Fatal Truck Accidents On Georgia Highways: What Victims’ Families Need To Know
Truck wrecks rank as some of the worst collisions that occur on Georgia roads. The sheer size and weight of tractor-trailer trucks make them capable of causing severe bodily harm or death in mere seconds. Recent news stories about deadly collisions occurring along Georgia’s interstate highways, including Interstate 85, 95, and Georgia Route 400, show the serious risks that these trucks represent, especially when traveling at high volumes. Knowing your legal options after losing a family member in a truck wreck can help you seek justice and compensation.
Understanding the issue
Fatal truck accidents have occurred frequently in the State of Georgia, most of which have happened on our interstate highways due to heavy traffic. Such accidents can arise due to various problems. These include tiredness, speeding, lack of concentration on the road, or failure to adapt to traffic situations.
In some cases, the victims of the truck accidents have been caught between traffic jams or driving normally, while the truck drivers could not control their trucks in time, leading to collisions and casualties. This clearly demonstrates that a lack of adherence to truck safety guidelines results in severe consequences.
Understanding the legal issues
If a fatal truck accident takes place, surviving family members can file a wrongful death claim in the State of Georgia. The idea behind the claim is to help victims recover compensation for the loss of their loved one. Parties that may be found liable include:
- The truck driver – For example, a negligent action performed by the driver such as exceeding the speed limit, operating a vehicle without enough sleep, or losing control might result in liability.
- The trucking company – An employer might be considered liable for such actions as hiring a reckless worker or not providing appropriate training to an employee. It might also be because of breaking hours-of-service rules imposed by the Federal government.
- Mechanical maintainers – In case if the mechanical part of the truck failed during operation, it might also be found liable since it provided negligent service.
- Loaders – Improper loading of the cargo might cause the truck to lose control during driving.
Georgia operates on a comparative negligence rule, which means there can be partial liability of the plaintiff so long as their liability doesn’t exceed 50 percent.
Understanding the litigation process
Wrongful deaths resulting from truck accidents can be complicated and need a proper investigation. Some of the pieces of evidence that can be gathered include:
- Data from the electronic logging devices (ELDs) showing drivers’ hours
- Data from the black boxes on the trucks
- Reports of the accident reconstruction
- Driver’s employment and training history
- Logs of maintenance inspections
It is advisable that victims’ relatives seek the services of a skilled attorney immediately following the accident, since the companies involved will move very fast to ensure that they are not held responsible.
Talk to a Brunswick, GA, Personal Injury Lawyer Today
Gillette Law represents the interests of grieving families who were involved in truck accidents. Call our Jacksonville personal injury lawyers today to schedule an appointment, and we can begin investigating your case right away.
Source:
41nbc.com/i16-crash-treutlen-county-fatal/
