College Park 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers
Truck Accident Lawyers in College Park, Georgia
18-wheeler truck accidents can be devastating, both for the drivers involved and the communities affected. College Park, Georgia is no exception, as the city is home to several major highways, making it a popular destination for trucking companies. However, when accidents occur, it is important to preserve as much evidence as possible to determine the cause of the accident and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. In this article, we will discuss the importance of preserving evidence from the vehicle, such as the black box data, and the condition of the tires, as well as the impact of driver fatigue and federal hour requirements on trucking safety.
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Preserving Evidence from the Vehicle
When an 18-wheeler truck is involved in an accident, there are several pieces of evidence that can be critical in determining the cause of the accident. One of the most important pieces of evidence is the black box data. The black box, also known as the Event Data Recorder (EDR), records information such as the truck's speed, braking patterns, and engine performance. This information can be used to determine if the driver was obeying traffic laws, if there was a mechanical issue with the truck, or if the driver was driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
In addition to the black box data, the condition of the tires on the truck can also be important evidence. Many 18-wheeler accidents are caused by tire blowouts, which can occur if the tires are not properly maintained. Sometimes drivers don't put enough tire pressure in their tires, leading to low tire pressure, low tread depth or bald tires, all of which can increase the likelihood of a tire blowout. If the tires on the truck were not properly maintained, this could be evidence of negligence on the part of the trucking company or the driver.
Preserving evidence from the vehicle is crucial in determining the cause of an accident, but it is important to act quickly. In many cases, the trucking company will have a team of lawyers and investigators on the scene within hours of the accident, and they will begin gathering evidence immediately. To ensure that your rights are protected, it is important to contact an experienced truck accident attorney as soon as possible.
Driver Fatigue and Federal Hour Requirements
Driver fatigue is a common cause of 18-wheeler accidents. When drivers are fatigued, they are more likely to make mistakes, such as drifting out of their lane, failing to obey traffic signals, or not being able to react quickly to changing road conditions. Fatigued drivers are also more likely to fall asleep behind the wheel, which can have catastrophic consequences.
To address this issue, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has established federal hour requirements for commercial drivers. These requirements limit the number of hours that a driver can be on duty, and they require drivers to take regular breaks and rest periods. The purpose of these regulations is to prevent driver fatigue and ensure that drivers are able to operate their vehicles safely.
However, not all trucking companies follow these regulations. In some cases, companies may pressure their drivers to ignore the regulations in order to meet tight delivery schedules. When this happens, the drivers are put in a difficult position. They may feel that they have no choice but to violate the regulations in order to keep their jobs. This can create a dangerous situation on the road, as fatigued drivers are more likely to cause accidents.
The Impact of Big Vehicles on Safety
18-wheeler trucks are massive vehicles that have the capacity to cause serious injuries and even death in the event of an accident. Because of their size and weight, they require more space to maneuver and stop than passenger cars. They also have more blind spots, which can make it difficult for drivers to see other vehicles on the road. When drivers are not properly trained or are fatigued, the risks associated with operating these large vehicles are even greater.
One of the challenges with 18-wheeler truck accidents is that they often involve multiple vehicles. Because of their size and weight, trucks can cause significant damage to other vehicles in the event of a collision. They can also cause significant damage to infrastructure, such as guardrails and bridges. This can result in extensive property damage and can disrupt transportation networks in the affected areas.
In addition to property damage, 18-wheeler accidents can also cause serious injuries or even death. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 4,761 people killed in crashes involving large trucks in 2017. Of those fatalities, 72% were occupants of other vehicles, while 18% were occupants of the large trucks.
One of the challenges with preventing 18-wheeler accidents is that they can have multiple causes. In some cases, the driver may be fatigued or distracted. In other cases, the truck may have a mechanical issue or the driver may have been improperly trained. In still other cases, environmental factors, such as weather or road conditions, may have played a role in the accident.
To prevent these types of accidents, it is important to take a multi-faceted approach. This can involve a combination of driver training, vehicle maintenance, and regulatory oversight. It can also involve the use of new technologies, such as automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning systems, that can help to prevent accidents before they occur.
18-wheeler truck accidents can be devastating, both for the drivers involved and the communities affected. In College Park, Georgia, where several major highways intersect, these types of accidents are unfortunately not uncommon. When accidents occur, it is important to preserve as much evidence as possible to determine the cause of the accident and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. This can include preserving black box data, examining the condition of the tires, and investigating driver fatigue and federal hour requirements.
Preventing 18-wheeler accidents is a complex issue that requires a multi-faceted approach. This can involve a combination of driver training, vehicle maintenance, regulatory oversight, and the use of new technologies. By taking a proactive approach to trucking safety, we can help to prevent accidents and protect the lives and livelihoods of drivers and communities alike.
