play each year in trucking cases. Thus, truck accidents tend to be far more complex and involve more severe injuries than “regular” car accident claims. Additionally, trucking companies and their insurance companies aggressively defend these claims and are less likely than car accident insurers to settle without a fight.
Truck accidents are not like car accidents. When a truck is involved in an accident, the force of impact is much greater than it would be in a typical car accident. Moreover, investigation usually proves that most commercial vehicle accidents were preventable and have a root cause, such as poorly supervised drives or negligently maintained brakes. Unlike many car accidents, trucking negligence often goes far beyond a simple mistake, but is a product of a systemic breakdown within the hauling company.
Recovering the compensation you deserve
In addition to simply recovering the cost of medical care and lost wages, Atlanta area victims of 18-wheeler and other trucking accidents may also be eligible for compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress and other intangible damages, including punitive damages.
In severe truck accidents, the stakes for compensation are also higher. Trucking companies are often insured for millions of dollars, or may have more assets than a private motorist. For the victims of the most serious trucking crashes, this means that more compensation may be available to cover their medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Why Atlanta Truck Accident Cases May Be Worth More
Georgia truck accident victims may be eligible for higher compensation for several reasons:
- Commercial trucks usually carry much higher insurance limits than than passenger cars. Therefore, there may be more money available to cover your losses if you have been seriously injured in a truck accident.
- Truck drivers and their companies must follow rules and regulations established by federal and state laws. If and when violations of the rules, such as the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Act) caused or contributed to the accident, this can strengthen your case and increase the amount of compensation you receive.
- Large truck accidents are often more serious than car accidents due to heavier weights and higher forces of impact. This can result in more severe injuries, which means higher costs for medical care, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Punitive damages are sometimes awarded in truck accidents if the driver or trucking company was negligent or reckless. Our Atlanta law firm will investigate and advise you whether punitive damages are a possibility in your case.
Proving the Truck Caused Your Crash
How Liability (fault) Can be Shown in an Atlanta-area Truck Accident Case
Because truck and other commercial vehicle accidents can sometimes involve many different parties, such as the truck driver him or herself, the trucking company, a shipper, or even the person or company who loaded the cargo, determining fault can sometimes be complicated.
For these reasons, a detailed investigation may be required to figure out what went wrong to cause the incident and to identify all of the parties involved. Proper and prompt investigation is needed to increase the chances of successfully recovering a settlement or winning a trial to receive the compensation you deserve.
A great investigative team can help you identify who may be responsible for the truck accident and what evidence is needed to recover. Whether you choose to hire The Millar Law Firm or another personal injury attorney, make sure that your lawyer has the experience and resources to investigate the accident and build a strong case on your behalf.
When is a Trucking Company Held Liable (responsible) for a 18-Wheeler Accident?
Trucking companies are often held liable for truck accidents as they employ or hire the truck driver. Trucking companies and carriers have a number of responsibilities that can contribute to an accident, including:
- Hiring: Trucking companies must hire qualified and safe drivers. When they hire a driver with a history of careless or reckless driving, this can increas their level of liability for accidents the driver causes or contributes to.
- Ownership and Maintenance: Trucking companies may own or lease the trucks that their drivers operate. This means companies are generally responsible for the condition of the trucks and for proper maintenance. When a truck is in poor condition and failing equipment causes an accident, the trucking company or even a third party responsible for maintenance may be held liable.
- Rules and regulations: Trucking companies and drivers must follow federal, state, and local regulations. They often violate one of more of these regulations. When such violations cause an accident occurs, they may be held liable.
- Training: Trucking companies must ensure their drivers are properly trained to operate their trucks safely. Commercial haulers may be liable for failing to document and provide required or adequate training.
- Hours of service: Trucking companies are required limit and monitor the number of hours that their drivers can drive. Unfortunately, hours of service violations are common for drivers and companies operating or passing through the Atlanta area and the State of Georgia. In most trucking accidents, the hours that a driver has been operating should be investigated.
Our Atlanta Lawyers Specialize in Trucking Claims
How The Millar Law Firm Will Investigate Your Atlanta, Georgia area Truck Accident Case and Win for You
Our firm finds that the best results happen when the truck accident is investigated as soon as possible. This helps to more quickly determine who is at fault and build a strong case for compensation.
Investigations of trucking accidents include:
- Photos and inspection of the scene of the accident and vehicles. Photographs and inspection of the scene and damage to the vehicles are taken. The road conditions and other relevant evidence are assessed and analyzed by experts and attorneys.
- Witness statements. People who saw the accident, including other drivers, passengers, and bystanders are interviewed.
- Client medical attention. We recommend prompt medical care and following all medical advice. This will document your injuries and help you get the treatment you need. In the event you do not have health insurance or are not getting the cooperation you need from your regular doctor, we may be able to provide help and advice.
It is important to remember that trucking companies have a lot of resources at their disposal. They may have their own investigators and lawyers who will work to try to minimize their liability. That is why it is important to have your own team of experts on your side.
By investigating the accident thoroughly and working with an experienced attorney, you can increase your chances of getting the compensation you deserve.
Why You Should Hire a Trucking Accident Attorney
It is necessary to preserve critical evidence after serious trucking accidents
Trucking companies frequently employ investigators who are prepared to respond to truck accidents. In the most serious accidents, representatives of the trucking company, investigators and insurance adjusters may arrive on the scene to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and survey the accident scene. The trucking company will review maintenance records, driver logs, and electronic data recorders (EDR). It is important that your legal team ensures such evidence is preserved and maintained.
You are entitled to conduct your own investigation, by inspecting the truck, maintenance and driving records, and electronic data to determine the cause of the accident and identify any potential liability. Georgia truck accident victims and their attorneys are entitled to inspect the truck after a collision and to demand access to the trucking companies' records. It is highly recommended that anyone seriously injured in a crash with a commercial truck hire an attorney who has an accident inspection and reconstruction team ready to react at a moments notice.
Fight Back Against The Trucking Company
Step 1: Fight back With Accident Reconstruction Experts
Investigators and attorneys working for insurance and trucking companies cannot be counted upon to conduct an unbiased investigation. We believe it is important to have your own accident reconstruction team investigate a serious truck wreck.
Our team will go to the accident scene and inspect the vehicles to gather and preserve evidence. We recover data from the electronic logging device (ELD) and onboard data recorders (EDR) from the truck and other involved vehicles. Our team will also interview witnesses and review police reports, body and patrol car camera and 911 calls. We will request maintenance and regulatory records from the at-fault trucking company.
Step 2: Fighting Back Against the Trucking Company's Legal Team
Trucking companies are often well-insured and have a team of defense lawyers. These lawyers are often hired by trucking company's insurance company and are highly paid and experienced (and well funded) defense lawyers. We fight back against such strategies by hiring only top-quality accident reconstruction and trucking industry experts, to level the playing field for you.
Fight Back Against the Trucking and Insurance Company With Top-notch Representation
Our experienced Atlanta trucking case lawyers will help you investigate the accident, develop a strong case, and negotiate a fair settlement. If necessary, we will take your case to trial to maximize your recovery. Read and review our case results pages for more information.
1201 West Peachtree Street #2339 Atlanta, GA 30309+1-770-212-3795$0-$100000I called Millar Law Firm last night with some legal questions. Even though I didn't have a case, they were so nice and willing to answer my questions. I think the person I spoke to said her name was Cindy. She was very patient and helpful. I was also impressed that they actually answered in the evening. Thank you.
