Defend Your Legal Rights in Big Rig Accident Claims in Statesboro

Accidents involving commercial trucks can change lives in an instant. The sudden force of a collision, the weight of an 18-wheeler, and the complicated aftermath can leave victims confused, hurt, and unsure of what to do next. At Merritt & Merritt Law Firm, we are here to support individuals across Georgia who have been seriously injured in collisions involving large commercial trucks. If you or someone you care about has been hurt in atruck accident, now is the time to take legal action. Speak with a Statesboro big rig accident lawyer today by calling 912-764-3434 for a free consultation.

Truck accident claims are different from other personal injury cases, and knowing your rights is essential. You do not need to go through this process alone. Our firm can help you understand your options, gather the right evidence, and take strong legal action to pursue the compensation you need.

Truck Size and Weight as a Factor in Serious Collisions

Large trucks pose a unique danger on Georgia’s roadways due to their massive size and weight. When fully loaded, a commercial truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. In comparison, the average passenger car weighs about 3,000 pounds. The outcome of a crash between the two is often devastating for the occupants of the smaller vehicle.

The physics of such a collision often results in greater damage and more severe injuries. It is not uncommon for victims to suffer from traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord trauma, or injuries that require months or even years of rehabilitation. These are not minor accidents, and the legal issues involved are rarely simple.

Big rig crashes can occur for many reasons, but the sheer size of the vehicle makes them much more dangerous. Stopping distances are longer. Blind spots are wider. A sudden lane change or brake failure can lead to a multi-car disaster in seconds. These realities make it essential to work with someone who understands how trucking cases work. A Statesboro big rig accident lawyer at Merritt & Merritt Law Firm can help investigate the specifics of your case and work to hold all liable parties accountable.

Federal Regulations That Affect Your Case

Unlike the average driver, truck drivers and their employers must follow a wide range of federal rules set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. These regulations were created to protect the public and ensure that commercial trucks operate safely. When companies or drivers violate these standards, the results can be tragic.

Some of the key areas governed by federal rules include:

• How many hours a driver can be on the road without rest
• Required inspections and maintenance of trucks
• Proper training and licensing for drivers
• How and where cargo can be loaded
• Drug and alcohol testing for drivers
• Documentation and record keeping for trucking companies

These regulations exist for good reason. Fatigued drivers are more likely to fall asleep at the wheel. Poor maintenance can lead to mechanical failure. Improper loading can make a trailer unstable, increasing the risk of a rollover or jackknife accident. If any of these factors contributed to your crash, they could form the foundation of a strong legal claim.

A truck accident claim is not just about proving someone made a mistake. It is about showing how that mistake violated the rules that are supposed to protect us all. A Statesboro big rig accident lawyer can help you identify which regulations apply to your case and determine whether any violations played a role in your injuries.

Driver Liability: Investigating What Caused Your Accident

Driver error is one of the leading causes of commercial truck accidents in Georgia. While drivers are trained and licensed to operate large vehicles, they are still human. Pressure from their employers to deliver goods on time can lead to risky choices. Fatigue, distraction, and even drug use are more common than many people realize.

When evaluating liability, we consider all possible causes. Some of the most common include:

• Driver fatigue from exceeding the legal number of hours on the road
• Distracted driving, including texting or using navigation apps
• Excessive speed, especially on highways and curves
• Following too closely behind other vehicles
• Failure to check blind spots before changing lanes
• Improper cargo loading that shifts the balance of the truck
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs

Each of these factors can be difficult to prove without a detailed investigation. That is why it is important to act quickly after a crash. Our team will review police reports, gather witness statements, and request logs from the trucking company. In some cases, we also work with accident reconstruction experts to determine exactly what went wrong.

Holding a driver responsible is only the first step. In many cases, the trucking company that hired the driver may also share in the blame. If the company failed to train the driver properly, did not maintain the truck, or pushed the driver to break federal rules, that company can and should be held financially responsible for the harm that resulted.

What Is a “Black Box” and Why Is It Important?

Most commercial trucks on the road today are equipped with electronic control modules, often referred to as black boxes. These devices record key data that can be extremely helpful after an accident. Unlike eyewitness testimony, this data does not change and cannot be forgotten.

Black box data can show:

• How fast the truck was going at the time of the crash
• Whether the driver braked before the collision
• If cruise control was engaged
• Sudden changes in speed or steering
• How long the truck had been operating without a break

This kind of information can prove whether the truck driver was speeding, whether they tried to stop, or whether they ignored a dangerous situation. In many cases, it confirms or contradicts the statements made by the driver and the trucking company.

The challenge is that this data is in the hands of the trucking company, and they are not always eager to share it. A Statesboro big rig accident lawyer at Merritt & Merritt Law Firm will know how to demand the release of this information before it is altered or erased.

Common Injuries Seen in Big Rig Accidents

Injuries caused by large truck collisions are frequently more severe than those seen in typical passenger vehicle accidents. Because of the weight and size of commercial trucks, the damage inflicted on smaller vehicles and their occupants can be devastating. These accidents often leave victims with long-term or even permanent disabilities.

Some of the most common injuries include:

• Spinal cord injuries, sometimes resulting in full or partial paralysis
• Traumatic brain injuries, which may affect memory, motor skills, or personality
• Severe burns, often requiring skin grafts and extended hospital stays
• Crushed limbs that may lead to amputation
• Internal bleeding and organ damage
• Fractured bones and complex orthopedic injuries
• Lacerations, abrasions, and soft tissue damage
• Psychological trauma such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder

In some cases, injuries may not fully appear until days or even weeks after the crash. That is why seeking immediate medical attention is always recommended, even if symptoms seem minor. Documentation from your doctor will also play a critical role in proving the extent of your injuries.

A Statesboro big rig accident lawyer at Merritt & Merritt Law Firm can help you secure compensation for both physical and emotional suffering, as well as future medical needs that may result from your injuries.

What Compensation Might Cover

When someone is injured due to a trucking accident, the law provides a way to recover financial losses. The goal is to restore the victim, as much as possible, to the position they were in before the accident occurred. Every case is different, but compensation may include a wide range of damages.

Your compensation may include:

• Emergency medical bills and hospitalization
• Long-term rehabilitation and therapy costs
• Surgeries, medications, and medical equipment
• Lost wages and reduced future earning ability
• Pain and suffering, both physical and emotional
• Loss of enjoyment of life and reduced quality of life
• Property damage, including the cost of vehicle repair or replacement

In cases involving extreme negligence, punitive damages may also be awarded. These damages are intended to punish the responsible party and discourage similar conduct in the future. An experienced attorney from Merritt & Merritt Law Firm will fight to recover every form of compensation you are legally entitled to receive.

Speak With a Statesboro Big Rig Accident Lawyer Today

The aftermath of a truck accident can be overwhelming. From mounting medical bills to the pain of physical injuries, you may not know where to begin. But help is just a phone call away. Let the experienced attorneys at Merritt & Merritt Law Firm take on the burden of the legal process so you can focus on healing. We will fight to protect your interests, hold the responsible parties accountable, and seek full compensation for your losses. Call us today at 912-764-3434 for a free consultation and let us help you take the first step toward justice.