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Advocates For Those Seriously Injured In Truck Accidents

The trucking industry is heavily regulated. Companies and drivers must follow strict rules, but unfortunately, some disregard these regulations. They drive beyond posted service hours, operate vehicles needing serious repairs or drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. These behaviors put you at risk while driving on the roads in Rome, Georgia.

With over 50 years of combined experience, Cromartie Law knows how to hold trucking companies and their insurers accountable for the harm they cause. Our investigations often reveal violations of trucking industry laws. Drivers causing these accidents frequently exceed the allowed hours on the road and attempt to hide this by using fake logbooks, sometimes at their employer’s request. These facts demonstrate driver negligence, strengthening our case.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, or if a family member has died due to truck driver negligence in northwestern Georgia, contact our firm for a free case review.

Table of Contents

What Makes Truck Accidents Different From Other Motor Vehicle Accidents?

Truck accidents usually involve commercial vehicles that can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded. Because of the size and weight difference between a big rig and a standard passenger car, the force of impact is often much greater, leading to more severe injuries and extensive property damage.

In a truck accident, liability can get a lot more complicated. A regular car accident is about which driver is at fault. But in a trucking accident, there could be multiple parties responsible:

The truck driver
The trucking company
Maintenance crews
The manufacturer of a faulty part

Plus, trucking companies and their insurers move fast to protect themselves after an accident, often sending investigators to the scene within hours. Therefore, truck accidents are not just “bigger” – they come with a unique set of legal and logistical challenges.

Truck Accidents Can Result In Devastating Injuries

Due to the size and weight of semi-trucks, head, neck and chest injuries are common in collisions. Many victims suffer traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) or severe spinal cord injuries (SCIs), leading to lifelong challenges.

Amputation injuries can occur in truck crashes, especially in underride accidents. Other unfortunate outcomes include internal organ damage, bleeding, crush injuries, burns and disfigurement.

In most semi-truck accidents, occupants of other vehicles face greater danger than the truck driver. This applies to motorcyclists, pedestrians and bicyclists as well. The significant size discrepancy between a semi – which can weigh up to 80,000 pounds – and other vehicles means that a single error by a commercial truck driver can endanger everyone nearby and lead to a severe crash.

Common Types Of Serious Truck Accidents

Commercial trucking accidents can be incredibly dangerous, often causing catastrophic physical and emotional harm. Two common crash scenarios involving tractor-trailers and semis are left-turn and underride accidents.

A left-turn crash occurs when a semi-truck turns left in front of oncoming traffic, and the other driver cannot stop in time. This is particularly dangerous for motorcyclists, often resulting in severe injuries. An underride accident happens when a smaller vehicle collides with a semi, slides underneath and becomes wedged there.

Many semi-truck accidents also result from impairment from drugs or alcohol or distracted driving, despite strict rules for commercial drivers. They have a lower allowable BAC limit than private motorists and are prohibited from using handheld devices while driving. However, distracted and impaired driving crashes continue to occur.

Rear-end accidents are also frequent, often because large commercial trucks have stopping distances nearly twice as long as passenger cars. Improper or negligent truck maintenance can also cause rear-end crashes.

Immediate Action In Truck Accident Cases

Trucking companies quickly deploy lawyers to accident scenes to gather evidence and build their defense. We counter by taking immediate action to build your case. Once we take on your case, we:

Arrange necessary medical appointments
Negotiate with insurers attempting to push quick settlements
Litigate your claim when a settlement is not possible

The sooner we start on your vehicle accident case, the better. Critical evidence, from the truck’s black box to skid marks at the accident site, needs to be preserved. We gather all the facts needed to build a strong case.

What To Do After A Serious Trucking Accident

If you have been in a serious trucking accident in Rome or anywhere in Floyd County, the steps you take immediately after the accident can make a huge difference in protecting your health and rights.

First, seek medical attention, even if you think you are fine. Injuries like whiplash, concussions and internal damage are not always obvious right away.
Next, document the scene – if you are able. Take photos of your vehicle and the truck, as well as any road conditions and visible injuries.
Get contact information from witnesses.
Avoid discussing fault at the scene, as anything you say could be used against you later.

