Representing Trucking Accident Victims In East Georgia
Trucking accidents tend to be more serious than other auto collisions because of the sheer size of the vehicle. When an 18-wheeler strikes you, it is more likely that you will suffer major bodily harm than in the average crash. A dangerous truck driver could leave you disabled for life.
At Harrison & Medlin, P.C., we have represented victims of tractor trailer accidents and other accident injury situations in Augusta and East Georgia since 2009. We can help you get through this experience with dignity and resolve your claim with the highest possible financial compensation.
Legal Support For Truck Accident Victims
We help truck victims obtain compensation for severe tractor-trailer collision injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Spinal injury
- Back injury
- Crushed or mangled limbs
- Severe burns
Besides tending to cause serious injury, trucking accidents also can be more complicated than a typical car accident claim. Depending on the circumstances, the driver may not be the only party responsible for your injuries.
Their employer could also be at least partly to blame, such as if the driver it hired had a history of crashes or if it failed to properly train him or her. Alternatively, if the accident was caused by mechanical failure, the manufacturer of the broken part could be liable.
Lawyers Who Are Fully Prepared To Fight For You
The complications involved with a truck accident claim means you need an experienced personal injury attorney. Our team of lawyers has collectively represented numerous clients who were caught in trucking accidents.
We know how to prepare a strong case based on the evidence, which we may use as leverage in negotiations with the insurance company and its attorneys. We will stand up for your rights as a plaintiff so that you will not have to bear the financial burden of your medical care and lost wages.
Common Questions Regarding East Georgia Truck Accident Claims
Commercial truck collisions often leave victims facing complex legal rules, severe injuries and aggressive insurance tactics. We answer several frequently asked questions below to help clarify state regulations, potential liability and official investigation processes.
What is the statute of limitations for filing a truck accident lawsuit in Georgia?
In Georgia, an injured party generally has two years from the exact date of a commercial truck collision to file a personal injury lawsuit. If a crash results in a fatality, surviving family members generally have two years from the date of death to bring a wrongful death action. Additionally, the deceased victim’s estate may file a separate survival action to recover the victim’s medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
While state law sets a two-year deadline to initiate litigation, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules only require trucking companies to retain driver logbooks and mechanical inspection records for six months. Without a timely evidence preservation letter, motor carriers can routinely delete or overwrite critical electronic evidence needed to prove negligence. Furthermore, crashes involving government entities face much shorter notification rules, requiring formal legal notice within six months for municipal claims or 12 months for county and state claims.
Who can be held financially liable for an 18-wheeler crash?
Liability in a commercial vehicle collision can extend beyond the individual truck driver who caused the impact through reckless driving, speeding or fatigue. Under the Georgia doctrine of respondeat superior, motor carriers are vicariously liable for negligent acts committed by their drivers while operating within the scope of employment. Trucking companies could also face direct legal liability for careless hiring, improper training, negligent retention or forcing drivers to violate federal Hours of Service mandates.
Third-party logistics contractors, freight loaders and cargo shippers may also be liable if improper weight distribution or unsecured cargo caused a rollover or jackknife incident. Additionally, equipment manufacturers and third-party maintenance facilities might share financial responsibility if mechanical failures like brake defects or tire blowouts contributed to the wreck.
Who investigates catastrophic commercial truck crashes in East Georgia?
While local police handle the initial crash response, severe commercial wrecks require highly specialized law enforcement investigations. On major routes like I-20, I-520 (Bobby Jones Expressway) or Gordon Highway, the Georgia State Patrol Motor Carrier Compliance Division (MCCD) typically takes over the primary investigation.
MCCD state troopers conduct rigorous Level 1 commercial vehicle inspections directly at the scene, meticulously checking air brake systems, load securement and steering mechanisms to determine if a mechanical failure caused the accident. Troopers also have the authority to immediately seize the trucker’s Electronic Logging Device (ELD) and Black Box data to verify speed, braking patterns and federal Hours of Service compliance. In severe or fatal wrecks, the Georgia State Patrol Specialized Collision Reconstruction Team deploys drones and 3D laser scanners to reconstruct physical evidence and crash dynamics.
Free Case Evaluation For All Truck Crash Matters
Contact us to schedule a free consultation about your trucking accident. We have offices in Evans and Lincolnton for your convenience. Call our firm today at 706-250-7653.