Truck Accidents

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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Do you need to speak with a Duluth personal injury attorney? Zdrilich Injury Law is ready to help.

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Joe in the News

By Joseph Zdrilich 13 Nov, 2024
Being involved in a car accident can be a life-altering experience, filled with physical pain, emotional distress, and the financial strain of medical bills and lost wages. For many, the road to recovery is challenging, and understanding the financial aspects of a settlement can feel overwhelming. At Zdrilich Injury Law, we believe that having clear, accessible information is essential to help you feel empowered and informed as you move forward. Knowing what to expect in terms of settlement amounts for different types of injuries can make all the difference as you navigate this difficult time. Car accidents are common occurrences on Georgia's busy roads, and injuries from these accidents can range from minor to life-altering. For victims, one of the most pressing questions is, "How much can I expect in a settlement?" While the answer varies depending on several factors, one of the most significant is the type of injury sustained. This guide will walk you through the average car accident settlement amounts for different injuries, what factors influence these amounts, and how a personal injury attorney like Joseph Zdrilich from Zdrilich Injury Law can help you maximize your compensation. Overview of Car Accident Settlements in Georgia In Georgia, car accident settlements aim to compensate victims for their medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages incurred due to the accident. Settlements vary based on: Type and Severity of Injury : More severe injuries generally lead to higher settlements. Long-term Impact : Injuries with lasting effects, like disabilities or chronic pain, may increase settlement amounts. Liability and Negligence : If the other party was clearly at fault, settlements may be higher. Insurance Limits : The at-fault party’s insurance policy limits may impact the maximum compensation available. Understanding the settlement ranges for specific injuries can give victims a clearer idea of what they may be entitled to. Below, we cover the average settlement ranges for common car accident injuries in Georgia. Settlement Amounts for Common Car Accident Injuries a. Whiplash Whiplash is one of the most common injuries in rear-end collisions. This soft tissue injury affects the neck, causing pain, stiffness, and headaches. Although whiplash can resolve in a few weeks, it sometimes leads to chronic pain, especially if left untreated. Average Settlement Range : $2,500 to $10,000 for mild cases; severe cases with chronic pain may reach $30,000 or more. Factors Influencing Settlement : Length of recovery, impact on daily activities, and any lasting pain can significantly affect the settlement amount. b. Broken Bones Bone fractures are more serious injuries, often resulting from high-impact accidents. Treatment may involve surgery, physical therapy, and long-term recovery, especially if multiple bones are broken. Average Settlement Range : $15,000 to $100,000 depending on the bones involved, the severity of the break, and required treatment. Factors Influencing Settlement : Location and complexity of fractures, surgery requirements, and any permanent limitations in movement or function contribute to higher settlements. c. Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) Traumatic brain injuries are among the most severe car accident injuries, ranging from mild concussions to debilitating injuries that impair cognitive functions. TBIs often result in extensive medical expenses, ongoing treatment, and significant lifestyle changes. Average Settlement Range : $50,000 to over $1 million, depending on injury severity, cognitive impairment, and necessary medical care. Factors Influencing Settlement : Level of cognitive and physical impairment, length of treatment, and lifelong care requirements all impact the settlement value. d. Back and Neck Injuries Back and neck injuries range from mild strains to severe spinal cord injuries that may lead to paralysis. These injuries often involve extensive medical care, physical therapy, and possible surgery. Average Settlement Range : $10,000 to over $500,000, depending on severity and long-term impact. Factors Influencing Settlement : Spinal injuries, nerve damage, and chronic pain from herniated discs can lead to larger settlements, especially when impacting mobility or quality of life. Minor vs. Severe Injuries: Comparing Settlement Ranges The difference in settlement amounts between minor and severe injuries is substantial. Here’s a closer look at how they compare: Minor Injuries : Typically include soft tissue injuries, mild whiplash, and minor fractures. Settlements generally range between $2,500 and $25,000, depending on recovery time and medical expenses. Severe Injuries : Cover cases like traumatic brain injuries, severe spinal injuries, and multiple fractures. These cases often involve extensive treatment, long-term effects, and high medical costs, leading to settlements from $50,000 to over $1 million. Understanding the severity and long-term implications of your injury is crucial, as more severe cases demand compensation that reflects the ongoing impact on your life. Factors Influencing Car Accident Settlements Several factors play a significant role in determining settlement amounts. A few key ones include: a. Severity and Type of Injury More severe injuries generally lead to higher settlements. Injuries