Augusta Truck Accident Attorneys

Q: What Are the Most Common Types of Truck Accidents?

Trucks aren't known for swerving fast or racing; they are large and tend to crash in a handful of ways on a regular basis. A jackknife is probably the most common type of major truck crash. This happens when the truck's bed swings out to the side and forms a jackknife formation with the cab of the truck. Once the truck goes into a jackknife position, it's nearly impossible for a driver to stop it, and if your car is in the way, it could be lethal. Some other common truck accidents involve truck rolling, head-on collisions, and rear-end collisions. A truck accident lawyer will look at the events surrounding the truck accident and determine who was at fault and what your next steps should be.

Most truck accidents cause serious injuries to drivers and passengers of smaller vehicles because commercial trucks, such as tractor-trailers, are much larger and heavier than passenger vehicles. Pursuing compensation in a truck accident claim is also far more complex than other types of accident injury claims due to the number of parties involved and the regulations surrounding the trucking industry.

Thus, you need an experienced truck accident attorney to help you hold all parties accountable for your injuries and losses and improve your chances of getting the fair compensation you deserve. The Augusta truck accident attorneys at the Hawk Firm are here for you. Our attorneys can assess your case at no cost and discuss your next steps. We will determine your options for obtaining compensation to help pay your medical bills and cover your lost wages and other associated damages.

Let an Augusta truck accident lawyer from our team seek a payout for you. At The Hawk Firm, we provide free consultations for those hurt in Augusta trucking accidents. We offer honest legal counsel with no fluff or sugar-coating. Just trustworthy, comprehensive legal help. Contact us today for a free case review.

Building an Augusta Truck Accident Case with The Hawk Firm
How Much Do Trucking Accident Attorneys Charge?
What Are the Common Types of Truck Accidents?
What Are Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Augusta?
The Civil Statute of Limitations Plays a Vital Role in Your Truck Accident Case
Frequently Asked Questions
We Advocate for Truck Accident Claimants Suffering from These Conditions
Truck Accidents Locations in Augusta, GA
Do I Really Need a Truck Accident Lawyer?
Speak With a Team Member About Your Augusta Truck Accident

Building an Augusta Truck Accident Case with The Hawk Firm

The Hawk Firm, founded by trial lawyer Jacque D. Hawk, has served the Augusta area for almost 35 years. Attorney Hawk has received recognition from former clients, the community, and several legal organizations because of his success in securing justice. If you suffered injuries in a commercial vehicle accident in Augusta or the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA), we are here to help. Contact us for a free consultation.

Let Our Truck Accident Attorneys Deal with Insurance Companies

Often truck drivers work for big companies that have big insurance policies. This can be intimidating if you’re going against them on your own. The good news is that big insurance policies have the potential for a big settlement. That said, it won’t be easy. As soon as your accident occurs, an adjuster from that insurance company will likely contact you. The insurance company’s priority is figuring out who was responsible for the accident, how much damage has occurred, and what it’s going to cost.

Keep in mind, the truck driver’s insurance company is not on your side. Don’t give them a recorded statement and don’t agree to a settlement without consulting a truck accident attorney. You can be honest but don’t admit fault. A seasoned truck accident lawyer knows truck accident law well and can guide you in order to protect yourself and make sure your claim is upheld.

Our attorneys are often able to negotiate truck accident settlements with liable insurance providers. Yet, this isn’t easy.

For your insurance claim to succeed, we must:

Evaluate the liable policy
Determine your damages’ cost
Present the cause of your accident to the insurer
Write and send your demand letter
Negotiate a fair settlement offer
Offset any bad faith insurance practices
Manage all insurance-related communications

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires all trucking companies to carry liability insurance. This could provide an avenue for seeking compensation.

We Can Pursue the Full Cost of Your Truck Accident Injuries

Our team knows how to document your recoverable damages and seek compensation for your treatment and care. Your settlement should comprise your accident-related expenses and losses.

