TRUCK ACCIDENTS

TRUCK ACCIDENT ATTORNEY IN DULUTH, GA

Duluth Truck Accident Lawyer

On the surface truck accidents might seem similar to car accidents, but there are actually several significant differences. If handled correctly, these differences can maximize your recovery and allow you to be “made whole.”

 

Maybe the most important difference is the severity of injuries. The typical semi-truck weighs about 35,000 pounds, although some can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. The average commuter car weighs about 3,000 pounds.

 

People injured in truck accidents frequently suffer catastrophic injuries that result in long hospitals stays and, in many cases, permanent disabilities. Those types of injuries are much more expensive to treat and manage compared to injuries commonly associated with regular auto accidents.

 

The other major differences are the types of insurance coverage commercial trucking companies possess and the number of potentially liable parties.

 

In many cases more than one defendant can be named in a trucking accident. The driver, the trucking company, their maintenance contractor, and even the distributor that loaded the truck are all potentially liable for their contributory negligence. Under the Federal Motor Safety Carrier Regulations, any commercial vehicle hauling cargo while transacting interstate commerce must carry (a) a minimum ofof $750,000 of liability insurance coverage if they are haluling non-hazardous substances (49 C.F.R. § 387.9) or (b) a minimum of $5,000,000 if they are hauling hazardous substances or materials (49 C.F.R. § 171.8, 49 C.F.R. § 473.403).

 

Perhaps most importantly, where the truck is owned and/or operated by an interstate carrier, the insurance carrier(s) themselves may be named as Defendants in the action under Georgia’s “direct action” statute. O.C.G.A. § 40-2-140(d)(4) and/or O.C.G.A. § 40-1-112(c).

 

Those companies are covered by commercial liability policies that typically have liability limits than personal auto insurance policies.

 

To put it simply, when pursued vigorously, truck accident victims have an opportunity to be recompensed in a way that the victims in car wreck cases may not. The avenues of recovery when the case is handled correctly can guarantee a result that helps the client get a full recovery for their damages.

Many Factors Can Lead to Truck Accidents

Most truck drivers are trained professionals who do their best to drive safely, but even skilled and experienced truck drivers can make mistakes or have accidents.

 

Truck drivers are frequently encouraged to work long hours. Commercial truck drivers can get distracted just like normal car, truck or SUV drivers. The truck driver’s vehicle might be poorly maintained, have faulty brakes or suffer some other kind of malfunction that causes an accident.

 

Driver fatigue or distraction might cause a truck driver to drift slightly into oncoming traffic. They might be forced to swerve because of an aggressive driver and hit another car as a result.

 

There are an essentially limitless number of scenarios that can lead to these deadly accidents. Working with a truck accident attorney who understands how to investigate truck accidents can help ensure the true cause is uncovered and brought to light.

