Savannah Truck Accident Lawyer

TRUCK ACCIDENT STATISTICS AND INFO FOR SAVANNAH

Savannah truck accidents can have devastating consequences, profoundly impacting victims’ lives. Knowing more about the specific factors contributing to these accidents and the legal implications involved is essential for both drivers and residents.

WHO CAN BE HELD LIABLE?

In the aftermath of a truck accident, determining liability is vital for seeking compensation for damages. Here are the parties that can potentially be held liable:

• Truck Driver: If their negligence, such as speeding, distracted driving, or driving under the influence, contributed to the accident, the truck driver may be liable. Their actions and behavior on the road play a significant role in determining liability.
• Trucking Company: For accidents caused by inadequate training, scheduling demands leading to driver fatigue, or failure to maintain its vehicles properly, the liability will usually lie with the trucking company. It must ensure its drivers and vehicles comply with safety regulations as outlined by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
• Vehicle Manufacturer or Maintenance Provider: Poorly manufactured parts or negligent maintenance can lead to catastrophic accidents. The manufacturer or maintenance provider may be held liable if the accident resulted from a mechanical failure or defect in the truck.
• Cargo Loading Companies: Improperly loaded cargo can cause trucks to become unstable or lead to cargo spills, contributing to accidents. Cargo loading companies may be liable for accidents resulting from negligent loading practices.
• Government Entities: In some cases, poor road conditions or inadequate signage maintained by government entities can contribute to accidents. If a government entity fails to address known hazards or maintain safe roadways, it may be held liable for resulting accidents.
• Third Parties: Other parties, such as contractors, subcontractors, or entities responsible for roadway maintenance, may also be held liable if their actions or negligence contributed to the accident.

WHAT CAN CAUSE A TRUCK ACCIDENT?

According to data from the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, truck accidents account for a significant portion of total traffic fatalities in the state. While specific statistics for Savannah may vary, common causes of truck accidents include:

• Driver Fatigue: Long hours on the road can lead to driver fatigue, impairing judgment and reaction times.
• Speeding: Excessive speed is a frequent factor in truck accidents, reducing the driver’s ability to control the vehicle.
• Distracted Driving: Distractions such as texting, phone calls, or other tasks divert the driver’s attention from the road.
• Impaired Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs significantly increases the risk of accidents.
• Improper Loading: Overloaded or improperly loaded cargo can cause trucks to become unstable, leading to accidents.
• Mechanical Failures: Defective parts, inadequate maintenance, or mechanical failures can contribute to accidents.
• Weather Conditions: Adverse weather conditions such as rain, fog, or ice can reduce visibility and traction and cause the driver to lose control, increasing the likelihood of accidents.

WHAT ARE THE COMMON TYPES OF TRUCK ACCIDENTS?

Truck accidents can take various forms, each with its challenges and consequences for victims. Injury crashes involving large trucks saw a significant 10 percent decrease, dropping from 119,000 to 107,000. Property damage-only crashes involving large trucks also experienced a substantial decline of 21 percent, from 414,000 to 327,000.

These injuries, which could have resulted in serious damages, stem from the following accidents:

• Rear-ends
• Jack-knifes
• Underrides
• Rollovers
• Blind spot accidents
• Wide-turn collisions

CAN TRUCK ACCIDENTS CAUSE SERIOUS INJURIES?

Truck accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, often leading to long-term physical, emotional, and financial consequences for victims. Between 2019 and 2020, there was a notable decline in truck and bus involvement in traffic incidents. Fatal crashes involving large trucks decreased by 4 percent, from 5,033 to 4,842, alongside a corresponding 4 percent decrease in the involvement rate per 100 million miles traveled.

Catastrophic injuries and fatalities resulting from these incidents are some of the most serious and life-altering consequences victims can face, impacting not just the individuals involved but their families as well. Other injuries can involve:

• Whiplash and Neck Injuries: Whiplash is a common injury in rear-end collisions, causing neck pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Severe accidents can lead to spinal cord injuries, resulting in paralysis, loss of sensation, and lifelong disabilities.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Head injuries, such as concussions or traumatic brain injuries, can have lasting cognitive, behavioral, and physical effects.
• Broken Bones and Fractures: The impact of a truck accident can cause fractures and broken bones in various parts of the body, requiring surgery and long-term rehabilitation.
• Internal Injuries: Blunt force trauma from a truck accident can cause internal injuries such as organ damage, internal bleeding, and abdominal injuries.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Sprains, strains, and bruising to muscles, tendons, and ligaments are common in truck accidents, leading to pain and limited mobility.
• Burn Injuries: Explosions or fires resulting from a truck accident can cause severe burn injuries, requiring extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
• Psychological Trauma: Truck accidents can also result in psychological injuries such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression, impacting the victim’s mental well-being.

WHERE WE OPERATE

OUR LEGAL TEAM PROUDLY SERVES CLIENTS ACROSS VARIOUS AREAS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

• Aiken
• Augusta
• North Augusta
• Savannah