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Columbus Tractor-Trailer Accident Lawyers

Are You in Need of a Columbus Tractor-Trailer Accident Lawyer?

Every day, tractor-trailers pass through Columbus, Georgia, on highways like I-185 and US-27. These massive commercial trucks are essential to commerce, but when they're involved in accidents, the results can be catastrophic.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident involving an 18-wheeler or semi-truck, you need experienced legal support. At Butler Prather LLP, our team is prepared to help you navigate the complexities of a truck accident injury claim and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Tractor-trailer accidents often lead to life-changing injuries and wrongful death, and victims face a complicated legal process that involves trucking companies, insurance carriers, and federal regulations.

If you've been injured in a semi-truck accident in Columbus, working with a skilled Columbus truck accident attorney gives you the advantage of deep legal knowledge and trial-tested experience. They can help you seek justice and secure compensation after a serious collision.

Butler Prather LLP has been representing truck accident victims for more than 35 years. We understand the unique challenges of these cases and know how to build a personal injury lawsuit that holds negligent parties accountable.

Why Choose Us Over Other Truck Accident Lawyers in Columbus?

When you're dealing with a devastating tractor-trailer collision, you need a Columbus truck accident lawyer who goes beyond the minimum effort.

At Butler Prather LLP, we have a national reputation for tackling high-stakes personal injury and wrongful death cases. We approach every truck accident case with intense preparation, full transparency, and relentless determination.

Truck Accident Law Firm in Columbus

  • Ten verdicts exceeding $100 million, a distinction few firms can claim
  • We’ve represented clients in more than 30 states, underscoring our national reach
  • Consistently selected for Super Lawyers based on peer reviews and independent research
  • Partner James E. Butler Jr. honored in the Atlanta Bar Association's Legends of the Bar Series
  • Nationally recognized for trial advocacy and litigation results
  • Thorough, hands-on case preparation with courtroom readiness from day one
  • Deep understanding of FMCSA regulations and trucking industry standards
  • Trusted by other attorneys to handle complex semi-truck accident litigation
  • Free consultations and contingency-based fees (you pay nothing unless we win)

What Compensation Can You Get for a Tractor-Trailer Accident Claim in Georgia?

A successful truck accident injury claim in Georgia may provide compensation for a wide range of losses. Because truck crashes often result in severe injuries and long recovery times, your compensation needs to reflect the full scope of your damages—not just your immediate medical bills but the long-term costs and consequences of the accident, as well.

Potential compensation includes:

  • Medical expenses: This includes all past, present, and future medical bills related to the injury, such as emergency room visits, surgeries, hospital stays, medication, physical therapy, in-home care, assistive devices, and transportation for treatment.
  • Lost wages: If you missed work due to the accident, you can recover your lost income.
  • Reduced earning capacity: If your injuries limit your ability to return to your previous job or career, you may be compensated for lost future earnings.
  • Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical pain you endured as a result of your injuries.
  • Emotional distress and PTSD: Many truck accident victims experience anxiety, depression, nightmares, and emotional trauma, which can significantly affect their quality of life.
  • Permanent disability or disfigurement: Long-term or lifelong impairments, including scarring, amputations, and paralysis, may entitle you to additional damages.
  • Property damage: Reimbursement for the repair or replacement of your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the crash.
  • Loss of enjoyment of life: Damages for the ways your injuries prevent you from enjoying hobbies, social activities, and day-to-day life.
  • Loss of consortium: If your relationship with your spouse has suffered due to your injuries, compensation may be available.
  • Wrongful death damages: If a loved one was killed in a truck accident, surviving family members may seek funeral and burial expenses, loss of income, and the emotional loss of companionship and support.

At Butler Prather LLP, we build comprehensive personal injury lawsuits that reflect the true cost of your injury and the justice you deserve.

Every case is unique, and insurance companies often undervalue claims. That's why our Columbus personal injury law firm works with medical professionals, forensic economists, and accident reconstruction experts to get a clear picture of what really happened.

What Our Clients Have to Say About Us

“A Very Satisfied Client” - Roy Burns (5-Star Google Review)

My wife was involved in a terrible wreck, hit by a large truck that ran a RED LIGHT! One of my brothers told me about this law firm, Butler Prather LLP! After praying to God to help my wife recover from this wreck, the second best thing was calling [Butler Prather LLP]. This firm operates as a highly professional organization, competent and extremely loyal to its clients. When you are assigned an attorney to work your case, you also meet a team of professionals. And they all come to work for you; my wife and I called it "Total Coverage," from start to finish, your team is hard at work [...] to win your case for you! A very satisfied client!

