When you hear someone refer to a truck, different kinds of vehicles may come to mind.
But how do semi-trucks differ from other types of commercial trucks? And does the difference matter if you get hurt in a commercial truck accident?
Here’s what you need to know.
Defining Semi-Trucks vs. Trucks
When people use the word “truck,” they may be referring to many different vehicles, including pickup trucks, box trucks, dump trucks, tractor-trailers, semi-trucks, and 18-wheelers.
A semi-truck is a type of commercial vehicle made up of two parts: the tractor, which houses the engine and where the driver operates the vehicle, and the trailer, which carries the cargo. Because the tractor can detach and operate on its own, truck drivers often haul different trailers owned by various clients.
The terms “tractor-trailer” and “18-wheeler” both describe a tractor connected to a trailer.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Some of the top causes of semi-truck accidents in Georgia include:
- Speeding
- Reckless driving
- Drowsy/fatigued driving
- Improper braking
- Turning or changing lanes without signaling or checking mirrors
- Improper wide turns
- Negligent hiring
- Inadequate truck maintenance
- Unsafe cargo loads (e.g., unbalanced, overweight, or unsecured loads)
Proving Liability in Truck Crashes
You may have the right to recover compensation from the truck driver, trucking company, or other party at fault for the wreck that injured you.
However, insurance companies often challenge truck accident claims because these crashes usually involve more severe injuries and higher damages, increasing the potential payout to the victim.
An experienced attorney can help you collect the evidence needed to prove truck accident liability, such as:
- Police reports
- Accident scene photos or videos
- Dashcam or surveillance camera footage
- Hours-of-service records
- Cargo manifests
- Truck maintenance and repair records
- Accident reconstruction expert reports
How Our Law Firm Can Help with Truck Accident Claims
At Underwood Law LLC, our semi-truck accident lawyers can help you seek compensation from the person or parties responsible for the crash.
Our law firm offers comprehensive legal assistance to injured people by providing honest advice, fierce advocacy, and critical support during such a difficult time.
When you choose us for your truck accident case, you get a legal team that can:
- Conduct a thorough investigation into the accident
- Act promptly to gather evidence before the trucking company can legally discard it
- Document the full extent of your injuries and losses
- Place a fair value on your truck accident claim
- File your claim with the liable party’s insurance company(s)
- Seek maximum compensation through a settlement or, if necessary, a truck accident lawsuit
Our firm has a proven track record of success, including multiple six- and seven-figure awards obtained for clients in catastrophic auto accident claims.
Speak with a Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer in Albany, GA, Today
If you suffered injuries in a Georgia truck crash, an experienced Albany truck accident lawyer can help you pursue the financial compensation you need to put your life back together.
Contact Underwood Law LLC today for a free consultation with a skilled member of our legal team.