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Joe in the News

By Joseph Zdrilich January 9, 2026
 Most of us don't enjoy heavy traffic and avoid it if at all possible. There are certain areas in Savannah that drivers fear more than others. They're constantly clogged, have confusing signals, or have a multitude of feeder streets. Conditions like this make us want to get a bike! But these dangerous roads can be circumvented so you don't end up in an injury accident. Defensive driving is often joked about, but it's useful to avoid the hassle of a crash. Savannah’s roads mix narrow, historic lanes with busy arterials and surges of tourist traffic, conditions that can catch even careful drivers off guard. This guide shows you how to avoid accidents here by combining proven defensive-driving habits, clear steps to prevent distracted driving under Georgia law, and a local understanding of repeat trouble spots. You’ll learn practical scanning, speed, and space-management techniques, which intersections deserve extra caution, and how local safety programs affect everyday driving. The guide focuses on four areas: driving through high-risk intersections, preventing distracted driving under the Georgia Hands-Free Law, defensive-driving tips tailored to Savannah, and how traffic laws and Vision Zero projects support safer streets. Throughout, you’ll find straightforward actions to reduce risk and concise next steps if prevention fails, so you can drive with greater confidence and know what to do after a crash. What Are Savannah’s Most Dangerous Intersections and How Can You Use Them Safely? High-risk intersections in Savannah typically feature heavy traffic, complex geometry, and many pedestrians, all of which increase the risk of angle and rear-end collisions. When you know a location’s specific hazard: limited sightlines, frequent left turns, or poor lighting, you can choose targeted defensive actions to lower your risk. The following paragraph includes a relevant chart to help you avoid the most risky. Which Intersections in Savannah Have the Highest Accident Rates? The table below lists several intersections often mentioned in local safety conversations, the primary risk at each site, and a concise action you can take right away. This risk-to-action breakdown helps drivers prioritize caution on routes with heavy foot traffic and complicated vehicle movements so you can adopt specific defensive behaviors while traveling these corridors. What Defensive Driving Strategies Reduce Risks at Savannah’s Dangerous Roads? You can cut intersection-related crash risk by using a few consistent defensive strategies that focus on anticipation and space management. First, scan well beyond the car in front of you to catch braking patterns and give yourself time to react. Second, control speed to match visibility and pedestrian activity. Third, signal and choose lanes early so other road users aren’t surprised by sudden moves. Anticipation, controlled speed, and clear signaling work together to lower reaction needs and expand safety margins. Practicing these on problem corridors like Abercorn and Ogeechee turns them into reliable habits that prevent common angle and rear-end crashes. How Can You Prevent Distracted Driving Accidents in Savannah? Distracted driving reduces situational awareness and slows reactions, increasing crash risk. Preventing it takes both personal habits and compliance with the law. Georgia’s Hands-Free Law bans holding or supporting a mobile device while driving. The rule targets the most dangerous distractions (manual and visual). To stay focused, pre-program routes, enable Do Not Disturb while driving, and ask passengers to handle calls or navigation. Enforcement has ramped up in recent years, and if someone else’s distraction causes an injury, you may need legal help to protect your rights. What Does the Georgia Hands-Free Law Require Drivers to Know? The Georgia Hands-Free Law makes it illegal to hold or support a mobile device while operating a vehicle, with limited exceptions for emergencies and approved in-vehicle systems. To comply, use voice commands, Bluetooth, or the vehicle's built-in systems for calls, and set navigation before you start driving. Violations can lead to citations and greater liability after a crash. Zdrilich Injury Law has handled distracted-driving cases in Savannah and can advise injured drivers on legal options if a distracted driver caused harm. Knowing the rules helps you stay safer and strengthens any future legal claim. Which Common Distractions Should Savannah Drivers Avoid? Distractions in vehicles vary by risk and deserve specific countermeasures. The most hazardous are phone use, fiddling with infotainment or navigation while moving, passenger distractions, and eating or drinking. Simple steps like stowing phones, programming systems before you drive, asking a passenger to help, or pulling over to eat, remove temptations that reduce driving performance. Regularly using these tactics prevents brief lapses that frequently lead to collisions in urban and tourist-heavy areas. Phone handling : Keep devices out of reach to avoid manual and visual distraction. Navigation adjustments while moving : Enter destinations before you pull away. Passenger interference : Designate a passenger to manage calls, directions, and other tasks. When you remove these distractions, you improve reaction time and control, especially important on crowded Savannah streets. What Are the Best Defensive Driving Tips to Avoid Car Accidents in Savannah? Defensive driving in Savannah centers on anticipation, managing space, and adjusting speed to local conditions like narrow historic lanes and coastal weather. Core habits include keeping a three-second following distance in normal driving, scanning intersections for turn signals and pedestrians, and slowing in wet or low-visibility conditions to increase stopping distance. These