Atlanta Truck Accident Lawyer

Experienced Atlanta Truck Accident Attorney

Trucks can be an incredibly intimidating entity on the road. This is partly because our vehicles are relatively smaller and less protected than the 18-wheelers, tractor trailers, and fright carriers we so often see on the road. This is why truck accidents are so often debilitating or devastating, as a regular automobile doesn’t have the protection necessary to prevent a fatality against a large truck. If you have been injured as a result of a truck accident, there is no time to waste in obtaining our Atlanta truck accident lawyers of The Tolson Firm, LLC.

In truck accidents, the liable party is often difficult to determine. It is almost never as simple as either the truck driver or the car driver being at fault for the collision. Unlike regular accidents, neither driver is always the main perpetuator of the accident. Oftentimes, truck accidents can be the responsibility of many people all at once: including, but not limited to, the truck driver’s employer, the truck owner, the company leasing the truck, and the truck’s manufacturer.

Trusted Legal Representation for Accident Victims in Georgia

If you suffered a serious injury along I-285, I-75, or elsewhere, you need legal representation from a firm that understands how to get results. We understand the high stakes involved in commercial vehicle collisions and the lasting toll they can take. For decades, The Tolson Firm, LLC, has helped injured victims secure the compensation they were owed from truck drivers and trucking groups.

As a Black-owned law firm, we are proud to serve the diverse communities of Atlanta with excellence and integrity. We offer personalized legal representation and are deeply committed to achieving justice for each client who walks through our doors. Trust our legal team to help you secure the compensation you are owed.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Atlanta, GA

Atlanta’s extensive network of highways and interstates, including major routes like Interstate 285 (I-285), Interstate 75 (I-75), and Interstate 85 (I-85), facilitates substantial commercial trucking activity. While this is vital for the city’s economy, it also increases the risk of truck-related accidents. Truck accidents may occur for a multitude of reasons, such as the following and more:

• Failure to repair or maintain the truck in question: Poor maintenance can lead to equipment failure, such as brake malfunctions or tire blowouts. Trucking companies are responsible for keeping vehicles in safe condition. When this duty is ignored, the results can be catastrophic.
• Drunk or impaired driving: Substance use affects judgment, reaction time, and awareness. Driving a commercial truck while impaired greatly increases the risk of serious injury or death. Federal regulations strictly prohibit alcohol and drug use by commercial drivers.
• Driver fatigue: Long hours on the road can lead to exhaustion and slower reaction times. Fatigued drivers are more likely to make dangerous mistakes behind the wheel. Even with rest requirements in place, some drivers push past safe limits.
• Speeding: Excessive speeding reduces a driver’s ability to stop in time or avoid obstacles. When large trucks are involved, the impact of high-speed crashes is especially severe. Speeding also increases the risk of jackknife and rollover accidents.
• Unsafe loading, such as overweight packing: Overloaded or unbalanced cargo affects a truck’s handling and braking. Improper loading can cause rollovers or lead to lost loads on the highway. Federal guidelines limit cargo weight to prevent these dangers.

If you have been injured in a truck accident, it is vital you don’t waste time in taking legal action, before the statute of limitation runs out.

Possible Injuries Following a Truck Accident

Truck accidents often cause serious injuries, especially when they occur along busy stretches of highway like I-285, the I-75/I-85 Connector, or in densely trafficked areas of Fulton County. Common injuries can include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) from sudden impact or ejection
• Spinal cord damage that may lead to partial or complete paralysis
• Broken bones that often require surgery or long-term rehabilitation
• Internal bleeding and organ damage from blunt force trauma
• Severe burns from fuel-related fires or chemical exposure
• Lacerations and crush injuries caused by vehicle deformation
• Whiplash and soft tissue injuries affecting the neck and back
• Emotional trauma after the crash, including anxiety, PTSD, and depression

The risk of a trucking accident is especially high in rural areas, which make up only 21% of Georgia’s population but accounted for 34% of state traffic deaths in 2021. In the same year, large trucks were involved in about 18% of all fatal crashes in rural Georgia counties.

The danger also extends to the workplace. In 2023, transportation incidents caused 36% of all workplace fatalities in Georgia. Younger drivers pose an elevated risk as well. Commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers between 19 and 20 years old are six times more likely to be in fatal crashes.

Survivors of truck accidents often face traumatic brain injuries and long recoveries that disrupt daily life. The emotional toll of a truck accident can be equally as devastating, and truck crash victims can be left to contend with emotional trauma. Recurring flashbacks are common, and many people struggle with PTSD and other mental health afflictions following a severe crash. Even after their physical recovery, these mental scars can remain for months or indefinitely.

