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Rear Bumper Guards and Preventing Truck Underride Accidents

By Wayne Grant on March 6, 2013 - No comments

Georgia truck accident lawyers know the devastation and damage that truck underride crashes can cause. If you have ever driven alongside a tractor-trailer, you may have noticed that the height of the trailer is about at your head level. When the top of a car is crushed under a trailer, it is called an underride accident. These types of accidents are some of the most devastating collisions that occur on Georgia highways and they often result in catastrophic or fatal injuries.

Under federal regulations, all trailers with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or greater, manufactured on or after January 26, 1998 must have an underride guard. These are those metal structures you see on the back of trailers. In low speed collisions, these guards will prevent an underride collision from occurring. These rear bumper guards do not, however, always have the strength to prevent a vehicle from going under the trailer.

Federal regulations require rear-impact guards to be only 22 inches above the ground and no more than four inches from the side extremities. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) regularly collects data to determine the impact that increasing the dimensions and strength of rear bumper guards would have on the injuries suffered during truck accidents.

The VC-COMPAT project held in the Netherlands, for example, found that 11 percent of the fatally injured occupants and 30 percent of the seriously injured vehicle occupants in their study could have been saved if trucks were equipped with energy-absorbing underrun systems instead of rigid guards.

Trucking companies that fail to have rear guards on their vehicles that do not adhere to federal standards can be held accountable in the event of a fatal or serious injury underride crash. Victims or their families in such cases would be well advised to contact an experienced lawyer who will ensure that the negligent parties are held accountable and that victims are justly compensated for their significant losses.

 

Liability Issue in Georgia Truck Accidents

By Wayne Grant on January 22, 2013 - No comments

The claim process following Georgia truck accidents can be stressful and complicated. There are many potentially liable parties when a truck is involved in a collision. It will be necessary to gather information regarding how the crash occurred in order to make a determination with regards to liability.

 

There are federal laws and regulations that govern the trucking industry. They establish standards to which trucking companies and drivers must adhere. When a driver or a trucking company fails to obey the regulations relating to vehicle maintenance, truck drivers’ hours-of-service or laws relating to distracted driving, the driver and trucking firm can be held liable for the accident and injuries caused.

 

The many potentially liable parties for a truck accident include the truck driver, the owner of the truck, the owner of the trailer, and the manufacturer of the truck. Sometimes, when an accident occurs due to a defective part, the manufacturer of that faulty part can also be held liable.

 

You can help bolster your case by writing down every detail you remember about the accident. Take a photo of the crash site, the vehicles and your injuries. Make sure you contact the authorities and get your side of the story in the police report. If there is any chance that you have been injured, seek out immediate medical attention. Carefully document every loss that you have suffered and every medical bill that has resulted from the crash. Last but not the least; call an experienced Georgia truck accident attorney before speaking with an insurance company.

 

The experienced Atlanta truck crash lawyers at the Law Offices of WayneGrant, P.C., help victims of Georgia truck accidents get fair compensation for their losses. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident please contact their offices at 404-995-3955 to obtain more information about pursuing your legal rights.

 

What to do if You Have Been Injured in a Georgia Truck Accident

By Wayne Grant on December 26, 2012 - No comments

In the aftermath of a Georgia truck accident, there may be a lot of chaos and confusion. It is important to take a moment to gather yourself and to try to focus. There are steps you can take to protect your rights. First, try to determine if anyone has suffered an injury. It is common for even low speed truck accidents to result in considerable injuries. If anyone has been hurt at all, you must notify the authorities and remain at the scene of the crash.

If you suffered a head, neck, or back injury, it may be in your best interest to remain in place and wait for help to arrive. If, however, you are able to move about, it would be a good idea to gather as much information as you can, including the name of the other drivers involved and the contact information for anyone who may have witnessed the crash. It is also helpful to have the name of the trucking company and the insurance information for the truck driver and his or her employer.