“Always Three Steps Ahead” - Zack Hendon (5-Star Google Review)

I associated [...] Butler Prather LLP to help me bring justice to two boys whose father was killed in a terrible accident. This was a complex premises liability case involving a multinational corporation. Butler Wooten was always three steps ahead of these defendants. When they say they are "exceptional trial lawyers, " this is not just a slogan, but it is a way of life.

“Hometown Feel […] Wonderful, Friendly Staff” - Billy Gloyd (5-Star Google Review)

This law firm under Jim Butler is local and has a long-standing tradition [of] taking care of their clients, whatever it takes. Although the name is known nationally, you still get that hometown feel from the attorneys and the wonderful, friendly staff.

Common Types of Injuries from Tractor-Trailer Accidents

Tractor-trailer accidents cause significantly more severe injuries than collisions involving passenger vehicles. Due to their sheer size, weight, and the force they generate on impact, 18-wheelers and semi-trucks often leave victims with catastrophic injuries that require long-term or even lifelong medical care. Sadly, many survivors are left unable to work, support their families, or live independently.

Common injuries include:

  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): TBIs range from concussions to severe brain damage and can cause memory loss, personality changes, cognitive decline, and permanent disability.
  • Spinal cord injuries: Often result in partial or total paralysis, including paraplegia or quadriplegia, and usually require intensive physical therapy and adaptive equipment.
  • Multiple broken bones and complex fractures: Victims may suffer shattered limbs, crushed pelvises, or fractured ribs, often requiring surgeries and lengthy rehabilitation.
  • Severe lacerations and internal bleeding: Deep cuts from broken glass or jagged metal can lead to infections, scarring, and hemorrhaging that require emergency intervention.
  • Organ damage: Internal trauma to the lungs, liver, spleen, or kidneys can be life-threatening and may require surgical removal or long-term medical management.
  • Burn injuries: Fires, explosions, or contact with hot engine components can cause first-, second-, or third-degree burns, leading to scarring, infection, and painful skin grafts.
  • Crush injuries: When a vehicle is pinned under a semi-truck or trailer, limbs and bones may be crushed beyond repair, sometimes necessitating amputation.
  • Amputations: Loss of fingers, arms, or legs often leads to extensive prosthetic use, physical therapy, and emotional trauma.
  • Psychological trauma: Many victims develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and other emotional consequences that require counseling or psychiatric care.

Don't Wait! How Long Do You Have to File a Truck Accident Claim in Georgia?

In Georgia, you typically have two years from the date of a crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, the time limit may vary depending on the circumstances.

If your case involves a government vehicle or entity, for example, you may have only six months to provide notice of your claim. Acting quickly gives your Columbus truck accident lawyer time to:

  • Preserve evidence from the crash scene
  • Interview witnesses while their memories are fresh
  • Retrieve black box data from the semi-truck
  • Prevent the trucking company from destroying key records

How Is Negligence Determined in Truck Accident Cases?

For your attorney to win a truck accident injury claim, they must prove that the other party was negligent. In other words, your attorney must prove that the other party’s actions or inactions caused the accident.

In truck accident cases, proving negligence often involves navigating a complex web of federal and state regulations, corporate safety protocols, and multi-party involvement. Also, unlike a typical car accident, a semi-truck accident often includes several potentially liable parties, including the driver, the trucking company, maintenance providers, and even cargo loaders.

Common examples of negligence in a truck crash accident include:

  • Driver fatigue from violating Hours of Service regulations established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
  • Distracted driving, including cellphone use, eating, or adjusting GPS devices while operating the vehicle
  • Speeding or reckless driving, particularly in poor weather or high-traffic areas
  • Improperly loaded cargo that shifts during transport, leading to rollovers or loss of control
  • Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, which impairs judgment and reaction time
  • Negligent hiring or training practices by the trucking company, such as hiring unqualified drivers or failing to provide proper safety instruction
  • Failure to inspect and maintain the truck properly, including brakes, tires, and lights

In many cases, multiple forms of negligence overlap. For example, a trucking company may pressure drivers to skip mandatory rest breaks to meet delivery deadlines, indirectly encouraging unsafe driving behavior.

Investigating the Accident

Butler Prather LLP will conduct a comprehensive investigation that allows our legal team to pinpoint the causes of the crash and hold the appropriate parties accountable.