requiring long-term or specialized care also increase compensation. Injuries with permanent consequences, such as cognitive impairment from a TBI or paralysis, tend to result in the highest settlements. b. Long-term Impact and Pain and Suffering Settlements account not only for medical costs but also for pain and suffering, which compensates victims for physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life. Courts may use the "multiplier method," which multiplies actual damages (medical expenses, lost wages) by a number between 1.5 and 5 based on the injury’s severity, to calculate this aspect. c. Medical Expenses and Treatment Costs Medical expenses play a significant role in settlements, as they directly correlate with the injury's severity. Costs for surgeries, rehabilitation, and long-term medications all contribute to higher settlements. d. Impact on Earning Capacity If an injury impairs your ability to work or earn a living, your settlement may include lost wages and compensation for diminished earning capacity, particularly if you’re unable to return to your previous job or work fewer hours. e. Insurance Policy Limits Insurance coverage limits are crucial in determining available compensation. Georgia requires minimum liability coverage, but many victims require higher payouts than these minimums provide, especially in cases involving severe injuries. Working with an Experienced Attorney to Maximize Compensation Navigating the complexities of car accident settlements can be challenging. Factors like determining liability, negotiating with insurance companies, and accounting for all damages require legal expertise. Working with an experienced personal injury attorney like Joseph Zdrilich at Zdrilich Injury Law ensures that you have a strong advocate on your side. Benefits of Hiring Zdrilich Injury Law: Expertise in Personal Injury Law : Attorney Joseph Zdrilich brings years of experience in handling car accident cases and maximizing compensation for clients. Negotiation with Insurance Companies : Skilled negotiation ensures fair settlements, especially when insurers attempt to minimize payouts. Personalized Case Evaluation : Zdrilich Injury Law offers personalized case evaluations to accurately assess potential compensation based on injury specifics and long-term impacts. Conclusion: Know Your Rights and Get the Compensation You Deserve The aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with injuries and medical bills. Knowing what to expect in terms of settlement amounts for different types of injuries can help you make informed decisions. If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Georgia, reach out to Joseph Zdrilich at Zdrilich Injury Law for a personalized case evaluation. His expertise and commitment to client advocacy can help you secure the compensation you need to rebuild your life. Contact Us The robust support system at Zdrilich Injury Law is exactly what you need to win rightful compensation and move forward. Contact our team today for more information or to schedule a private consultation.
By Joseph Zdrilich 12 Jun, 2024
One of every driver's biggest fears is a head-on collision. These accidents can be physically and emotionally devastating, resulting in years of medical bills and upheaval in one’s personal and professional life. If a semi-truck or municipal vehicle is involved, there can be lengthy legal battles over damages and liability. The legal team at Zdrilich Injury Law is uniquely adept at navigating the complex legal issues surrounding head-on collisions. Read on as we share essential facts about head-on collisions and your legal rights.  What Happens in a Head-On Collision? Two vehicles colliding front-to-front is referred to as a head-on collision. They often happen at high speeds, resulting in totaled vehicles and severe physical injuries. Understanding and presenting the mechanics of head-on accidents in a compelling way is crucial to establishing fault and securing compensation. Having an experienced injury attorney by your side is the key to success. Dangers of Head-On Collisions According to the Georgia Department of Public Health , there are 8,000-9,000 head-on collisions every year in Georgia, 190 of them fatal. What makes them so devastating is the sheer force involved upon impact. Common Causes of Head-On Collisions in Savannah - Distracted Driving - Road Conditions - Unsafe Passing - Drunk Driving - Vehicle Defects - Reckless Operation - Fatigued Driving Emotional Trauma After a Head-On Collision Can Linger In a head-on collision, both the physical and emotional after-effects can be life-changing. A victim’s daily life is, at a minimum, disrupted for months with pain, soaring medical costs, and lingering psychological trauma. Some changes are so profound that the victim’s desired life journey cannot be recovered. Seeking rightful compensation to aid recovery and move forward is the right of every head-on collision victim. Head-On Collision FAQs Q. Who is at fault in a head-on collision? A. In most cases, the driver who veered out of their lane is at fault. However, legally establishing fault can be complicated and should be handled by a seasoned accident attorney. Q. I was in a head-on crash; what should I do? A. After seeking medical attention and ensuring other crash victims do, document everything at the crash site. Collect information from witnesses without admitting fault and call your insurer. Finally, call an experienced injury lawyer near you to protect your rights. Q. What if the head-on collision was unavoidable? A. Even if the incident was unavoidable, liability may still exist. Document everything