practices give you the time and space to avoid common crash types. Adopt the simple habits below to respond calmly to sudden events and protect vulnerable road users in mixed-use areas. How Does Defensive Driving Reduce Accident Risks on Savannah Streets? Defensive driving raises your margin of safety, so you need less aggressive braking or steering when a hazard appears. Scanning for cues: brake lights, pedestrian motion, and cyclist positioning lets you adjust speed and path before a situation becomes critical. On tree-lined, narrow streets with limited sightlines, slowing early and carefully positioning your lane prevents surprise conflicts with pedestrians or parked cars. These adjustments reduce angle and rear-end crashes across the city’s varied road types. What Practical Driving Habits Should You Adopt in Savannah’s Unique Road Conditions? Use a short, practical checklist to handle Savannah’s mix of narrow old-town streets and busy arterials: slow down well before intersections, choose lanes early in tourist areas, keep a continuous watch on crosswalks, and add space when following trucks or buses. Signal well in advance and avoid last-second lane changes to reduce unpredictable interactions. Making these habits routine turns reactive driving into planned risk management and helps you handle seasonal congestion and local enforcement zones. A few important tips: Maintain increased following distance : Give yourself time to stop safely. Scan 10–15 seconds ahead : Spot developing hazards before they become immediate threats. Position lanes deliberately : Pick your lane early to minimize conflicts at turns and merges. These steps build a resilient driving pattern that addresses Savannah-specific hazards and readies you for what to do if a collision still happens. Zdrilich Injury Law can offer legal guidance and representation to injured drivers pursuing compensation after a crash, with experience handling Savannah car-accident claims. How Do Savannah Traffic Laws and Local Safety Initiatives Help Prevent Accidents? Traffic laws and local safety projects set expectations for driver behavior and fund fixes that reduce conflict points. Rules like the Georgia Hands-Free Law and posted speed limits discourage risky behavior, while community efforts such as Savannah Vision Zero focus on redesigning streets, improving crosswalk visibility, and adding traffic calming where crashes are most severe. Knowing how these laws and projects affect your route helps you anticipate enforcement and adapt your driving for a safer shared environment. What Key Savannah Traffic Laws Should Every Driver Follow? Follow hands-free device restrictions, obey posted speed limits, yield to pedestrians at crosswalks, and use proper signaling and lane discipline. These laws matter because they make safe behavior the norm and reduce human-error crashes like sideswipes and intersection collisions. Practically, this means slowing in high-traffic areas, using hands-free calling, and never assuming the right of way, actions that protect drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists across Savannah’s mixed-use corridors. How Are Local Programs Like Savannah Vision Zero Improving Road Safety? Vision Zero targets traffic deaths and serious injuries through focused changes: safer crosswalks, reduced speed zones, and redesigned intersections that lower conflict between people and vehicles. Recent projects concentrate on high-injury corridors, add lighting, and use traffic calming to slow speeds, measures that change driver expectations and reduce severe crashes. Drivers who follow these changes and adapt their habits help produce measurable declines in collisions, making the network safer for everyone. Zdrilich Injury Law knows how physically, financially, and emotionally disruptive a car crash can be. If prevention fails and you’re injured in a collision, reach out for help with documenting the scene, preserving evidence, and understanding your legal options. Our Savannah car accident team, led by Joseph Zdrilich, provides experienced advocacy tailored to local claims. Frequently Asked Questions What should I do immediately after an accident in Savannah? First, move to a safe spot if you can. Check for injuries and call 911 to report the crash. Exchange names, contact information, insurance details, and vehicle information with the other driver(s). Take photos of the scene and any damage, and collect witness contact details when possible. Notify your insurer promptly. Even if you feel fine, get a medical check; some injuries show up later. Talking to a car accident lawyer early can protect your rights and make sure you collect the evidence you’ll need. How can I stay updated on local traffic laws and safety initiatives in Savannah? Stay informed by checking the City of Savannah’s official website and following local news outlets. Follow the Savannah police and traffic-safety organizations on social media for timely updates. Subscribing to newsletters from groups like Savannah Vision Zero and joining community traffic-safety forums will also keep you posted on projects, enforcement changes, and public meetings. Are there specific times when Savannah's streets are more dangerous? Yes. Peak tourist seasons and festival weekends bring more pedestrians and congestion. Weekday rush hours, roughly 7–9 AM and 4–6 PM, also see heavier traffic. Weather events like rain or fog reduce visibility and traction, raising risk. Being aware of these times helps you plan routes and drive more cautiously when conditions are worse. What resources are available to help drivers improve their defensive driving skills? You can improve skills through online courses and workshops from organizations like the National Safety Council or through local driving schools that offer urban-driving classes. Many insurers give discounts for completing defensive-driving courses. Community