Mableton, GA Truck Accidents

Truck accidents are a growing problem in and around Mableton, leading to devastating consequences for those involved. Compared to other types of vehicle collisions in Georgia, truck accidents are far more likely to result in fatal injuries, catastrophic injuries, and substantial property damage. However, this doesn’t mean it’s any easier for accident victims to get the fair compensation they deserve afterward. In fact, trucking companies do their best to keep victims from securing a proper settlement after an accident.

That’s why it’s important to work with the team at Bailey Javins & Carter after a Mableton truck accident. Give us a call at 678-981-5370 to set up a consultation with our team now.

Why Truck Accidents Are So Dangerous

Truck accidents are inherently dangerous due to the massive size and weight of commercial trucks compared to passenger vehicles. When a tractor-trailer is fully loaded, it may be dozens of times heavier than a passenger vehicle. Even if a collision occurs at just 10 miles per hour, that type of size difference can lead to massive damage. When a truck collides with a smaller car, the force of impact is significantly amplified, frequently leading to catastrophic injuries and fatalities for those in the smaller vehicle. 

The high center of gravity and long stopping distances of trucks also contribute to the severity of accidents, increasing the risk of rollovers and multi-vehicle collisions. Additionally, trucks often carry hazardous materials, posing additional risks to public safety should an accident occur. When a hazmat truck crashes, it may result in explosions, fires, or toxic chemicals seeping into groundwater and affecting the air quality in surrounding communities.

Potential Liable Parties in a Truck Accident Claim

Determining liability in a truck accident claim can be complex, as multiple parties may share responsibility for the accident. 

The truck driver is often the most liable party, especially if their actions, such as speeding, reckless driving, or driving while fatigued, contributed to the crash. It’s important to note that even though a truck driver may be at fault for an accident, they are rarely the ones actually on the hook for the accident. If they are employed by a trucking company, liability ultimately rests with the company. But if the at-fault driver is an owner-operator, they carry their own insurance for the accidents they cause.

Trucking companies may also be held accountable for negligent hiring practices, inadequate training, or failure to maintain their vehicles properly. Trucking companies are expected to take reasonable steps to avoid hiring dangerous drivers, ensure that their vehicles get necessary maintenance, and avoid pressuring drivers to drive beyond their allotted hours-of-service. When they force drivers to drive while fatigued or after they are legally forced to stop for the day, they may be liable for resulting collisions.

Manufacturers or maintenance companies could be liable if a defective truck part or faulty maintenance played a role in the accident. This may occur when malfunctioning vehicle components lead to a collision and the manufacturer fails to do proper safety testing.

Additionally, third parties such as shippers, loaders, or contractors may share liability if their actions contributed to the collision. Cargo securement is an incredibly important part of trucking safety. When loaders structure cargo in a way that overloads a truck, stacks heavier cargo on top of the lighter cargo or creates an unbalanced load, they may cause collisions.

Types of Compensation Available to Victims

Victims of truck accidents in Mableton may be entitled to various types of compensation to cover their damages and losses. First, make sure you keep track of every type of financial loss you incur as a result of your accident. This includes any medical bills you receive, mileage to and from appointments, over-the-counter medical supplies, and repair estimates. You should also track time spent away from work and any money you have to pay toward your health insurance.

However, don’t forget to also track your non-financial losses. Money can’t make up for the trauma of a truck accident or the pain and suffering you go through, but it is the only way you can seek compensation with a personal injury claim. You may want to track your pain levels, family events or activities you miss out on because of your injuries, and any mental health concerns you experience.

Benefits of Working with Bailey Javins & Carter

When you choose Bailey Javins & Carter for your Mableton, GA truck accident case, you can rest easy knowing that you’ve chosen an experienced and aggressive truck accident team. Our attorneys have handled crashes with almost every major carrier in the area, and we know what it takes to get a company to take a claim seriously. We’ve also seen firsthand what you are up against in a personal injury claim. Trucking companies go to great lengths to protect their profit margins and avoid lawsuits, and unfortunately, that comes at the expense of victims like you.

After you retain our team, we’ll start investigating your claim right away. After determining liability and doing a full assessment of your injuries and other losses, we’ll build your case in a way that forces the other party to negotiate in good faith. The good news is that most claims are settled out of court, which saves you from the stress of a lawsuit and court preparation. Even if your case is one of the few that does not settle, you are in good hands with Bailey Javins & Carter. Our trial-tested team is prepared to take your case to court and advocate for you in front of a judge and jury.

Choose Bailey, Javins & Carter for Your Truck Accident Case

If you’re ready to find out if you’re owed compensation after a truck accident, don’t wait any longer to talk to the team at Bailey Javins & Carter. We’re ready to set you up with a free consultation and explain your legal options. Get in touch online or call us at 678-981-5370 to take the first step.