Atlanta Truck Accident Wrongful Death Lawyers
Handling Truck Accident Wrongful Death Cases Throughout Georgia
At a maximum of 80,000 pounds and 100 feet in total length, commercial trucks are the largest and heaviest vehicles that regularly travel along Georgia’s roads. Due to their size and weight, they are also the most dangerous. In the event of a big rig crash with a passenger car, the risk of fatal injury or immediate death to the occupants of smaller vehicles is very high, which is why commercial truck drivers are governed by very strict federal regulations. Unfortunately, this does not always prevent deadly accidents. If you have lost a loved one in a fatal Georgia truck crash, you may be entitled to file a wrongful death claim against the at-fault party.
Causes of Fatal Tractor Trailer Crashes
Large truck accidents are usually caused by three general factors: 1) Driver negligence; 2) Negligent maintenance or repair; and 3) Defective manufacturing or design. In all of these cases, there is an at-fault party who can be held responsible for a fatal crash. Some more specific causes of fatal semi truck accidents include:
- Speeding;
- Distracted driving;
- Fatigued driving;
- Driving under the influence;
- Brake failure;
- Unsafe lane changes;
- Hazardous roadways;
- Trailer overloading;
- Inoperative lights;
- Tire failure;
- Driver inexperience; and
- Other mechanical or equipment failure.
Types of Fatal Semi Truck Accidents
Due to the characteristics of 18-wheelers, any type of truck crash can be lethal to the occupants of smaller vehicles. The most common types of truck accidents include:
- Overloaded truck accidents;
- Runaway trailer accidents;
- Jackknife accidents;
- Rollover accidents; and
- Underride accidents.
Fatal Big Rig Accidents in Georgia
According to the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) Crash Analysis, Statistics and Information report from 2008, one out of six motor vehicle crash fatalities were the result of accidents with a large truck in 2006. Of those killed, 86.3 percent were occupants of smaller vehicles. In 2006, there were:
- 13,275 accidents involving tractor trailers, 158 of which were fatal;
- 1,004 accidents involving truck tractors, nine of which were fatal;
- 685 accidents involving logging tractor trailers, nine of which were fatal; and
- 298 accidents involving twin trailer trucks, four of which were fatal.
Nationally, 3,215 large trucks were involved in fatal crashes in 2009, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Of these, 422 were involved in rollovers.
Filing a Wrongful Death Claim
The right to hold negligent parties accountable for the injuries and fatalities they cause is a civil right given to each and every person. No amount of compensation can bring a loved one back into your life, but holding the at-fault party responsible does provide a sense of justice and closure that can help you and your family move on with your lives. If you have suffered the loss of a loved one in a Georgia big rig accident, the dedicated truck accident attorneys in Atlanta at The Law Offices of Wayne Grant, P.C., can help you pursue compensation for funeral expenses, medical costs, loss of companionship, lost future income, and other losses. Contact us today at 404-995-3955 to learn more about your legal rights and options.
