Tractor-Trailer Collisions: More than Just a Wreck with a Big Vehicle
When you’re involved in a collision with a tractor-trailer, you’ll know immediately that it’s far more than just a wreck with a bigger vehicle. These incidents are often life-altering, with devastating consequences that extend far beyond the initial impact. Because of their sheer size and weight, tractor-trailers present a significant danger on the road. Victims of collisions with a semi-truck face severe injuries, long recoveries, and even lifelong disabilities or death. The trauma is real, the road to recovery is long, and navigating the legal challenges can feel overwhelming. This is why having a personal injury attorney with specific tractor-trailer case experience by your side is essential.
Understanding the Complexity of Tractor-Trailer Collisions
A tractor-trailer collision immediately involves a complex web of laws, multiple parties, and a system that can be difficult to navigate without guidance. Unlike a typical car-vs-car wreck, where the responsibility usually rests with one party, a tractor-trailer collision often involves several players.
Typically, the involved parties include the truck driver, the trucking company, their insurance providers, and potentially even the vehicle manufacturer or a maintenance contractor. Each party may point fingers at the other to avoid liability, and without proper legal representation, victims can quickly find themselves lost in the shuffle, with insurance companies looking to minimize their payout.
Establishing Liability in Tractor-Trailer Collisions
In tractor-trailer cases, establishing liability can be a challenge. Was the truck driver following safety protocols? Were they adhering to strict federal guidelines about how many hours they are allowed to drive? Was the vehicle properly maintained? These are the types of questions your legal team will pursue, building your case with evidence from black box data, driver logs, maintenance records, and more.
The Importance of Acting Quickly
Unfortunately, without the help of someone who understands how trucking companies and insurers operate, this crucial evidence can be lost or destroyed. That’s why immediate action after a tractor-trailer wreck is vital, not just for your health but also for the success of your legal claim. Rest assured, tractor-trailer insurers are well aware of the potential exposure generated by their driver causing a catastrophic collision. They not only have retained representation immediately creating their defense, they’ll have experts and other representatives “shaping the evidence” within hours from the wreck. If you don’t have an equally committed team ready to respond with immediate action, led by an experienced attorney, your case can and will be significantly impaired.
In the aftermath of a tractor-trailer collision, victims often face serious injuries, mounting medical bills, lost wages, and the stress of ongoing treatment. An experienced personal injury attorney who specializes in tractor-trailer wrecks can not only help you understand the compensation you’re entitled to, they will also fight to get it for you.
Compensation for Tractor-Trailer Collision Victims
Victims in a semi-truck collision may be eligible for compensation for a wide range of losses. These typically include medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and even punitive damages if egregious conduct was involved. Given that tractor-trailer wrecks often result in catastrophic injuries or even fatalities, the stakes are high. You deserve an advocate who will approach your case with the care and expertise it requires.
The Role of Federal and State Regulations
Many victims of tractor-trailer collisions also don’t realize how important federal and state regulations are in determining liability. Truck drivers and the companies that employ them are subject to strict rules under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These include limits on how long drivers can be on the road without a break, how much weight their trucks can carry, and how often their vehicles must be inspected.
When trucking companies or drivers violate these regulations, they can be held responsible for the harm caused. However, proving these violations requires a keen understanding of both federal and state law. The challenges of litigating a tractor-trailer collision case are significant. If you want to ensure you receive appropriate compensation for your losses and damages, hiring an experienced personal injury attorney is crucial.
Don't Wait to Protect Your Rights
In Georgia, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim involving a tractor-trailer wreck is typically two years from the date of the collision. Waiting that long to take action, however, will jeopardize, and potentially destroy, your case. Crucial evidence and witness testimony are often lost if you wait weeks or more to pursue justice in your case. Acting swiftly not only protects your legal rights, but also increases the chances of a successful outcome.
We’re Here to Help
At Lazenby Law Group, we understand how devastating a tractor-trailer collision can be. We hold the record for the largest tractor-trailer verdict in the history of this region. We know you’re dealing with physical pain, emotional trauma, and the daunting prospect of rebuilding your life. That’s why we’re here — not just to fight for the compensation you deserve, but to be your guide through every step of the process.
Our experience, compassion, and dedication to each client set us apart, and we’ll be by your side, advocating for your best interests, every step of the way. Contact us today for a complimentary consultation with our team, and we will be in touch within 24 hours.
