Truck Accident Lawyer in Atlanta, GA
When you need a truck accident lawyer in Atlanta, GA, you should reach out to Krause Law Firm. Krause Law Firm does not back down, Krause Law Firm , and will stay with you every step of the way. A truck accident usually results in more serious injuries because of the size and scale of a truck. They often result in multiple injured victims. In many cases where a commercial truck is involved, there is also more than one party who can be held liable, making them more complex than car or motorcycle accidents. If you are a truck accident victim, you need to hire a lawyer who understands how to skillfully handle complex truck accident cases. Our team will focus on truck accidents and wrongful death due to truck accidents. Additionally, their peers have honored Krause Law Firm with various elected positions such as Georgia’s Super Lawyers, the service, and they believe that information is power.
Krause Law Firm handles all types of wrongful death cases and should be your first stop as a truck accident lawyer in Atlanta, GA. They work swiftly; they gather and preserve evidence, interview witnesses and experts. They do not rush an investigation, so they will work carefully and accurately to gather all the facts and evidence. Unlike other law firms, they will develop a legal strategy that is specific to your case so that you can achieve a case outcome that you deserve. They want to spend a lot of time with you to get to know you and your case.
A good truck accident lawyer will work closely with their clients to determine if their quality of life has been affected and an accurate timeline of the events. They will be patient and take the time to work with their clients, checking in on them to accommodate their needs. They will be communicative with their clients and ensure that they are transparent about the entire process. It is important for clients and lawyers to share updates with one another so that all case information is accurate. Choosing the right truck accident lawyer to advocate for you is crucial if you hope to achieve the most desirable and fair outcome. That’s what you’re going to get when you work with Krause Law Firm.
Steps to take after a Truck Accident
Check to see if you need an ambulance
The first thing you need to do is make sure everyone is unharmed. If there are serious injuries in either vehicle, you need to call 911 right away to get an ambulance to come to the accident scene. Safety and people’s wellbeing should always be the number one priority in an accident.
Call the police to come to the scene of the accident
You need the police to come to the accident scene to write up an incident report of what happened. The officer will likely take the accounts of both drivers and will give an unbiased perspective on what happened. This can be incredibly useful in court and when speaking to insurance agents at a later date.
If possible, take photos of the accident from different angles
Collecting as much evidence as possible will only help your case. Our truck accident lawyers will know what to use in court and what may not be helpful. The more you have to give us, the more we can help you throughout the case. You never know what might be in the photo or statement that makes a judge realize that the other party was, in fact, negligent.
Exchange contact information with the other party
It is essential to get the insurance information, phone number, name, and vehicle make, model, and license plate number so that you can speak with the other party at a later date. It would be best if you collected this while you are there as well. The information will also likely be in the police report but could be more challenging to get or take some time, which is why you need to get the info yourself while you are there with the other party.
Get medical attention, even if you do not think you were injured
You need to go to your primary care physician after an accident, even if you feel OK to get it documented that you were in a severe accident. When people are involved in a bad accident, their adrenaline kicks in, and the symptoms seem lessened because they are so riled up. This is a protective measure your body takes to help you, but if you have later effects from the accident, you need to have this noted in your chart so your doctor can know what the problems came from.
Contact a truck accident lawyer who handles Atlanta accident cases right away
You must contact a lawyer from The Krause Law Firm right after your truck accident so that we can begin working on your case right away. We can give you advice and speak to other parties on your behalf so you can focus on getting better. Don’t delay, though. There is a statute of limitations for personal injuries in Georgia, and if you miss the filing deadline, you can not have a case.
How Does Driver Error Contribute To Trucking Accidents
Atlanta motorists share freeways and rural routes with large semi trucks and tractor-trailers each day, and while the majority of drivers who operate these large vehicles do so safely, mistakes lead to serious accidents and grave injuries. Individuals who experience such incidents may want to speak to a truck accident lawyer in Atlanta, GA to discuss these factors and whether any contributed to a crash.
Exceeding Driving Hours
Federal law mandates truck drivers must limit themselves to 14 hours of driving time once a shift begins, during which they can drive up to 11 hours before they take a rest period of at least 10 hours. Some drivers may feel the need to exceed their driving hours in order to make deliveries on time, which usually results in driver fatigue. When this occurs, reaction time drops, or drivers may doze off while behind the wheel, which increases the risk of an accident.
Driver Distraction
Truck drivers must keep their minds on the road to prevent accidents, but sometimes distractions occur that may affect them. Communications from the company office, eating and drinking while behind the wheel and personal cell phone use may all cause drivers to take their eyes off the road. Even minor distractions can cause an accident, and a truck accident lawyer in Atlanta, GA can help clients understand whether this kind of issue contributed to a wreck.
