There are many trucks on the roads in and around Gainesville. These vehicles play a vital role in transporting goods across the country. However, driving a massive truck is challenging. Drivers must undergo extensive training and follow federal and state rules and regulations or risk losing their commercial driver’s license.
Even with these rules and regulations, collisions still occur with lasting consequences. Knowing the common causes of truck accidents in Gainesville can help truck drivers and other motorists prevent these devastating collisions. When a negligent trucker does cause a crash, you could be entitled to compensation for your losses. Speak with an experienced truck accident attorney to learn more.
Truck accidents can happen for many of the same reasons as passenger car wrecks. However, unlike most motorists, truckers are often responsible for carrying heavy cargo for long periods of time. This extra weight and the immense size of these vehicles means a collision at any speed on any road could have devastating consequences for passenger cars or pedestrians. Some of the most common causes of Gainesville truck crashes include the following:
Truck drivers, their parent companies, and other motorists have an obligation to take every possible step to reduce the possibility of an accident. Unfortunately, preventative measures are not always enough. When an accident occurs, injured parties should seek prompt medical care before calling on a knowledgeable attorney to protect their legal rights.
It is common for truck accidents in Gainesville to have more than one specific cause. As such, it is possible for a civil action to list more than one defendant as responsible for a tractor-trailer collision.
If a trucker acts negligently behind the wheel, an injury claim could name them as the liable party. Negligent acts could include driving under the influence, speeding, talking on the phone, and more. A manufacturer of the brakes or other parts of the truck could also be a defendant if a mechanical failure or defect contributed to a crash. Finally, a truck driver’s parent company could be at fault if the agency failed to ensure the trucker received adequate training.
Every case is different, and an experienced attorney could help determine who could be liable for a specific wreck.
The statute of limitations sets a strict time limit for filing a lawsuit after a truck crash. Under the Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 9-3-33, anyone filing a truck accident claim must take legal action within two years of the collision. If a plaintiff does not immediately recognize the extent of damage resulting from an accident, this time limit will begin the day they discover their injuries.
Taking swift action after a wreck is crucial. Missing the legal deadline will usually mean a Gainesville plaintiff loses the opportunity to recover compensation from the at-fault party, regardless of the exact cause of the truck crash. Getting in touch with a seasoned lawyer as soon as possible could help a plaintiff ensure they take all necessary steps before the statute of limitations expires.
Massive commercial trucks can cause significant damage to passenger cars and their occupants in an accident. Whenever someone else is responsible for a wreck, they should be held accountable for the harm they cause others. However, determining the cause of a truck collision can be complex, especially when there is more than one party responsible for a trucker’s actions.
A hard-working lawyer who understands the common causes of truck accidents in Gainesville could help you navigate the process of getting the compensation you need. Contact Smith Hulsey today to schedule your free initial consultation with a dedicated member of our team.
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