We know how to build a compelling, fact-based case that stands up in court or settlement negotiations. For example, our Columbus truck accident attorneys will collect and analyze the following types of evidence:

  • Driver logs and maintenance records to identify violations of safety procedures
  • Black box (EDR) data, which can reveal speed, brake usage, and hours of operation before the crash
  • Surveillance or dashcam footage from the truck or surrounding vehicles
  • Accident reconstruction reports from professional analysts who recreate the sequence of events
  • Toxicology reports that may show substance use or impairment at the time of the accident
  • Eyewitness statements, which can corroborate facts like erratic driving or missed traffic signals

Speak With an Experienced Columbus Tractor-Trailer Accident Lawyer

When you or a loved one has been injured in a truck crash accident, you need legal support from a team with proven results. At Butler Prather LLP, our attorneys are ready to stand by your side and take on trucking companies, insurance carriers, and negligent drivers to help injured victims get justice.

With decades of experience, substantial courtroom victories, and a deep commitment to client care, we’re the law firm Georgia families trust after a serious collision.

Call (706) 322-1990 now for a free consultation with our Columbus truck accident lawyers.

Some of Our Tractor-Trailor Accident Case Results

Car Accident / Wrongful Death

Daniel v. Capital City Machine Shop, Eaton Corporation & Westmoreland Hauling, Inc., State Court of Gwinnett County, Georgia. Wrongful death action brought by the surviving parents of a 12-year-old girl who died when the automobile in which she was a passenger was struck by a wheel and axle, which separated from a large truck.

Car Accident / Delivery Truck

Russell v. Mannesmann Demag Corp., et al., State Court of Fulton County, Georgia. 71-year-old plaintiff suffered a broken leg and other miscellaneous injuries when defendant’s delivery truck turned in front of her vehicle.

Commercial Truck / Personal Injury

Wagner vs. Tony Cook Trucking Co. and Estate of Beck. On February 18, 2016, Mr. Wagner was the front seat passenger in a Toyota Corolla as the driver attempted to turn left at on a highway in Banks County, Georgia. The Corolla was violently struck by a dump truck. The driver of the Corolla was killed in the wreck. An investigation determined that the dump truck had brakes that were out of alignment. Mr. Wagner suffered severe injuries in the wreck, including a life-threatening brain injury that left him in a coma for seven days. The case settled prior to suit being filed, with Mr. Wagner recovering policy limits from the driver of the Corolla, the owner of the Corolla, and the owner of the dump truck.

Tractor-Trailer Accident FAQs

What should I do immediately after a truck accident in Georgia?

First, seek medical attention for any injuries. Then, report the accident to the police, document the scene with photos or video if possible, and avoid making statements to insurance companies before speaking with a Columbus truck accident attorney. Preserving evidence is crucial, and early legal guidance can protect your rights.

How is a truck accident case different from a regular car accident case?

Truck accident cases involve complex factors such as federal safety regulations, commercial vehicle insurance policies, multiple potentially liable parties (driver, trucking company, manufacturer), and catastrophic injuries. You need a Columbus tractor-trailer accident lawyer with experience navigating these complexities.

Who can be liable in a semi-truck accident?

Liable parties may include the truck driver, trucking company, cargo loaders, maintenance contractors, or even vehicle manufacturers. Butler Prather LLP conducts a detailed investigation to identify every party responsible and pursue full compensation.

What kinds of compensation can I recover in a truck accident injury claim?

You may be entitled to damages for medical bills, lost wages, future income loss, pain and suffering, emotional distress, property damage, and, in some cases, punitive damages. Families who’ve lost a loved one in a truck accident may also file a wrongful death claim.

Do I need a lawyer if the insurance company already made an offer?

Yes. Insurance companies often make low initial offers to protect their bottom line. A skilled Columbus tractor-trailer accident attorney can assess the true value of your claim, negotiate aggressively, and take your case to trial if needed to secure fair compensation.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means you can still recover compensation if you are less than 50% at fault, but your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. Butler Prather LLP can help reduce or refute claims of partial liability.

How long will my truck accident case take?

The timeline varies based on factors like injury severity, a dispute over liability, and whether a settlement is reached or a trial is necessary. Some cases resolve in months; others take over a year. Butler Prather LLP prepares each case for trial from day one to maximize results.

What does it cost to hire Butler Prather LLP?

We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we recover compensation for you. Also, your initial case consultation is completely free.

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Columbus Office:
105 13th Street
Columbus, GA 31901

Mailing address:
P.O. Box 2766
Columbus, GA 31902

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Columbus Personal Injury Attorneys

I was in a complex premises liability case involving a multinational corporations. Mr. Butler & his associates were always three steps ahead of these defendants. When they say they are "exceptional trial lawyers," this is not just a slogan but it is a way of life.”
- Zack Hendon