and contact a head-on crash attorney immediately. Q. Can I sue for a head-on collision after my insurance pays? A. Yes, you can pursue further legal action if your insurance payout doesn’t cover all your damages. If the other party was at fault, you may have grounds for a lawsuit to recover additional costs. Conclusion Head-on collisions are particularly traumatizing and physically damaging. Seeking compensation from an experienced car accident attorney can make all the difference to your successful recovery. Get Legal Help Now from the Expert Head-On Collision Lawyers in Savannah If you’ve been in a head-on collision, you’re probably reeling from your injuries, medical costs, and lost wages, not to mention the psychological aftermath. Zdrilich Injury Law is here to guide you through the legal process and protect your rights. Head-on collision lawsuits demand in-depth knowledge of Georgia law. Our team delves into the specifics of your case, gathers compelling evidence, and stands by your side through the entire process. Our meticulous attention to detail, compassionate approach, and experience make us Savannah’s top head-on collision attorneys. Contact Us The robust support system at Zdrilich Injury Law is exactly what you need to win rightful compensation and move forward. Contact our team today for more information or to schedule a private consultation.
By Joseph Zdrilich 16 May, 2024
Highway accidents are everyone’s fear, and as traffic becomes denser in the greater Atlanta region, it is more likely. One type of accident is especially terrifying: a collision involving a truck. Many drivers cite this scenario as their worst driving fear. The team at Zdrilich Injury Law knows all too well the aftermath of truck accidents for its victims. We see them every day in our offices. As experts in trucking accident law, we share here some essential facts you need to know if you, too, are a victim. Truck Accidents are Devastating - Here's Why The power and size of a commercial truck going 60 mph can turn a simple mishap into a life-altering reality for accident victims. An 18-wheeler crashing into a passenger vehicle causes significantly more damage than another car can. The consequences are sometimes deadly and often permanent. Common Causes of Truck Accidents - Aggressive Driving - Speeding - Distracted Driving - Poor Vehicle Maintenance - DUI - Weather - Road Conditions - Fatigue According to The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration , the 3 top causes of trucking accidents are fatigue, DUI, and speeding. Your Legal Options as the Victim of a Trucking Accident in Atlanta It can be difficult to find a way forward after a truck accident leaves you with physical injuries, mounting medical bills, and emotional trauma. The truck accident claim process in Atlanta requires several steps and meticulous attention to detail when filing documents. An experienced truck accident lawyer who specializes in commercial truck accident law can explain your rights in-depth and guide you through the claim process. How to Get Compensated for Truck Accident Damages To recover physically and financially after a truck accident, you need fair compensation. To get it, you must prove negligence on behalf of the driver or the trucking company. Was the driver negligent? Did the company not maintain its fleet properly? Gathering the evidence and presenting it in a compelling way is what your legal advocate can do for you as you recover. Truck Accident Lawsuit FAQs Q. How long do I have to sue after a trucking accident? A. The statute of limitations in personal injury claims is two years from the date of the incident. Exceptions are rare but do occur. Consult with your truck accident lawyer for more details. Q. Can I sue a trucking company if I'm not injured? A. Even if you weren’t injured in a trucking accident, you most likely experienced property damage and other financial losses. If so, you still have a case. Q. What damages can I claim in a truck accident? A. Medical, lost income, pain and suffering, and emotional distress are typical damages sought after a trucking accident. Punitive damages may be sought if the defendant was extremely reckless. Q. Who can I hold responsible for a truck accident in Atlanta? A. Potentially liable parties include the driver, the trucking company, the manufacturer of the truck or parts if found defective, or other drivers. Conclusion Knowing your legal rights and the steps to filing a claim are crucial for compensation after a trucking accident. Consult with a trucking accident attorney in Atlanta who can guide you through the process to recovery. Emergency Legal Help for Truck Accident Victims - Call Zdrilich Injury Law Knowing exactly what to do as a trucking accident victim isn’t always clear. That’s where the expert legal team at Zdrilich Injury Law can help. We specialize in this area, and our years of expertise can benefit you when you need it most. As compassionate and dedicated Atlanta truck accident attorneys, we focus on your rights and what you need to move forward, whether it is financial recovery or the loss of a loved one. You deserve proper and fair restitution, and we’ll help you get it. Reach Out to Us Don’t face this devastating event on your own. Contact our team today for more information about our services or to schedule a private consultation. We’ll be your advocate and make sure your voice is heard.

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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INJURED? TAKE YOUR LIFE BACK!

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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