The Types of Injuries Sustained in 18-Wheeler Truck Accidents in College Park, Georgia
18-wheeler truck accidents can be devastating and result in catastrophic injuries that can have lifelong consequences for victims and their families. In College Park, Georgia, where several major highways intersect, these types of accidents are unfortunately not uncommon. In this article, we will discuss the types of catastrophic injuries that can occur in 18-wheeler truck accidents, and the associated costs and challenges that victims and their families may face.
Catastrophic Injuries
Catastrophic injuries are those that result in long-term, permanent disability. They can include injuries such as spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, amputations, and severe burns. These types of injuries can be incredibly costly, both in terms of medical expenses and loss of income. They can also require significant modifications to a person's home and lifestyle.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries can result in permanent paralysis or loss of movement in various parts of the body. These types of injuries can require lifelong care and can be incredibly costly. Victims may require wheelchairs, home modifications, and long-term medical care. In some cases, they may also require assistance with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, and feeding.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries can have a range of effects, from mild concussions to severe brain damage. They can cause cognitive impairments, memory loss, and changes in personality. In severe cases, they can result in permanent disabilities that require lifelong care. Victims may require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and therapy.
Amputations
Amputations are another common catastrophic injury in 18-wheeler truck accidents. They can result in permanent disabilities that require significant modifications to a person's home and lifestyle. Victims may require prosthetic limbs, mobility devices, and long-term medical care.
Severe Burns
Severe burns can cause permanent scarring and disfigurement, as well as ongoing medical complications. Victims may require extensive medical treatment, including skin grafts and other surgeries. They may also require ongoing care to manage their pain and prevent infections.
Costs of Catastrophic Injuries
The costs associated with catastrophic injuries can be incredibly high. Victims may require costly surgeries, hospitalizations, and long-term care. They may also require ongoing medical treatment, therapy, and rehabilitation. In addition, they may face significant lost income as a result of their injuries.
Loss of Capacity to Work
Catastrophic injuries can also result in a loss of capacity to work. Victims may be unable to return to their previous jobs or may be unable to work at all. This can result in a significant loss of income, as well as a loss of future earning potential. In some cases, victims may need to retain economists to determine the financial net loss of income over a long term.
Life Care Plans
In some cases, life care plans may be necessary for victims of catastrophic injuries. These plans outline the ongoing medical care and assistance that the victim will require over their lifetime. For example, if a person needs a lift installed on their staircase to go upstairs, this may be included in their life care plan. These types of accommodations are common for people who have lost limbs or are paralyzed.
Investigating All Avenues of Recovery and Insurance Coverage
Given the high costs associated with catastrophic injuries, it is important to investigate all avenues of recovery and insurance coverage. This means not only getting all of the insurance (excess liability, UM Coverage, resident/relative coverage), but also looking into all available theories of liability to determine whether more than just one person or company was at fault.
For example, if the truck driver was at fault for the accident, it may be possible to pursue a claim against the trucking company that employed the driver. In some cases, it may also be possible to pursue
claims against other parties who may have contributed to the accident, such as the manufacturer of the truck or its parts, the company responsible for maintaining the truck, or other drivers who may have been involved in the accident.
Types of Damages and Compensation in an 18-Wheeler Truck Accident Settlement or Injury Lawsuit
If you or a loved one has been involved in an 18-wheeler truck accident in College Park, Georgia, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and other losses. In a settlement or injury lawsuit, there are several types of damages that you can pursue.
Compensatory Damages
Compensatory damages are designed to compensate victims for their losses, including both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are tangible losses that can be calculated, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. Non-economic damages are intangible losses that cannot be calculated precisely, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Types of compensatory damages that may be available in an 18-wheeler truck accident settlement or injury lawsuit include:
1. Medical Expenses: Victims of truck accidents may require extensive medical treatment, including hospital stays, surgeries, and ongoing medical care. Compensatory damages can cover the cost of medical expenses, including future medical expenses if necessary.
2. Lost Wages: Victims of truck accidents may be unable to work while they recover from their injuries. Compensatory damages can cover the cost of lost wages, including future lost wages if the victim is unable to return to work.
3. Property Damage: Truck accidents can cause significant damage to vehicles and other property. Compensatory damages can cover the cost of repairing the vehicle or the total loss of value of the vehicle.
4. Pain and Suffering: Victims of truck accidents may experience physical pain and emotional suffering as a result of their injuries. Compensatory damages can provide compensation for pain and suffering, as well as other non-economic losses.
Punitive Damages
In addition to compensatory damages, punitive damages may also be available in some cases. Punitive damages are designed to punish the at-fault party for their actions and deter others from engaging in similar behavior. Punitive damages are only awarded in cases where the at-fault party's conduct was particularly egregious, such as cases involving drunk driving or reckless driving.
