Truck accidents can result in severe, life-altering injuries. These can affect a person’s ability to earn a living and have a significant impact on their overall quality of life. If you were hurt in a truck collision caused by someone else’s negligence, you deserve compensation for the harm they caused you. That is where our team at Robert James Trial Attorneys comes in.
A DeKalb County truck accident lawyer could work with you to pursue the payments you need after a wreck. Our results-driven injury attorneys are ready to get to work for you, so reach out as soon as possible after a collision to get started on your case.
Special Rules that Govern Safe Truck Driving
Truck drivers must obtain specialized licenses and adhere to all relevant regulations that are specific to the trucking industry. One major example of these regulations concerns the maximum weight of vehicles on the interstate highway system. U.S. Department of Transportation rules state that trucks with one axle cannot exceed a total weight of 20,000 pounds. This maximum limit increases to 34,000 pounds for tandem axle groups. In no case can a truck weigh more than 80,000 pounds. Overweight and overloaded trucks can be a serious danger to everyone on the road, as they are prone to tipping and can affect a truck driver’s ability to brake quickly.
Similar laws control maximum drive times. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration mandates that a trucker cannot be on the road for longer than 11 hours a day in most cases. Additionally, a trucker cannot be behind the wheel for more than 60 hours in seven consecutive days. Working past these regulated hours can cause drivers to become drowsy and distracted, making them more likely to drift out of their lane or rear-end a car in front of them.
A violation of these laws places every person on the road at severe risk of harm. Additionally, proof that a trucker broke these laws is powerful evidence in proving that a trucker was negligent and at fault for a collision. Our DeKalb County truck collision attorney could work to evaluate the driving logs of a trucker to determine if their actions were in violation of any federal trucking regulations.
Truck Wrecks Can Cause Serious Injuries
The sheer size and weight of tractor-trailers make them highly dangerous in crashes with smaller vehicles. Injuries from these collisions are often severe, including:
- Broken bones
- Separated joints
- Spinal cord injuries
- Severe cuts and bruises
- Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries
Injuries like these often leave you requiring significant medical care, which can be expensive. Your injury claim can account for your current bills, as well as those that you might have to pay in the future.
Permanent injuries can also affect your ability to earn a living. A skilled DeKalb County truck accident attorney could help to evaluate the impact of the accident on your future economic prospects and demand that negligent truckers and their employers provide compensation for those losses.
A truck crash can also affect your emotional well-being. It is not uncommon for people involved in accidents to suffer from nightmares, flashbacks, or PTSD. Our lawyer could help to measure the full effect of the accident on your life and demand appropriate payments.
Allow a DeKalb County Truck Accident Attorney to Fight for You
Collecting fair compensation after a truck wreck can be difficult without legal guidance. Truckers, their employers, and insurance companies will fight to protect their profits and limit their liability in case of an accident. This can include questioning the validity of evidence, the extent of your losses, and even arguing that the accident was your fault.
You deserve a knowledgeable DeKalb County truck accident lawyer in your corner. We can fight tirelessly on your behalf to establish the trucker’s negligence and get you the payments you need to move on with your life. To discuss your case with a dedicated legal professional, schedule an initial consultation at our office today. You generally only have two years after an accident to file an injury claim, so do not wait to reach out.