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Henry County Experiences Many Truck Accidents
Commercial truck accidents are a serious problem in McDonough and the Greater Atlanta Area. In 2022, there were over 1,000 fatal truck accidents in Georgia, and many of those occurred in the Atlanta area. The large size and weight of commercial trucks make them especially dangerous in accidents, and they can cause serious injury or death to occupants of other vehicles.
There are a number of reasons why counties like Henry County, and towns like McDonough get more than their share of truck accidents. These reasons include:
- The Atlanta area is a major transportation hub. Atlanta is a major hub for both interstate and intrastate trucking. This means that there are a lot of trucks on the road in the Atlanta area, which automatically increases the risk of accidents.
- The Atlanta area has a lot of traffic congestion. Traffic congestion can lead to driver fatigue, which is a major factor in truck accidents.
- The Atlanta area has a lot of construction zones. Construction zones can be hazardous for both cars and trucks. Trucks may be carrying heavy loads that make it difficult to maneuver in construction zones, and cars may be driving more slowly or erratically in construction zones, which can increase the risk of accidents.
- The Atlanta area has a lot of weather-related hazards. The Atlanta area is prone to thunderstorms, ice storms, and other weather events that can make driving hazardous. Trucks are especially vulnerable to weather-related hazards, as they can be blown over by strong winds or hydroplane on wet roads
Particularly Dangerous Routes around McDonough
There are a number of roads and highways in Henry County that see lots of truck traffic and are, therefore known to be dangerous for truck accidents. These include:
Interstate 75 is a major interstate highway that runs through Henry County. It is a major trucking route, and it is also a very busy highway. This combination of factors makes it a very dangerous road for truck accidents.
State Route 138 is a major state highway that runs through Henry County. It is a major trucking route, and it is also a very winding road. This combination of factors makes it a very dangerous road for truck accidents.
U.S. Highway 23 is a major U.S. highway that runs through Henry County. It is a major trucking route, and it is also a very busy highway. This combination of factors makes it a very dangerous road for truck accidents.
Stockbridge Road is a major road that runs through Henry County. It is a frequently used trucking route, and it is a very busy road overall. This combination of factors makes it a very dangerous road for truck accidents.
In addition to these roads, there are also a number of other roads in Henry County that are known to be frequently the sites of truck accidents. These roads are often the site of multiple accidents, and they are often cited by law enforcement as being particularly dangerous.
If you are driving in Henry County, it is important to be aware of the roads that are known to be dangerous for truck accidents. You should also be aware of the factors that can contribute to truck accidents, such as driver fatigue, distracted driving, and speeding.
In some cases, the truck driver may be at fault for the accident, but in other cases, the accident may be caused by the negligence of the truck owner or the trucking company.
Truck Accidents – Bigger, Heavier Rigs Cause More Damage
According to a study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the average settlement for a truck accident is $42,909.88, while the average settlement for a car accident is $29,700. This difference is even more pronounced in cases of serious injuries or death. For example, the average settlement for a fatal truck accident is $3,604,518, while the average settlement for a fatal car accident is $1,209,383.
Typically there is more money involved in settlements arising from accidents with commercial trucks than in settlements arising from accidents with passenger vehicles. This is because commercial trucks are much larger and heavier than passenger vehicles, they are more difficult to stop, and they can cause more serious damage and injuries in accidents. Additionally, the trucking companies that own and operate commercial trucks carry larger insurance policies, so they are more likely to be able to pay for the total damages done by their trucks.
There are a number of factors that can affect the amount of a settlement in a commercial truck accident, including the severity of the injuries, the fault of the parties involved, and the amount of insurance coverage available. However, in general, settlements in commercial truck accidents tend to be higher than settlements in car accidents.
Truckers Can Be Negligent in More Ways than Normal Drivers
Truck drivers are held to a higher standard of care than personal vehicle drivers because of the size and weight of their vehicles. They must be certified differently than ordinary drivers because commercial trucks are much larger and heavier than passenger cars, and they can cause much more serious injuries in an accident. For this reason, truck drivers are required to follow a number of rules that personal vehicle drivers are not.
Some of the special rules that commercial truck drivers must follow include:
- Maintaining special certification: A truck driver must earn and maintain a current CDL – Commercial Driver’s License – in order to drive legally
- Maintaining a log of their driving hours. Truck drivers are limited to the number of hours they can drive each day and week. This is to ensure that they are not fatigued and that they are able to operate their vehicles safely.
