Jonesboro Truck Accidents

Any accident involving motor vehicles can lead to serious injuries. But when a commercial truck is involved, the results can be unimaginably catastrophic. A fully loaded 18-wheeler can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds and is significantly larger than most passenger vehicles. In the event of a collision, the resulting injuries can be extremely serious and life-threatening. 

If you have been injured in a commercial truck accident in Jonesboro, GA, you might be entitled to monetary compensation. At Miller Injury Trial Law, we have a team of highly rated personal injury lawyers who are committed to helping truck accident victims get the compensation they deserve. With an in-depth understanding of federal and state laws governing commercial trucks and extensive litigation experience, we have what it takes to get you the settlement you deserve. 

Call us today at 855-44MILLER to schedule a free consultation with one of our outstanding and proven Jonesboro, GA truck accident lawyers. 

Most Dangerous Highways and Intersections in Jonesboro, GA

The most dangerous highways in Jonesboro, GA include: 

• Interstate 75 (I-75)
• Interstate 675 (I-675)
• Georgia State Route 54 (GA-54)
• Georgia State Route 138 (GA-138)
• Georgia State Route 314 (GA-314)

The most dangerous intersections in Jonesboro, GA include: 

• Tara Boulevard and Mount Zion Road 
• Tara Boulevard and Old Dixie Road
• Tara Boulevard and North Main Street
• Tara Boulevard and Poston Road
• Tara Boulevard and Upper Riverdale Road 

Hours of Service (HOS) Rule Violations That Can Lead to Truck Accidents

Hours of Service (HOS) regulations are rules set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) that govern the amount of time commercial truck drivers can spend operating their vehicles. These regulations are designed to prevent driver fatigue and reduce the risk of accidents caused by tired or overworked drivers. 

The most common HOS violations that can lead to truck accidents include: 

Exceeding driving time limits 

Commercial truck drivers are limited to a certain number of hours they can drive within a specific period. Exceeding the maximum daily driving limit of 11 hours is the most common HOS violation that often leads to truck accidents. 

Falsifying logbooks 

Some drivers and trucking companies tend to falsify logbooks to conceal violations of HOS regulations. This includes recording inaccurate driving hours or failing to record off-duty time.

Not taking required rest breaks 

Drivers are required to take rest breaks after a certain number of hours on duty. Violations occur when drivers fail to take these breaks or take shorter breaks than required.

Exceeding the maximum weekly driving limits

Commercial truck drivers are subject to both daily and weekly driving limits. Exceeding the maximum weekly driving limit of 60/70 hours in 7/8 consecutive days is a common violation.

Restart rule violations 

The FMCSA requires drivers to take a minimum 34-hour rest period after reaching their maximum weekly driving limit. Violations occur when drivers fail to take this mandatory rest period or do not restart their weekly driving cycle correctly.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Truck Accident in Jonesboro, GA?

Depending on the circumstances, one or more of the following parties can be held liable for a truck accident. 

• Truck Driver: If the truck driver’s negligence – including speeding, distracted driving, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or aggressive driving – contributed to the accident, they can be held liable.
• Trucking Company: If the trucking company fails to properly maintain its vehicles, adhere to safety regulations, hire qualified drivers, or violate federal laws and regulations in any other way, it can be held directly liable for the accident. Additionally, it can be held indirectly or vicariously liable for the actions of the truck driver under the legal principle of respondeat superior – if the driver was on duty at the time of the accident. 
• Cargo Loaders: If improper loading or securing of cargo contributed to the accident, the party responsible for loading the cargo onto the truck can be held liable.
• Maintenance and Repair Companies: If the accident was caused by a mechanical failure due to inadequate maintenance or negligent repairs, the companies or contractors responsible for maintaining or repairing the truck can be held liable.
• Manufacturers: If the accident was caused by a defective part or component of the truck, the manufacturer of the defective part can be held liable.

The Importance of Black Box Data in a Jonesboro, GA Truck Accident Claim

The black box, also known as the Electronic Control Module (ECM) or Event Data Recorder (EDR), is a device that is designed to record important data about the truck’s operation. This data can include:

• Vehicle speed
• Engine RPM
• Brake usage
• Throttle position
• Seat belt usage
• Time and date of the accident
• Airbag deployment

In the event of a truck accident, data from the truck’s black box can provide objective and irrefutable evidence about the events leading up to the accident. It can help determine factors like the speed of the truck, whether the driver applied the brakes, and whether any mechanical failures occurred. It can be crucial in determining fault and establishing the liability of the at-fault driver and other parties, if any.

It is important to note that the data in a black box is only stored for a limited period of time. Older data is deleted and rewritten at regular intervals to provide sufficient space for new data. This is one of the important reasons why you should contact our firm immediately after a truck accident. 

Once you contact us, the skilled Jonesboro, GA truck accident lawyers at Miller Injury Trial Law can take swift action to make sure the truck’s black box data is preserved. We can send a spoliation letter to the trucking company and ask them to preserve the black box data and other relevant evidence and make sure the data is not deleted, overwritten, or tampered with in any way. 

How Our Jonesboro, GA Truck Accident Lawyers Can Ensure You Are Compensated for Lost Earning Capacity

Truck accidents can result in spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, amputations, and other devastating injuries that can limit your ability to perform your job or prevent you from working altogether. This loss of earning capacity can significantly affect your future employment prospects and impact your household’s financial stability. 

To prove the loss in earning capacity and to make sure you are adequately compensated, the Jonesboro, GA truck accident lawyers at Miller Injury Trial Law will take several steps. These include: 

Gathering Employment-Related Information 

We will collect comprehensive information about your pre-accident earning capacity – including employment records, tax returns, and statements from employers and coworkers. 

Consulting with Experts 

We will work closely with vocational experts and economists to assess the impact of your injuries on your ability to work and earn a living in the future. We will analyze a wide range of factors like your age, education, work experience, and the nature and severity of your injuries to calculate the loss of earning capacity accurately.

Documenting Ongoing Medical Treatment and Rehabilitation 

We will document any ongoing medical treatment, rehabilitation, or vocational training you need to return to work or find alternative employment. This includes keeping detailed records of medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and any other expenses related to your recovery.

Preparing a Compelling Case 

Armed with comprehensive evidence about your loss of earning capacity, we will build a strong case to present to the insurance company or argue before a jury. We will meticulously prepare all necessary documentation and evidence to support your claim and make sure you receive fair compensation for your economic losses and future financial needs.

Negotiating or Litigating for Maximum Compensation 

We will negotiate aggressively with the insurance company on your behalf to secure the maximum compensation possible. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we will take the case to court and litigate in order to recover the compensation you deserve.

Get Our Skilled Truck Accident Lawyers in Jonesboro, GA on Your Side

Truck accidents can result in debilitating injuries and permanent disabilities that can affect your quality of life significantly. You need a dedicated and experienced truck accident lawyer on your side to get the compensation you need to get back on your feet. 

At Miller Injury Trial Law, we have years of experience in handling a wide range of commercial truck accident claims ranging from under-ride accidents to jackknife accidents. We know the unique challenges associated with these claims and we know how to devise the right legal strategies to achieve the best possible outcome. 

Thanks to our extensive litigation experience, insurance companies know that when we take on a case, we go all the way to get the compensation our clients deserve. You can rest assured that we will take all possible steps from negotiation to litigation to recover every single dollar you are owed. 

Call us today at 855-44MILLER or use our online contact form to schedule a free consultation with one of our dedicated Jonesboro, GA truck accident lawyers.