If possible, take photos of the crash site, the damaged vehicles, and your injuries. It is also helpful to write down everything you remember about the crash. It is easy to forget important facts such as exactly when and where the crash occurred. It is also useful to get your description of the crash in the police report and to request a copy of the report later. If there is any chance at all that you suffered an injury, you should seek out immediate medical attention. This will increase your chances of a complete recovery and create a paper trail that documents the nature and severity of your injuries and the treatment you needed to recover.

Anyone who has suffered an injury in a Georgia truck accident would be well advised to  seek guidance from a skilled truck accident injury lawyer who will stay abreast of the investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. At The Law Offices of Wayne Grant,P.C., our dedicated legal team will work diligently to ensure you receive the compensation you need to recuperate. Call (404) 995-3955 to discuss your case with us or Contact Us online.

 

Why is it Important to Act Quickly after a Tractor Trailer Accident?

By Wayne Grant on December 19, 2012 - No comments

The amount of time you have to file a claim following an injury accident is called the statute of limitations. After that time has passed, you will no longer be able to seek support for the damages you have suffered. There is a two-year statute of limitations on most injury claims in Georgia, but that does not mean that victims of Georgia truck accidents can wait two years and still expect to get fair compensation for their losses.

The statute of limitations is not the only reason why it is important to act quickly following a Georgia tractor-trailer accident. Unlike car accidents, when a truck is involved, you will have to deal with insurance companies, the truck owner, and the trucking company. There is evidence that the trucking company may have that they can legally destroy if an official request is not made to preserve evidence within a certain period of time.

There are other reasons why it is a good idea to file a claim quickly. An important part of the claim process involves collecting information and evidence. Crucial pieces of evidence that may help explain how the accident occurred could get lost if you wait too long. The truck owner may move quickly to repair any damage to the truck or the trailer. Evidence at the crash site, such as tire marks or debris, will also be cleared away.

A skilled Georgia truck accident lawyer will know how to preserve key evidence after the truck accident. He or she can request important records such as truck driver logs, maintenance files, and cell phone records, which may help determine how or why the collision occurred. Obtaining and preserving these critical pieces of evidence can make or break a truck accident case.

For professional assistance with your truck accident case, contact the legal team of The Law Offices of Wayne Grant, P.C. by calling (404) 995-3955. We will work diligently to ensure you receive the compensation you need to recover well.

 

Marietta Driver Seriously Injured in Truck Accident

By Wayne Grant on December 6, 2012 - No comments

A 30-year-old woman is in serious condition after being involved in a collision with a parked tractor-trailer. According to a news report in The Examiner, the Georgia truck accident occurred on I-75 in Marietta near the North Marietta Parkway. Officials say her vehicle crashed into a truck that was parked in the emergency lane. She has been listed in serious condition. The driver of the truck was not injured.

The sheer size of trucks makes them dangerous even when they are parked. Striking the back of a large truck or trailer can have devastating consequences. In some cases, a vehicle can even go partially under a trailer resulting in an underride collision. This is why it is crucial that truck drivers adhere to a number of important safety rules and regulations.

Truck drivers must only park when and where it is safe to do so. Trailers must have the legally mandated amount of reflectors to increase their visibility and triangles should be placed when parking or stopping near a roadway. Parking lights should be lit when parking at night. Truck drivers should also avoid stopping near corners or where their vehicle can obstruct the view of motorists.

Victims of Georgia truck accidents have it in their best interest to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer. Compensation may be available for their losses. A knowledgeable personal injury attorney will fight to hold the at-fault party accountable for the crash.

The experienced truck accident injury attorneys in Georgia at the Law Offices of Wayne Grant, P.C. have a long history of handling serious injury claims. We help our clients get fair compensation for their losses. To discuss your potential claim at no cost, please call our offices today at (404) 995-3955.

 

Seeking Compensation for Hit-and-Run Truck Accidents in Georgia

By Wayne Grant on November 22, 2012 - No comments

Authorities in Georgia are still looking for a tractor-trailer, which they say may have been involved in a hit-and-run accident in Suwanee. According to a news report in 11Alive, police are looking for the public’s help to locate the “vehicle of interest.” The victim was found lying on Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road near Horizon Drive. He had suffered multiple injuries consistent with being hit by a vehicle. Investigators say they are looking for the white or light-colored tractor-trailer with a sleeper cab that was in the area at the time of the incident. The trailer appeared to be about 53 feet in length, officials said. The investigation is ongoing.

