Milton, GA Truck Accidents

Truck accidents have become a growing concern in Milton, GA—as well as the rest of the country. These collisions pose significant risks to public safety and road users. Understanding how these accidents happen, what makes them different from other types of collisions, and the potential compensation you may be entitled to can help you determine what your next steps should be.

If a truck accident has left you injured and struggling with a totaled vehicle, you don’t have to fight for compensation alone. Let the team at Bailey Javins & Carter advocate for you. Call us at 678-981-5370 to set up a consultation right away.

The Growing Problem of Truck Accidents

Truck accidents have become increasingly prevalent on American roads, highlighting worrying trends that make everyone a little less safe. The sheer size and weight of commercial trucks amplify the impact of these accidents; just one tractor-trailer accident can cause more damage than multiple passenger vehicle collisions. 

According to recent statistics, there were over 120,000 crashes resulting in injuries in 2021. In that same year, there were 5,788 fatalities in tractor-trailer accidents. This marks a 17% increase from the previous year and a shocking 47% over the previous decade. In the vast majority of fatal accidents, the occupants of the smaller vehicle are the ones who suffer the fatal injuries.

It’s clear that truck accidents are a prominent problem, both in Georgia and across the United States. Drivers must take steps to protect themselves and their passengers.

Types of Truck Accidents

The unique structure of tractor-trailers means that they are at risk of a wide range of accident types. While standard passenger vehicles have similar structures with slight differences in height, length, and width, a tractor-trailer has two distinct components that move at different times and in differing ways. This affects both the types of accidents they’re involved in and the severity of those accidents. Different types of accidents include:

• Jackknife: The fact that the trailer and tractor are two separate components lays the groundwork for jackknife accidents. This occurs when the trailer folds up next to the tractor, much like a jackknife. When this happens, the driver can no longer control the truck and they are stuck until the truck loses its momentum.
• Underride: Underride accidents are among the most dangerous types of truck accidents in Milton. They occur when a smaller vehicle gets stuck under the back or side of a truck, resulting in the smaller vehicle’s top being torn off.
• Rear-end: Rear-end accidents tend to be far more severe when a tractor-trailer is involved. Trucks need more time to come to a complete stop, which often results in rear-end collisions that total or crush smaller vehicles.
• Sideswipe: Sideswipe accidents that do not result in underride collisions can still lead to smaller vehicles being pushed into the median or into other lanes of traffic.
• Rollover: The high center of gravity a tractor-trailer has puts it at greater risk of rollovers than almost every other type of vehicle.

What Causes Truck Collisions?

Several factors contribute to truck collisions in Milton, ranging from driver-related issues to external factors like weather and vehicle failures. Driver fatigue, distraction, speeding, and impaired driving are common issues behind truck accidents. Inadequate maintenance, improper loading, and scheduling pressures pushed by trucking companies can also increase the likelihood of accidents.

It’s important to recognize that the majority of truck accidents are the result of human error. Whether that falls on the side of the truck driver or the driver of the smaller vehicle, it’s rare for a truck accident to be completely unpreventable.

Damages You May Be Entitled To

In the aftermath of a truck accident in Milton, individuals may be entitled to various forms of compensation to cover their losses. Some losses are easily calculated and measured, including medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. Other losses aren’t quite as easy to calculate, but they still warrant compensation. These include emotional anguish, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Figuring out what you’re entitled to after a crash can be difficult, and you definitely can’t rely on the insurance company to tell you what your claim is worth. They’ll pay as little as possible to get you to waive your right to sue. But remember, truck accidents cause far, far more damage than accidents involving smaller vehicles. You could be facing hundreds of thousands of dollars in losses after a crash, and accurately assessing the value of your claim is essential.

How Bailey Javins & Carter Can Help You Seek Justice

Having the right legal team by your side makes a huge difference when you’ve been injured in a truck accident. Trucking companies bring in millions of dollars per year, and they know that one serious accident can cause their insurance rates to skyrocket or even land them in court. That’s why they generally have their own legal teams when one of their drivers causes a crash. As soon as the crash occurs, they’ll start looking for ways to limit liability, downplay your losses, and avoid paying out a fair settlement.

How do you fight back? You turn to a reputable and proven truck accident company in Milton. At Bailey Javins & Carter, we know that a truck accident can leave you in serious financial distress, particularly if you are severely injured and unable to work. You should not be left dealing with this alone. Let us investigate your accident, figure out who is liable, and fight for the compensation you deserve. You have enough to do with your physical recovery and vehicle damage—you don’t need a legal battle on top of it.

Find Out How Bailey, Javins & Carter Can Help

The sooner you reach out to our team after a truck accident, the quicker we can begin building your case. Get started now by scheduling your free consultation. Give us a call at 678-981-5370 or reach out online to set up a time to meet.