Speeding
Some truck drivers who fall behind in their deliveries try to make up for lost time by exceeding the speed limit. However, due to the sheer size and weight of the trucks they drive, this reduces their ability to brake in time if they encounter an emergency, such as a bottleneck at an exit. The more excessive the speed, the greater the risk of an accident and injury to drivers in smaller vehicles.
Unsafe Lane Changes
While the majority of truckers drive safely and obey traffic laws, some may drive recklessly, such as making unsafe lane changes. This may include failing to signal or cutting off other motorists. A sudden lane change may also cause the truck’s load to shift or tip, causing a serious accident.
Atlanta motorists who become involved in an accident with a semi or tractor-trailer may find themselves with serious injuries, but there is help available from a truck accident lawyer in Atlanta, GA. Those affected may want to reach out for further assistance and information as soon as possible once an accident occurs.
Why Truck Accidents are More Dangerous
Drive on any highway and quickly come to see that being next to a semi-truck is more than just a little intimidating. These hefty vehicles can weigh thousands upon thousands of pounds in goods and products. And while truck drivers are essential to commerce, they must be proactive in keeping themselves and those they share the road with safe.
Tractor-trailers and semis are subject to certain laws. There are regulations that are designed to safeguard the public and reduce the likelihood of accidents. Both federal and state laws necessitates that trucks are routinely inspected and maintained properly. There are also regulations regarding size of truck and the weight being carried. Furthermore, trucks have to comply with rules for licensing and hourly driving limits. Unfortunately, despite regulations semi-trucks are often the culprits of devastating accidents resulting from one or more of the following:
- Poor maintenance
- Truck driver error
- Negligence of trucking company
- Poor road conditions or weather
- Overweight trailers
- Transporting of hazardous materials
- Trucker fatigue
- Distracted driving
- Construction on roadway
A leading cause of truck accidents is failing to maintain the vehicle as it should be. The trucking company may be careless when inspecting it. And if a vehicle part is malfunctioning and goes unnoticed or unreplaced, it can cause an accident when the truck is in motion. State law imposes driving limits per hour, but still, many truckers drive past this in an effort to meet their deadline. Truckers are often under immense pressure to travel to their destination within a certain timeframe. But, that doesn’t mean they can be careless or break rules that could jeopardize others.
Semi-truck accidents are inherently more dangerous simply due to the nature of these large vehicles. When a crash ensues, victims in the other car may suffer the following injuries:
- Broken bones
- Burns and disfigurement
- Whiplash
- Bruising and lacerations
- Amputation
- Mental anguish
- Anxiety, depression, PTSD
- Organ damage
- Soft tissue injury
- Extremity injury
- Traumatic brain injury
Victims Need Legal Representation
Our truck accident lawyers have witnessed firsthand the impact these accidents can have for all involved. The damages can be far-reaching, impacting not just victims of the accident but also their families. Unfortunately, in some cases, the repercussions can result in long-term injuries and may even be fatal.
There are many reasons for trucking accidents, and as a victim, there’s likely little you could do to avoid the accident, especially when the other party was responsible. Cases of this nature can be incredibly complicated; liability may involve more than one party and often have high settlement values. As a result, victims would benefit from the legal representation available at The Krause Law Firm.
Reasons for Trucking Accidents
Large trucks can be seen transporting goods across the nation’s highways. There is tremendous pressure to compete in the trucking industry by delivering loads quickly, efficiently, and timely. Unfortunately, trucking accidents occur all too often for a variety of reasons:
- Overloaded or Improperly Loaded Cargo
- Driving at High Speeds
- Driving Recklessly While Speeding
- Distracted Driving
- Driving While Fatigued
- Poorly Maintained Trucks
- Driving While Under the Influence
In many situations involving truck accidents, negligence is a factor; as a result, victims should consider consulting with a truck accident lawyer to determine how to move forward. It should come as no surprise that cases of this nature typically involve severe injuries and significant damages, making the assistance of a professional imperative.
Complicated Cases
Truck accidents are complicated cases to contend with. Often, plaintiffs will be up against multiple entities, and it can feel overwhelming to manage challenges that arise, especially when still recovering from injuries. Because of the probability of higher payouts for damages, insurance adjusters and defendants will be looking for any inkling that the victim was partially at fault in efforts to undervalue compensation. Other reasons truck accident cases are complicated include:
- Extensive investigation of what went wrong will be required, including reviewing trucking logs and maintenance records.
- Often these cases will involve several different parties such as the trucking company, the driver, the cargo loader, and the truck maintenance company.
- Truck drivers are subject to a specific set of regulations and must have in-depth training. It will take extensive review to determine whether the truck driver violated any of the rules and regulations in place.
