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.
Many trucking companies will also try to suppress evidence after an accident. Thankfully, our Columbus truck accident 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.
Call us at (706) 322-1990 to schedule your complimentary consultation today.
Are You in Need of a Columbus Truck Accident Lawyer?
A fully loaded commercial semi-truck weighs over 40 tons. When it crashes into a motorcycle, SUV, bicycle, pedestrian, or regular passenger vehicle, the results can be devastating. You or a loved one may require a lifetime of medical treatment and assisted living care.
Butler Prather LLP will file a claim or lawsuit to help you get the resources you need to pay your medical bills and other expenses, such as lost wages.
Why Choose Us Over Other Truck Accident Law Firms?
Butler Prather LLP has been helping accident victims in Columbus for over 35 years. We've successfully taken on some of the most powerful interests in the nation, and we won't back down from anybody when pursuing justice for our clients.
Butler Prather LLP | Truck Accident Lawyer in Columbus, GA
- We offer free initial case consultations.
- We've won over $1 billion for our clients
- We've won cases in more than 30 states.
- We've won 10 verdicts over $100 million.
- We've won more than 60 verdicts and settlements over $10 million.
- We've won more than 175 verdicts and settlements over $1 million.
- We've been recognized by Super Lawyers.
Do You Have a Truck Accident Case?
To determine if you have a valid semi-truck accident case, you'll need to establish that the accident resulted from negligence—whether on the part of the truck driver, the trucking company, or another party. The extent of your injuries and damages also plays a role in assessing the validity of your case.
When you meet with the experienced Columbus tractor trailer accident attorneys at Butler Prather LLP, we'll discuss your options for moving forward with your case.
What Causes Truck Accidents?
Accidents caused by negligent commercial 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 commercial vehicles 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
- Failure to check blind spots
- Retention of unsafe drivers
Your Columbus Truck Accident Lawyer Will Investigate the Accident
When an accident occurs, many trucking firms will send out so-called investigators to cover up evidence and harass victims into making statements that could harm your claim. That's why your Columbus truck accident attorney 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 in Columbus, 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 Columbus 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
How a Truck Accident Attorney Can Help
The legal process following a trucking accident can be daunting. Butler Prather LLP has extensive experience helping truck accident victims get the money they need to start putting their lives back together following a truck accident.
When it comes to your legal case, our truck accident lawyers do the heavy lifting so you can focus on taking care of yourself and your loved ones. Our law firm offers the following services to our truck accident clients:
- Free consultation: Our lawyers assess your case and advise on the best course of action.
- Evidence gathering: We collect the necessary information to build a strong claim against all at-fault parties.
- Filing a claim: Our lawyers ensure your truck accident injury claim is filed correctly and on time.
- Negotiation: We negotiate with the insurance companies, working to reach a fair settlement.
- Litigation: If necessary, Butler Prather LLP represents you in court, seeking a favorable verdict on your behalf.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Truck Accident in Georgia?
The statute of limitations sets the maximum timeframe for legal proceedings to be initiated after you've been injured in an accident. In Georgia, it's generally two years from the date of the accident. Failing to file within this period can result in losing the right to pursue legal action.
Were You Injured by a Careless Truck Driver?
Butler Prather LLP is one of the most prominent and successful truck accident law firms in the country. Since 1988, our Columbus personal injury attorneys have been dedicated to helping 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 and are always available to address any of your questions or concerns.
Call our Georgia truck accident lawyers at (706) 322-1990 to schedule a free initial consultation. This isn't just a case—it's your life. Let's see how we can help.
Some of Our Case Results
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 the 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 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 was settled prior to the 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.
What Clients Are Saying 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 [that is] 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!
Truck Accident FAQs
Do I Really Need a Truck Accident Lawyer?
Trucking companies are very aggressive when it comes to preventing accident victims from getting a fair share. Butler Prather LLP will hit the ground running, taking immediate steps to preserve evidence, and we won't be intimidated by the big trucking firms.
How Do I Find Out How Much My Case Is Worth?
The truck accident attorneys at Butler Prather LLP will tell you how much your case is worth. The value of a truck accident claim in Columbus is largely determined by the size of your medical costs and other expenses.
Should I Accept the Insurance Company's Offer?
No. It's probably a lowball offer that doesn't come close to covering your medical bills and other long-term expenses, like home alterations and in-home assisted living care.
Will I Have to Go to Trial to Settle My Truck Accident Case in Georgia?
Not necessarily. In many cases, Butler Prather LLP is able to negotiate a strong settlement after a semi-truck accident. But we're always prepared to take your case to trial if that's what it takes to get you the money you deserve.
How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Truck Accident Attorney in Columbus, Georgia?
There are no upfront costs when you choose Butler Prather LLP to handle your truck accident case, and we won't charge you anything at all unless we get you a settlement.
Columbus Office:
105 13th Street
Columbus, GA 31901
Mailing address:
P.O. Box 2766
Columbus, GA 31902
Additional Information
- Wrongful Death and Trucking Accidents in Georgia: Legal Rights for Families
- How Georgia’s Trucking Laws Affect Semi-Truck Accident Claims in Muscogee County
- Who’s Liable After a Big Rig Crash in Columbus? Driver, Company, or Manufacturer?
- When Are Big-Rig Truckers Supposed to Use Escape Ramps?