Recoverable damages could include money for:

Medical bills
Related treatment and care expenses
Future and ongoing care costs
Income losses, including lost tips, bonuses, and wages
Reduced earning capacity from lasting impairments
Property damage, including vehicle repairs
Miscellaneous-related expenses, such as temporary transportation costs
Pain and suffering
Emotional trauma

When we file a claim for our clients, we gather documentation to show how much their case might be worth. This includes collecting medical bills, receipts, estimates, and medical records. We also call in experts who help us understand our clients’ future needs and prognoses.

We Can Help Establish Fault and Liability for Your Damages

The Hawk Firm knows how to prove negligence and establish liability in any traffic accident. This involves showing:

Duty of care.The trucker had a civil obligation to drive with reasonable care. This involves obeying the speed limit, obeying federal trucking guidelines, and following traffic laws.
Breach of duty.The trucker did not drive with reasonable care. For instance, driving under the influence of mind-altering substances breaches one’s duty of care.
The trucker caused most of the collision.
You have medical bills and other losses related to the collision.

Georgia has a vicarious liability law. This means you could hold their employer financially responsible even if the trucker caused your collision.

We Support Your Case Using Evidence

Proving negligence in your Augusta truck accident requires us to investigate your collision. This is key to recovering the money damages our clients deserve.

Evidence differs from case to case but could include:

The police accident report
Eyewitness statements
Videos or photos of the crash
Reports from accident reconstruction specialists
An accident scene survey
Relevant medical records
Expert opinions
Documentation of damages

The trucking company could have additional evidence we need to protect. We must act promptly so the trucking company doesn’t “lose” this information.

Here, we send a spoliation letter that requires the trucking company to preserve:

The truck’s onboard data
The trucker’s rest logs
Dashcam video
The post-accident drug and alcohol test results
The driver’s employee records
Evidence of any previous accidents or incidents

We May File a Civil Lawsuit

Sometimes, we need to sue the driver and/or trucking company.

We may proceed with litigation if:

The insurer will not provide a fair payout.
There are disputes about your case’s facts.
There is a possibility of punitive damages.
Our team believes the circumstances demand a lawsuit for another reason.

Even when we sue, it does not mean the case will go to trial. Most lawsuits settle before the trial date arrives. Mediation, arbitration, or continued settlement negotiations could help us get an acceptable offer from the trucking company and its insurer.

How Much Do Trucking Accident Attorneys Charge?

Augusta Truck Accident Lawyer When most people think about hiring an attorney, they think about huge upfront costs. Combine this with the huge bills you could be receiving as the victim of a terrible truck accident and it might not even seem feasible. Fortunately, most firms work on a contingency basis. This means the truck accident lawyer receives a small portion of whatever settlement they are able to get you. You don’t pay any fees upfront, and your truck accident lawyer only gets paid when you do. This business model works great for both parties because you don’t need to stress over huge lawyer fees and the law firm has an incentive to win you the most compensation possible.

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What Are the Most Common Types of Truck Accidents?

Truck accidents can occur in various ways, and their severity is often heightened due to the size and weight of commercial trucks. Some of the most common types of truck accidents include:

Rear-End Collisions: These occur when a truck collides with the vehicle in front of it. Trucks have longer stopping distances, and if the driver is unable to stop in time, a rear-end collision can result.
Jackknife Accidents: A jackknife occurs when the trailer of a truck swings out to the side, forming an L or V shape with the cab. This can happen when the truck’s wheels lock up, causing the trailer to skid.
Underride Accidents: These accidents happen when a smaller vehicle slides under the rear or side of a truck. This can be particularly dangerous, as it may lead to severe injuries or fatalities for the occupants of the smaller vehicle.
Head-On Collisions: When a truck collides head-on with another vehicle, the impact can be devastating. Head-on collisions often result in serious injuries and fatalities due to the force involved.
Blind Spot Accidents: Trucks have large blind spots, especially on the right side and behind the trailer. If a driver fails to check these blind spots or if a vehicle lingers in them, it can lead to accidents when the truck changes lanes.
Wide Turns: Trucks require more space to make turns, and if other drivers don’t give them enough room, it can result in collisions. Trucks may swing wide to make a turn, and drivers need to be aware of this.
Cargo Spills: Improperly loaded or secured cargo can lead to spills on the road, causing accidents and hazards for other drivers.
T-Bone Collisions: Also known as side-impact collisions, T-bone accidents involve the front of one vehicle colliding with the side of another. These can occur at intersections, especially if a truck fails to yield the right of way.
Runaway Truck Accidents: If a truck’s brakes fail or if the driver loses control on a downhill slope, it can lead to a runaway truck situation, posing a significant danger to other road users.