How To Prepare To Meet With a Truck Accident Lawyer in Atlanta
When preparing to meet with a truck accident lawyer in Atlanta, GA, there are certain steps everyone should take prior to beginning proceedings. Following this simple course of action can ensure everything runs smoothly. After an accident, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed. You may have sustained major injuries, racked up substantial medical bills, or had a beloved vehicle totaled. Having to research a good legal team can feel daunting, but it’s one of the most important steps you can take.
When you need a truck accident lawyer in Atlanta, GA, Krause Law Firm can provide you with several benefits. Our team is ready to work on your behalf, making sure the case proceeds smoothly and without unforeseen snags. By providing you with sound advice, we can help you navigate a complicated legal framework, keeping things simple and hassle-free on your end. We also work to ensure the proper party is held accountable, either through a fair settlement or action in the courtroom.
By choosing the right legal firm, you make the important decision to give you and your family the representation it deserves.
Gather Evidence
Your lawyer at Krause Law Firm will be the one doing the leg work to build the case. However, any evidence you can provide on day one may help speed up matters and remove obstacles that may slow the case’s progress. Photo evidence, dash cam footage, medical records, even good driver bonuses from your insurance company — any of this can be useful in building your case. By providing as much detail as possible, you can ensure your truck accident lawyer in Atlanta, GA, can fully represent you.
Dress the Part
First impressions are important. How you depict yourself can have a huge impact on the direction your case takes. When at all possible, avoid attending official matters in day-to-day clothing such as jeans and a T-shirt. Formal clothing such as a dress shirt and pants, blouse and skirt, or even a suit or dress can go a long way towards making sure you are treated with the respect you deserve, especially if you are required to make a court appearance.
Ask Questions
Throughout the proceedings, there may be times when you are feeling overwhelmed. This is perfectly natural. Should you have a question, never hesitate to reach out to your legal representative. At Krause Law Firm, we want you to have a firm understanding of your options and the direction your case is taking. We’re here to help.
3 Reasons To Hire a Truck Accident Attorney
Any auto accident can be terrifying, but a collision with a large truck might just be the worst. At the scene of the accident, you probably weren’t thinking about collecting evidence or being careful with what you said to whom because you were just thankful to be alive. But later, as you try to sort out medical bills and car repairs with insurance companies, you might find that getting what you deserve is a lot harder than it should be. Krause Law Firm can help you to recover financially after an accident. Here are three reasons to hire a truck accident lawyer in Atlanta, GA.
1. A Lawyer Knows How To Find the Evidence
You might not know where to go to get the information about the trucking company from your accident, but a lawyer at Krause Law Firm can help. A trucking company has a lot of laws that they have to follow, such as training their drivers, maintaining their trucks, and ensuring that the trucks are loaded properly. Any of these factors that weren’t adhered to could have contributed to the accident. You don’t have a way to learn this information, but a truck accident lawyer in Atlanta, GA, knows who to call.
2. A Lawyer Knows Your Rights
In addition to your car repair bills, you are entitled to other compensation as a victim of an accident. Large companies would rather settle a claim with you privately than go to court, but those companies won’t want to pay more than they have to. If you don’t know your rights, it’s easy to be taken advantage of. A truck accident lawyer in Atlanta, GA, can evaluate your case with you so that you understand all of your rights as a victim of a truck accident so that you can get all of the compensation you’re due.
3. A Lawyer Fights for You
The trucking company is protecting its interests. The insurance company is protecting its bottom line. Who is protecting you? A lawyer from Krause Law Firm can help you get all of your dues after an accident. If you had to take time off of work due to injuries from the accident, recovering lost pay could be part of your lawsuit. If you sustained an injury that left you permanently disabled and unable to do the job you used to do before the accident, you might be able to get money to pay for training in a new career that can accommodate your disability. A truck accident lawyer in Atlanta, GA, can fight for your rights.
The Benefit of Legal Representation
Victims and their families will be reeling after any accident, especially considering the utter devastation they may be experiencing. Legal representation can offer several benefits. While it’s tremendously helpful to have a professional available who can take the lead and manage the case, there are also other benefits to contacting our team:
- Protect you from the onslaught of insurance and adjusters that may be contacting you
- Provide guidance and strategy for your case
- Ensure that you are prepared for each curveball that the opposing side may throw your way
- To ensure that the proper steps are taken when pursuing your case
- Negotiate a fair settlement offer
- Prepare to pursue litigation if necessary
Our team is available to partner with victims and their families when they need it the most. When you have experienced the tragedy of an accident involving a large truck, you have a right to seek damages and hold the responsible party accountable for their actions. Don’t wait another moment to take action. Reach out to our Atlanta, Georgia truck accident lawyer from The Krause Law Firm to initiate the process.
