FAQs: Trucking Wrecks

The same large trucks that transport so many of the items that we all need in our everyday lives can cause catastrophic accidents, resulting in thousands of injuries and deaths every year. Data released annually by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) tends to consistently rank Georgia in the top five states for the number of fatal commercial motor vehicle accidents.

At the Mann Law Firm, we get a lot of questions from new clients about their trucking wreck accident claims.  These frequently asked questions about truck wrecks are general in nature and could help you initially with your claim.  We will go over your specific case when we meet in our initial consultation, but thought it would be useful to answer these questions so you have a starting point.  After you read these FAQs, contact our truck wreck attorney today at (478) 742-3381 for a free consultation.

What causes truck accidents?

Common causes of truck wrecks include:

• Driver fatigue
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Improper road signs (often concerning height or weight restrictions)
• Improperly maintained or defective equipment, especially brakes or tires
• Improperly secured loads
• Insufficient training
• Poor road conditions
• Poor weather conditions
• Reckless driving
• Speeding
• Sudden turns or high speed turns causing a rollover
• Tailgating
• Unrealistic schedules set by trucking employers
• Weight violations.

What are some of the differences between truck accidents and car accidents?

Accidents that involve a large truck are far more likely to result in serious injury or even death than crashes involving only passenger cars, because of the size and weight of a typical truck. An average car weighs less than 3,500 pounds, while a fully loaded commercial truck can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds. Another difference is the blind spots or “no-zones” on large trucks that prevent them from seeing vehicles behind them or directly next to them. A further consideration is that a truck’s cargo may be hazardous or flammable, making the possibility of an accident even more dangerous.

Are drugs and alcohol a problem for truck drivers?

Studies by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) consistently show that there are many truck drivers who turn to illegal substances as a way to stay alert or deal with boredom on the road. Alcohol and marijuana tend to be the most commonly used substances, followed by cocaine and amphetamines/methamphetamines. Stimulants are also often attractive options to truck drivers who may feel pressure to forgo sleep in order to meet unrealistic schedules.

What is driver fatigue?

The pressure to meet or even beat strict deadlines can cause some truck drivers to keep driving despite being exhausted. Not getting enough sleep, loading and unloading heavy loads, putting in overtime and the monotony of driving can all lead to driver fatigue, which is the main reason for nearly half of all trucking accidents. The federal government issues hours-of-service (HOS) safety requirements. The rules restrict the maximum average work week for truck drivers to 60 or 70 hours; within a 14-hour shift, they can drive for no more than 11 total hours. The 34-hour restart rule requires taking 34 consecutive hours off after hitting the 60- or 70-hour weekly limit.

What kinds of injuries happen in truck wrecks?

Common injuries that occur in truck wrecks include:

• Broken arm and leg bones
• Burns
• Crushed limbs
• Head trauma/traumatic brain injury
• Internal bleeding
• Spinal cord damage and paralysis.

How can a truck accident lawyer help me?

An experienced personal injury attorney knows how to investigate a truck accident and preserve crucial evidence. The sooner a lawyer is consulted and retained, the more likely it is that the evidence can be protected. Timeliness is also important because trucking companies have teams of lawyers and insurance adjusters who begin immediately looking for ways to minimize liability after an accident. Additionally, a lawyer can help identify parties other than the driver that may share in the liability for your injuries, such as trucking companies, trailer owners, maintenance companies, contractors, employers, shippers and insurance companies.

Why should i hire the Mann Law Firm for my truck wreck case?

David Mann has over 50 years experience in all aspects of personal injury claims, including truck wrecks.  Also, David Mann worked as in-house defense counsel at a large insurance company, so he knows the tactics they use to settle cases for less than they are worth.  Insurance companies want to settle cases quickly and with a small payout.  The Mann Law Firm will fight for your rights against the insurance companies.

How much is my case worth?

If you have been injured and another party is found to be responsible, you may be entitled to compensation for all your costs associated with the accident. This value will be different for every claim, but generally it includes medical expenses for treatment of the injury, medical expenses for future treatment of the injury, lost wages, disability costs, pain and suffering, and property damage.

Who can i sue if i am injured in a truck wreck?

You may have a few options.  If the driver was reckless, you may be able to file a claim against the driver and the company they work for.  If it is found that there is something faulty with the truck that caused the accident, you may be able to go after the truck manufacturer.  Consulting with an experienced truck wreck lawyer can help you decide who to file a claim against.

What areas of Georgia do you serve?

Although our offices are in Macon, the seat of Bibb County, our truck wreck attorneys are pleased to serve clients located in towns and cities all across Middle Georgia, specifically Dublin, Milledgeville, and Warner Robins. If you have been injured by a negligent truck driver, we welcome the opportunity to make a free and confidential evaluation of your case. Call us at (478) 742-3381 or use this convenient online contact form.