Atlanta Truck Accident Attorneys
Fighting for Truck & Tractor-Trailer Crash Victims
Recovering compensation for damages linked to a truck accident can be challenging. Depending on what happened, more than one party – including someone other than the driver – may be liable for your losses. You will also likely be going up against massive insurance companies and aggressive litigators who make it their mission to pay out as little as possible.
Fortunately, you do not have to take on this fight alone.
Truck accidents in Atlanta are devastating events that can lead to severe injuries, significant financial losses, and life-altering consequences. When you or a loved one is involved in such an incident, having experienced truck accident lawyers on your side is essential.
Our team at Cunningham Bounds has successfully represented thousands of clients injured by negligence and recovered billions of dollars in settlements and verdicts. Our Atlanta truck accident lawyers will leverage our experience of more than 60 years and extensive resources to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Our Georgia personal injury law firm has recovered millions in compensation for truck accident victims, including:
- $50 million verdict: Truck driver burned to death in a post-accident/rollover fire.
- $10 million verdict: Woman died after being hit by a tractor-trailer on the interstate.
- $9 million verdict: 17-year-old was paralyzed in a truck rollover accident.
- $7.5 million settlement: Motorcyclist was killed in a crash with a delivery truck.
- $6.5 million settlement: Impaired truck driver caused head-on collision.
- $4.5 million verdict: Family suffered severe injuries in a truck accident.
Do not wait to reach out if you have been injured in a truck accident in Atlanta, GA. Call (404) 609-1081 or contact us online for a FREE consultation with a truck accident lawyer near you.
Atlanta Truck Accident Statistics
Truck accidents are a significant issue in Georgia, particularly in densely populated areas like Atlanta. Large commercial trucks, such as semis and 18-wheelers, are involved in thousands of accidents every year. According to the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety:
- In 2021, 14% of all traffic fatalities involved at least one large truck. That year, a total of 244 deaths resulted from trucking accidents statewide.
- Among all injuries and deaths that occurred in accidents involving large trucks, 76% were occupants of other vehicles.
- 86% of crashes involving large trucks involved multiple vehicles.
- More large truck accidents occurred on interstate systems than local roads and city streets.
- 53% of all large truck crashes occurred in the Atlanta region.
Where Do Truck Accidents Often Occur in Atlanta?
Atlanta’s extensive highway system and heavy commercial traffic make certain areas especially prone to truck accidents. Common locations include:
- Interstate 75 (I-75)
- Interstate 85 (I-85)
- Interstate 20 (I-20)
- Interstate 285 (The Perimeter)
- Downtown Atlanta roadways and interchanges
- Major freight corridors near industrial and warehouse districts
- Busy surface streets with frequent delivery truck traffic
Congestion, construction zones, and high-speed merging areas increase the risk of serious trucking collisions throughout the metro Atlanta area.
Different Types of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents can take many forms, and each type poses unique dangers:
- Rollover Accidents: A truck can tip over due to sharp turns, uneven loads, or high speeds. These accidents often involve multiple vehicles and result in serious injuries.
- Jackknife Accidents: In a jackknife accident, the truck’s cab and trailer fold at an acute angle, typically caused by sudden braking or loss of control. This can lead to catastrophic multi-vehicle collisions.
- Underride Accidents: These occur when a smaller vehicle slides under the rear or side of a truck, often resulting in severe or fatal injuries due to the vehicle’s cabin being crushed.
- Rear-End Collisions: Due to their size and braking limitations, trucks may rear-end other vehicles, especially in heavy traffic or sudden stop situations.
- Wide Turn Accidents: Trucks need extra space to make turns, and when a driver misjudges the distance, it can lead to collisions with nearby vehicles.
- Blind Spot Accidents: Trucks have large blind spots, and vehicles traveling in these zones are at risk of being sideswiped or crushed if the truck changes lanes.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents are frequently preventable. Many crashes occur because trucking companies or drivers put profits ahead of safety. Common causes of truck accidents in Atlanta include:
- Driver Fatigue: Violations of federal hours-of-service regulations can lead to drowsy driving.
- Distracted Driving: Use of cell phones, GPS systems, or dispatch devices while driving.
- Speeding or Aggressive Driving: Large trucks traveling at excessive speeds pose extreme risks.
- Improper Maintenance: Brake failures, tire blowouts, and steering malfunctions often stem from poor upkeep.
- Overloaded or Improperly Secured Cargo: Shifting cargo can cause rollovers or loss of control.
- Driving Under the Influence: Alcohol, drugs, or improperly used prescription medications can impair judgment.
- Inadequate Training or Supervision: Inexperienced drivers may not know how to safely operate large commercial vehicles.
Identifying the root cause of the accident is a key step in holding the appropriate parties accountable.
Common Truck Accident Injuries
Truck accidents tend to result in more severe injuries, including fatal and catastrophic injuries, compared to typical car accidents due to the size and weight of commercial trucks. Common injuries include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): A blow to the head during a crash can cause long-term cognitive and physical impairments.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: These injuries can lead to partial or complete paralysis, requiring lifelong medical care and rehabilitation.
- Broken Bones: The impact of a truck accident often results in fractures, which can take months to heal and may require surgery.
- Internal Injuries: Blunt force trauma can cause damage to internal organs, leading to life-threatening conditions.
- Burns: Truck accidents involving fuel can lead to fires, causing severe burns that require extensive treatment and leave lasting scars.
- Amputations: In some cases, the severity of the crash can result in the loss of limbs, leading to permanent disability.
