Atlanta Trucking Accident Attorneys

Here to Help After You’ve Been Injured by a Truck

While car accidents are the most common type of roadway accident, trucking accidents are a different—and often more catastrophic—incident altogether. Tractor-trailers are many times larger and weigh many times more than your typical passenger vehicle, which means they hold many more times the potential to inflict damage when driven negligently.

At Wood Craig & Avery, we know how seriously truck accident-related injuries can impact your life. In addition to the physical damages, many people experience anxiety, depression, and symptoms of PTSD. It is our mission to fight for everything victims of injury deserve after an accident.

Call our truck accident attorneys in Atlanta today at (404) 800-1837. We offer free initial consultations.

Why Do I Need A Truck Accident Lawyer?

Recovering the compensation you need to recover well after a truck accident without the help of an experience attorney can be very difficult. Trucking companies are most often backed by top-tier attorneys who are hired to protect their company, and in turn, keep you from collecting the compensation you deserve. The attorneys at Wood Craig & Avery, LLC are experienced in handling truck accident claims and know what to expect. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you.

How to Fight Trucking & Transportation Companies

Truck accidents are usually more complex than typical car accidents because truckers will have an entire company fighting to limit their liability. An accident can seriously disrupt business, and these companies will do anything they can to minimize their responsibility to the injured. But in many cases, it is the inconsiderate practices of these companies that lead to their drivers getting into accidents.

There are many state and federal regulations that all truckers must follow. Unfortunately, pressures from employers to make deliveries ahead of schedule will tempt drivers into violating these rules. Some companies will even withhold payment from a driver until a delivery is made, pressuring them into breaking safety regulations.

All truckers are required to adhere to the following federal regulations:

• Truckers cannot drive more than 70 hours in 8 consecutive days
• Truckers who work 70 hours a week must rest for 34 consecutive hours
• Truckers must maintain a log recording all time spent at work, resting, and behind the wheel
• Truckers cannot consume alcohol or mind-altering substances for 8 hours before driving

These are all things that should be investigated by your attorney when collecting evidence for your injury claim.

What Are the Hours of Service Regulations?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration imposes a regulation called the hours of services regulations on all truck drivers. The main goal of these rules is to prevent fatigued driving, which is a major cause of accidents on the roadways. According to these rules:

• Truck drivers can only work up to 14 hours in one day
• Truck drivers must rest or take meal breaks totaling 3 hours during the workday. This means they can only drive for a total of 11 hours.
• Driver must rest for a minimum of 10 consecutive hours at the end of each workday
• Truck drivers must take days off work at regular intervals

Liability After a Truck Accident

Determining liability in a truck accident can be a complicated process since are many possible liable parties. Fortunately, the attorneys at Wood Craig & Avery are experienced in investigating truck accidents, they have the skill and knowledge you need on your side after a crash. Among the possible liable individuals, the truck driver and the company the trucker drives for are most often deemed liable for an accident. In some cases, more than one party is held accountable.

In most cases, a truck driver is held responsible if their own negligence led to the accident. This negligence can include behavior such as drinking while under the influence of drugs or alcohol or driving while distracted. Sometimes the driver is held accountable if they are the owner of the truck that caused the accident.

More often than not, however, the trucking company is found liable for damages. As mentioned above, companies sometimes encouraging their drivers to break trucking rules and regulations in order to help save their company time and money. While the company may be helping their bottom line, they put other motorists on the road at risk.

Make Sure You Have the Right Representation

We know how much is at stake for you and your family when pursuing a personal injury claim for a truck accident. Our experienced Atlanta truck accident lawyers thoroughly investigate every case and prepare for each one as if it is going to trial. We strive to obtain settlements when the opposing party is willing to cooperate, but we are not afraid to fight for our clients at trial, when necessary.

Schedule a free consultation at Wood Craig & Avery today by calling (404) 800-1837.