Truck Accident Lawyer in Atlanta

Name: Truck Accidents
Brand: Turnbull, Moak & Pendergrass
Rating: 5 (60 reviews)

An Atlanta, GA, commercial truck accident can be devastating. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration concluded that there are more than 4,000 commercial vehicle accidents each year in the United States. Due to their size and weight, these truck accidents cause more than 100,000 injuries nationwide. With that being said, the need for a truck accident lawyer in Atlanta has never been higher.

Truck Accident Overview

Damages Atlanta Commercial Driving Laws Immediate Medical Care Medical Expenses Health Vs. Car Insurance Comparative Negligence How We Help Causes Injuries Why Choose Turnbull, Moak & Pendergrass FAQs

Legal Help After a Truck Accident in Atlanta, Georgia

In Atlanta, traffic, speeding, the terrain, and overcrowded sidewalks make trucking accidents even more treacherous. Since Atlanta, GA, is a transportation and commerce hub, millions of trucks pass through each year. This increases the chances of truck accidents. If you’re involved in a motor vehicle accident with semi-trucks, your chances of serious injuries are high. If you’ve suffered injuries in an Atlanta, Georgia, truck accident, then you could be entitled to fair compensation—especially if you are forced to miss time from work and face high hospital fees. Turnbull, Moak & Pendergrass has extensive experience serving clients throughout Atlanta and Fulton County in personal injury cases. Our truck accident lawyers represent victims with serious injuries and are committed to helping you pursue the full compensation you deserve.

What Damages Can Be Recovered in a Georgia Truck Accident Case?

A truck accident can leave you facing significant physical, financial, and emotional losses. Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to recover compensation for:

Medical expenses
Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Property damage
Wrongful death damages if a loved one was lost

At Turnbull, Moak & Pendergrass, we help clients pursue the full compensation they are entitled to after a serious truck accident.

What Are the Commercial Driving Laws in Atlanta, Georgia?

Commercial truck drivers face more regulations than passenger car drivers. Failing to follow these rules can be grounds for liability in an accident. Here are some examples of rules that apply to commercial truck drivers in Georgia:

The driver must have a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
Georgia requires drivers to be at least 18 years of age, and 21 years of age if they will be crossing state lines
The driver must be drug tested before employment and tested again if there is any suspicion of drug use
The driver’s load cannot exceed the weight limit for the road.
Proper signage must be displayed when hauling hazardous materials
If the driver is hauling property, he or she has a window of 14 hours in which to drive before taking a mandatory consecutive 10-hour break
During these 14 hours, the driver can have up to 11 hours of actual drive time
The driver cannot go more than eight hours without a 30-minute break
The driver cannot drive more than 60 hours in one week or more than 70 hours in eight days

Additionally, the driver must follow the basic rules of the road applicable to all drivers, including complying with all posted speed limits, using turn signals, and stopping at red lights.

Why Is Immediate Medical Care Critical After a Truck Accident?

Insurance adjusters typically assert that any delay in your treatment justifies reducing or denying your accident claim. Insurers want to protect their bottom line. Some accident injuries may go undiagnosed unless patients follow up on their own. Traumatic brain injuries can also be misdiagnosed due to the delayed onset of the injury. Victims of truck accidents can protect their right to compensation by seeking medical attention at the accident scene and following up with trusted medical professionals. Your truck accident attorney in Atlanta can use your medical records to defend your claim.

Truck Accident Medical Expenses

When truck drivers cause wrecks, they are subject to a personal injury lawsuit. Since passenger cars pale in comparison to the sheer size of a commercial trucking vehicle, the injuries and subsequent medical expenses victims face can be paramount. Neglecting to pay for your medical bills may lead to your bills being sent to collections with added fees. Some victims have to pay out of pocket before receiving their settlement amount. Turnbull, Moak & Pendergrass will fight to get you the compensation you deserve so you won’t have to add financial troubles to the list of your worries.

Health Insurance vs. Car Insurance Coverage

Many commercial accident victims attempt to recover compensation for their medical bills by filing a claim with their health insurance to pay for emergency room treatment, doctor’s office visits, or physical therapy. If your medical provider offers to bill your auto insurance to cover your bills, ask them to bill your health insurance company first. Your car insurance should only be an option if your health insurance denies your claim. When you are not solely at fault for your accident, you can seek compensation through a lawsuit. Our Atlanta truck accident attorneys offer a free consultation to discuss your best possible legal options.

What Are Comparative Negligence Laws in Georgia?

Georgia’s comparative negligence law states that the percentage of the compensation you’re allowed to receive is based on your contribution to the causes of the wreck. That means if you are found to be 30% at fault for your accident, you will receive 30% less than the total amount of your expenses.

