Providing Legal Representation to the Victims of Truck Accidents
Accidents involving large trucks exact a heavy toll in life and property every year in the United States. In 2013, the latest year for which statistics are available, mishaps involving such large vehicles claimed 163 lives in Georgia alone. In order to be compensated for their suffering, the victims of these crashes will require legal representation, the type available from a Macon truck accident attorney.
The Nature of Truck Accidents
Although big rigs have generally lower accident rates than other types of vehicles, their size and weight greatly increase the chance of death or injury in the event of a crash. Accordingly, nearly 10 percent of the fatal traffic accidents in Georgia in 2013 involved large trucks.
Truck accidents often result from the same causes as automobile crashes, including speeding and driver intoxication. Other factors may be more unique to big rigs, such as overloading, shifting cargo and problems associated with turns. Despite regulations on the duty times of the drivers, operators may attempt to circumvent the rules, leading to fatigue-related crashes. Additionally, the top-heavy configuration of large trucks can increase the risk of rollover accidents.
Determining Responsibility After a Accident Truck
Establishing the cause of a truck accident may require a careful and lengthy investigation, and include an examination of the vehicle and a review of its records. It may be equally difficult to determine who is most culpable for damages, especially considering that responsibility may be shared by more than one party. Insurance companies representing large trucking firms may attempt to delay legal action or settle for an amount that is less than that required to cover medical expenses and other costs.
Personal injury lawyers who specialize in truck accidents understand the many laws that pertain to the industry and will use them to their best advantage. Employing specialists and expert testimony if necessary, an attorney will get to the bottom of an accident in order to secure the compensation that is needed. Only through proper legal representation can victims be assured that they will receive the justice that they deserve. This is why the victims of truck accidents and their families should consider the services of Van Sant Law.
