Decatur Fatal Truck Accident Lawyer

Decatur Fatal Truck Accident Attorney

In the wake of a fatal truck accident, family members are heartbroken, they are usually drowning in financial and emotional stress, and are seeking answers. If you have lost a loved one in a collision with a truck or commercial vehicle, you need an aggressive Decatur fatal truck accident lawyer to help you find answers and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.

Stephen LaBriola serves as a legal advocate for families in Georgia who have endured life-altering losses because of someone else’s negligent actions. He serves clients in Macon and throughout the Macon, Georgia, metro area, including Bibb, Houston, and Peach Counties.

Stephen LaBriola has handled some of the state’s most complex personal injury and wrongful death cases, including many high-profile cases that other law firms refused to take or took but thought were unwinnable. He works very closely with families at every stage of the legal process, starting with the initial consultation, all the way through trial, if necessary, in the DeKalb County Courthouse.

Understanding Fatal Truck Accident Cases

Truck accidents are one of the deadliest types of crashes in Decatur, Georgia. Major highways through Decatur see a lot of commercial traffic. There are 18-wheelers, logging trucks, freight carriers, and many other large trucks that pass through daily. Due to their large size, these vehicles can be deadly when striking other vehicles on the road.

Georgia Traffic Safety Facts reports that at least one large truck was involved in 14 percent of all traffic fatalities in 2021, resulting in 244 fatal injuries. The number of traffic fatalities caused by large trucks went up to 4 percent in 2021 from 153 in 2020. Many of these crashes were due to one or more of the following reasons:

• Speeding
• Improperly loaded cargo
• Mechanical issues
• Driver distraction
• Driver fatigue
• Driving while intoxicated
• Reckless driving, such as speeding or running red lights

A Decatur fatal truck accident attorney knows how to investigate all possible causes so that no evidence is overlooked.

Fatal Truck Accident Laws in Georgia

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) establishes multiple regulations that trucking businesses must follow according to Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations. These regulations cover multiple areas, such as drivers’ work schedules and vehicle upkeep requirements, along with standards for loading and securing cargo.

Truck drivers must periodically rest because they cannot operate commercial vehicles beyond a set number of hours without mandatory breaks. If a trucking company failed to take other reasonable steps to protect the traveling public, that too may be a violation of FMCSA regulations.

Georgia law also provides for designated family members, including spouses, children, and parents, to file a claim for the full value of their loved one’s life. This can include compensation for economic and non-economic damages, including:

• Lost income
• Medical bills
• Loss of companionship
• Mental despair

Additionally, the deceased’s estate retains the right to file a survival action to recover costs for medical bills and funeral expenses resulting from the fatal accident.

Hire a Fatal Truck Accident Lawyer

If you hire a fatal truck accident lawyer, they can initiate legal proceedings against all accountable parties who caused your loved one’s death in a commercial truck collision. Determining fault is typically more complex than other kinds of cases because multiple defendants may share some or all the blame. They may include the driver, trucking company, party that loaded the cargo, or even the manufacturer of the truck itself.

Stephen LaBriola knows federal and state trucking laws and can conduct a thorough investigation of the accident and preserve crucial evidence. He can also work with insurance companies on your behalf and help you pursue all avenues for payment of medical bills, funeral expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. With Stephen on your side, you pursue rightful justice and compensation following a devastating loss.

FAQs

How Is Fault Determined in a Truck Accident?

Determining fault in a truck accident involves gathering evidence from the police report, driver logs, eyewitness testimony, and truck electronic data. Professionals analyze the truck’s operating speed and braking as well as the cargo to determine crash circumstances. The liable party may be the driver, trucking company, or manufacturer, depending on the collision’s cause.

What Is the Average Settlement for a Truck Accident in Georgia?

Accident settlements with trucks in Georgia can range from a few thousand dollars to several million, depending on the extent of injuries, property damage, and insurance coverage. Cases involving serious injuries or death, permanent disability, disfigurement, or full-time medical care often result in higher settlements or verdicts. Trucking companies typically carry more insurance coverage than standard car accident cases, which can also increase potential compensation.

How Do I Choose the Right Truck Accident Lawyer?

To choose the right truck accident lawyer, you should research their professional history and knowledge of federal and state trucking laws, alongside their success rate in complex cases. Look for a lawyer who offers personalized attention, conducts a thorough investigation, and is willing to go to trial if necessary. Reading client reviews and testimonials and scheduling an initial consultation can also help you determine if you trust and feel comfortable with the attorney.

Is It Worth It to Hire an Accident Attorney?

Accident attorneys are typically worth hiring, particularly in severe or fatal crashes. An experienced lawyer can navigate complex legal procedures and regulations, gather and preserve evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and advocate for fair compensation. By leveraging their knowledge and skills, attorneys can help ensure that victims and families receive the full compensation they deserve, reduce stress, and protect their rights throughout the process.

Decatur Fatal Truck Accident Lawyer

Losing a loved one is never easy. It can become complex when they are injured due to someone else’s negligence in a fatal truck accident. The legal process can be complex and taxing. Stephen LaBriola can help you in this legal battle so you can focus on what is important to you. Contact him today for a free consultation.