Trucks are heavy and big. The greater weight and size of a truck can create greater damage in an accident. Typically, trucking companies carry large insurance policies that can cover damages.
Trucking Accidents Can Be Dangerous and Deadly
A report from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) confirmed that in 2017, nearly 450,000 truck collisions were reported. Of these accidents, 23% resulted in injuries, and almost 1% resulted in death or multiple deaths.
In Georgia, according to a report from the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, there are approximately 1,500 truck accident fatalities per year.
If you have been involved in a truck accident in Georgia, there are key legal concepts to be aware of. As these cases can be complex, you may want to talk to a Marietta Personal Injury lawyer to understand your legal rights.
Statute of Limitations for a Truck Accident in Marietta
The statute of limitations is a rule that defines how long you have to file a lawsuit. Typically, in Georgia, you have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit against a truck driver or other people who may be liable for the accident.
Who Might Be Involved When Proving Fault in Georgia
Truck accidents are typically complex, as many people may be involved and held liable for damages.
Each case is unique, and depending on your situation, the evidence often reveals which parties could be liable in a Georgia truck accident case.
The driver or person who owned or operated a truck when the accident took place will typically be liable. If this person had a history of drunk driving or was not fit to operate a commercial truck, the employer could be involved in negligent action.
If the truck accident was due to mechanical failure, a parts manufacturer could be involved and held liable. Yet, there are instances when manufacturers may not be held liable, such as if the parts were installed improperly, modified, or poorly maintained.
Evidence To Prove Fault in a Marietta Truck Accident
In proving fault in a Georgia Truck accident, lawyers use specific evidence. This may include statements made on a police report taken at the time of the incident.
In some cases, witness statements may provide insight. These may be taken at the time of the accident or established after the event. Expert witnesses may submit testimony for settlement conferences or testify at a trial. These experts typically understand how to interpret evidence that could be relevant for an assessor, jury, or judge.
Visual evidence may come into play. This may be photos taken of the scene, videos, or even social media documentation that shows events before, during, or after an accident.
These pictures could provide evidence that shows the other driver was speeding, intoxicated, or acting in a careless manner that contributed to the crash.
Navigate Complex Truck Accident Cases in Marietta
The huge force of a commercial truck presents increased danger to drivers and passengers of other vehicles. While the conditions vary on a case-to-case basis, their liability may be affected by additional rules and regulations.
If you have been injured in a semi-truck accident, a legal professional can provide insights to help evaluate your legal options.