Side-impact motor vehicle accidents can be especially dangerous due to the point of impact and weakened structural protection afforded to passengers and drivers. As a result, the injuries involved in such collisions can be devastatingly traumatic. When a lateral traffic crash involves a large commercial truck or semi-tractor-trailer-truck, the likelihood of casualties dramatically increases.
If a side-impact truck accident in Alpharetta has drastically impacted you or someone you know, you may be able to seek financial compensation for the resulting damage through an injury claim against any liable parties involved. For legal assistance in the litigation process, reach out to a skilled attorney with experience handling these types of personal injury cases.
How are Side-Impact Truck Accidents Caused?
Side-impact motor vehicle collisions are some of most frequent types of traffic accidents in Alpharetta, and there are many ways in which they can occur. Some common causes of lateral truck collisions include the following:
- Failure to properly stop or yield
- Distracted or inattentive driving
- Intoxicated driving
- Hazardous road conditions (e.g. poor weather, limited visibility, etc.)
- Speeding
Due to their size and weight, commercial trucks and tractor-trailers can cause extensive damage to other vehicles and motorists when they collide with them laterally. Many side-impact trucking accidents can be avoided with attentive and responsible driving practices, so those who were injured by negligent semi or tractor-trailer operators in Alpharetta should contact a nearby attorney to discuss who may held be liable for their injuries.
Recoverable Damages in Side-Impact Commercial Trucking Accident Claims
To seek an adequate recovery of damages after a side-impact truck collision, it is crucial that injured victims retain the right legal advocate to assist with personal injury claims. In Georgia, if a motorist sustains an injury in a traffic accident involving a commercial semi-truck or semi-tractor-trailer truck, there may be state restrictions on their potential compensation.
This is due to the state's adoption of contributory negligence law. The statute holds that someone hurt in a side-impact semi-truck collision may be limited or barred from recovering damages if they are deemed to have contributed to the accident and their ensuing injuries to some extent. Under §51-12-33(a) of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, if the injured party is partially responsible for causing the accident, the amount of monetary damages awarded to them may be reduced by their percentage of fault, as determined by a jury. If the percentage of fault assigned to an injured party exceeds 50 percent, the court will not permit the driver to recover damages at all under O.C.G.A. §51-12-33(g).
Contributory negligence laws are complex and vary from state to state. Alpharetta residents considering civil litigation for injuries from a lateral semi-truck collision should contact a skilled local attorney who can deftly navigate the legal system.
Speak with a Side-Impact Truck Accidents Lawyer in Alpharetta Today
A side-impact truck accident can gravely or even fatally injure a motorist and their passengers. In cases where a lateral traffic collision involves a large commercial vehicle or semi-tractor-trailer truck, the injuries sustained can result in heavy financial burdens for the impacted victims.
If you or your loved one was hurt in a side-impact truck accident in Alpharetta, there is legal support available in pursuing financial compensation. Call now to speak with a practiced attorney about the viability of your potential injury claim.