What Makes Truck Accident and Car Accident Cases Different?
Truck accidents differ significantly from standard car crashes—not only in the severity of injuries but also in the complexity of the insurance and liability issues involved. A collision with a tractor-trailer on I-75 can involve multiple parties, from trucking companies to maintenance contractors, and may result in devastating, life-altering injuries for victims and their families.
At Essa, Janho & Associates, LLC, our Marietta truck accident lawyers understand the unique challenges of commercial vehicle cases. We build strong claims that identify all liable parties and pursue maximum compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
The Dangers of Semi-Truck Driver Negligence on Marietta Highways
Fully loaded tractor-trailers can weigh up to 36 tons (80,000 pounds). The significant size and weight differential between 18-wheelers and standard passenger vehicles makes large trucks susceptible to more serious accidents and resulting injuries.
Unique Trucking Accidents
Semi-trucks have both a tractor and a trailer. When truck drivers misload cargo, speed, or stop short, it often results in the following mass casualty crashes:
- Rollovers
- Jackknifing
- Underride
- Tire blowouts
- Loss of control
- Blind spot
Heavy trucks also require air brakes and multiple commercial-grade tires that wear out quickly. When drivers and vehicle owners fail to perform mandatory safety checks, it can lead to devastating rear-end crashes and runaway-vehicle accidents.
Large Truck Crash Injuries
When vehicles collide, the speed and weight of the striking vehicle, compared with those of the victim’s vehicle, often determine the resulting injuries. A tractor-trailer driver struck by a motorcyclist might not experience any injuries. Still, a Marietta motorcyclist struck by an 18-wheeler at the same speed may suffer from catastrophic trauma, including traumatic brain injuries, paralysis, fractures, internal bleeding, and death.
Understanding Federal Commercial Trucking Safety, Insurance, and Liability Laws
Unlike passenger vehicle drivers, commercial truck drivers and owners are subject to the following strict federal safety and insurance regulations.
Hours of Service (HOS)
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires truck drivers to follow specific hours-of-service (HOS) rules to prevent dangerous long-haul truck driver fatigue. Experienced truck accident attorneys for Atlanta will immediately request mandatory hourly service logs to determine if a violation occurred.
Safety Checks and Maintenance
In addition to truck driver licensing, health, and safety regulations, semi-truck owners must regularly conduct safety and maintenance checks. Truck owners and the truck driver’s employer are also responsible for accidents resulting from maintenance failures and truck driver negligence. Unlike traditional car crashes, truck accident cases generally involve multiple liable parties.
Commercial Insurance Requirements
Due to the serious nature of large truck crashes, federal law requires commercial trucks to carry between $300,000–$5,000,000 in injury liability insurance. These high-value policies allow experienced truck crash lawyers to demand the full value of catastrophic injury damages for your lifetime medical expenses, lost wages and benefits, and significant pain and suffering.
Semi-Truck Accident Injury Lawyers in Marietta, GA
The dedicated tractor-trailer collision attorneys at Essa, Janho & Associates, LLC understand the complex federal safety and insurance laws applicable to commercial vehicle crashes outside Atlanta. Let us take on powerful fleet owners while you focus on rebuilding your life.
Call us today at 770-955-8322 for English or 770-771-3568 for Spanish, or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.