It is also smart to reach out to a truck accident attorney as soon as possible. Trucking companies are usually well-prepared, with legal teams ready to minimize the companies’ liability.

Having your attorney present means someone is fighting for your best interests, whether it is securing compensation for medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering, or holding the party accountable. We are here to help you file a claim after a trucking accident and protect your rights.

Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accidents In Georgia

Here are some of the questions we often hear from clients about truck accidents in Georgia.

What should I do after a truck accident?

Your safety comes first, so get medical help even if you feel fine. Then, if you’re able, call the police to report the accident, take photos of the scene and any injuries and collect contact info from witnesses. Steer clear of admitting fault or giving statements to insurance companies. The wisest step is to reach out to an experienced truck accident lawyer right away to protect your rights.

What is the statute of limitations for Georgia truck accidents?

In Georgia, you typically have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. However, it’s best not to wait. Evidence can disappear quickly, so starting your case as soon as possible is crucial for building a strong claim and securing the compensation you deserve.

How much is my truck accident case worth?

The value of your case depends on several factors. These include the severity of injuries, medical expenses (both current and future), lost wages and earning capacity, pain and suffering and property damage. We’ll work to maximize your compensation based on your specific situation.

How is fault determined in a truck accident?

Fault is determined through a thorough investigation. This includes examining police reports, witness statements and physical evidence from the scene. The trucking company’s records also go under scrutiny, specifically, the truck’s black box data, driver logs and company records. Our team conducts a comprehensive investigation to uncover all relevant evidence.

Who can be held liable in a truck accident claim?

Multiple parties could potentially be held liable in a truck accident claim. These might include the truck driver, the trucking company, the truck’s manufacturer, the cargo loading company or even government entities responsible for road maintenance. We’ll identify all responsible parties to maximize your compensation.

What is a 'Black Box' and how do I make sure the trucking company doesn't delete the data?

A black box (or Event Data Recorder) tracks critical information like speed, braking and hours driven. Trucking companies can legally overwrite this data after a certain period. The moment you hire us, we send a legal preservation letter demanding they save all evidence, including black box data. Acting quickly is essential because once that data is gone, it’s gone forever and could have made or broken your case.

Can I sue if the truck driver was on drugs or over-tired?

Absolutely. Drug use and driver fatigue are serious violations of federal trucking regulations. Commercial drivers must follow strict rules about rest periods and are subject to drug testing. If a driver violates these rules and causes an accident, it significantly strengthens your case. We investigate driver logs, toxicology reports and company records to prove negligence and hold all responsible parties accountable for your injuries.

How long does a truck accident settlement typically take?

Every case is different. Some settle in a few months, while complex cases involving severe injuries can take a year or longer. The timeline depends on factors like the extent of your injuries, how long your medical treatment lasts and whether the insurance company negotiates fairly. We never rush you into a settlement before you’ve fully recovered. Your case resolves when we’ve secured fair compensation, not before.

Why should I hire a truck accident attorney?

Trucking companies have legal teams working to minimize what they pay you, often within hours of an accident. Without an attorney, you’re facing these professionals alone while dealing with injuries and recovery. We level the playing field by investigating your accident, preserving critical evidence, handling all negotiations and fighting for full compensation. Plus, you pay nothing unless we win. There’s no reason to go it alone.

If the trucking company calls me, should I speak to them?

No. Politely decline and refer them to your attorney. Trucking companies and their insurers often contact accident victims quickly, hoping to get recorded statements or push lowball settlements before you understand your rights. Anything you say can be used to reduce or deny your claim. Once you hire us, all communication goes through our office, so you can focus on recovery while we handle the legal battle.

Free Consultation: Find Out How We Can Help

Ready to reach out? Let’s start with a free consultation about your truck accident case. Our attorney is here to help. And the best part is you won’t have to pay anything unless we win for you. Call us at 706-622-4853 or complete our online form to set up the meeting.

You can find us in the heart of downtown Rome, Georgia, right at the corner of Broad Street and Fourth Avenue. We’re just across from the Floyd County Courthouse and Forum. Our doors are open Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., but don’t worry if that doesn’t fit your schedule – we’re happy to arrange evening or weekend appointments at a location that works for you.

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