It’s essential for truck drivers to undergo proper training and follow safety regulations, and for all drivers to be aware of the challenges posed by large trucks on the road. Additionally, infrastructure improvements and technological advancements can contribute to reducing the frequency and severity of truck accidents.

What Are Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Augusta?

Truck accidents can result from various factors, often involving a combination of human error, vehicle-related issues, and environmental conditions. Here are some common causes of truck accidents:

Driver Fatigue: Long hours on the road can lead to driver fatigue, impairing a truck driver’s ability to concentrate and react quickly. Regulations exist to limit the number of consecutive driving hours, but not all drivers adhere to them.
Distracted Driving: Distractions such as using a phone, eating, or adjusting in-cab devices can divert a driver’s attention from the road, increasing the risk of accidents.
Speeding: Driving at excessive speeds reduces a driver’s ability to react to sudden changes in traffic conditions or obstacles, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
Impaired Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can impair a driver’s judgment, coordination, and reaction times, leading to accidents.
Inadequate Training: Truck drivers must undergo proper training to operate large commercial vehicles safely. Inexperienced or inadequately trained drivers may struggle to handle the complexities of truck driving.
Poor Weather Conditions: Adverse weather conditions such as rain, snow, ice, or fog can make roads slippery and reduce visibility, contributing to accidents.
Equipment Failure: Mechanical failures, such as brake malfunctions, tire blowouts, or other issues with the truck’s components, can lead to accidents.
Overloaded Trucks: Trucks that are overloaded or improperly loaded can be more difficult to control, increasing the risk of accidents.
Poor Road Conditions: Roads in disrepair, construction zones, and inadequate signage can pose hazards for truck drivers and increase the likelihood of accidents.
Aggressive Driving: Aggressive behaviors such as tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, and road rage can lead to dangerous situations and accidents.
Negligent Maintenance: Failure to properly maintain and inspect trucks can result in mechanical failures that contribute to accidents.
Inadequate Supervision and Monitoring: Companies that operate fleets of trucks need to provide proper supervision and monitoring to ensure their drivers comply with safety regulations and guidelines.
Lack of Visibility: Large blind spots and limited visibility for truck drivers can contribute to accidents, especially when changing lanes or making turns.
Inadequate Communication: Poor communication between truck drivers and other motorists can lead to misunderstandings and unsafe driving conditions.

If a negligent truck driver or trucking company caused a semi-truck accident that injured you or someone you love, contact the Augusta truck accident attorneys at the Hawk Firm right away.

The Civil Statute of Limitations Plays a Vital Role in Your Truck Accident Case

Under Georgia law, we usually have two years to begin a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. We must file the initial complaint in a Richmond County civil court before this date arrives. Missing the deadline could jeopardize your right to take the case to trial. We can ensure you meet this deadline as long as we know about your case in time.

Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accident Cases in Augusta, GA

If this is your first time filing a personal injury claim, you may have many unanswered questions about moving forward. We can answer questions specific to your situation during your free consultation. However, we’ve also compiled some of the most common questions we get from others in your situation:

What Should I Do After My Truck Accident in Augusta, GA?

We urge you to seek medical attention immediately after the collision. Doing so:

Generates supporting evidence. Your attorney can use your lab test results, imaging scans, and medications to prove the extent of your condition. We can also use testimony from your healthcare provider to convince the insurer to settle.
Promotes your recovery period.You want to make a full recovery from your accident-related injuries. Doing so not only betters your quality of life but also shows the insurer that you’re committed to your well-being.

Other post-accident considerations include:

Leaving all insurance-related matters to your lawyer
Limiting what you post online about the accident
Following your prescribed treatment plan
Referring all settlement offers to your attorney serving Augusta

Each of these things can help yield the compensation you need.

What Can I Expect by Partnering with Hawk Law?

