Gainesville, GA, Truck Accident Lawyers

Different Types of Truck Accidents

• Rollover accidents: The high center of gravity of commercial trucks makes them susceptible to rollovers, especially during sharp turns or sudden maneuvers. 
• Jackknife accidents: When a truck's trailer swings out at an angle, forming a "V" shape with the cab, it's known as a jackknife accident. These are often caused by braking hard on slippery roads or other factors affecting the truck's control. 
• Rear-end collisions: Due to their size and weight, trucks need more time and distance to stop. This increases the risk of rear-end collisions, especially with smaller passenger vehicles. 
• Head-on collisions: These devastating accidents occur when two vehicles collide head-on. The impact force in truck head-on collisions can be catastrophic. 
• Underride accidents: These occur when a smaller vehicle slides underneath a truck's trailer, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities for the occupants of the smaller vehicle.

Common Truck Accident Injuries

The devastating impact of a truck accident extends far beyond the initial collision. The immense size and weight of these vehicles often results in catastrophic injuries that can forever alter the course of a victim's life.

Victims may suffer traumatic brain injuries, ranging from concussions to severe brain damage, which can lead to long-term cognitive impairment, personality changes, and even permanent disability. Spinal cord injuries can be equally devastating, often resulting in partial or complete paralysis and necessitating a lifetime of specialized care.

The physical trauma of these accidents frequently includes multiple broken bones and fractures, requiring extensive surgeries, lengthy rehabilitation, and sometimes even amputation. Life-threatening internal injuries, such as organ damage or internal bleeding, are also possible; however, they might not be immediately apparent. 

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, contact the attorneys at Van Sant Law to schedule a consultation.

Third-Party Liability

In some cases, liability may extend beyond the truck driver. Third parties could share responsibility if their actions or negligence contributed to the accident. This is what we refer to as "third-party liability."

Examples of third-party liability in truck accidents include:

• A trucking company might be held liable for inadequate driver training, pressuring drivers to violate hours-of-service regulations or failing to properly maintain their vehicles. 
• Cargo loaders could be at fault for improper loading or securing of cargo, leading to spills or shifting loads that compromise the truck's stability. 
• The truck manufacturer could share responsibility if a defective part or design flaw contributed to the accident.

Georgia Truck Accident Statute of Limitations

In Georgia, you typically have two years from the date of a truck accident to file a personal injury claim. This means that if you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, it's vital to act quickly to protect your rights. 

There are some exceptions to this general rule. For instance, if the victim was a minor at the time of the accident, the statute of limitations might be extended. 

It's critical to consult with an experienced attorney at Van Sant Law as soon as possible to understand how the statute of limitations applies to your specific situation.

Compensation Available for Truck Accident Claims

If you've been injured in a truck accident caused by someone else's negligence, you may be entitled to compensation to address the financial burdens and emotional hardships you may be experiencing. 

This compensation can include, but is not limited to:

• Medical expenses: From the initial ambulance ride to ongoing rehabilitation and everything in between, we can fight to get your past, present, and future medical bills covered. 
• Lost wages: If your injuries have kept you from working, you shouldn't have to worry about financial stability. We'll pursue compensation for lost wages and potential future earnings if your ability to work is impacted long-term. 
• Pain and suffering: The physical and emotional toll of a truck accident is immense. We understand that and can work to secure compensation for the pain and suffering you've endured. 
• Property damage: Whether it's the cost to repair your vehicle or replace personal belongings damaged in the accident, we'll pursue compensation for these losses as well.

While these represent the common categories of compensation in truck accident cases, it's important to understand that each case is unique.