- Following weight restrictions. Truck drivers must not exceed the weight limit for their vehicle. They must also be sure the trailer is loaded in such a way as to distribute the weight evenly. This is to prevent the truck from becoming unstable and causing an accident.
- Inspections: Truck drivers must inspect their vehicles for any defects that could cause an accident. This includes checking the tires, brakes, and lights.
- Obeying all traffic laws. Truck drivers must obey all traffic laws, including speed limits and stop signs.
- Watching the weather: Road condition is a variable that all drivers must be aware of, but when one is hauling a heavy load, road conditions can make stopping even more difficult.
- Being aware of their surroundings. Truck drivers must be aware of their surroundings and be able to see around their large vehicles. This is to help them to know where smaller vehicles are in relation to their truck thereby preventing them from hitting other vehicles or pedestrians.
If a truck driver is negligent and causes an accident, they may be held liable for the damages. This means that they could be responsible for paying for the victim’s medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
It is important to note that the rules that truck drivers must follow vary from state to state. However, the rules listed above are some of the most common.
Truck Accidents and Serious Injuries
In highly trafficked areas like Henry County, and the greater Atlanta area, truck accidents can be doubly brutal. This is because of the size and weight of commercial trucks. A typical passenger car weighs around 4,000 pounds, while a semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. When a truck and a car collide, the force of impact is much greater for the car. This can lead to serious injuries, such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Amputations
- Fatalities
In addition to the size and weight of trucks, other factors that can contribute to more serious injuries in truck accidents include:
- The height of trucks. Trucks are much taller than cars, so when they collide, the occupants of the car are more likely to be thrown from the vehicle or to strike their heads on the dashboard or windshield.
- The speed of trucks. Trucks can travel at high speeds, which can interfere with stopping distance and increase the force of impact in an accident.
- The cargo being carried by the truck. If the truck is carrying heavy or hazardous cargo, this can also increase the risk of serious injuries in an accident
Not only are truck accidents are more likely to create more serious injuries than car accidents, but the number of vehicles on congested roadways such as are found in the counties and communities around Atlanta including McDonough, can also lead to “pile ups” that injure many victims.
Truck Accident Claims Can Be Difficult to Win
Trucking accidents have an entirely different set of factors regarding negligence and liability. Because there can be more costs and damages in a truck accident, insurance companies have very much more money at stake. It is for these reasons that truck accident claims can be more fiercely defended and harder to win.
Are There a Wide Range of Different Trucks on Todays Roads – Making Truck Cases More Complex?
There are different styles of commercial trucks that can make some accidents worse than others. These styles include:
These are the most common type of commercial truck and are responsible for the majority of truck accidents. Tractor-trailers are very large and heavy, and they can cause serious injuries or death in an accident.
Box trucks are smaller than tractor-trailers, but they can still cause serious injuries in an accident. Box trucks are often used for deliveries in busy communities like McDonough. They can be difficult to see around and are often
Tanker trucks carry hazardous materials, and an accident involving a tanker truck can be especially dangerous. The hazardous materials can spill and cause environmental damage, and they can also cause serious injuries or death.
Dump trucks are used to carry heavy loads, and they can be very dangerous in an accident. The load can shift during an accident, and it can crush vehicles or pedestrians.
The style of the commercial truck can also affect the severity of an accident based on the following factors:
- The size and weight of the truck: Larger and heavier trucks can cause more serious injuries in an accident.
- The type of cargo being carried: Some cargo, such as hazardous materials, can be more dangerous than other cargo in an accident.
- The design of the truck: Some trucks are designed with safety features that can help to reduce the severity of an accident.
If you are involved in an accident with a commercial truck, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. You should also contact an attorney to discuss your legal rights.
Truck Accidents Are Complex Because There Can Be Multiple Liable Parties
Truck accidents can be more complex because there are often a number of potentially liable parties. This is because there are multiple entities involved in the operation of a commercial truck, such as the truck driver, the trucking company, the owner of the truck, and the manufacturer of the truck and its parts.
