Statesboro Truck Accident Lawyer

Statesboro Truck Accident Attorney

Drivers of commercial vehicles have a high duty of care for others on the road while being required to work long hours. Despite federal regulations to limit the number of hours truck drivers work and drive each day, many drivers receive unreasonable schedules. Fatigued drivers, badly maintained trucks, unreasonable deadlines, and bad road conditions are several factors that increase the likelihood of commercial truck accidents. These accidents can be devastating, causing severe property damage, creating debris on the road, and resulting in severe injuries and deaths of those involved in the accident.

If you or a loved one was injured or killed in a truck accident, there are ways to cover these damages. Though it is important to file an insurance claim with the at-fault driver, which may be the trucking company, these claims frequently do not cover the extent of damages caused. In order to receive compensation for medical bills, rehabilitative costs, and extreme property damage, you may need to file a personal injury truck accident claim. A Statesboro attorney can help you determine if you could benefit from a claim, and the level of compensation you deserve.

The Merritt & Merritt Law Firm: Semi-Truck Accident Attorneys in Statesboro

At the Merritt & Merritt Law Firm, we have served our communities for almost 50 years, providing legal aid to clients in Statesboro and many nearby areas. Our firm focuses on those injured in car and motor vehicle accidents and is well-equipped to help those injured in a trucking accident. We understand how difficult your situation is. You may be dealing with extreme medical costs, life-altering injuries or disabilities, physical pain, significant lost income during recovery, and even the loss of a loved one.

During all this, it may not be easy to file a personal injury or wrongful death claim. When you work with Merritt & Merritt, we handle this for you. We know how much you are dealing with and want to take care of the legal deadlines, requirements, and negotiations so that you can rest and recover. We provide personalized care to working individuals who might be unable to file a claim themselves to remain financially stable. By working with our experienced attorneys, you file a claim that is more likely to succeed and may increase the compensation you would have otherwise earned.

For an Immediate Consultation call us at 912-764-3434

Have You Been in a Truck Accident in Statesboro?

A truck accident can happen in the blink of an eye, but the consequences can last for months or even years. Without someone fighting for your rights, you may never fully recover. Don’t leave your future in someone else’s hands – contact a Statesboro truck accident attorney at Merritt & Merritt Law Firm to discuss your case and your options. Call our local attorneys today at 912-764-3434.

What Your Truck Accident Case May Be Worth

Many truck accident victims make the mistake of attempting to settle their claims without the help of a lawyer. As a result, they wind up settling their cases for far less than they are worth, leaving them with uncovered losses. For some, this means leaving thousands or even millions of dollars of compensation on the table that they are entitled to recover.

A skilled Statesboro truck accident attorney will make sure that you receive the compensation you deserve. Your claim for damages will likely include the following components:

• Your medical bills. Even if you have health insurance, your out-of-pocket expenses such as deductibles and copays could be significant. For those who don’t have health insurance, your medical bills could present a financial crisis. A Statesboro truck accident attorney will make sure that your medical bills are covered so that you can get the treatment you need.
• Your lost wages. Most accident victims have to miss work in order to recover from their injuries, even if it is limited to time off in order to go to doctors’ appointments. For those who are unable to work due to their injuries, the lost income means that they can’t pay their bills. A Statesboro truck accident attorney can help you get the compensation you need to pay your bills and take care of your family.
• The cost to repair or replace your vehicle. While most of this cost will likely be covered by insurance, you may be entitled to compensation to pay any deductibles or other uncovered losses.
• Your pain and suffering. This is often the most difficult component for non-lawyers to recover because your pain and suffering are subjective. However, that doesn’t mean your pain and suffering aren’t real or that you aren’t entitled to compensation. A Statesboro truck accident attorney will know how to formulate this portion of your claim so that you can truly be made whole.

The bottom line is that your claim may be worth far more than you might think. An experienced Statesboro truck accident attorney will be able to provide you with an estimate of the value of your claim at your initial consultation.

What Are Common Types of Truck Accidents in Statesboro?

Semi-trucks and other commercial trucks can cause severe damage no matter the type of accident, but certain types of accidents have unique complications and damages. Common types of truck accidents include:

