Every day, the U.S. transit system sees millions of trucks traversing its roads. Despite the rigorous safety standards set by local, state, and federal regulatory bodies, many of these trucks remain unfit for operation, posing a constant risk to other vehicles on the road. When an accident does occur, trucking accident attorneys at Mitchell Shapiro Greenamyre & Funt LLP in Atlanta, Georgia can protect your interests. A semi tractor trailer accident is a serious and legally complex affair. Make sure you have the best attorneys available. Choose Mitchell Shapiro Greenamyre & Funt LLP for unparalleled legal support, and allow us to guide you through this challenging journey.
The Risks of Truck Crashes in Commercial Traffic
Large commercial vehicles are inherently dangerous to other traffic on the road. Like any motor vehicle or car accident, a trucking accident can be caused by negligence, which may become more likely due to the long hours that truck drivers spend on the road. DUI is also frequently a factor. A semi tractor trailer accident can also be caused by defective products in the vehicle. Attorneys will be able to determine which factors have caused a particular incident.
In addition to these issues, there are a number of details specific to a trucking accident that require the expertise of attorneys like those at Mitchell Shapiro Greenamyre & Funt LLP, who are intimately familiar with this area of the law. A semi tractor trailer accident can be caused when a truck tips over or spills its cargo – these accidents are common because trucks are less maneuverable and have a higher center of gravity than cars.
Because trucks are also bigger and slower than other vehicles, they may cause traffic delays. This can frustrate other drivers, who may drive aggressively or recklessly in response. Additionally, trucks have large blind spots, which means that they can hit other vehicles when changing lanes. Because a truck is so large, it also has more force in an impact, making a trucking accident potentially more serious than an accident between cars.
The Law Governing Trucking Accidents
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is responsible for regulating commercial traffic. This organization controls commercial licensing standards, establishes safety regulations, and tracks the safety record of commercial transit companies. The FMCSA’s ultimate aim is to reduce the frequency of accidents and make the average trucking accident less severe. Effective attorneys must know the FMCSA’s standards. The FMCSA’s Atlanta, Georgia regional office serves most of the South.
The standards set by the FMCSA are strict, but its resources are simply not sufficient to track the activities of every truck on the road. Fortunately, these standards provide the basis for lawsuits when vehicle operators, owners, and/or manufacturers in Georgia fail to act responsibly. Good semi-tractor trailer accident attorneys must be well versed in federal and state regulations governing commercial traffic and the trucking industry.
Time Limit to File a Georgia Truck Accident Claim
Generally, the statute of limitations for truck accident claims in Georgia is two years from the date of the accident. However, this timeline can vary depending on the specific circumstances of your case.
Given the complexity of truck accident cases and the need for a thorough investigation, it’s crucial to take prompt action. Waiting too long to initiate legal proceedings could result in the forfeiture of your right to seek compensation. If you believe you have a truck accident claim, we recommend reaching out to our skilled attorneys without delay. Our experience in handling truck accident cases will ensure that your rights are protected and your case is managed within the necessary legal timeframe.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Truck Accident in Georgia?
Determining liability in a truck accident involves a close evaluation of various factors. Liability is typically established based on negligence, which refers to the failure to exercise reasonable care while operating a vehicle. In the context of truck accidents, multiple parties can potentially be held liable, each contributing to the complex nature of these cases.
Parties that might be held liable for a truck accident in Georgia can include not only the truck driver but also the trucking company, the owner of the truck, maintenance personnel, manufacturers of defective parts, and even entities responsible for road maintenance if hazardous road conditions played a role in the accident.
Given the intricate web of potential liabilities, building a strong case necessitates a comprehensive understanding of trucking regulations, industry standards, and legal intricacies. Our adept team at Mitchell Shapiro Greenamyre & Funt LLP possesses the expertise needed to navigate these complexities, ensuring that every liable party is held accountable for the harm they’ve caused.
Contact Our Atlanta Semi-Tractor Trailer Accident Attorneys
As a team of high-level trucking and Atlanta car accident attorneys, Mitchell Shapiro Greenamyre & Funt LLP stay up-to-date with the latest developments in commercial transit. The regulations governing commercial vehicle safety are constantly changing, and staying abreast of changes requires extensive experience conducting cases in this legal area. Contact Mitchell Shapiro Greenamyre & Funt LLP, Georgia’s leading semi-tractor trailer accident attorneys, to learn more about commercial vehicle accidents or to schedule a consultation.