Roswell Fatal Truck Accident Lawyer

Roswell Fatal Truck Accident Attorney

Commercial trucks are a part of daily life and an essential part of the economy as they move goods from one place to another. Unfortunately, these trucks can also cause dangerous accidents on the road. Losing a loved one due to negligence behind the wheel of a truck can make a devastating situation even worse. If someone you love was killed in a truck accident, a Roswell fatal truck accident lawyer can help you seek compensation.

Attorney Stephen LaBriola, LLP, has been helping the families of wrongful death victims for decades. After a truck accident, you need more than just someone to represent you; you need a dedicated Roswell fatal truck accident attorney who is not afraid to put in the hard work needed to secure a successful outcome for your truck accident case.

Determining Fault in a Fatal Truck Accident

Truck accidents are some of the most dangerous vehicle accidents on Georgia roads. Major roads such as US-19, Mansell Road, and Alpharetta Highway are used by commercial trucking companies to move through the Roswell area. In 2023, 1,615 traffic fatalities occurred on state roads in Georgia, and large trucks were a significant factor in some of those deaths. Across the United States, 5,375 trucks were involved in fatal crashes that year.

Possible liable parties in a fatal truck accident may include:

• The truck driver
• The trucking company
• The cargo company
• The truck parts manufacturer
• Maintenance contractors

Recent studies show that large truck crashes take about 240 lives every year in Georgia, events that represent the most severe outcomes on the spectrum of catastrophic traffic injuries. When an accident involving a truck occurs, an investigation into the crash will determine who was at fault. The investigation will include eyewitness testimony, the police report, and truck black box data if available.

The investigation may also include gathering driver logs and employment records to determine if the truck driver violated any federal regulations, and truck maintenance records to establish if a truck malfunction caused the accident.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Many truck accidents are caused by negligence. Some of the most common causes of fatal truck accidents include:

• Reckless driving. Truck drivers may speed or drive recklessly while attempting to meet deadlines.
• Distracted driving. Truck drivers often engage in activities while they are driving that take their attention away from the road.
• Fatigue. Some trucking companies impose long work hours on their drivers, in spite of federal regulations limiting driving time without rest. Long hours on the road can cause fatigue and sometimes result in falling asleep behind the wheel.
• Driver inexperience. New drivers may not have the knowledge or experience to properly adjust their stopping distance or turning radius, which can result in an accident.
• Truck equipment failure. The trucking industry has strict guidelines for truck inspections and maintenance. Some companies may overlook these guidelines, leading to the potential for equipment failure.
• Vehicle loading problems. Properly balanced and secured loads are essential for safe driving. If a trucking company fails to correctly secure a load, it can shift, causing the truck to become imbalanced, which can lead to an accident.

Possible Damages in a Fatal Truck Accident

The term damages generally refers to the settlement an injured person or their family can seek to compensate them for someone’s negligence. Georgia statute  O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33 explains that Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence system. The victim’s family member or estate can recover damages if the victim was less than 50% at fault for the accident.

 The damages a loved one’s family may be able to recover after a fatal truck accident include:

• Medical expenses, including the ambulance, emergency room, hospital bills, and follow-up care.
• Lost wages, including hourly pay, salary, and overtime. You may also seek compensation for bonuses and commissions.
• Funeral expenses, including the cost of burial.
• Pain and suffering for the loss of companionship, anxiety, or emotional distress.
• Punitive damages if the evidence supports extreme negligence on the part of the company or driver.

The process to recover these damages is governed by specific state laws that define who is eligible to file a wrongful death claim on behalf of the deceased.

Hire a Fatal Truck Accident Lawyer

An accident involving a commercial truck is usually complex and requires an attorney who is familiar with truck accident laws and cases. A skilled attorney will help determine the right course of action, make sure you file your claim within Georgia’s statute of limitations, and conduct the necessary investigations to help present the strongest evidence on your behalf.

FAQs

How Long Does a Truck Accident Settlement Take?

The amount of time it takes for a truck accident case to be resolved depends on the details of the case, the severity of the injuries, and the amount of time it takes to establish liability. Complex cases with disputed liability may take longer than a case where it is easy to determine liability.

How Much are Most Truck Accident Settlements in Georgia?

The amount of a truck accident settlement in Georgia depends on a variety of factors. It can include compensation for lost wages, medical costs, funeral costs, and pain and suffering. The size of the settlement often depends on the severity of the injuries and whether or not punitive damages are awarded.

How Much Can You Get for Pain and Suffering in Georgia?

The amount you can get for pain and suffering in Georgia depends on the case. There is no cap on compensation, and the state does not have a standard method for putting a price on pain and suffering. Damages may be awarded based on the evidence of the case, and Georgia allows for full recovery of non-economic damages.

How Much Does a Truck Accident Lawyer Cost?

The cost of a truck accident lawyer depends on the case. Most attorneys will charge a contingency fee. This means there are no upfront costs. If your Roswell fatal truck accident attorney wins the case, their fee would be a percentage deducted from the compensation. Some costs associated with a truck accident case include court filing fees, expert witness fees, and the cost of obtaining medical records.

Contact a Fatal Truck Accident Lawyer

If you have lost someone in a fatal truck accident, it is time to hire a fatal truck accident lawyer. Attorney Stephen LaBriola, LLP, is familiar with the complexity of truck accident cases and will work tirelessly to prepare and present your case. When he takes a case, he is committed to obtaining a positive result. Contact his firm today.