Your truck accident attorney in Atlanta will help you understand your truck accident claim. Turnbull, Moak & Pendergrass has experience relieving our clients of the stress of car accidents, commercial trucking accidents, and more.

Client Testimonials Perfect 5.0 Reviews

C.C.

I recently had the unfortunate experience of a car accident, and I am immensely grateful to have had Philip by my side throughout the entire ordeal. From our initial consultation, it was evident that their professionalism and commitment were unmatched. I highly recommend the firm to anyone in nee...

G.J.

I was referred to the firm by a trusted resource, and I could not be more thrilled with the outcome. Finding an attorney in Atlanta for an unfortunate automobile accident would seemingly be an easy task; however, it was clear after the first interaction: the firm would be the perfect solution. Al...

N.B.

If you are looking for a reliable and professional personal injury attorney in Atlanta, I highly recommend Philip Pendergrass. He helped me navigate through the difficulties of my accident and took care of me every step of the way. His customer service is unbeatable, and his team is both professi...

J.M.

I was in an accident on December 23, 2022. I contacted the firm to represent me against the at-fault party. The office personnel, manager, and everyone involved in my case granted excellent service. They went far beyond what most law firms would go. I am grateful, so grateful, for the actions and...

B.N.

I had the privilege of working with the firm recently, and I couldn't be more satisfied with their services. The team demonstrated exceptional professionalism, deep legal expertise, and unwavering dedication to my case. They were responsive and communicative, keeping me informed at every st...

J.S.

Got into an accident in Atlanta and conducted with Philip - super informative, kind, helped me along. Would highly recommend the firm to anyone in the Atlanta metro area if you get into a car accident or accident at work. Referred a friend to him in for an accident at work and he got a very good ...

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What Can a Truck Accident Lawyer Do for Me?

After a truck accident, you may be facing serious injuries, mounting expenses, and pressure from insurance companies. Having the right legal team on your side can make all the difference.

Our truck accident lawyers at Turnbull, Moak & Pendergrass can:

Investigate the accident and gather critical evidence
Identify all liable parties, including trucking companies and insurers
Handle communication and negotiations with insurance companies
Calculate the full value of your damages
Build a strong case and take it to court if necessary

What Are Common Causes of Truck Accidents?

Truck crashes can be caused by almost anything. However, recovering financial compensation in truck accident cases means that a truck driver violated their duty of care, and their negligence caused an accident. When this happens, the driver’s insurance company can be held responsible for paying for your damages. A truck’s maintenance, poor driving habits, and part manufacturers may also cause trucking accidents. Our law office has experience getting to the bottom of accident causes. Sit down with one of our trucking accident specialists today to discuss your access to compensation.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving in a semi-truck is a huge problem. Even small distractions could lead to catastrophic injuries. For that reason, The FMCSA has banned texting while driving a large truck and may soon ban cell phone use while operating commercial trucks.

Semi-Truck and Alcohol Use

Driving any vehicle under the influence of alcohol and drugs is illegal. Drinking and driving a commercial vehicle may lead to serious injury and fatalities. The FMCSA precludes the use of alcohol for several hours before the operation of a big truck. Alcohol testing of truck drivers is mandatory in many post-accident scenarios, and the results of this test will be included in the police report, regardless of whether the responding police officer believes that alcohol played a role in the wreck. If someone you love was wrongfully killed because of a drunk truck driver, consider seeking legal representation from a truck accident lawyer in Atlanta at our law offices.

Commercial Driver Fatigue

The FMCSA stipulates how long a commercial truck driver is allowed to operate a tractor-trailer when fatigued. We have handled cases where various documents (the bills of lading, driver’s logs, and meal receipts) show that the truck driver was driving too long.

If you were in an accident involving a fatigued driver, then aggressive legal representation from a truck accident lawyer in Atlanta can help you recover compensation. We aim to hold drivers, trucking companies, and other parties involved responsible for the tractor-trailer accidents they cause.

Disabled Tractor-Trailers

When a tractor-trailer is disabled on the roadway, the vehicle presents a grave danger for passing travelers. Since the truck and trailer are enormous pieces of machinery, colliding with either can lead to horrifying consequences. The FMCSA has set forth guidelines for disabled truckers to follow, and not following these rules can lead to auto accidents and truck accident claims.