Under Georgia law, it is illegal to leave the scene of a crash, especially when someone has been injured. Motorists, including truck drivers, are required to stop immediately, inform authorities, and help the injured obtain medical assistance. The help a motorist performs can be something as simple as calling 9-1-1 and getting emergency personnel on scene.

Victims of hit-and-run drivers are often left with significant financial burdens including medical expenses, lost earnings, and cost of hospitalization and rehabilitation. When the driver is not found, there is no way to hold anyone accountable. In such cases, compensation may be available for victims through the uninsured motorist clause of his or her auto insurance policy.

The experienced truck collision attorneys in Georgia at Wayne Grant, P.C., help injured hit-and-run accident victims get fair compensation for their significant losses. If a negligent truck driver has injured you or a loved one, please contact us at (404) 995-3955 for a comprehensive case evaluation.

 

When is a Trucking Company Considered Negligent?

By Wayne Grant on November 21, 2012 - No comments

Truck Company NegligenceIn some truck accident cases, trucking companies can be the cause or the contributing factor. There are many ways in which trucking companies may be held liable for incidents. It is the duty of a trucking company to ensure that the employees or drivers they hire have a clean record. For example, if a driver has been convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs or has a poor driving record and causes an accident, his or her employer can be held liable for negligent hiring. Trucking companies have a duty to do thorough background checks of their drivers.

When a trailer is improperly loaded, it could result in a jackknifing accident. Such accidents can have devastating consequences for other commuters as well. When a truck driver falls asleep at the wheel, in addition to the driver, his or her employer can also be held liable. Under federal law, truck drivers are required to get adequate rest before getting on the roadway. Trucking companies must also require their drivers to maintain accurate logs of when they drive and when they rest. Often, these logs are “tweaked” and may even be falsified as truck drivers scramble to make unrealistic deadlines and delivery schedules.

In addition, trucking companies are required to maintain their fleet of vehicles properly. When a truck accident is caused as the result of a poorly maintained vehicle, the trucking company can be held financially responsible for the injuries and damages caused. Also, when a truck driver causes an accident because he or she was driving distracted, the trucking company can also be held liable.

The knowledgeable Georgia truck accident lawyers at Wayne Grant, P.C., help preserve key evidence in truck accident cases including truck driver logs, vehicle maintenance records, and cell phone records. Such important evidence could be destroyed, misplaced, or lost if it is not preserved right away. If you or a loved one has been injured in a Georgia truck accident, please contact us at (404) 995-3955 to obtain more information about pursuing your legal rights or visit our Contact Us page for more ways we can be reached.

 

Georgia Truck Driver Involved in Accident That Injures Two

By Wayne Grant on October 10, 2012 - No comments

Two people were injured in a truck accident when the trailer of a tractor shifted into their lane of traffic. According to a news report in The Sentinel, the truck accident occurred on Route 94 outside of Mt. Holly Springs, PA. Officials say an unloaded trailer shifted behind a truck as the driver slowed down on a curve. The oncoming car had nowhere to go and was struck by the trailer’s rear axle. The 27-year-old female driver of the Dodge Intrepid and her 36-year-old male passenger sustained injuries in the crash.

It is difficult to safely operate a large tractor-trailer. Truck drivers must remain focused, alert, and cautious at all times. When a truck driver loses focus or drives too fast for the conditions on the roadway, devastating collisions can occur. When this happens, truck drivers and their employers can be held accountable for the injuries suffered by the victims.

Unfortunately, insurance companies that cover truck drivers have teams of attorneys who fight any and all claims. Drivers injured in Georgia semi truck accidents often have to fight back with a skilled truck accident attorney to get the compensation they need and rightfully deserve. Anyone who has sustained an injury in a Georgia truck accident should protect his or her legal rights and options by contacting an experienced attorney right away.

