Truckers cross through Georgia’s highways and interstates every single day. The outcomes are usually devastating when someone is negligent and an accident occurs. At Brodie Law Group, we stand by your side guiding you through the recovery process and fight against the trucking companies for you.
Hiring our trucking accident attorney in Macon means immediate relief from the stress of dealing with powerful insurance companies and trucking corporations, plus a clear roadmap of what to expect at every stage of your case.
Trucking accidents in Macon can change a person’s life in an instant. Unlike collisions between two passenger cars, crashes involving semi-trucks and 18-wheelers are far more destructive, often leaving victims with catastrophic injuries. Medical bills, lost wages, and the overwhelming stress of recovery can weigh heavily on you and your family.
However, the challenges don’t end there. Multiple individuals and companies are usually involved in trucking accidents:
Each party usually has its own insurance policy, which means multiple insurers are working hard to avoid paying fair compensation for your injuries. The bigger the policy, the harder they fight because they have more to lose for their negligence.
That’s where we come in. At Brodie Law Group, we understand the difficulties truck accident victims face after a crash. Our legal team is here to fight for the compensation you need to cover your expenses and move forward.
Many truck crashes in Georgia are caused by:
One of the most common causes of trucking crashes, here in Georgia, is driver fatigue. Truckers are often under pressure to meet strict schedules, which leads many to drive longer than they should. Fatigue slows their reaction time and clouds their judgment, and when an 80,000-pound truck is involved, the results can be life-changing. That is why our trucking accident attorneys investigate driver logs and company practices to hold negligent trucking companies accountable.
I-75, I-16 and I-475 are some of the most dangerous interstates in Georgia, especially in downtown Macon at the I-75/I-16 split where there has been ongoing construction for the last 10 years. Large commercial trucks regularly take this route, and it seems like accidents happen there every day as traffic quickly slows down from the construction. Unfortunately, when a semi-truck or other commercial truck is involved, those accidents are often catastrophic, leading to severe injuries or even death.
Collisions with semi-trucks are no small matter. Between the shock of the crash and the chaos at the scene, it’s easy to miss critical steps that could later affect your health, finances, and legal claim. Knowing what to do after a truck accident in Macon can help protect your safety and your rights.
If you’ve been injured in a trucking crash in Macon, GA, don’t try to take on trucking companies and their insurers by yourself. Reach out to the Macon Trucking Accident Lawyers at Brodie Law Group. Our team is ready to guide you every step of the way and fight for the recovery you need to move forward. Best of all, case evaluations are always FREE, so you can get answers without any upfront cost.
Truck accidents aren’t just “bigger car accidents;” they’re a different legal case altogether. Multiple parties may be responsible, from the driver to the trucking company, contractors, or even the manufacturer of defective parts. Meanwhile, trucking insurers often have zealous teams working to minimize payouts from day one. Their insurance coverages are much higher so there is more on the line for trucking insurance companies.
A Macon Trucking Accident Lawyer can:
Having the right lawyer and legal team means that you’re not fighting against corporations and their insurers alone. Our lawyers will make sure to be with you every step of the way.
Every truck accident case is different, but victims in Georgia may be eligible for compensation including:
The most typical car accidents only involve the drivers and, sometimes, their passengers. But with trucking accidents, it’s totally different. The damage runs deeper than cracked windshields and broken windows – the responsibility often extends beyond just the driver. Our Trucking Accident Attorneys will dig deep into every detail of your case to pinpoint who are the liable parties and build the strongest claim on your behalf.
Here are some of the parties you should consider when determining liability:
More often than not, the party at-fault is going to be the truck driver. Since they are the actual person driving the vehicle, the first thing to determine is whether there was some negligence on their part and if such negligence was the sole cause of the accident. Some key things in determining negligence is to consider whether the truck driver was operating recklessly or failed to exercise the proper care to ensure the truck was safe and in good working condition.
Our attorneys take these factors seriously. From reckless driving, skipped inspections to poor truck maintenance – we will dig deep into the evidence to prove the other driver’s fault and to get the best settlement you need.
Big rigs such as 18-wheelers, tanker trucks, and dump Trucks are massive vehicles that you often see on the roads in Macon. These vehicles demand precise skill and caution to operate. The smallest mistake can make them hard to control because of their sheer size and weight, causing serious dangers for everyone else on the road.
Trucking companies have a responsibility to the public to exercise diligence in hiring qualified drivers and ensuring proper rig maintenance.
When a trucking company cuts corners whether by hiring unqualified drivers or neglecting proper vehicle maintenance, they can be held liable for the accidents that occur due to their negligence. On top of that, employers may also be held responsible for pushing their drivers to their physical limits by ignoring mandatory rest breaks and extending already long exhausting shifts. If the accident you were in happened because the trucking company encouraged the driver to work in unsafe and exhausting conditions, then our team will ensure that they will answer for it.
There are instances when the rig’s manufacturer may be at fault. If a factory defect in the truck was a factor in causing the accident, our team will pursue a claim directly against the manufacturer. Regardless of how severe the accident was, we are here to track down every responsible party and fight to make them answer for the injuries and financial hardships you’ve been forced to endure.
In order to keep roads safe and ensure trucking companies follow strict standards, both state and federal laws are enacted to monitor and regulate the trucking industry. These laws aim to safeguard the general public and ensure fair competition amongst commercial trucking companies.
Why do you need a trucking accident lawyer after a crash in Macon?
