With so many tractor-trailers bringing their cargo through Alpharetta, some trucking accidents inevitably occur. Because these are much bigger and heavier than most passenger cars, many truck collisions cause significant property damage and devastating injuries.
If you or a family member sustained serious harm in a tractor-trailer wreck, reach out to a skilled local attorney with experience in recovering Alpharetta truck accident damages. Our dedicated legal team could help you pursue fair compensation for your injuries.
Proving Negligence for Damages in Semi-Truck Crashes
In order to successfully obtain damages in Alpharetta, a claimant and their experienced attorney would need to prove that somebody else bears legal responsibility for the injurious crash due to their negligent actions. As with most motor vehicle accidents, trucking crashes are often caused by the following common forms of reckless behavior on the road:
- Speeding
- Intoxication behind the wheel
- Fatigued driving
- Distracted driving
Additionally, truck drivers are supposed to adhere to strict federal safety laws to protect the safety of other motorists. If a trucker ignores those federal requirements, such as by driving for longer hours, a court could deem that trucker negligent or even reckless.
Potential Defendants in a Tractor-Trailer Collision Case
In addition to pursuing a claim for damages against the truck driver, a claimant may also be entitled to seek compensation from the driver's employer. Under the theory of vicarious liability, a trucking company may be held responsible for the negligent or reckless driving of one of their semi operators.
An injured victim could also seek damages against the trucking company if a faulty truck caused their accident. To do so, the claimant and their skilled legal counsel would need to prove that the trucking company did not properly maintain and service the truck that caused damage in Alpharetta. The trucking company could also be held liable if the claimant can demonstrate that they did not adequately train the driver or secure the cargo.
Additionally, claimants could seek truck accident damages against third parties, such as other motorists involved, mechanics in charge of vehicle maintenance, the truck's manufacturer, the shipping and loading company, or even the City of Alpharetta. A well-practiced attorney in the community could investigate the case to determine what happened and who might bear responsibility in a claim for damages. If more than one party could be liable for the accident, a legal professional could pursue compensation from multiple defendants on behalf of the injured victim.
Recoverable Losses in an Alpharetta Truck Accident
Unfortunately, trucking collisions often result in catastrophic losses that require a diligent local attorney to recover on behalf of the victim. In Georgia, a claimant could seek compensation for two types of damages: economic or non-economic. In rare instances, state courts may also award limited punitive damages. Fortunately, Georgia does not generally cap economic and non-economic damage recovery awards.
Economic Damages
A nearby legal firm could assist a truck accident victim in seeking economic damages for their compensable losses. These could include both past and future expenses related to their injuries, such as:
- Medical expenses
- Nursing or at-home care
- Lost wages
- Lost future earning capacity
Non-Economic Damages
A claimant could also seek non-economic damages, which do not have a set dollar amount. Examples of this include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Anxiety
- Loss of companionship
It is important to note that a person who bears some responsibility for their truck crash may receive a lesser damages award. Because Georgia operates with a modified comparative negligence standard, the court will reduce a claimant's recovery according to their degree of fault. Furthermore, if the court determines that the claimant was more than 50 percent responsible for the accident, they will not recover any damages. A persistent attorney in the area could help defend against allegations of responsibility for injured truck collision victims.
Contact an Attorney to Discuss Your Alpharetta Truck Accident Damages
Truck crash litigation is often complicated and requires an understanding of local, state, and federal rules. If you were injured in a tractor-trailer wreck, work with a knowledgeable attorney who has experience recovering Alpharetta truck accident damages on behalf of victims. Call for a consultation today.