• Rollover accidents. A rollover accident can cause serious damage to other cars on the road and may crush smaller cars. The trailer of the truck may have been badly loaded, or road conditions and truck malfunction may have caused the accident. Rollover accidents tend to create significant roadway debris, increasing the chances of more accidents.
• Rear-end collisions. Truck and car drivers can be reckless or distracted, resulting in rear-end accidents. These accidents can also result in a motor vehicle or component malfunctioning, causing the driver to lose control.
• Sideswipes. Trailer truck and 18-wheeler sideswipes are much more dangerous than other motor vehicles. They are much more likely to cause serious harm to other cars on the road. Sideswipe accidents are also more common due to the large blind spots present in many commercial vehicles.
• Truck underride accidents. Commercial vehicles typically must be equipped with rearguards or other safeguards to prevent underride accidents. Unfortunately, these guards are not always effective, or regulation isn’t followed. In an underride accident, the front end or top of a smaller car gets caught between the truck’s trailer and the roadway, often crushing the car, ripping off the top of the vehicle, or dragging the car along. It can cause severe injuries and fatalities.
• Loose cargo accidents. Commercial vehicles like garbage trucks, log trucks, and flatbeds carrying other cargo can be very dangerous if the cargo isn’t properly secured. Logs, garbage, hay bales, scrap metal, furniture, and other cargo can cause serious damage and bad accidents if the trailer is not safely loaded.
• Jackknifing. When a trailer truck jackknifes, it means that the trailer swings until it is to the side or in front of the truck cab. This can result in many cars on the road piling up in an accident. The trailer may have been improperly loaded, or the truck’s design may have been faulty. Jackknifing can also be caused by sharp turns or quick stops.
• Head-on collisions. Head-on collisions between commercial trucks and passenger cars are exceptionally devastating for those in a car. Frequently, head-on accidents result in fatalities for those in a car. Head-on collisions are a less common occurrence.
• T-bone collisions. T-bone collisions tend to happen at intersections. Depending on the unique case, the speed at which vehicles were going, and whether a passenger vehicle gets caught under a commercial truck, these accidents can be very serious.

It’s beneficial to work with an attorney who has had experience and success in cases similar to your accident. The attorney will be better equipped for your case and will know the requirements and possible issues that may arise for your claim.

How a Statesboro Truck Accident Attorney Can Help

Even if you don’t want to file a lawsuit or go to court, a Statesboro truck accident attorney can help you with almost every aspect of your claim. To begin, they can help you gather important documents and other evidence you will need to prove your case. From there, they can handle all communications with the trucking company, its driver, and its insurance company, protecting your interests and protecting you against saying or doing anything that could undermine your claim. Once all of the evidence has been gathered, they can then submit a well-documented claim that strongly sets forth the amount of compensation that you need to cover your losses.

Once your claim has been submitted, your lawyer can then handle the settlement process. This may involve some negotiation. However, it is important to emphasize that the decision as to whether or not you should settle is always yours. Your lawyer’s role is to provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision.

If you choose not to settle your claim, your lawyer can of course handle all of the legal proceedings on your behalf. The legal system is very difficult for non-lawyers to navigate, but your lawyer can lead you through the process so that you can get the best possible result.

Why Are Truck Accident Claims More Complicated Than Other Motor Vehicle Accident Claims?

Truck accident claims are usually more complicated because the accident itself is typically more severe. Trucks are incredibly heavy, and it takes longer for truck drivers to slow or stop their vehicles. Truck drivers also have less visibility of others on the road. Vehicle crashes involving commercial trucks are more likely to cause severe injuries, permanent disability and disfigurement, and death. It also causes significant property damage.

While some vehicle accidents may be covered by insurance claims, truck accidents result in significant damage that often requires personal injury claims. These claims require high compensation to cover the injured parties’ damages. It can be hard to obtain a fair amount of compensation from insurance providers who downplay an injury or blame the injured victim in the accident to pay less.

Truck accident claims are more likely to have multiple parties at fault. This further complicates the claim. The driver, the trucking company, the driver’s employer, the truck manufacturers, another driver, a third party on the road, or multiple of these parties may be found at fault for the truck accident. This involves more individuals and their insurance providers and lengthens negotiations.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Statesboro

Which party or parties can be held liable in a personal injury claim depends on the cause of the accident. If the cause of the accident was one party’s negligence, they can be held liable for the damages from the accident. Many things can result in a truck accident, including:

• Law and regulation violations. There are federal laws meant to prevent drivers from being overworked. There are also commercial rules for truck maintenance requirements. If a trucking company, truck driver employer, or driver violates these regulations or encourages violations, they can be held responsible for accidents.
• Driver fatigue. Any driver on the road who drives fatigued is putting themselves and others in danger. Driving while fatigued increases the time it takes to react to changes on the road and limits a driver’s ability to make decisions. A driver or the creator of their schedule may be liable.
• Bad hiring practices. Trucking companies and employers must investigate and vet their employees. Failure to do so can result in an accident, and the company can be held legally liable.
• Distracted and reckless driving. Texting, calling, eating, or otherwise taking attention off the road can cause accidents. Excessive speeding also makes accidents more likely.
• Driving under the influence (DUI). In most states, commercially licensed drivers may be arrested for a DUI at a much lower blood alcohol content (BAC) than other drivers. In Georgia, the BAC for commercially licensed drivers is 0.04%, while it is 0.08% for other drivers. Both commercial and passenger drivers can be found at fault for a crash if they are found to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. In addition to civil personal injury claims, this will likely result in a criminal case. A commercial driver operating their truck under the influence could lose their license.
• Manufacturer defect. If components of a truck are badly designed or manufactured, this can cause accidents. The designer or manufacturer could be held liable, but this may require significant proof.
• Improper truck maintenance. There are guidelines for proper truck maintenance and inspection. A truck that is cleared when it shouldn’t be may cause accidents from worn-out brakes, mechanical failures, and tire blowouts. The team that cleared the truck may be held liable for their negligence.
• Bad road or low visibility. Weather conditions or road conditions can cause accidents. Uneven or badly maintained roads, rain or fog, or other unsafe conditions may cause accidents. Drivers who are going too quickly or driving too recklessly for the conditions may be liable. A governmental or private entity responsible for road upkeep may also be responsible.
• Badly loaded cargo. If a truck’s trailer isn’t properly loaded, it can cause an accident. This may include overloading the trailer, unevenly balanced cargo, or failing to secure the cargo.
• Failure to train. Trucking companies and employers must provide and ensure proper driver training, skills, and experience. This includes ensuring drivers are aware of the regulations that govern their industry and work time. Failure to train employees is the responsibility of the company.
• Driver negligence. Most truck accidents are the result of negligence on the part of the truck driver, just like with any other motor vehicle accident. Some of the unique forms of negligence that lead to truck accidents include driving while distracted, driving while fatigued, or errors made due to driver inexperience.
• Mechanical failures. Large trucks have greater maintenance requirements due to the incredible number of miles they drive every year. Tire blowouts, brake failures, or trailer and hitch failures can quickly result in a very serious accident. Drivers should not get on the road if they know their truck is unsafe and trucking companies should be diligent in performing necessary maintenance and repairs.
• Unsecured loads. Large trucks can haul a significant amount of weight. When their cargo isn’t properly loaded or isn’t fully secure, it can drastically affect the way the truck handles. As a result, the driver may unexpectedly lose control of the truck and cause an accident. Alternatively, unsecured loads can become loose and fall into the roadway, causing hazards for other drivers that can lead to an accident.
• Unqualified drivers. Driving a large truck requires a specific skill set. Trucking companies have an obligation to ensure that their drivers have adequate training and experience to ensure that they will be able to drive safely when on the road.
• Unsupervised drivers. Trucking companies also have a responsibility to supervise their drivers. For this reason, many trucking companies are monitoring their drivers via GPS. However, trucking companies should take disciplinary action against drivers who ignore traffic laws and other safety restrictions, including termination.

Determining what caused your accident is rarely easy. In some cases, you may need access to the trucking company’s records. Even if you think the cause is obvious, a Statesboro truck accident attorney can help you build the strongest possible case so that you can maximize the compensation you recover.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Truck Accident?

Depending on the unique situation of the accident, liable parties may include:

• The trucking company
• The driver’s employer
• The shipper of the cargo
• The truck’s mechanic
• The owner of the trailer or cab
• The truck driver
• Another driver
• A third party on the road
• A governmental entity
• The truck company’s designers, manufacturer, or seller
• The inspector or maintenance crew for the vehicle

Every truck accident has unique factors. Multiple parties may be partially at fault for the accident.

Common Injuries in a Truck Accident

When you file a personal injury claim for a truck accident, one of the many damages the claim could cover is medical costs. The injuries from truck accidents can be significant and frequently result in death. Common injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Head injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Neck and back injuries
• Whiplash
• Fractured and broken bones
• Internal organ damage
• Cuts and lacerations
• Burns
• Road rash
• Soft tissue injuries
• Disfigurement and scarring
• Wrongful death

The damages an injured individual should receive in a claim depend on the severity of the injury, the amount of recovery and long-term care that is required, the expected future complications, and whether they will be able to return to work again.

How Long After a Truck Accident Can You Sue in Georgia?

Civil claims have a statute of limitations, which is a legal time limit in which an individual can file their claim. In Georgia, the statute of limitations to file a personal injury claim like a truck accident is two years from the date of injury or death. If you file outside of this time limit, your claim is dismissed, and you do not receive compensation for your losses.

There are some exceptions, such as an individual not being aware that they were injured during the accident for some time. The 2-year limit begins when they discover the injury, but there are still limitations. It’s also rare that the discovery rule applies to truck accident claims, as injuries are usually severe and apparent.

Although a 2-year time limit may seem like sufficient time, it is essential to file your claim and work with an attorney as soon as possible. If you wait to file, you may lose essential evidence to prove your claim. It also gives your attorney time to build you a strong case. The closer to the statute of limitations, the harder it will be to find an attorney who will take the case.

Injured in a Truck Accident? Speak to a Statesboro Truck Accident Attorney Now

At Merritt & Merritt Law Firm, we help truck accident victims rebuild their lives. If you have been injured in a truck accident and don’t know where to turn, reach out to us at 912-764-3434 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case and how we can help.