Victims of careless truck drivers can seek financial support for their medical bills, suffering, lost wages, and other related damages by filing a claim against the truck driver, the truck driver’s insurance, or the trucking company that employs the driver. A skilled attorney will know who should be held accountable for the crash and how much compensation should be available.

The knowledgeable personal injury attorneys in Georgia at Wayne Grant, P.C., have a history of helping victims of truck accidents. We offer no-cost consultations to anyone who has suffered a loss in a Georgia truck accident, so please call 404-995-3955.

 

Gwinnett County Truck Underride Crash Causes Injuries

By Wayne Grant on September 26, 2012 - No comments

Two people were injured in a Georgia underride truck accident after a white sedan crashed under the back of a box truck. According to a CBS Atlanta news report, the underride truck accident occurred on Beaver Ruin Road at Steve Reynolds Boulevard in Gwinnett County. Officials say the sedan was crushed underneath the back of a Goodbye Water box truck. The two injured victims survived the crash without suffering life-threatening injuries.

All truck accidents can result in devastating injuries, but underride crashes are particularly dangerous. An underride occurs when the lower part of a vehicle passes beneath a truck’s trailer allowing the unprotected occupant space of the vehicle to absorb the impact. Occupants involved in these types of collisions often suffer fatal blunt trauma and amputation injuries.

When a Georgia underride accident occurs, there are a number of questions that must be asked by the investigators. Did the truck driver brake suddenly? Does the trailer have the legally mandated number of reflectors and working brake lights? Did the truck driver fail to check for vehicles before changing lanes or entering traffic? Did the trailer have properly installed underride guards? The answers to these types of questions will affect the victim’s ability to pursue compensation from the truck driver or the trucking company.

The Georgia truck collision lawyers at the Law Offices of Wayne Grant, P.C., know how to handle these types of truck underride crash cases that often result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities. We help victims of Georgia truck accidents get fair compensation for their significant losses. To discuss your potential claim at absolutely no cost, please call our offices at (404) 995-3955.

 

The Importance of Evidence Preservation after a Truck Accident

By Wayne Grant on August 27, 2012 - No comments

Truck Accident Evidence AtlantaIn the aftermath of a serious injury truck accident in Georgia, truck companies, their insurers, and their lawyers will quickly assemble a team to deal with the repercussions. On top of their to-do list will be to clean up the site, address the damage to the truck, and assess potential liability. If you have been involved in a truck accident, you need a skilled Atlanta truck accident attorney on your side – someone who will fight for your rights and look out for your best interests.

Any crash site can be chaotic, and a truck accident site is no exception. Expert analysis is required in order to determine who or what caused the crash. It is necessary to analyze the crash site quickly before important evidence gets lost, destroyed, or misplaced. There are several pieces of evidence that can prove invaluable to the plaintiff. The truck’s event recorder or black box can provide important information about the truck’s speed and braking patterns just before the crash occurred. Truck drivers’ log books will show the number of hours driven, rest periods, and so on. The vehicle’s maintenance records will show when the truck was last serviced and what repairs have been done on the vehicle.

There are several other important pieces of evidence that must be examined as well. Witness statements should be recorded. The truck driver’s toxicology tests must be reviewed. The truck driver’s driving record, as well as criminal and employment history, should also be examined.

The experienced truck crash attorneys in Atlanta at the Law Offices of Wayne Grant, P.C. know how to preserve important evidence in a truck accident. The evidence we collect in the aftermath of the accident can make or break the case. If you or a loved one has been injured in a Georgia truck accident, please contact us at (404) 995-3955 for a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation.

 

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The above is not legal advice. That can only come from a qualified attorney who is familiar with all the facts and circumstances of a particular, specific case and the relevant law.

© 2013 Georgia Truck Accident Attorney Disclaimer: The Truck Accident information offered by Georgia Truck Accident Lawyer and contained herein, regarding Georgia truck accident statutes and Georgia trucking accident claimants' rights is general in scope. No truck accident Georgia attorney client relationship with our Georgia truck accident attorneys is hereby formed nor is the trucking accident information herein intended as formal legal advice. Please contact a Georgia personal injury trucking accident lawyer regarding your specific inquiry.

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