Riverdale, GA Truck Accident Lawyers

The trucking industry is considered the backbone of the nation’s economy. Every day, truckers drive across the length and breadth of the country to deliver what we need. However, it is also important to recognize that commercial trucks pose unique dangers to other motorists as well as pedestrians. Any mishap involving a commercial truck can have catastrophic consequences – largely due to the size and weight of these vehicles.

If you have been injured in a truck accident in Riverdale, Georgia, the capable and resourceful personal injury lawyers at Stein & Fox are ready to help you. We can represent you, provide you with the support and guidance you need, and fight aggressively to recover the compensation you deserve.

What Kind of Hazards Do Commercial Trucks in Riverdale, GA Pose to Other Motorists?

• Unlike passenger vehicles, commercial trucks cannot make sharp turns. They need to make a large, sweeping arc in order to make a turn, which can increase the risk of sideswipe or blindside accidents.
• Due to their sheer size, commercial trucks have a much longer stopping distance compared to passenger vehicles. If a vehicle in front suddenly comes to a stop, a truck driver might not be able to stop their vehicle immediately, even if they slam the brakes hard. In such a scenario, a rear-end collision might be inevitable.
• Commercial trucks have massive blind spots – especially at the sides and in the back. If a smaller vehicle gets into one of these blind spots, the truck driver might not be aware of it, which in turn can increase the risk of a collision significantly.
• Commercial trucks tend to transport massive amounts of cargo – which can be anything from consumer durables to flammable substances. If the cargo is not properly loaded or secured, it can get loose, which can pose a serious threat to other motorists on the road.
• Lastly, truck companies are notorious for violating federal regulations and making their drivers work harder and longer than they are supposed to. A fatigued truck driver might not be able to control their vehicle to the extent they should and might end up putting themselves as well as other motorists at risk.

The Risk of Truck Accidents at Intersections in Riverdale, GA

Navigating the busy intersections of Riverdale, GA is not an easy task – even for those who drive passenger vehicles. For truck drivers, it can be a particularly difficult task, largely due to the size of these vehicles.

If a truck driver miscalculates the distance between their vehicle and another vehicle or if they misjudge the speed of another vehicle while passing through an intersection, the risk of a collision increases significantly.

Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that nearly 25% of all fatal truck accidents tend to occur at intersections. This is why motorists need to be extremely careful while sharing the road with a commercial truck – especially at intersections.

Intersections in Riverdale where the risk of truck accidents is significantly higher include:

• 85 & Main street
• 85 & Roberts drive
• 86 & Bethsaida Rd

Common Injuries Resulting from Riverdale Truck Accidents

When a commercial truck and a passenger vehicle crash into each other, it is the occupants of the passenger vehicle who are at risk of suffering serious injuries. The most common injuries that can result from a truck accident include:

• Broken bones
• Amputation and crush injuries
• Injuries to internal organs
• Burn injuries
• Neck injuries
• Chest injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Brain injuries

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Truck Accident in Riverdale, GA?

One of the reasons why truck accident cases can be tricky is that depending on the circumstances, the driver, the truck company, the cargo loader, or the truck manufacturer can be held liable for the injuries and property damage resulting from the accident.

If – at the time of the accident – the truck driver in question was acting within the scope of their employment, the truck company can be held liable for their actions under a legal doctrine called respondeat superior (let the master answer).

If the accident was caused by improperly loaded or unsecured cargo, the cargo loader can be held liable.

If the accident was caused by a defective part in the truck, the manufacturer can be held liable.

Importance of Legal Representation in Truck Accident Claims in Riverdale, GA

Truck accidents often result in life-altering injuries for the parties involved. If liability is established, the truck company might have to pay hundreds of thousands or even millions in restitution for the victims. This is why they tend to go to great lengths to deny liability for these accidents.

For instance, the truck company might argue that they cannot be held liable for the driver’s actions, since the driver is not an employee, but an independent contractor. However, depending on the extent to which the company controls the driver’s schedule and how they pay the driver, it might be possible to hold them liable for the driver’s actions – even if the driver is designated as an independent contractor.

Similarly, they might claim that the driver was not actually acting within the scope of their employment when the accident happened. Again, depending on their duties and the amount of freedom they have in performing their duties, it might be possible to hold the truck company liable for the accident.

Only an experienced truck accident lawyer can counter the claims of the truck company and establish their liability with the help of documentary evidence. Moreover, without effective legal representation, you might be forced to accept the first offer made by the insurance company – even if the offer is only a fraction of what you actually deserve. A seasoned trial lawyer, on the other hand, can negotiate with the insurance company and take your case to trial if it is necessary and recover the damages you are owed.

Get Legal Help from Skilled Riverdale, GA Truck Accident Lawyers

At Stein & Fox, we have extensive experience in handling truck accident claims – including claims involving multiple liable parties. We know the tactics that the truck company might use to deny liability and know how to counter them.

We have a first-rate legal team as well as a large network of experts and professionals that can help us investigate your case and gather the evidence needed to establish the at-fault party’s liability. Simply put, we know what it takes to win big cases and recover substantial damages.

To discuss your claim with a seasoned Riverdale, GA truck accident lawyer from our firm, call us today at 770-961-1700 or contact us online and schedule a free consultation.