Without an experienced Macon attorney who will help navigate these complex rules and regulations, one can risk paying enormous amounts of fines or even revocation of their trucking license. Here at Brodie Law Group, we use our extensive knowledge of these laws to build strong claims and fight for the best outcome on your behalf.
Here are some regulations truckers and trucking companies must abide by:
Driving Time Limits
Under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA) regulations on the Hours of Service, property-carrying drivers can only drive a maximum of eleven (11) hours on the road after ten (10) consecutive hours off duty. They also cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty, even if they take breaks in between. What this means is that within the 14 hour window, a driver is only allowed to drive for a maximum of 11 hours. Additionally, after 8 hours of driving without a break, a driver must take a 30 minute break.
Another notable rule imposed by the FMSCA is the 60/70-hour rule. This means that drivers are not allowed to drive after being on duty for sixty (60) hours in seven (7) consecutive days or seventy (70) hours in eight (8) consecutive days. They can, however, reset this cycle by taking at least thirty-four (34) consecutive hours off duty.
Mandatory Driving Breaks
An important rule enforced by the FMSCA is the “30-Minute Driving Break” rule. This means that drivers must take a thirty (30) minute break when they have driven for more than eight (8)consecutive hours without at least a thirty (30) minute interruption. In order to fully comply with this rule, the driver must either be on-duty and not driving, off-duty, sleeper berth, or any combination thereof.
Another important rule that gives truckers a bit of flexibility is called the Sleeper Berth Provision. This rule allows drivers to split their required ten (10) hour off-duty period into two segments instead of taking it in one whole go, provided that they meet certain conditions. The conditions are that their first break must at least be two (2) hours long (which can be off-duty or in sleeper berth), and the second break must be at least seven (7) consecutive hours spent in sleeper berth. Together, these two breaks must total at least ten (10) hours of rest. This rule benefits the drivers especially when they use it correctly because neither period counts against the fourteen (14) hour window and gives them more control over their schedules while still keeping safety a priority.
Rule on Adverse Driving Conditions
Under FMSCA regulations, truckers can extend their eleven (11) hour driving limit and fourteen (14) hour workday by up to two (2) hours when facing unexpected difficulties on the road. Conditions such as severe weather, traffic congestion, or other hazardous road conditions are covered under this rule.
These federal trucking rules and regulations were created to protect both drivers and the public and also to give truckers some breathing room to continue doing their jobs without much restrictions. Unfortunately, these rules are often bent to serve the interests of large trucking companies. When that happens, the consequences can be detrimental to those involved.
At Brodie Law Group, we hold negligent drivers and companies accountable. We strive to uncover law violations and use them to get the justice our clients deserve because at the end of the day, these laws are not just rules written on a piece of paper. These laws are lifelines meant to keep you and your loved ones safe.
Your safety comes first. Call 911, get medical attention, and document the accident scene. Then, contact a Georgia trucking accident lawyer to protect your rights and preserve crucial evidence like the truck’s black box data.
Liability may fall on the truck driver, the trucking company, maintenance providers, or even parts manufacturers. A skilled Georgia truck accident attorney can investigate and identify every responsible party.
Trucking accidents involve federal regulations, multiple liable parties, and commercial insurance policies. That’s why it’s critical to work with an experienced Macon semi-truck accident lawyer who understands these legalities.
You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, moral damages, and damages to property. A Georgia truck accident lawyer will fight to maximize your compensation.
The statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Georgia is generally two years. Contact a Georgia trucking accident attorney quickly to avoid losing your right to compensation.
Yes. Trucking companies and insurers often try to minimize payouts or shift liability. Having a truck accident lawyer in Macon, GA ensures someone is negotiating for proper compensation.
Trucking accident lawyers work on a contingency basis. What this means is that you do not pay anything up front. If your attorney is able to recover from the insurance company, then their fee will typically be 33% – 40% of the total amount recovered plus expenses. The cost of a trucking accident in Georgia can be extensive due to the size and impact of commercial vehicles. Victims often face severe injuries, long-term medical care, lost income, and substantial vehicle damage. These expenses, along with property damages, will influence the total value of your claim.
Driver logs, black box data, maintenance records, police reports, and witness statements are crucial evidence in truck accident cases. A Macon truck accident lawyer can secure this evidence before it disappears.
Yes. Under Georgia’s modified comparative negligence law, you can still recover damages as long as you were less than 50% at fault. Should you be at fault, you are still entitled to up to 49% of damages. Nonetheless, a Georgia truck accident attorney can help prove liability in your favor.
A truck’s “black box” is an electronic data recorder that captures important details like speed, brake usage, driving hours, and other critical information before and during a crash. This data can be one of the strongest tools in proving fault and strengthening your case. The challenge is that black box data can be difficult to obtain and in many cases, automatically erased within a short period of time. Acting with haste is important.
You don’t have to go up against trucking companies and their insurers by yourself. When you find yourself in a truck accident, call our attorneys at Brodie Law Group at (478) 239-2780. We are committed to fight for you every step of the way, from gathering evidence to pursuing maximum compensation.
When you work with us, you’ll have a dedicated legal team fighting alongside you to protect your rights while we gather the evidence needed to build a strong case, and pursue the justice you deserve.
Contact us today to schedule a FREE consultation with one of our experienced Macon Trucking Accident Attorneys. We’ll sit down with you to hear your story and answer any questions you may have. Together, we will find the best legal options for your unique situation.
