Columbus Truck Accident Lawyers
Truck Accident Attorneys in Columbus, GA, Who Get Results
Trucking companies make their money by moving cargo from point A to point B as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, many trucking firms are willing to take unacceptable risks to increase their bottom line. They hire unsafe drivers, skimp on vehicle safety, and refuse to provide the necessary driver training and supervision to protect you and your family from catastrophic injuries.
A fully loaded big rig truck weighs over 40 tons. When it crashes into a motorcycle, SUV, bicycle, pedestrian, or regular passenger vehicle, the results can be devastating. Following a truck crash, you or a loved one may require a lifetime of medical treatment and assisted living care.
At Butler Prather LLP, we’ve been helping accident victims for over 35 years. Our firm has obtained hundreds of millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for clients in over 30 states. We’ve won nine verdicts that exceed $100 million, and we’ve also won over 60 verdicts and settlements of over $10 million.
Many trucking companies will try to suppress evidence after an accident. Our attorneys at Butler Prather LLP will file an injunction to protect evidence and subpoena company records to find out if they were engaging in dangerous practices or employing unsafe drivers. Then we’ll file a lawsuit to help you get the resources you need to pay your medical bills and other expenses such as rehabilitation and occupational therapy.
Call us at (706) 322-1990 to schedule your complimentary consultation today.
What Causes Truck Accidents?
Accidents caused by negligent truck drivers could be eliminated if trucking companies took the necessary precautions. A lot of trucking companies are careless about hiring new drivers. A big rig truck is a complex machine that requires a mature and experienced driver with a good safety record. But due to high driver turnover, companies try to save money by taking on drivers who don’t have the necessary background.
It’s important for trucking firms to check references and contact the applicant’s previous employer. They are also required to regularly collect DMV readouts from current drivers to demonstrate that they are maintaining a safe record. Ongoing training is important to make sure drivers know the correct way to operate the vehicles they are using. Experienced drivers are far less likely to become distracted or use unsafe driving and braking techniques.
Trucking companies can install equipment that prevents drivers from going too fast, and managers should also monitor driving logs to prevent drivers from violating federal hours of service laws (HOS), which require drivers to take regular breaks. Sadly, many trucking firms fail to review the number of hours their drivers are logging, and some companies even pressure drivers to break HOS rules.
Regular maintenance and inspections are essential to ensure that trucks are functioning properly. Components such as tires, brakes, and safety lights must be in proper working order to keep everyone safe on the road. Trucks have to be properly loaded to prevent unnecessary wear, enhance driving safety, and reduce the chances of a jackknife accident.
Frequent causes of truck accidents include:
- DUI
- Negligent hiring
- Lack of supervision
- Poor truck maintenance
- Improper loading
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Tailgating
- Fatigued driving
- Retention of unsafe drivers
Your Truck Accidents Lawyer Will Investigate the Accident
When an accident occurs, many trucking firms will send out a team of so-called investigators to cover up evidence and harass victims into making statements that could harm your claim. That’s why your Columbus personal injury lawyer is the only person you’ll want to talk to about the details of your accident.
The investigators at Butler Prather LLP will retrieve evidence at the scene, interview everyone involved, and conduct a thorough investigation to find out who is responsible for your injuries. We will collect and examine the following types of information:
- Accident scene photos
- Witness interviews
- Truck recorder data (the truck’s “black box”)
- Maintenance records
- Police reports
- Expert testimony
- Accident reconstructions
- Driver logs
- Internal company records
- Driver and company history of violations
Damages Available
When a negligent trucker causes an accident, it’s usually someone else who suffers the consequences. In a recent year, 5,788 people were killed in traffic accidents involving trucks, and 72 percent of them were occupants of other vehicles, according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Accidents caused by trucks are often severe. If you are lucky enough to survive, it may take several months or longer until you are ready to go back to work. Many types of injuries caused by truck crashes are so severe that you won’t ever be able to resume the lifestyle you enjoyed before the accident. In many cases, a spouse or loved one is forced to leave their job to care for an injured relative.
The trial attorneys at Butler Prather LLP will seek the following types of damages in a truck accident claim or lawsuit:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Reduced earning potential
- Disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
- Time missed from work
- Physical therapy
- Reduced enjoyment of life
- Wheelchair ramps for your home
- Wrongful death
Common Truck Accident Injuries
In our offices at Butler Prather LLP, we’ve met people suffering from various types of injuries caused by truck crashes. Some of the cases we handle most frequently include the following:
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Severe burns
- Spinal cord damage
- Neck and back injuries
- Whiplash
- Loss of limb
- Bone fractures
- Crush injuries
- Lacerations
- Internal organ damage
Who Is Liable for Your Injuries?
Anyone whose negligent behavior contributed to your accident may be held liable for your injuries and other damages. Based on our accident investigation, Butler Prather LLP will file a claim against one or more liable parties, which may include:
- Careless truck drivers
- Drivers in other vehicles
- Truck company owners and managers
- Manufacturers of faulty vehicle components
- Truck loading companies
- Mechanics
- Road maintenance companies
- Public officials responsible for road safety
Were You Injured by a Carless Truck Driver?
Butler Prather LLP is one of the most prominent and successful personal injury firms in the country. Since 1988, our Columbus attorneys have been dedicated to aiding those injured by the negligent actions of others. We’ve helped thousands of people get the resources they need to recover and care for their families after an accident.
We treat all our clients with respect and compassion and are always available to address any of your questions or concerns. We understand that it’s not just a case; it’s your life.
Call our Georgia truck accident lawyers at (706) 322-1990 to schedule a free initial consultation. Let’s see how we can help.