Establishing Fault Following a Trucking Accident

With more vehicles on the road, the risk of trucking accidents continues to climb. In the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Alpharetta region, residents are now driving more than they did before the pandemic, with average daily vehicle miles traveled rising by nearly 17% since 2019.

This surge in activity makes busy areas like I-285 and the Downtown Connector even more prone to collisions. Between March 2023 and February 2024, visitor activity in Downtown Atlanta increased by 7.4%, further contributing to congestion and accident potential.

Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means that your ability to recover compensation depends on how much you were at fault. If you were found to be 50% or more responsible for a crash, you cannot collect damages. If your share of fault is under 50%, your compensation will be reduced proportionally.

Establishing fault in a trucking accident requires a close look at the driver’s actions, vehicle maintenance, road conditions, and whether federal regulations were followed. Trucking companies and insurers often work quickly to shift blame, which can complicate a victim’s claim.

Having clear evidence (such as driver logs, black box data, and traffic camera footage) is critical. A thorough investigation helps ensure liability is properly assigned and that injured individuals have a chance to recover the compensation they deserve.

The Critical Role of Legal Representation When Seeking Compensation

Pursuing compensation after a truck accident is rarely straightforward. In some cases, the at-fault driver is financially responsible for compensating injured victims for all damages. In other cases, the trucking company they worked for may be financially liable. If a faulty part caused a mechanical failure that contributed to the accident, a third party may be on the hook for damages.

Victims often find themselves up against trucking companies with various resources and insurance carriers focused on minimizing payouts. These large companies rely on legal teams that are trained to challenge every aspect of a claim, from medical evidence to the cause of the crash. Without experienced representation, injured truck accident victims may be pressured into accepting low settlements that do not reflect the true extent of their injuries and losses.

An attorney who understands commercial trucking regulations, local traffic patterns, and the complexities of liability can provide essential support. They can preserve evidence, interview witnesses, and negotiate from a position of strength.

In serious accidents involving spinal injuries, brain trauma, or permanent disability, legal counsel is especially important for pursuing long-term care and future earnings. Having legal representation allows claimants and plaintiffs to better understand the extent of their financial losses and what they are owed.

With the right representation, victims stand a far better chance of holding negligent parties accountable and recovering the compensation they need to move forward.

FAQs About Atlanta,GA Truck Accident Law

How Much Do Truck Accident Lawyers Charge in Georgia?

Most truck accident lawyers in Georgia will charge their clients a contingency fee for their services, meaning they only get paid if you recover compensation. The standard rate is often a percentage of the final settlement or award. This approach allows injured individuals to pursue claims without paying out of pocket. Always review the agreement in detail so you understand the fee structure from the start.

How Much Are Most Truck Accident Settlements in Georgia?

Settlement amounts for truck accidents vary depending on the severity of injuries, medical costs, lost income, and long-term effects. Truck accident claims often lead to higher payouts than typical auto accidents because of the size and weight of commercial vehicles. In Atlanta, dense traffic and frequent interstate collisions add to the risks. Every case is different, so outcomes depend on specific facts and documentation.

How Do You Choose a Truck Accident Lawyer?

When choosing a truck accident lawyer for your case, look for a lawyer with experience handling complex commercial vehicle claims. They should understand trucking regulations, insurance tactics, and how to build a strong case. Local knowledge also matters. Interstate traffic, delivery routes, and high-crash areas all play a role. Choose someone who communicates clearly, has a strong track record, and is prepared to advocate aggressively on your behalf.

How Do Truck Accident Claims Work?

Truck accident claims often involve multiple parties, including the driver, their employer, and insurers. The process starts with an investigation, followed by gathering medical records, repair costs, and outside opinions. Negotiations usually take place before any court involvement. Because trucking companies often deny fault, strong evidence and legal support are key. Your lawyer can manage the claim while you focus on recovery.

Why Are Atlanta Roads Dangerous for Trucks?

Atlanta’s highways, especially I-75, I-85, and the Downtown Connector, are among the busiest in the country. These roads are dangerous for trucks due to constant congestion, merging traffic, and frequent construction zones that create hazards and increase the chance of rollovers, rear-end crashes, and jackknife accidents. Understanding how and where truck crashes happen in Atlanta can help strengthen your claim and hold the right parties responsible.

Contact Our Truck Accident Lawyers Today

Finding the right representation can seem like an uphill battle, which is why our legal team strives to offer you top-rated counsel, care, and representation. Our Atlanta truck accident lawyers of The Tolson Frim, LLC, are dedicated to fighting for your rights following a truck accident.

We are a proud, Black-owned law firm, and we are relentless in our pursuit of justice as we are committed to helping you obtain the compensation you deserve. Don’t settle for a firm that doesn’t have a strong track record of securing results for clients. Our legal team stands ready to support you during a difficult moment so that you have the compensation you need to move forward with confidence.