We examine every personal injury case with an eagle eye. This allows us to identify your compensable losses, financial recovery options, and legal rights.

You can also expect us to:

Give prompt responses to your messages.You can contact us anytime to voice your questions or concerns. That way, you never feel in the dark about your case’s progression.
Advocate for what you need.We don’t work for insurance companies. We never have. We’ve always dedicated our practice to serving injured people in positions like yours. Our years of service have given us keen insight into how to manage your case.
Offer honest legal counsel.We want you to understand what you’re up against. That way, you can accurately assess settlement offers and everything they entail.

Our team provides legal solutions that have helped numerous others recover fair compensation in similar cases. We are honest and transparent, providing compassionate yet aggressive support and guidance. We handle truck accident claims and lawsuits from start to finish. Trust our team with your case. We will look out for your best interests.

We Advocate for Truck Accident Claimants Suffering from These Conditions

When a commercial tractor-trailer truck collides with a passenger vehicle, the vehicle occupants often suffer serious injuries. Truck drivers must undergo extensive training and follow more stringent rules than others because of the dangers these large vehicles pose.

Our clients who suffer injuries in truck accidents have various diagnoses and prognoses. This could include catastrophic injuries that require inpatient rehabilitation or ongoing care.

Examples include:

Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
Skull fractures and other head injuries
Neck and back injuries
Spinal cord injuries, with or without paralysis
Internal injuries and bleeding
Traumatic amputations and other serious limb injuries
Compound fractures
Burns and significant scarring
Serious lacerations with excessive bleeding

In worst-case scenarios, victims die because of their truck accident injuries, and we have helped many clients pursue wrongful death damages through a wrongful death claim or lawsuit.

Truck Accidents Locations in Augusta, GA

At The Hawk Firm, we handle truck accident injuries in Augusta regularly. We are familiar with how these accidents happen, where they occur, and how to help our clients navigate the claims process. We can talk with you on the phone, via video chat, meet you at home, or visit you at Augusta University Medical Center.

We also work with clients at other hospitals or rehabilitation facilities, but most crash victims with significant injuries go to Augusta University Medical Center. It is the only Level I trauma center for adults in the area. This hospital provides 24/7 trauma surgeons to stabilize injuries, trauma intensive care, and rehabilitation facilities. It is also a Level II pediatric trauma center.

Augusta’s location means it plays an essential role in the interstate movement of freight.

For this reason, two interstates serve the city:

Interstate 20:I-20 connects Columbia and Atlanta through Augusta. It crosses the northwest portion of the region and is one of the most heavily used roads in the area.
Interstate 520:I-520 allows motorists to bypass most of Augusta. The 23.34-mile auxiliary interstate runs from Augusta, GA, to North Augusta.

In addition, Augusta has four federal highways, ten state highways, and many other surface streets that move a lot of truck traffic.

Major trucking routes in the area include:

S. 1
S. 25 BUS
S. 278
GA 4
GA 28
GA 104

Any trucker moving goods across the Savannah River needs to use either I-20, I-520, U.S. 1, or U.S. 25 BUS. With more than 100 million tons of freight moving through the Augusta area each year, crashes could occur on any of these roadways.

Do I Really Need a Truck Accident Lawyer?

One thing to think about after a truck accident is the fact that the driver and his company have a large insurance policy with high-end lawyers working to make sure they only have to pay the bare minimum. They may bully you into a settlement that is much less than what your claim is actually worth. A lawyer’s ability to build a solid claim and fight for you in court could have a huge result. Our team includes a former chairman for the GTLA trucking injury section and team members who have taught trucking injury litigation techniques to other attorneys.

Speak With a Team Member About Your Augusta Truck Accident

The Hawk Firm provides free consultations for truck accident victims in Augusta and the nearby areas. We can assess your legal options and offer solutions that could help you recover the money you need. We handle these claims from start to finish. With our attorneys dedicated to your case, you can put your time and attention into healing. For more information reach out to an Augusta personal injury lawyer.

Client Testimonials

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 Star Review

“Best Law Firm in the CSRA! Thank you Hawk Firm for handling all of my legal needs with outstanding professionalism! Highly recommend The Hawk Firm to anyone in need of legal services!” -Rob W.