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Last Modified on Jan 04, 2026
Fatal truck accidents in Metro Atlanta, whether on I-75, I-85, or I-285, can destroy lives and vehicles in a matter of seconds. If a member of your family died as a result of one of these accidents, it is crucial to consult with an experienced attorney to help recover damages.
Attorney Stephen LaBriola, LLP, has been taking on the tough cases for his clients for over three decades. A truck accident case is very different from a normal car accident case and needs the experience and skill of a high-level trial lawyer who is willing to put in the hard work it requires to obtain a positive outcome.
The Multiple Parties Involved
In most car accidents, there are just one or two drivers involved, but this is not always the case in a truck accident. Several parties may take some part of the responsibility, including:
- The truck driver. They could be held liable for negligent, fatigued, or distracted driving.
- The trucking company. The company’s unsafe hiring practices, scheduling, or poor vehicle maintenance could make it partially liable.
- The cargo loading company. If a cargo load was not properly secured, the cargo loading company could be held liable.
- The maintenance provider. If the maintenance company didn’t inspect the trucks on time or skipped safety maintenance items, it could be responsible.
- The vehicle manufacturer. Mechanical defects could make the manufacturer liable.
An experienced attorney familiar with truck accident laws can investigate all the possible liable parties and identify everyone who contributed to the accident. Georgia is an at-fault state and follows a modified comparative negligence system explained by GA Code § 51-12-33. Comparative negligence allows allocation of damages based on each party’s degree of fault.
A truck accident case where there are disputes over which party or parties were at fault, or if the defendant denies responsibility, may go to trial and require the skills of a high-level trial lawyer.
Complex Federal and State Laws
Car accidents in Georgia are governed by state-level traffic laws. Truck accidents are more complex because they involve both state laws and federal trucking regulations outlined by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Federal laws regulate all areas of the trucking industry, such as:
- Maximum driving hours
- Truck weight and cargo limits
- Truck maintenance standards
- Driver logbooks and vehicle record keeping
- Drug and alcohol testing
An experienced litigator will understand how to use violations of these regulations to prove negligence and strengthen your case.
Trucking Company Legal Teams
If your loved one was involved in an accident with a commercial truck, the trucking company and its insurer will have a legal team standing by, ready to take action to defend their bottom line. These legal teams will gather evidence, send investigators to the scene, and talk to witnesses. You’ll need experienced legal representation to help protect your rights and the rights of the victim.
Damage and Injuries Can Be Severe
In 2020, 4,998 large trucks were involved in fatal accidents in the United States. The average empty semi-truck weighs between 30,000 and 35,000 pounds, and a loaded one weighs even more. Because a tractor-trailer is so much larger and heavier than the average vehicle, it can cause more damage. If your loved one was hit by a tractor-trailer, the process for getting compensation is complex and requires an experienced metro Atlanta fatal truck accident attorney.
Hire a Fatal Truck Accident Lawyer
Understanding the complexities of truck accident laws is critical for a favorable outcome in a truck accident case. When you hire a fatal truck accident lawyer, they can help you:
- Gather evidence by issuing subpoenas or obtaining court orders to obtain information from federal agencies.
- Calculate damages. If the trucking company acted negligently, you may be able to seek compensation for pain and suffering, lost wages that the victim would have contributed to the home, and punitive damages.
- Negotiate on your behalf. The trucking company’s insurance company will have skilled negotiators working on its behalf. Your attorney can serve as your advocate during negotiations and in court.
FAQs
Why Are Fatal Truck Accident Cases in Atlanta More Complex Than Standard Wrongful Death Claims?
Fatal truck accident claims in Atlanta are more complex than standard wrongful death claims because there are often multiple defendants and complex regulations that require knowledge of federal trucking regulations and Georgia tort law. These cases are also more complex because they involve time-sensitive evidence such as black box data inspection reports and driver logs.
What Factors Make Trucking Companies and Insurers Aggressively Defend Fatal Crash Cases?
The factors that make trucking companies and insurers aggressively defend fatal crash cases include protecting the trucking company’s bottom line. The stakes are high in a fatal truck accident, and they want to avoid paying out high amounts of compensation for damages. They may try to shift blame to the victim or offer a quick settlement that is lower than the value of the claim.
How Do Federal Trucking Regulations Affect Fatal Truck Accident Litigation?
Federal trucking regulations affect truck accident litigation by establishing safety standards that the truck driver and trucking company must follow. If they violate any of the regulations, it can be used as evidence during litigation. The regulations can be used to prove liability, and may lead to higher compensation or help award punitive damages.
Why Is Trial Experience Critical When Handling Fatal Truck Accident Cases in Metro Atlanta?
Trial experience is critical when handling fatal truck accident cases in Metro Atlanta because an experienced attorney can quickly identify critical details that can help build your case. When a truck accident case goes to trial, you’ll be up against a powerful legal team, and you will need a trial-ready, skilled attorney. A skilled litigator can use their trial experience to pursue justice for you and your family.
Contact a Fatal Truck Accident Lawyer
Attorney Stephen LaBriola, LLP, has years of experience representing truck accident victims and their families. He is committed to giving every client his full attention as he works hard to obtain full compensation. Contact our office today for a review of your case.