Theories of Liability
To recover damages in an 18-wheeler truck accident settlement or injury lawsuit, it is necessary to establish liability. There are several theories of liability that may apply in a truck accident case, including:
1. Negligence: Negligence is the most common theory of liability in truck accident cases. To establish negligence, it must be shown that the at-fault party owed a duty of care to the victim, that they breached that duty of care, and that the breach of duty caused the victim's injuries.
2. Strict Liability: In some cases, strict liability may apply in a truck accident case. Strict liability means that the at-fault party is liable regardless of fault or intent. This may apply in cases involving defective parts on the truck or other issues.
3. Vicarious Liability: Vicarious liability may apply in cases where the at-fault party is an employee of a trucking company. In these cases, the trucking company may be held liable for the actions of their employees.
Black Box Evidence and Accident Reconstruction
To establish liability in a truck accident case, it may be necessary to use black box evidence and accident reconstruction. The black box, also known as the Event Data Recorder (EDR), records information such as the truck's speed, braking patterns, and engine performance. This information can be used to determine if the driver was obeying traffic laws, if there was a mechanical issue with the truck, or if the driver was driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Accident reconstruction involves using various techniques and tools to recreate the accident and determine its cause. This can involve examining physical evidence at the scene of the accident, such as skid marks or debris, as well as using computer simulations and other tools to analyze the accident. Accident reconstruction can be used to determine factors such as the speed of the truck at the time of the accident, the point of impact, and the actions of the driver prior to the accident.
Using black box evidence and accident reconstruction can be critical in establishing liability in an 18-wheeler truck accident case. It can help to provide a clear understanding of what happened in the moments leading up to the accident, and can help to determine who was at fault. This can be particularly important in cases where liability is disputed or where there are multiple potential at-fault parties.
Why choose Montlick & Associates?
Montlick & Associates is considered to be a top-rated 18-wheeler truck accident law firm for several reasons. First, the firm has more than 35 years of experience representing victims of truck accidents in College Park, Georgia, and throughout the state. During that time, the firm has established a reputation for providing high-quality legal representation and achieving favorable outcomes for its clients.
Second, Montlick & Associates has a team of highly skilled and experienced attorneys who specialize in truck accident cases. These attorneys have a deep understanding of the complex laws and regulations that govern the trucking industry, as well as the unique challenges and complexities that can arise in 18-wheeler truck accident cases.
Third, the firm has a track record of success in truck accident cases, having recovered millions of dollars in compensation for its clients over the years. This success is due in part to the firm's commitment to thorough investigation, aggressive advocacy, and personalized representation for each client.
Finally, Montlick & Associates has received numerous awards and recognition for its work in the field of truck accident law. For example, the firm has been named a "Best Law Firm" by U.S. News & World Report and has been recognized by Super Lawyers as one of the top law firms in Georgia.
Why is Montlick & Associates Considered a Top-Rated Georgia Accident Law Firm?
First, with Billions of Dollars recovered, the firm has a long history of proven success in handling personal injury cases, including fatal car accidents.
Second, Montlick & Associates is AV Rated for the Highest Level of Professional Excellence, Ethics, Skills, & Integrity by Martindale Hubbell- The Highest Rating Attainable by the Most Respected & Authoritative Attorney Rating Service.
Third, Montlick has a team of highly skilled personal injury attorneys, and a reputation for providing exceptional client service. We take pride in being accessible to our clients and keeping them informed throughout the legal process.
Finally, Montlick & Associates has received several awards and recognitions for quality legal work, as well as their extensive community service. Among its talented legal team are members of the following elite groups:
- Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum,
- Top 100 National Trial Lawyers,
- Top 25 Motor Vehicle Accident Attorneys,
- Top 25 Brain Injury Trial Lawyers,
- Top 10 Trucking Trial Lawyers, and
- Super Lawyers.
To view all of our awards and recognition click here.
Put Montlick's Decades of Legal Experience to Work in Your Case!
If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler truck accident in College Park, Georgia, don't wait to get the legal help you need. At Montlick & Associates, we have decades of experience representing victims of truck accidents, and we are ready to put that experience to work for you.
If you want to speak with one of our experienced attorneys about your case, please call us today at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333). Our toll-free phone number is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so you can reach us whenever you need to.
When you call, you will speak with a member of our team who will listen to your story, answer any questions you may have, and provide guidance on the best course of action. We understand how difficult it can be to deal with the aftermath of a truck accident, and we are here to provide the compassionate, effective legal representation you need to move forward.
So don't wait to get the legal help you need. Call Montlick & Associates today at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333) to receive your free, no-obligation consultation with one of our experienced truck accident attorneys. We look forward to helping you get the compensation you deserve.