Cargo trucks can include everything from delivery trucks to moving vans in Atlanta. If someone fails to load cargo properly, it can cause an accident. As the victim of said accident, you have rights. An Atlanta cargo truck accident lawyer will help.
At John Foy & Associates, we believe in justice after an auto accident. Our lawyers will help you seek compensation for your damages. We also will not charge you a fee unless we win your case.
With over 20 years of experience, we know how to build a strong claim. To learn more, contact us for a FREE consultation. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online to get started today.
What to Know About Cargo Trucks in Atlanta
The term “cargo truck” can describe multiple vehicles. Types of cargo trucks can include:
- Pickup trucks with cargo
- Flatbed trucks
- Moving vans (such as U-hauls)
- Cargo vans
- Tractor-trailer trucks
- Trucks with heavy equipment trailers
- Box trucks
Cargo trucks are large enough to carry large loads. The vehicle might transport furniture, food products, hazardous materials, and more. Cargo vans are one-piece vehicles, while most trucks have a separate cargo area.
Cargo trucks help people and companies transport essential goods. These vehicles are vital for the economy. However, that doesn’t mean they are immune to issues. One source of carelessness can lead to an accident.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a cargo truck accident, contact a lawyer. You might be entitled to compensation for your costs. An experienced lawyer will help you pursue the recovery you deserve.
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Common Cargo Truck Accidents in Atlanta
Cargo trucks can cause accidents in many ways. Most commonly, items can fall from the truck and harm others. However, the driver can also make mistakes on the road.
Improper Loading
Those loading cargo trucks must do so correctly. Incorrectly-loaded items can cause severe accidents. For example, liquids might sway and cause the truck to crash. If the contents spill onto the road, they can cause burns or other injuries.
Cargo truck accidents from improper loading are expensive. Victims face high medical bills, lost wages, and more. It’s vital to know who loaded and secured the truck. The negligent party is responsible for the damages.
Poorly-Secured Cargo
Cargo must stay secure during transport. Loaders should ensure they use tether or bungees correctly before the cargo truck takes off. Also, drivers should check the load regularly to make sure it stays secure.
Insecure cargo accidents are often fatal. The truck’s contents can fall onto innocent drivers nearby. If the cargo spills onto the road, it can cause a multiple-vehicle accident.
Truck Driver Negligence
Sometimes, cargo truck accidents happen because of the driver. Truck drivers typically have strict deadlines to meet. A driver might make mistakes because they are stressed or tired on Atlanta roads.
If a cargo truck accident injured you, your case will depend on negligence:
- All Atlanta drivers have a “duty of care” to one another.
- If someone breaches their duty, they’ve been negligent.
- If the negligence causes an accident, the negligent party is responsible.
- The at-fault party in your accident is liable for your damages.
As an accident victim, you can seek recovery for your damages (Georgia Code Section 51-1-6). An experienced lawyer can show how the truck driver was at fault.
You should not have to pay for another driver’s carelessness. Talk to John Foy & Associates today about your legal options. During a FREE consultation, we’ll discuss your case and what to do first.
To schedule a FREE consultation, call (404) 400-4000, or contact us online.
Proving Liability in a Cargo Truck Accident Case
Before you can pursue recovery, you must show who was at fault. An Atlanta cargo truck accident lawyer will help you do this. The negligent party could be:
- The cargo truck driver
- The loading company
- A truck manufacturer
- A maintenance company
Most of the time, the loaders or truck drivers are at fault. However, each case is different. Your lawyer will investigate to determine where someone was careless. In some cases, more than one party is partially at fault.
Your lawyer will do the following:
- Gather information from the cargo truck accident scene
- Compile evidence of the at-fault party’s negligence
- Determine your total accident damages
- Deal with the insurance company for you
You’ll need to file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company. Be aware that the insurance company will complicate things. Insurance companies will do whatever they can to pay you less.
Your Atlanta cargo truck accident lawyer will handle the insurer. They’ll communicate and negotiate on your behalf. If the insurance company offers a lowball settlement, your lawyer will work to negotiate a better offer.
Types of Injuries from Atlanta Cargo Truck Crashes
Cargo truck accidents are often very severe. Depending on the type of cargo, the contents can cause nasty injuries. The crash itself may also cause catastrophic damages.
Examples of injuries we see include:
- Severe burns
- Lacerations
- Extreme bruising
- Head trauma
- Broken bones
- Neck and back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
Some cargo truck accident injuries result in death. If you lost a loved one in this way, contact a lawyer as soon as possible.
If you suffered injuries, see a doctor right away. Even if you feel okay, you should get medical attention. Waiting too long to see a doctor will hurt your case.
Calculating Your Truck Accident Damages
When filing your claim, you’ll need to know your personal injury damages. Common cargo truck accident damages include:
- Medical bills
- Prescription medications
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Vehicle repairs
- Pain and suffering
An experienced lawyer will help you account for each loss. That includes “emotional” injuries that require a complicated formula.
If you did not cause your accident, your lawyer will seek full compensation for your expenses.
Talk to an Atlanta Cargo Truck Accident Lawyer for Free Today
For 20-plus years, John Foy & Associates has been helping truck accident victims win what they deserve. Our lawyers are not afraid to stand up for your rights. We fight tirelessly for the recovery you’re entitled to receive.
Working with us is risk-free for you because:
- We do not charge a fee unless we win your case.
- There are no upfront fees or costs.
- The consultation is always 100% FREE.
To schedule your FREE consultation, call us at (404) 400-4000, or contact us online. We’ll match you with the best attorney for your needs.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form