programs and local traffic-safety events also offer practical tips and hands-on training to sharpen your habits. How can I report unsafe driving behavior in Savannah? If you see dangerous driving, call 911 for immediate threats or the non-emergency police line for less urgent issues. Give the vehicle description, license plate, and location when possible. To report chronic problems like a dangerous intersection or recurring speeding, you can contact the City of Savannah’s traffic department through its website. Community reports help officials prioritize safety fixes. What should I know about pedestrian safety in Savannah? Pedestrian safety matters in Savannah’s popular and historic areas. Drivers should always yield at crosswalks and be alert in tourist zones. Pedestrians should use marked crossings, watch for turning vehicles, and avoid distractions while crossing. Local improvements like better lighting, clearer crosswalks, and traffic calming are intended to protect people on foot. Everyone sharing the road has a role in keeping those spaces safe. Couldn't Avoid an Accident? We Can Help The expert team at Zdrilich has years of experience helping accident victims get back on track. We guide you through the claims process, negotiate with insurers, and even file a lawsuit if the settlement offered isn't worthy of your injuries. Contact us today for a free consultation.
By Joseph Zdrilich January 2, 2026
An accident with an 18 wheeler changes lives in seconds. One moment you are driving to work or home. The next, you face injuries, medical bills, lost income, and uncertainty. These crashes feel overwhelming because they involve massive trucks, powerful companies, and complex laws. If you are searching for an 18 wheeler truck accident lawyer Georgia, you are likely looking for answers and protection. You may wonder who is responsible. You may worry about insurance companies. You may feel unsure about your next step. This guide explains how 18 wheeler accidents happen, why these cases are different from car accidents, and how a truck accident lawyer can help. It also explains what to look for when choosing the best 18 wheeler accident lawyer for your case. Why 18 Wheeler Accidents Are So Serious An 18 wheeler can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded. A passenger vehicle weighs a fraction of that amount. When these vehicles collide, the force is extreme. Common injuries from 18 wheeler crashes include: Traumatic brain injuries Spinal cord damage Broken bones Internal bleeding Burns Permanent disability Fatal injuries Even low-speed truck accidents can cause severe harm. High-speed crashes often result in life-altering consequences. Because of this, Georgia law allows injured victims to pursue compensation when negligence plays a role. Common Causes of 18 Wheeler Truck Accidents in Georgia Understanding the cause of a crash helps determine liability. Many 18 wheeler accidents involve more than one negligent party. Driver Fatigue Federal regulations limit how long truck drivers can stay on the road. Despite these rules, fatigue remains a leading cause of truck accidents. Tired drivers react slower and make poor decisions. Distracted Driving Truck drivers may use phones, GPS systems, or onboard computers while driving. Even a brief distraction can lead to a catastrophic crash. Speeding and Aggressive Driving Large trucks require longer stopping distances. Speeding increases the risk of rear-end collisions, jackknife accidents, and rollovers. Improper Training Some trucking companies fail to train drivers properly. Inexperienced drivers may struggle with lane changes, turns, or emergency braking. Mechanical Failures Brake failure, tire blowouts, and steering problems often stem from poor maintenance. These failures can place fault on trucking companies or maintenance contractors. Improper Loading Unbalanced or overloaded cargo can cause trucks to tip or lose control. Cargo loading companies may share responsibility in these cases. Why Truck Accident Cases Are More Complex Than Car Accidents An 18 wheeler accident is not handled like a standard car crash claim. These cases involve: Federal trucking regulations Multiple insurance policies Corporate defendants Specialized evidence Aggressive legal defense teams A general personal injury lawyer may not have the experience needed. An 18 wheeler accident lawyer understands how trucking companies operate and how they defend claims. Who Can Be Held Liable in an 18 Wheeler Accident? Liability often extends beyond the driver. A skilled truck accident attorney investigates all possible responsible parties. The Truck Driver Drivers may be liable for speeding, fatigue, intoxication, or distracted driving. The Trucking Company Companies may be responsible for unsafe policies, poor training, or forcing drivers to violate safety rules. Maintenance Providers Third-party maintenance companies may be liable for mechanical failures caused by poor inspections or repairs. Cargo Loaders Improperly secured or overloaded cargo can cause accidents. Loaders may share fault. Manufacturers Defective truck parts may lead to product liability claims. Identifying every liable party increases the chances of full compensation. Georgia Laws That Affect 18 Wheeler Accident Claims Georgia law shapes how truck accident cases proceed. Comparative Negligence Rule Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence system. You can recover damages if you are less than 50% at fault. Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. Statute of Limitations Most personal injury claims must be filed within two years of the accident date. Missing this deadline usually means losing your right to recover compensation. Commercial Insurance Requirements Trucking companies must carry higher insurance limits than passenger vehicles. This often increases the potential value of a claim. What Compensation May Be Available? An experienced 18 wheeler truck accident lawyer Georgia can pursue damages such as: Medical expenses Future medical care Lost wages Loss of earning capacity Pain and suffering Emotional distress Permanent disability Wrongful death damages for families Insurance companies rarely offer fair compensation without pressure. Legal representation helps level the playing field. What to Do After an 18 Wheeler Accident Your actions after a crash matter. Seek Medical Care Get medical help immediately, even if injuries seem minor. Some injuries take time to appear. Call Law Enforcement A police report provides official documentation of the crash. Document the Scene If possible, take photos of vehicles, damage, road conditions, and injuries. Avoid Insurance Statements Do not give recorded statements without speaking to a lawyer. Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer Early legal involvement protects evidence and strengthens your claim. How an 18 Wheeler Accident Lawyer Helps A qualified 18 wheeler accident lawyer provides critical support. Investigation Your lawyer gathers driver logs, black box data, maintenance records, and witness statements. Evidence Preservation Trucking companies may destroy evidence quickly. A lawyer sends preservation letters to stop this. Negotiation Insurance companies aim to minimize payouts. A lawyer negotiates aggressively for fair compensation. Litigation If the settlement fails, your lawyer prepares your case for trial. Choosing the Best 18 Wheeler Accident Lawyer Not all lawyers handle truck accident cases effectively. When searching for the best 18-wheeler accident lawyer, look for: Experience with commercial truck cases Knowledge of federal trucking regulations Resources to handle large corporate defendants Trial readiness Clear communication If you are searching online for an 18-wheeler accident lawyer near me, focus on experience and results, not just proximity. Why Local Georgia Experience Matters Georgia has unique traffic patterns, court systems, and legal procedures. A local truck accident lawyer understands: Georgia highways and trucking routes Local courts and judges State-specific negligence laws This knowledge improves strategy and case outcomes. Insurance Company Tactics in Truck Accident Claims Trucking insurers act quickly after crashes. Their goals differ from yours. Common tactics include: Quick low settlement offers Blaming the injured driver Delaying the claims process Disputing medical treatment Minimizing long-term injuries A strong truck accident attorney counters these tactics with evidence and legal pressure. Wrongful Death After an 18 Wheeler Accident Some truck accidents result in fatal injuries. Families may pursue a wrongful death claim under Georgia law. Damages may include: Funeral expenses Loss of financial support Loss of companionship Emotional suffering These cases require sensitivity and strong legal advocacy. FAQs: 18 Wheeler Truck Accident Lawyer Georgia What makes 18 wheeler accidents different from car accidents? They involve larger vehicles, more severe injuries, federal regulations, and multiple liable parties. Do I need a lawyer for an 18 wheeler accident? Yes. These cases are complex and insurers fight aggressively. Legal help improves outcomes. How long do I have to file a claim in Georgia? Most cases must be filed within two years from the accident date. What if I was partly at fault? You may still recover compensation if you are less than 50% at fault. How much is my case worth? Case value depends on injuries, liability, medical costs, and long-term impact. A lawyer can evaluate this. Final Thoughts An 18-wheeler accident can leave lasting physical, emotional, and financial damage. You should not face trucking companies and insurers alone. Georgia law gives you the right to pursue compensation, but success depends on experience and preparation. If you are searching for an 18-wheeler truck accident lawyer in Georgia, choose a legal team that understands trucking cases and puts your recovery first. If you or a loved one was injured in an 18-wheeler crash, now is the time to act. Evidence fades. Deadlines approach. Insurance companies are already working against you. Contact Zdrilich Injury Law today for a free consultation . Our team will review your case, explain your options, and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
By Joseph Zdrilich December 18, 2025
Traffic in Georgia can feel slow, tight, and unpredictable. If you ride a motorcycle, you may feel tempted to slide between cars to get ahead. Many riders call this lane splitting. Before you do it, you need to understand the law. You need to know how police, insurers, and courts treat this behavior. This article gives a clear answer to the question “is lane splitting legal in GA” . It also explains why the state bans it, how fault is handled in crashes, and what steps riders should take to stay safe. What Is Lane Splitting? Lane splitting happens when a motorcycle moves between two lanes of traffic that travel in the same direction. The rider uses the narrow gap between cars to pass slower or stopped vehicles. A related action is lane filtering. Lane filtering happens when a motorcycle moves between cars that are stopped or barely moving. Riders usually filter at red lights or in gridlock. Many people use both terms to describe the same behavior: moving between vehicles instead of staying within a lane. Is Lane Splitting Legal in Georgia? No. Lane splitting is illegal in Georgia. Georgia law states that a motorcyclist cannot ride between lanes of traffic or between rows of vehicles. The state requires motorcycles to follow the same rules as cars when it comes to lane position. Under Georgia’s law, a motorcyclist must occupy a full lane. Passing a vehicle in the same lane or using the space between cars violates the statute. Because of that, lane splitting and lane filtering remain