When a tractor-trailer gets into a wreck with a passenger vehicle, the latter always sustains more damage. The vast size and weight of the average big rig can lead to collisions that crush or completely obliterate smaller vehicles, as well as cause serious injury to the passengers. If you or a loved one has been in a truck accident in Hinesville, Georgia, or the surrounding area, contact Bowen Painter Injury Lawyers today. Our Hinesville truck accident attorneys can help you with an injury claim to find out how Bowen Painter Injury Lawyers can help you with an injury claim.
Why Hiring a Trial Attorney Matters
You will most likely be going up against a powerful trucking company during a truck accident lawsuit in Georgia. The trucking company will have the money, resources, and litigation to refute liability for your accident. Moreover, the truck company’s insurance provider does not have your best interests in mind. This can lead to settlement offers that are lower than the true value of your case.
If you hire a trial attorney, you can level the playing field and increase your chances of a fair and full settlement. An insurance company does not want to risk the expense of a trial and is more willing to negotiate with a reputable trial attorney for a fair settlement. A trial attorney also understands how to build strong cases and will not overlook important evidence or details when building your truck accident lawsuit.
What Causes Truck Accidents in Hinesville, Georgia?
Georgia is a fault-based auto insurance state. This means you or your lawyer must determine the cause of your tractor-trailer wreck before filing an insurance claim, as you will file the claim with the insurer of the at-fault party. Most truck accident investigations find evidence of fault within the trucking company or one of its employees, such as the truck driver. Common examples of errors that cause truck accidents in Georgia are:
- Distracted driving
- Texting while driving
- Drowsy driving
- Speeding
- Reckless or aggressive driving
- Following too closely
- Making unsafe lane changes
- Broken federal safety laws
- Inadequate truck maintenance
- Low-quality vehicle repairs
- Poor truck driver training
- Poorly secured cargo
Most truck accident lawsuits name the trucking company as the defendant (at-fault party). This is because trucking companies are vicariously liable, or responsible, for the actions and mistakes of their drivers and other employees. Federal law holds a trucking company vicariously liable for most accidents involving their trucks and drivers, even if the truck is leased and the driver is an independent contractor.
Evidence Available to Support a Truck Accident Injury Claim in Hinesville
Evidence is a critical part of your tractor-trailer accident lawsuit in Georgia. As the filing party, or plaintiff, the burden of proof is with you. This means it is your responsibility to prove that the defendant caused your injury based on a preponderance of the evidence – enough evidence to convince a judge or jury that the defendant is more likely than not at fault.
Truck accidents are unique in terms of the types of evidence available. Evidence during your truck accident lawsuit may include:
- Driver logs
- Event data recorders
- The driver’s medical records
- The driver’s driving record and employment qualifications
- The trucking company’s compliance reports
- Truck inspection records
- Cell phone records
Your attorney may also be able to support your claim with more traditional forms of evidence, such as a police report, eyewitness statements, photographs and videos, and your medical records. Working with an experienced personal injury attorney in Hinesville can make it easier to prove your case, as your lawyer will have the resources, personnel, and investigative capabilities to build a compelling claim on your behalf.
Contact a Hinesville Truck Accident Attorney Today For a Free Case Evaluation
If you were injured or a loved one lost his or her life in a recent truck accident in Georgia, Florida or South Carolina, don’t hesitate to contact our Savannah truck accident lawyers at Bowen Painter Injury Lawyers for assistance with the claims process. The trucking company, a cargo company, a truck manufacturer or another party may be financially responsible for your injuries and serious losses.
Our Hinesville truck accident lawyers will listen to you and understand your case in full detail. Request a free case consultation by calling (912) 335-1909 or contacting us online anytime.