Trucks keep America running. They are responsible for moving everything from food to building materials. Most truck drivers do their best to perform their duties safely. But accidents can happen, and when they do, an Evans truck accident lawyer from John Foy & Associates is ready to fight for injured victims.
What Is Considered a Truck?
“Truck” is a catchall term that describes more than just the typical pickup truck. They are used for deliveries and removals and are on the road around the clock. Here are some vehicles that fall under the definition of a truck:
- 18-wheeler trucks are always traveling short and long-haul trips.
- Commercial trucks are used on interstates and interstates to conduct commerce. They have a weight rating of over 10,000 pounds.
- Oil and gas trucks are large vehicles that transport fuel across the country.
- Delivery trucks ensure that all the goods and foods we purchase end up where they are supposed to be.
- Dump trucks are widely used in the construction industry.
- Tow trucks tow big machinery, boats, equipment, and other vehicles.
- Refrigerated trucks are standard in the agricultural and horticultural industries.
A typical tractor-trailer can weigh 80,000 pounds or more, while your family’s car may only weigh 3,000 pounds. Because of the weight of their vehicles, truck drivers have less opportunity for correction than other vehicles on the road. This leads to accidents.
If you or your loved one has experienced a tragedy or injury due to a truck accident, a truck accident attorney in Evans is ready to help you.
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Types of Accidents Caused by Commercial Trucks
Commercial truck drivers assume responsibility for obeying traffic laws, their truck’s maintenance, and distributing whatever cargo they are transporting. When accidents occur, the fault may lie with the driver if they do the following:
- Fail to properly distribute the weight of their cargo. The imbalance can make controlling the truck impossible.
- Overloaded trucks have a harder time slowing down when necessary.
- Driving while impaired by prescription or over-the-counter medications, illegal drugs, or alcohol causes avoidable accidents.
- Driving while fatigued can cause accidents. Drivers need proper rest when they are going to be operating such a potentially deadly piece of machinery.
- Texting or using a telephone while operating a truck can lead to disaster.
- Driving too fast for the conditions, even if not officially speeding, can cause a crash.
- Speeding is at the root of many collisions with commercial trucks.
- Changing lanes without checking blind spots and signaling properly can result in an accident.
- Road rage and aggressive driving can end in tragedy.
- Failure to adjust to weather conditions is yet another cause of accidents.
- Ignoring signage warns of hazards and cautions that should be taken into account when traveling in a specific area.
While the above list refers to mistakes the driver of a truck makes, other accidents are not their fault. Some of these are:
- Poorly marked roads
- Traffic lights that fail to work
- Being pursued by drivers experiencing road rage
- Vehicles that have not been properly maintenance
- Unusual weather conditions such as ice, wet streets, or fog
- Poorly maintained roadways
- Animals, such as cows or hogs, on the road
No one wants to be involved in an accident, but it is a risk we take every time we leave home. Driving defensively and hoping others on the road do the same is the most significant move we can make toward avoiding traffic accidents.
Possible Injuries Sustained After an Accident Involving a Truck
Because of the size and weight of commercial trucks, accidents involving them can be undeniably more dangerous than other accidents. The following is a list of potential injuries one might experience after an accident with a truck:
- Fatalities life ending accidents can result from truck accidents
- Burns are painful and not uncommon after accidents involving large commercial vehicles.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can be minor or permanent injuries caused when the injured person’s head strikes the vehicle.
- Spinal cord injuries can seriously affect a person’s ability to move through the world and do the things they were once able to manage with ease.
- Disfigurement and scarring can cause damage to the sufferer’s self-image. Therapy is sometimes required to overcome psychological damage.
- Anxiety disorders can be spurred on by the trauma of an accident of this kind.
- Loss of enjoyment of life can be the result of a truck accident. No longer being able to pursue one’s hobbies and the things one once enjoyed very seriously detracts from the quality of the accident victim’s life.
- Loss of consortium is damage that a spouse can seek if their relationship has been negatively impacted by a truck accident.
- Broken bones can result from impact.
- Amputations and crush injuries result from the force of the crash.
- Puncture wounds can be excruciating and can cause internal injuries.
- Internal bleeding can lead to further complications and even death.
- Impalements are another painful possibility.
If the injury occurred due to an accident with a commercial truck, you might be entitled to restitution. An Evans truck accident attorney may assist you in getting the settlement to which you are entitled.
The Statute of Limitations on Georgia Truck Accidents
Georgia requires those suffering injuries or the death of a loved one to file their claim within two years of the accident’s date. If the claim is not filed by then, the victims have forfeited their right to have their claim heard.
Medical bills and loss of income can change the lives of victims and their loved ones very quickly. Waiting to file the claim means waiting on the money that is needed to keep up with medical treatments and other bills.
A truck accident lawyer in Evans, Georgia, can help you negotiate the claims you need within the time limit you need to do them.
Contact John Foy & Associates Today
Let us put The Strong Arm to work for you. We are here to support you in getting the damages you deserve from the insurance companies. Our experience and expertise in dealing with insurance companies can result in getting you the maximum possible settlement. Contact us today.
706-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form