fully prohibited. Why Georgia Bans Lane Splitting Georgia bans lane splitting for clear safety reasons. The state aims to reduce collisions, keep traffic predictable, and protect riders and drivers. Here are the main concerns: Blind Spots Drivers may not see a motorcycle coming up between lanes. A sudden lane change can trap the rider with no room to escape. Limited Space The gap between cars does not give riders enough room for braking or swerving. Unpredictable Movement Drivers expect vehicles to stay within lanes. A motorcycle that moves between lanes creates unpredictable motion. That unpredictability increases the chance of a crash. Enforcement A clear ban makes traffic enforcement simpler and reduces disputes about right-of-way. These reasons led lawmakers to prohibit lane splitting in all forms in the state. What States Allow Lane Splitting or Lane Filtering? Understanding the national picture helps answer the related question, “what states allow lane splitting?” Most states do not allow lane splitting. Only a few allow some form of lane splitting or lane filtering. States That Allow Lane Splitting or Lane Filtering California permits lane splitting statewide. Arizona allows limited lane filtering in slow or stopped traffic. Utah allows riders to filter forward when traffic stops at intersections. Montana has certain conditions that allow lane filtering. Other states either ban it completely or have no clear law, which often means police treat it as illegal. Georgia is not part of the group that allows lane splitting or filtering. Riders in Georgia must stay fully within their lane at all times. Penalties for Lane Splitting in Georgia If a motorcyclist lane splits in Georgia, several consequences can follow: Traffic Ticket Police can issue a citation that includes a fine. The amount varies by county. Points on Your License Lane splitting can lead to points being added to your driving record. Points affect insurance and can lead to license suspension if they add up. Insurance Problems Insurers may raise your rates after a violation. They may also argue you acted recklessly if a crash occurs. Fault in a Crash Lane splitting in Georgia often leads to a finding of negligence per se. That means the act itself counts as evidence of negligence. This makes any injury claim harder to win. Comparative Negligence Georgia uses a 50% comparative negligence rule. If you are at least 50% at fault, you cannot recover damages. Lane splitting, because it is illegal, can push your fault percentage higher. How Lane Splitting Affects Car Accident and Motorcycle Injury Claims If you get into a crash while lane splitting: You May Be Assigned High Fault Because lane splitting is illegal, insurers often argue that you caused or contributed heavily to the crash. Your Compensation May Be Reduced If you are less than 50% at fault, you may recover reduced damages. The reduction matches your percentage of fault. Your Claim May Be Denied If insurers believe lane splitting was the main cause of the crash, they may deny your claim entirely. A Lawyer Can Still Help A skilled motorcycle accident lawyer or auto injury lawyer may still show that the other driver acted carelessly. Examples include failing to signal, drifting between lanes, or driving aggressively. Fault is not always one-sided. Even when lane splitting occurs, another driver’s actions may contribute to the collision. A lawyer can analyze the crash, gather evidence, work with experts, and protect your rights under Georgia law. Safe Riding Practices in Georgia Because lane splitting is illegal, riders should follow practices that follow the law and reduce risk: Stay fully within your lane. Make full and clear lane changes when passing. Use turn signals. Increase your following distance. Stay visible by using lights and reflective gear. Ride defensively and assume other drivers may not see you. These steps reduce the risk of a crash and strengthen your position if one happens. FAQ: Lane Splitting in Georgia Q: Is lane splitting legal in GA? A: No. Lane splitting is illegal under Georgia law. Riders cannot travel between lanes or between rows of vehicles. Q: Is lane filtering legal in Georgia? A: No. Lane filtering, like lane splitting, is prohibited. A motorcycle must stay within a lane at all times. Q: What states allow lane splitting? A: Only a few states allow any form of lane splitting or lane filtering. California is the most widely known example. Most states ban it. Q: Can I recover compensation if I crash while lane splitting? A: It is possible but harder. Because lane splitting is illegal, insurers may assign high fault to the rider. Recovery depends on Georgia’s comparative negligence rule. Q: Should I call a lawyer after a lane-splitting crash? A: Yes. Fault is not always clear. A lawyer can review evidence, deal with insurers, and help protect your rights. Conclusion Lane splitting may seem fast or convenient in heavy Georgia traffic, but it carries major risk. Georgia law bans lane splitting and lane filtering. A rider who attempts it may face tickets, insurance issues, and serious legal problems after a crash. Understanding this law helps protect your safety and your rights. Motorcyclists deserve respect on the road. They also deserve strong legal support after an injury. If you were involved in a crash — whether lane splitting played a role or not — you should speak with a lawyer who understands Georgia motorcycle and car accident laws. Strong Legal Representation If you or someone you love suffered injuries in a motorcycle or car accident in Georgia, do not face the insurance companies alone. You deserve a clear explanation of your rights, strong representation, and a team that takes your case seriously. Contact Zdrilich Injury Law today for a free, confidential consultation. Our team will review your case, explain your options, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

