A Firm Providing Skilled, Aggressive Representation In Truck Accident Litigation
Although any motor vehicle accident can have devastating outcomes, trucking accidents are in a class of their own. Crashes involving semi trucks are far too common, and they too often result in catastrophic injuries or death to occupants of smaller vehicles.
If you or a loved one has been the victim of a tractor-trailer accident, you have the right to pursue compensation with the help of a skilled and aggressive attorney. Clients throughout Georgia and nationwide turn to Sam Dennis Law for dedicated, trial-tested advocacy in truck accident litigation.
To each case, attorney Sam Dennis brings nearly 30 years of legal experience and in-depth knowledge of personal injury law – knowledge that he also employs as a litigation instructor for other lawyers. When you contact the firm, you will benefit from his superior legal capability as well as his dedication to client service.
Truck Crashes: Greater Size Means Greater Danger
The size of an automobile or motorcycle is no match for the size and weight of an 18-wheeler truck or other commercial vehicle. Here are some of the ways large size increases both the number and severity of collisions:
- Larger turning ratio means a truck could swing into another lane when making a turn.
- Greater weight means more time is needed to slow down or stop.
- Larger size means a larger blind spot for cars to get overlooked.
The severity of truck crashes regularly results in traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, paralysis, internal injuries and more. Sam Dennis knows that you need proper compensation to support you in the long run, as these types of injuries are extensive and take substantial rehabilitation time.
His decades of experience as a tractor-trailer crash attorney mean he has a strong background in investigating all types of roadway accidents to determine liability and seek maximum compensation on behalf of clients.
How Do Truck Accidents Happen?
Many things can cause truck accidents and severe injuries to other drivers. Some of those include:
- Truck defects/maintenance issues: Faulty brakes, under/overinflated tires, weight issues and leaky exhaust systems can all increase the risk of a crash.
- Exhausted drivers: Truck drivers often work long hours and drive hundreds of miles daily. A long day of work combined with a lack of sleep can lead truck drivers to make dangerous errors and fail to recognize potentially life-threatening situations. Other drivers can cause errors because they’re under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Weather conditions: Ice, snow, rain, fog and other hazardous weather conditions can make it difficult for truck drivers to maintain control of their vehicles and see what’s in front, beside and behind them. All of this can increase the risk of an accident.
- Improper driver training: Truck drivers with inadequate training can be more prone to making dangerous mistakes, like taking sharp turns too quickly, failing to signal before merging and improperly closing the back of the trailer.
No matter how you get hurt, the injuries you sustain from that crash can have a lasting impact on your life, your family and your livelihood. Pursue the compensation you deserve for your truck accident injury today by calling 229-244-4428.
How Can You Determine Negligence In A Truck Accident Case?
Here’s the evidence you typically need to prove negligence for a truck accident claim:
- Traffic camera footage: Live footage of the accident can be one of your most reliable pieces of evidence for proving negligence. If the accident occurred on a Georgia highway, you may be able to obtain traffic camera footage from the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT). However, you must get this footage as soon as possible, as the department may not record it long term.
- Driver time logs: Truck drivers must log their driving hours to comply with regulations and get enough rest. If you believe your accident resulted from truck driver fatigue, these logbooks can serve as crucial evidence.
- Police reports: Authorities may be able to objectively identify signs of truck driver negligence by preparing an accident report. They typically do this by getting information from those involved in the accident and obtaining witness statements. They also take pictures of the crash scene.
These are only a few approaches to proving negligence in a truck crash case. Every situation is different and can have unique contributing factors.
Driver Logs And Other Records Provide Critical Evidence
All commercial vehicle drivers are expected to follow stringent safety regulations – especially long-haul truck drivers. Because they are so regulated and record-keeping is mandatory, the importance of a truck driver’s trip log should not be underestimated.
It can provide valuable clues regarding conditions that could have caused or contributed to the commercial vehicle crash, such as:
- Time on and off the road
- Records of meal breaks
- Names of any co-drivers involved in the route
These details are often vital clues about what caused an accident. Mr. Dennis will closely examine the evidence to determine if the driver violated hours-of-service rules, if the vehicle was not properly inspected or maintained before the crash or if the cargo on board was too heavy, improperly secured or unbalanced.
Let A Georgia Truck Accident Attorney Answer Your Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the most commonly asked questions our truck accident attorneys hear from clients who have been in a wreck with an 18-wheeler or some other type of commercial vehicle:
Do truck drivers have bigger blind spots than passenger cars?
Yes, trucks generally have larger blind spots, also known as “no-zones,” compared to passenger cars. Blind spots are areas around a vehicle where the driver’s view is obstructed, making it challenging to see other vehicles.
What is the cost of hiring a trucking accident attorney?
At Sam Dennis Law, there is never any cost to hire one of our semi-truck accident lawyers. We offer free consultations, and we work on a contingency fee basis. That means that we take a fee only if and when we recover compensation for you. That eliminates the barriers to strong, effective legal representation.
How much information should I share with the insurance after an accident?
Ideally, you should notify your own insurance company but let a trucking accident lawyer handle the contact with the trucking company’s insurance company. If you do speak to the other party’s insurer, acknowledge nothing except your contact information, the date and time of the accident and the fact that you are injured. Give no details and do not agree to be recorded.
Can I file a claim if I was not injured but my child was injured in a truck accident?
Yes, you may be able to file a claim on behalf of your child if they were injured in a truck accident in Georgia. As a parent or legal guardian, you typically have the right to pursue a personal injury claim on behalf of your minor child.
How is fault determined in a Georgia truck accident case?
Fault in a truck accident case is largely determined based on the principle of negligence. Negligence is the failure to exercise reasonable care, which results in harm to another. Because truck accidents can be complicated and involve a lot of different parties, it takes significant legal experience to understand how fault should be divided.
How can fault affect your truck accident claim?
Since Georgia is an at-fault state, your ability to seek compensation for your truck crash accident will depend on how liable you were for the crash. If an investigation determines the crash was half of your fault or more, you may not be able to recover damages.
Tell Your Story To A Georgia Truck Accident Attorney Who Listens And Cares
Sam Dennis Law is based in Valdosta, Georgia, and the firm takes truck accident cases nationwide.
Call 229-244-4428 or use this online form to schedule your free initial consultation.