For example, if a truck driver is negligent and causes an accident, the truck driver may be held liable for the damages. However, the trucking company may also be held liable if they knew or should have known that the truck driver was previously negligent. Additionally, the owner of the truck may also be held liable if they failed to properly maintain the truck.
In some cases, the manufacturer of the truck may also be held liable if the truck was defective. This could happen if the truck had a design flaw or if the truck or its critical parts were not properly manufactured.
The complexity of truck accidents can make it difficult to determine who is liable for the damages. This is why it is important to speak with an attorney if you are involved in a truck accident. An attorney can help you to understand your legal rights and options and to pursue a claim against the liable parties.
Here are some of the factors that can make truck accidents more complex:
- The number of liable parties. As mentioned above, there can be multiple liable parties in a truck accident. This can make it difficult to determine who is responsible for the damages.
- The size and weight of the truck. Commercial trucks are much larger and heavier than passenger cars, which can make them more difficult to control and more likely to cause serious injuries or death in an accident.
- The cargo being carried. Some cargo, such as hazardous materials, can be more dangerous than other cargo in an accident.
- The weather conditions. Weather conditions can play a role in truck accidents. For example, icy roads can make it difficult for truck drivers to control their vehicles.
- The road conditions. Poor road conditions can also contribute to truck accidents. For example, potholes can cause trucks to lose control.
What to do if you are in a Truck Accident
Here are the immediate steps you should take if you are involved in an accident with a commercial truck:
- Check for injuries. If you or anyone else was injured, call 911 immediately.
- Move to a safe location. If your vehicle is still drivable, move it to a safe location away from traffic. If your vehicle is not drivable, stay in your vehicle and wait for help to arrive.
- Exchange information with the other driver. Get the name, address, phone number, and insurance information of the other driver. If there were any witnesses to the accident, get their names and contact information as well.
- Take pictures of the accident scene. This includes the damage to the vehicles, the skid marks, and any other evidence that could be helpful in your case.
- File a police report. The police report will document the details of the accident, which can be helpful if you decide to file a claim with the other driver’s insurance company.
- Seek medical attention. Even if you don’t feel injured, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible after an accident. This is especially important if you were in a collision with a commercial truck, as the size and weight of the truck can cause serious injuries.
- Contact an attorney. An attorney can help you to understand your legal rights and options after a truck accident. They can also help you to file a claim with the other driver’s insurance company and to negotiate a settlement.
Here are some additional tips for what to do after a truck accident:
- Stay calm. It can be difficult to stay calm after an accident, but it’s important to try to stay calm so that you can make good decisions.
- Be cooperative. The police and insurance companies will need your cooperation to investigate the accident. Be cooperative with them and answer their questions honestly.
- Don’t admit fault. Even if you think you were at fault for the accident, don’t admit fault to the police or the insurance companies. This could hurt your case later on.
- Be patient. The legal process can take time. Be patient and don’t give up on your case.
If you have been involved in a truck accident, it is important to take these steps to protect your rights. By following these steps, you can increase your chances of getting the compensation you deserve.
The Different Insurance Coverage Available for Each Truck Varies, Adding to the Complexity
Trucks and their drivers are subject to a number of state and sometimes Federal requirements around insurance coverage. This variability can make it extremely difficult to know what insurance coverage is required. For example, the insurance coverage limits for commercial trucks can be dependent upon:
- The size and weight of the truck. Larger trucks require higher insurance limits than smaller trucks.
- The type of freight being hauled. Trucks carrying hazardous materials or other high-value cargo may require higher insurance limits.
- The type of insurance coverage. There are different types of insurance coverage available for commercial trucks, such as liability insurance, property damage insurance, and cargo insurance. The insurance limits for each type of coverage will vary.
- The state in which the truck is operating. Each state has its own laws regarding insurance coverage for commercial trucks.
- Independent truckers, who own their own trucks, are often responsible for maintaining insurance coverage and are often under-insured.
In general, the minimum insurance coverage limits for commercial trucks are as follows:
- Liability insurance: $750,000 for bodily injury per person, $3,000,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $750,000 for property damage.
- Property damage insurance: $750,000.
However, many trucking companies choose to carry higher insurance limits. This is because commercial truck accidents can often result in serious injuries or death, and the costs of liability can be very high.