QUESTIONS AFTER TRUCK ACCIDENTS

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Do I need to hire a special truck accident injury lawyer?

    Finding a lawyer with experience in tractor-trailer accidents and auto accidents can make a huge difference in your outcome. It’s also useful to talk with a lawyer who has experience representing clients who have suffered catastrophic head injuries, brain injuries or spine injuries. 


    First, you need a lawyer with the resources to uncover what happened in a collision. Even where liability has been “admitted”, such an admission rarely leads to an agreement on the value of the actual damages in a case. 


    At Zdrilich Injury Law, we move quickly to preserve the evidence of the wreck, including telematic date, video recordings, or other information off of the truck that is often available at the time of the collision but, if the parties do not move quickly, may be lost forever. Where given notice and where a company, or any party, fails to properly secure and preserve important pieces of evidence, it will give rise to a legal presumption that the evidence not saved would have been harmful to the non-preserving party’s case. Lane v. Montgomery Elevator Co., 225 Ga. App. 523, 484 S.E. 2d 249 (1997), J.B. Hunt Transport, Inc. v. Bentley, 207 Ga. App 250, 427 S.E. 2d 499 (1992), Bennett v. Associated Food Stores, Inc., 118 Ga App. 711, 165 S.E. 2d 581 (1968) and O.C.G.A. 24-4-22. For instance, if there is a cabin video that is deleted, but is proven to have existed at the time of the collision, the jury must infer that it would have been helpful to the claimant and harmful to the trucking company. None of this can happen unless an experienced lawyer puts the company on timely notice.


    Next, we use top-shelf experts and spend the time and resources required to quickly obtain information to reconstruct what happened in the wreck. Big trucking companies have their experts on call 24-7. You deserve counsel that will pay the same caliber of expert to examine the scene of the wreck and the vehicles involved to find out what actually happened and to hold the trucking companies accountable. Some attorneys do not want to spend the resources to preserve evidence at the time of the collision in case the injuries do not justify the damages. We disagree. We believe it necessary to preserve the data in any event before it is too late. 


    Using investigators, we conduct the kind of background check on the truck driver that their companies should have done in the first place. What we find is often hard to believe: trucking companies do little in the way of due diligence to find out whether its truck drivers have dangerous driving histories, well-documented substance abuse problems, or criminal backgrounds. We are not here to pick on the drivers, but to hold their employers, the truck companies, accountable for their failures and their conscious indifference to the safety of others.


    The factors that contribute to successful resolutions and verdicts in truck accident cases can be complex, and it’s helpful to have a lawyer that understands how to take into account the many variables that could impact the damages in your case. 

  • Why are truck accidents hard to win?

    Regulations and existing laws give trucking companies and insurance companies a lot of advantages over plaintiffs in trucking accident injury cases. For example, if a lawyer doesn’t quickly file suit the trucking company may be able to legally wipe the truck’s black box or coach the driver on their story. 


    The trucking company can afford expensive injury defense attorneys who focus solely on truck accident cases. The insurance company and the trucking company knows that a lot of money and their reputation is on the line if you win, which is why they will do everything they can to make your case difficult. 


    While every case is different, sometimes the smartest move is to file suit quickly. Unlike in typical car wreck cases, where there is a distinct advantage in giving the insurance carrier a chance to arrive at a pre-suit settlement, trucking companies usually have sufficient coverage that the lawyer’s priority must be not on opening up a potential bad faith claim, but on preserving discovery and beginning the process of litigation. Litigating these claims is often the only way to obtain a fair resolution.


    Filing a claim quickly can prevent the trucking company from failing to preserve evidence, and it gives our firm time to thoroughly investigate the wreck and build your case. 

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Zdrilich Injury Law is committed to helping injured Georgians receive the money they need to recover physically and financially after an accident.

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