Unqualified Truck Drivers

State and federal laws mandate that a commercial driver’s license is necessary to get behind the wheel of a tractor-trailer. CDL applicants must have a “good” driving record of two years without having their license suspended or revoked and without a serious traffic or driving offense as noted in 42 C.F.R. 383.51. A trucking company may also be liable for hiring unqualified drivers. The FMCSA mandates that trucking companies maintain a minimum level of financial responsibility. A GA trucking accident lawyer can assist anyone who’s been injured in a commercial vehicle accident.

Injuries That Result from Truck Accidents

The trauma you suffer as a result of a trucking accident injury can be debilitating. Some individuals experience immediate and obvious injuries at the accident site, and others may suffer extreme pain that sets in over time. Brain injuries can be particularly dangerous, especially when a car wreck victim presents a clear CT scan but experiences confusion and headaches as the injury sets in. These symptoms are a telltale sign of brain bleeding and injury.

Source:https://www.statista.com/statistics/191544/fatal-large-truck-crashes-in-the-us/

Why Choose the Atlanta, Georgia, Truck Accident Attorneys at Turnbull, Moak & Pendergrass?

If you’ve been hurt in a truck accident in Atlanta, Turnbull, Moak & Pendergrass is ready to help you seek the compensation you deserve. Our personal injury attorneys in Atlanta bring local knowledge, nationally recognized credentials, and a proven track record of handling complex personal injury cases.
Our team includes:

Philip Pendergrass, recognized since 2017 as a Super Lawyers Rising Star (top 2% of attorneys in Georgia), is dedicated to his clients and the people of Georgia. He serves on the PAC Board of the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association (GTLA) and was selected as a lead member in 2020. Philip grew up in Atlanta, attended Providence Christian Academy in Lilburn, graduated from Augusta State University (now Augusta University), and earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Georgia.
Brett Turnbull has earned recognition in Super Lawyers, Top 40 Under 40, and The Best Lawyers in America®, holds an AV Preeminent rating, and serves in leadership roles with major legal associations. He earned his Juris Doctor from Cumberland School of Law at Samford University and degrees in International Finance and German from the University of Alabama. Brett also secured a $24.9 million jury verdict in a high-profile automotive defect case involving the tragic loss of a mother and two children.
Andrew Moak is consistently recognized as a Super Lawyer and maintains active involvement with the National Trial Lawyers and the American Association for Justice. He earned both his undergraduate degree (1999) and Juris Doctor (2002) from the University of Alabama.

Our attorneys provide personalized strategies, thorough investigations, and aggressive advocacy to ensure all responsible parties are held accountable. Take the first step toward recovery—call us at (404) 882-5872 or schedule a free consultation online today.

Truck Accident Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do immediately after a truck accident?

Seek medical attention for any injuries
Call the police to file an accident report
Document the scene with photos or videos, including vehicle damage and road conditions
Gather witness information if possible
Contact an attorney to protect your rights

Who can be held liable in a Georgia truck accident case?

The truck driver
The trucking company
The truck’s owner
The manufacturer of the truck or truck parts
Cargo loaders (if improper loading contributed to the accident)

What is Georgia’s statute of limitations for filing a truck accident lawsuit?

In Georgia, you generally have two years from the date of the truck accident to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. For property damage claims, you have up to four years to file.

What federal regulations apply to truck drivers in Georgia?

Truck drivers in Georgia must follow federal regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These include hours of service (HOS) rules, weight limits, vehicle maintenance requirements, and strict licensing guidelines.

Can I sue a trucking company if their driver caused the accident?

Yes, you can sue the trucking company if their driver was at fault. Under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior, employers can be held liable for the negligent actions of their employees if the accident occurred within the scope of employment.

What is the role of the black box in a truck accident investigation?

The black box, or electronic control module (ECM), records critical data about the truck, including speed, brake usage, and engine performance at the time of the accident. This data can provide crucial evidence about the truck driver’s behavior and any mechanical issues that may have contributed to the crash.

How are truck accidents different from car accidents in Georgia?

Due to the size and weight of commercial trucks, truck accidents often involve more severe injuries and property damage. Additionally, truck accident cases are more complex because they may involve federal regulations, multiple liable parties, and more evidence to review.

What is a spoliation letter in a Georgia truck accident case?

A spoliation letter is a legal notice sent to the trucking company or other liable parties to preserve important evidence, such as maintenance records, black box data, and logbooks. Failure to preserve this evidence can lead to penalties and strengthen your case.

Check Out This Truck Accident Blog

What Is Considered Pain and Suffering in an Accident When a Semi-Truck Is At Fault?

If your life has drastically changed because of an accident, you may be able to sue for emotional pain and suffering.

Read more about What Is Considered Pain and Suffering in an Accident When a Semi-Truck Is At Fault?