How Truck Accident Investigations by Truck Companies Add to the Challenge
There is typically more in-depth investigation of truck accidents than car accidents. This is because truck accidents are more likely to cause serious injuries or death, and the consequences of a truck accident can be much more severe. In addition, truck accidents often involve multiple factors, such as driver fatigue, distracted driving, and mechanical problems. In order to determine the cause of a truck accident, investigators need to gather as much information as possible. This may include:
- Witness statements: Investigators will interview witnesses to the accident to get their accounts of what happened.
- Physical evidence: Investigators will examine the scene of the accident for physical evidence, such as skid marks, debris, and damage to the vehicles involved.
- Vehicle inspections: Investigators will inspect the vehicles involved in the accident to look for mechanical problems that may have contributed to the accident.
- Toxicology reports: If the driver of the truck was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, investigators will obtain toxicology reports to confirm this.
Once investigators have gathered all of the information, they will use it to reconstruct the accident and determine the cause. This information can then be used to improve safety standards for trucks and to prevent future accidents.
In addition to the investigation by law enforcement, the trucking company may also conduct an internal investigation. This investigation will typically focus on the driver’s training and experience, the truck’s maintenance history, and the company’s safety policies. The results of the internal investigation can be used to improve the company’s safety procedures and to prevent future accidents.
If you are injured in a truck accident, you will almost always benefit from having an experienced truck accident attorney in your corner.
Truck Accident Claims Are Complex and Aggressively Challenged
Truck accident victims typically need a good lawyer. Truck accidents are often complex and involve multiple potentially liable parties, such as the truck driver, the trucking company, and the owner of the cargo. An experienced lawyer can help you to navigate the legal system and protect your rights.
Here are some of the benefits of having a good lawyer after a truck accident:
- They can help you to understand your legal rights and options. The law can be complicated, and an experienced lawyer can help you to understand what your rights are and what options you have.
- They can help you to gather evidence. This includes things like witness statements, medical records, and photographs of the accident scene.
- They have resources to obtain evidence from the accident scene even when the physical evidence has been cleared away and traffic flow reinstated.
- They can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. This can help you to get a fair settlement for your injuries.
- They can represent you in court if your case goes to trial. This is important because the insurance company will have their own lawyers, and you will need someone who is experienced in handling truck accident cases to represent you
Our Legal Team Knows Truck Accidents and the Challenges of a Truck Accident Claim
There are a number of reasons why having an attorney can make winning a truck accident claim easier. These include:
- Experience: Attorneys who specialize in truck accident law have a deep understanding of the law and the procedures involved in filing a claim. They know how to gather evidence, build a case, and negotiate assertively with insurance companies.
- Resources: Attorneys have access to resources that you may not have, such as investigators, accident reconstruction experts, and medical experts. These resources can be essential in proving your case and getting the compensation you deserve.
- Negotiation skills: Experienced personal injury attorneys like those at The Millar Law Firm, are skilled negotiators who know how to get the best possible settlement for their clients. They can use their experience and knowledge to get the insurance company to offer a fair settlement.
- Trial experience: If your case goes to trial, your attorney will be there to represent you and fight for your rights. They will know how to present your case to the jury and persuade them to award you the compensation you deserve
- Reputation: Insurance company lawyers can often intimidate victims after an accident. However, aggressive, well-respected lawyers, like the legal team at The Millar Law Firm, have the advantage of being known as “tough to bluff.” Insurance companies know we are unlikely to be easily intimidated or to give up easily.
Experience and Focus: The Personal Injury Cases Handled by Our McDonough Attorneys
For Over 30 Years The Millar Law Firm has Successfully Handled Truck Accident Claims
When you or someone you care about has been injured in an accident with a commercial truck, it’s important that you understand that when it comes to settlement, you will almost certainly be “out gunned.” Insurance companies have lawyers whose only job is to keep you from winning your claim or receiving a large pay out even when you absolutely deserve it.
The Millar Law Firm specializes in winning accident claims and representing average people who have been devastated by the negligence of others. We have been winning large compensation packages for clients injured in truck accidents for decades. We pride ourselves in knowing our way around all the many tricks insurance company lawyers try to play on victims.
Before you go into battle with a well-prepared army of insurance company lawyers, call The Millar Law Firm. Make an appointment with one of our personal injury specialists for a free first consultation to help you know how to move forward with what could be a life-altering process. Call today.