Responsibilities of a Truck Accident Lawyer
Due to the size and weight of large trucks, accidents involving trucks such as tractor-trailers, dump trucks, and other commercially used trucks tend to cause more damage and serious injury than accidents involving cars and smaller vehicles. When you are involved in an accident with a large truck in or near Atlanta, consider contacting an experienced Atlanta, GA truck accident lawyer from Krause Law Firm. Krause Law Firm will not back down and we will stay at your side through every step of the process.
Facing commercial trucking companies and insurance companies requires experience backed by results. We will work with you to create a strategy that aims to help obtain compensation for your economic and noneconomic losses. Continue down the road to recovery knowing that you have done everything within your power to hold the responsible parties accountable; contact an Atlanta, GA truck accident lawyer today.
Truck accident cases come with an inherent elevated level of complexity that can be a challenge to contend with. In many cases, plaintiffs will face multiple entities which can feel overwhelming if the challenges that arise are not managed by an experienced truck accident lawyer. During this time, plaintiffs may be recovering from injuries sustained in the accident, furthering the potential for stress and difficulty.
A truck accident lawyer will be there to advise you through every step of the process. Truck accidents have a probability of higher payouts for damages; for this reason insurance adjusters may scrutinize every detail of the moments before and after the accident to find even the smallest reason that the victim was partially at fault in an attempt to undervalue compensation. Your lawyer will be able to advise you on what you should and should not say when interacting or communicating with insurance adjusters.
Other reasons truck accident cases are complicated include:
- Extensive investigation of what went wrong will be required, including reviewing trucking logs and maintenance records.
- Often these cases will involve several different parties such as the trucking company, the driver, the cargo loader, and the truck maintenance company.
- Truck drivers are subject to a specific set of regulations and must have in-depth training. It will take extensive review to determine whether the truck driver violated any of the rules and regulations in place.
Victims, as well as their families, may be in a state of crisis following an accident with a truck, specifically considering the utter destruction they might be experiencing. Legal representation has numerous advantages to offer. While it’s significantly valuable to have a professional on your side that can take the lead and manage all aspects of the situation, likewise there are numerous other benefits to contacting our team:
- Protect you from the onslaught of insurance and adjusters that may be contacting you
- Provide guidance and strategy for your case
- Ensure that you are prepared for each curveball that the opposing side may throw your way
- To ensure that the proper steps are taken when pursuing your case
- Negotiate a fair settlement offer
- Prepare to pursue litigation if necessary
When they need it the most, our team is offered to partner with victims of truck accidents and also their families. When you have experienced the catastrophe of an accident with a large truck, you have a right to seek damages and also hold the responsible party accountable. Contact an experienced Atlanta, Georgia truck accident lawyer from Krause Law Firm to request more information about our services and process.
Truck Accident FAQs
What Are The Most Common Truck Accident Injuries?
While every accident is going to be unique, there are some injuries that are more common than others. Here are some of the most common truck accident injuries that people face. Truck accidents are often very serious and require extensive medical care to treat all the injuries that can happen. If you or a loved one have been hurt in a truck accident, then it is in your best interest to contact a truck accident lawyer in Atlanta, GA to ensure that you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries so you can get back to life as quickly as possible.
- Head and Brain Injuries
- Back and Neck Injuries
- Broken Bones
Why do truck accidents occur?
There are different reasons why truck accidents happen. Some examples include trucks turning without looking to see if there is a car below them, trucks not making a wide enough turn when they need to, especially on busy roads, and more. However, there is more to it than that as well. Sometimes trucks can also end up in accidents, because of other vehicles on the road being the cause of it. Examples of this would be cars attempting to run red lights in an attempt to pass a truck (which is slower than them), but in doing so, an accident is caused. These are just some of the reasons why truck accidents can end up happening. Now; in any type of truck accident case, it is important to look for a truck accident lawyer, to assess and resolve the case in an efficient manner. Moreover, a truck accident lawyer in Atlanta, GA, can assist.
How can a truck accident lawyer assist?
What a truck accident lawyer can aid in doing, is assessing the accident in an in-depth manner. This includes questions, pertaining to who was involved, how the incident occurred, the type of damage that was done, the type of compensation that one may be looking for, in relation to the truck damage, and more. Also, the reason why it is important to look at cases in such depth is that not all cases are the same or black and white. For example; Krause Law Firm focuses on more than just truck accidents, but also wrongful deaths, motorcycle accidents, bike accidents, and more. This is a demonstration that when it comes to any accident company, there needs to be a strong focus on variety, when it comes to assessing different types of accidents, in order to build a strong and diverse audience.
Krause Law Firm stands against insurance companies and with their clients. They are familiar with all of their tactics to prevent accident victims from receiving compensation that they are fairly entitled to. Reach out to Krause Law Firm today for a truck accident lawyer to be on your case, if you have any more questions about what a truck accident lawyer in Atlanta, GA can do for you, don’t hesitate to reach out to Krause Law Firm to learn more.