These injuries often require long-term medical care and rehabilitation, significantly impacting the lives of victims and their families.
Who Is Liable for a Truck Accident Injury in GA?
Determining liability in a truck accident is often more complex than in a typical car accident due to the number of parties involved. Potential liable parties include:
- The Truck Driver: If the driver was negligent, such as driving while fatigued or under the influence, they may be held liable.
- The Trucking Company: Employers can be held liable for the actions of their drivers, especially if they failed to properly train or supervise the driver or encouraged unsafe practices, such as speeding or overloading.
- The Cargo Loader: If improperly loaded cargo caused the accident, the company responsible for loading the truck may be liable.
- The Truck Manufacturer: Defective parts, such as faulty brakes or tires, can lead to accidents, making the manufacturer liable.
- Third-Party Maintenance Companies: If a maintenance company failed to properly service the truck, leading to mechanical failure, they may be held responsible.
How Do Truck Accident Investigations Work?
Truck accident investigations are complex and often involve multiple parties. Here’s what typically happens:
- Scene Investigation: Evidence from the scene, such as skid marks, vehicle positions, and damage to the vehicles, is collected and analyzed.
- Black Box Data: Most commercial trucks are equipped with event data recorders (commonly known as “black boxes”) that capture information about the truck’s speed, braking, and other critical data leading up to the crash.
- Driver Logs: Truck drivers are required to maintain logs detailing their hours of service. These logs can be used to determine if the driver was fatigued or violated federal regulations.
- Maintenance Records: Investigators will review the truck’s maintenance records to determine if a mechanical failure contributed to the accident.
- Expert Testimony: Accident reconstruction experts may be called in to analyze the evidence and provide testimony on how the accident occurred.
This investigative process is essential for proving liability and ensuring that all responsible parties are held accountable.
Compensation Available in a Truck Accident Claim
Victims of truck accidents in Atlanta may be entitled to significant compensation due to the severity of their injuries. Depending on the circumstances, damages may include:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and trauma
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Property damage
- Wrongful death damages for surviving family members
Trucking companies often carry substantial insurance policies, but insurers aggressively defend these claims. Having skilled legal representation is critical.
FAQs About Truck Accident Claims
How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in Georgia?
In most cases, Georgia law allows two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Wrongful death claims also generally follow a two-year deadline.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You may still recover compensation as long as you are less than 50% at fault, though your recovery may be reduced by your percentage of fault.
What makes truck accident cases more complicated?
Truck accident cases often involve federal trucking regulations, multiple defendants, corporate legal teams, and complex evidence such as driver logs and vehicle data recorders.
Do I need a lawyer for a truck accident claim?
While not legally required, truck accident claims are rarely successful without an experienced attorney due to the complexity and high stakes involved.
How much is my truck accident case worth?
The value depends on factors such as the severity of injuries, long-term impact, available insurance coverage, and the degree of negligence involved.
Call For a FREE Consultation: (404) 609-1081
Truck accident lawsuits can be high-stakes cases, which is why anyone with a potential claim should reach out to our team of Atlanta trucking lawyers as soon as possible.
With an office in Atlanta, our truck accident attorneys Cunningham Bounds proudly serve victims across Fulton County and beyond and offer FREE and confidential consultations.
If you have questions about a case and what we can do to help, give us a call at (404) 609-1081 or contact us online to speak with a truck accident lawyer near you.
Client Testimonials
Choosing the right truck accident lawyer in Atlanta can make all the difference in your recovery and peace of mind. At Cunningham Bounds, our commitment to integrity, professionalism, and personalized client care sets us apart. Hear directly from clients who have trusted us after devastating truck and tractor-trailer accidents—and discover why so many in Atlanta and across Georgia recommend our firm:
"Guided our family through an extremely difficult time."
"Jenna York and the entire team at Cunningham Bounds were incredible to work with. Their compassion, professionalism, and integrity helped bring about a favorable resolution, allowing us to move forward with our lives. We trusted Jenna completely throughout the process and are so thankful for the care she and her team showed us. We would wholeheartedly recommend Cunningham Bounds to anyone in need of representation with integrity and kindness."
– Geoffrey Conrad
"Made me feel at ease and worry free."
"Amanda Herron and her team always kept me informed and updated. I never felt like I wasn’t important. They are amazing. I would highly recommend them to anyone."
– Ruth Halpine
"Outstanding representation with real results."
"My experience with my lawyer Robert Mitchell was outstanding. He and his staff—the two Jennifers—were super awesome! Glad I chose this law firm. Top Notch!!"
– Byron Blackmon
"Compassionate, diligent, and trustworthy from start to finish."
"Brian Duncan and his entire team were outstanding through our whole experience. They consistently followed through and explained our options at every step. We were impressed with their compassion and professionalism."
– Kams Alabama (The Cross Family)
"Made me feel comfortable, listened, and fought hard."
"From the first day I walked into Cunningham Bounds’ office, everyone was polite, friendly, and professional. My team went above and beyond, listened about my injuries and limitations, and worked hard to exceed my expectations. They were able to bring justice and peace of mind, paying medical bills and supporting me where another law firm would not. I would definitely recommend Cunningham Bounds to anyone who needs legal assistance."
– Judy Miller
Hear from one of our former clients, Joyceann, about her truck accident case:
At Cunningham Bounds, we know your case is personal. Let us show you the compassion, experience, and fierce advocacy that have earned the trust of accident victims across Atlanta and Georgia. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck or tractor-trailer accident, contact our team for a free consultation and see why so many clients call us the best choice for their case.
Call (404) 609-1081 or contact us online today.
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