Georgia I-85 Truck Pileups: Who Can Be Liable When A Semi Causes A Multi-Car Crash?
Crashes involving multiple vehicles on interstates can quickly lead to a disastrous commute if a semi-truck is involved. In a recent Associated Press report, a fatal crash was reported on Interstate 85 in Jackson County, Georgia. In this accident, a semi-trailer truck was involved in a crash that impacted several other vehicles. While each accident is unique, it’s completely valid to ask what happens when a chain reaction occurs due to a negligent truck driver.
Why truck pileups are so dangerous
Commercial vehicles can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds, require considerably longer distances to stop than other vehicles, and possess devastating force upon collision. When a semi veers out of control, jackknifes, rear-ends stopped traffic, or occupies lanes, it creates a domino effect. Cars collide with other cars, secondary collisions occur, and innocent bystanders are seriously injured.
In such cases, “first crash” is not the sole reason for injuries. Under Georgia law, you can file a claim for injuries sustained due to the negligence of other parties involved in the crash, even if the crash is a multi-vehicle crash.
Who is liable in a multi-vehicle crash
In most I-85 truck pileups, liability cannot be limited to the person operating the truck. Others may also be liable. Potential liable parties include:
- The truck driver – If the driver was speeding, distracted, drowsy, tailgating, or driving aggressively, liability could land on the truck driver. Drowsy driving is a very common issue in commercial trucking cases and can be demonstrated through log records and electronic logging device records.
- The trucking company (motor carrier) – Even when one of the drivers is liable, the trucking company itself could also be liable. This could occur when the trucking company failed to adequately screen or train the driver, promoted dangerous driving routes, ignored safety citations or prior accident records, failed to maintain the truck properly, and more.
- Maintenance or repair contractors – If brakes, tires, steering, or lights were not functioning properly due to poor repair work or maintenance, liability may be shared with the repair shop or contractor.
- Cargo loaders or shippers – Incorrect or inadequately secured freight can cause a semi to overturn, jackknife, or lose control. In such incidents, the party responsible for the freight can be an important defendant.
- Manufacturers – If a faulty truck part was the cause of the accident, like a tire blowout, it could indicate a manufacturing defect. In that case, a product liability claim could apply.
What evidence matters most in a truck accident lawsuit?
Cases involving trucks usually have a lot of evidence. The key pieces of evidence can vanish in an instant. Helpful evidence includes:
- Dash cam videos
- Black box/ECM data
- ELD records, hours of service records
- Driver cell phone records
- Maintenance and inspection records
- Police accident reports and witness testimony
An attorney can send preservation letters immediately to prevent important data from being lost or overwritten.
Talk to a Brunswick, GA, Truck Accident Attorney Today
Gillette Law represents the interests of plaintiffs in personal injury and truck accident lawsuits. Call our Jacksonville personal injury lawyers today to schedule an appointment, and we can begin investigating your case right away.
Source:
apnews.com/article/georgia-crash-seven-dead-highway-62b45ab909fb25754738134be8e81e0f
