Douglasville, GA Truck Accident Lawyers

Every week, there are news stories about massive stretches of interstate being shut down by truck accidents. When a tractor-trailer rolls over, hits a median, or crashes into another vehicle, devastation often follows. Victims may have totaled vehicles, severe injuries, and significant emotional trauma—and in some cases, people have lost their lives in truck collisions.

If you or someone you love has been hurt in a Douglasville truck accident, it’s time to find out what your next steps are and if you are entitled to compensation. Let’s sit down and discuss your case in greater detail—just call Bailey, Javins & Carter at 678-210-3292 to set up a time now.

Causes of Truck Collisions

When you understand the causes of truck accidents in Georgia, it’s easy to avoid common mistakes and keep yourself and your loved ones safe. After an accident, the causes of a truck accident may help you figure out what happened and who caused your crash. Accidents are often caused by:

• Fatigued driving: Fatigued driving is one of the most prevalent problems facing the trucking industry right now. Drivers take on impossibly long hauls, do back-to-back hauls with minimal rest, and drive on minimal sleep. Fatigued drivers struggle to make sound decisions, have a slower reaction time, and may have impaired vision.
• Speeding: Speeding is one of the most common forms of reckless driving, and it is also one of the most common contributing factors in truck accidents. Trucks take significantly longer than cars to come to a complete stop, and they take even longer when they are speeding.
• Improper loading: Trucks must be loaded in a specific way to prevent rollovers and other types of accidents. When a truck is overloaded or unsafely loaded, accidents may follow.
• Distracted driving: Truck drivers are not immune to the distractions that other drivers deal with. Eating, drinking, smartphones, tablets, and other devices can all take drivers’ eyes off the road and lead to collisions.
• Impaired driving: Impaired driving dramatically increases the likelihood of a car accident.
• Mechanical failures: Trucks go through a lot on every single haul, and they are at risk of mechanical failures or malfunctioning components. When trucks are not properly inspected and maintained, accidents are likely.

Why Are Fatalities More Common in Truck Accidents?

The risk of fatalities is significantly higher in truck collisions than in other types of traffic accidents—but why is that? It’s largely due to the differences between trucks and cars. Tractor-trailers are substantially longer and heavier than passenger vehicles, so the occupants of a passenger vehicle are at heightened risk of fatal injuries in a crash.

Although new trucks have some of the most advanced safety features on the market, that isn’t the case across the board. Older trucks may lack many of the built-in safety features that save lives. Crumple zones and airbags are not present on every commercial truck, raising the risk of a fatal accident.

The cargo aboard commercial trucks poses additional risks. Occupants of other vehicles are in great danger if the truck is carrying flammable or toxic cargo.

Underride accidents are among the most dangerous types of truck accidents, often resulting in fatalities. When the top of the smaller vehicle is crushed, there’s a strong chance that its occupants have suffered fatal injuries.

Important Evidence in Truck Accident Cases

Truck accidents create a substantial amount of evidence. While this does complicate claims to some degree, it also makes it easier for victims to prove their cases and fight for compensation. However, you have to know what to look for—the trucking company and their insurance company aren’t going to give you the evidence you need to hold them accountable.

That’s why you should talk to a truck accident lawyer in Douglasville as soon as possible after a crash. They know how to use a wide range of truck crash evidence, such as:

• Electronic logging devices: Electronic logging devices come in many different models. While the most basic ones only track hours of service and speed, more advanced models may track drifting, sudden braking, GPS, and other data that could be very useful in a claim.
• Crash scene photos: Crash scene photos and video footage are very important. The good news is that truck accidents often make the local news, so you’ll likely have access to both your own photos and professional photos.
• Maintenance records: Maintenance is a crucial part of truck safety, which is why the FMCSA has such strict regulations. Your attorney can look at maintenance records and find out if the company was in violation of federal regulations.
• Witness statements: Truck accidents often have dozens of eyewitnesses. By talking to them promptly after a crash, you can use their statements as evidence.
• Driver logs: Drivers maintain logs of their daily activity. These logs may uncover safety issues and concerns.

Why You Should Choose Bailey, Javins & Carter

Choosing the right law firm for your Douglasville truck accident claim can make a major difference in the outcome. At Bailey, Javins & Carter, we have handled numerous truck accident cases over the years. We’ve seen how trucking companies “circle the wagon” after a crash to protect their drivers and themselves from the consequences of a collision. 

Through an in-depth investigation and an analysis of your injuries, we’ll figure out what happened and who is liable. During aggressive negotiations, we will fight to get you what you deserve after a crash. The fallout of a truck accident can be immense, possibly costing you your physical health and career. Give yourself a shot at full and fair compensation by selecting an attorney you trust.

Contact Us Today to Start Your Case

The sooner you reach out to Bailey, Javins & Carter after your truck accident, the more quickly we can begin working on your case. Let us tackle the legal side of your accident while you focus on your recovery. Schedule your free consultation right now by contacting us online or calling us at 678-210-3292.