Truck Accident Attorneys in Atlanta Representing Clients Throughout Georgia and Nationwide
At Ashby Thelen Lowry, our truck crash lawyers represent injured clients throughout the state of Georgia and nationwide because we know crashes involving semi-trucks, also called tractor-trailers or 18-wheelers, cause more catastrophic injuries and deaths than any other type of vehicle collision.
These trucks dwarf other vehicles on the road in both size and weight, leaving very little room for error or fatigue. We share the road with millions of tractor-trailers every day. And every day, hundreds of preventable truck crashes happen all over the country. When they do, it is our duty to determine who was liable for the crash — the truck driver, trucking company, another third party, or a combination of each — so injury victims or families who have lost their loved ones are not left paying for their damages out of pocket.
We know firsthand that investigating tractor-trailer crashes in Georgia and elsewhere can be complex, expensive, and time-consuming. This is true for many reasons, one of which is that transportation corporations hire experts and investigators who are present at the scene within hours, sometimes even minutes, after a crash. Those investigators speak to witnesses, and those experts gather evidence, to try to prove that the truck driver did nothing wrong and that the crash was your fault. It is critical that you hire a lawyer as soon as possible to combat what the other side is doing.
That is why we are here. We are certain you never thought you would need a tractor-trailer collision attorney. And you were right: You need an advocate.
We have walked this path with other families and have a great reputation in the industry. We have earned our clients’ trust with hard work, frequent communication, and expertise. We can provide the same exceptional legal advice, guidance, and representation for you and your family, starting with a free case review.
Call us today to learn more. We can decide together if we are a good fit for your case, and ensure your voice is heard.
Who is Liable for Truck Collisions, Injuries, and Fatalities in Georgia?
Our Georgia tractor-trailer crash attorneys know that most 18-wheeler collisions are caused by preventable circumstances, which are often pinpointed by our law firm as negligence on behalf of the trucking company, the truck driver, another third party, or a combination of each.
When trucking companies place profits over safety, other motorists are going to get hurt.
This may include negligent practices like hiring inexperienced drivers, failing to conduct background checks on new drivers to ensure they are in good standing with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), failing to require medical, alcohol, and drug screenings, and allowing — or worse, pressuring — drivers to surpass the FMCSA Hours of Service Regulations. All too often, trucking companies place unrealistic — and sometimes almost impossible — demands on drivers, with predictable results. Drivers push beyond their limits to get the job done and remain employed, and the public is put at significant risk on our roadways.
Truck drivers may be liable for a tractor-trailer crash when their negligence directly results in a collision. That may include driver fatigue — the number one cause of semi-truck crashes in the U.S. — distraction, substance abuse, driver error, and failing to follow basic road safety rules.
Collectively, trucking companies and truck drivers must do better, and injured survivors or families who have lost their loved ones in these tragic crashes must hold them accountable. We help you do that.
Other third parties may also be liable for semi-truck crashes in Georgia. Truck and truck part manufacturers may be liable for defective semi-truck components that fail during their operation. Cargo loaders may also be held liable when the truck is overloaded or improperly loaded, leading to the truck overturning, jackknifing, or being unable to stop.
If you or someone you love has been injured in an 18-wheeler collision in Georgia, contact our experienced personal injury lawyers today for help.
When our Atlanta truck crash attorneys at Ashby Thelen Lowry say we exist to serve our clients, we take that statement very seriously. We do not use it as a marketing tool, but instead to present our law firm’s goals upfront: Striving to provide actual results for real people who have been injured by the negligence of others.
We have guided our clients and their families through the legal process with precision for over a decade and have procured record-setting verdicts for our clients — because that is what they deserve.
The Unique Dangers of Jackknife and Underride Truck Collisions
Certain types of truck-related incidents are especially catastrophic due to the way large vehicles behave during emergencies. Among the most dangerous are jackknife events and underride collisions, which often result in catastrophic or fatal injuries.
- Jackknife events occur when a truck’s trailer swings out to form an angle with the cab, often blocking multiple lanes and sweeping away smaller vehicles. These are typically caused by sudden braking, speeding on wet roads, or improperly secured loads.
- Underride collisions happen when a smaller vehicle slides beneath the rear or side of a trailer, often crushing the vehicle’s roof and compromising the occupants’ survival space. These cases usually involve failure to install or maintain underride guards.
These scenarios are devastating—and preventable. We work with engineering experts, crash reconstructionists, and federal transportation analysts at Ashby Thelen Lowry to determine what failed and why. We hold all responsible parties accountable if a truck’s mechanical failure, improper training, or poor maintenance led to these events.
What Trucking Companies Should Be Doing—But Often Don’t
Trucking companies operate under strict federal and state safety regulations. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) mandates specific rules governing vehicle maintenance, driver training, hours of service, and more. Unfortunately, some companies prioritize efficiency and cost-cutting over public safety.
Common violations that lead to catastrophic outcomes include:
- Failure to maintain brakes, tires, or lighting systems.
- Inadequate vetting or training of new drivers.
- Pressuring drivers to exceed legal hours on the road.
- Lack of drug and alcohol testing programs.
- Poor supervision of subcontracted or leased drivers.
Our legal team investigates whether safety violations contributed to the harm caused. When these shortcuts lead to suffering, we pursue full legal accountability to compensate our clients and discourage future negligence across the industry.
The Importance of Preserving Evidence in Georgia Trucking Litigation
Trucking companies and their insurers often deploy rapid-response teams to the scene of a serious crash. These investigators work quickly to control the narrative and preserve only the evidence that benefits their defense. Meanwhile, injured individuals may still receive emergency care while vital data disappears.
Preserving the proper evidence can make or break a case.
This includes:
- Electronic logging device (ELD) data showing driver hours.
- The truck’s “black box” event recorder.
- Dash cam and surveillance video.
- Load and maintenance records.
- Internal communications between the driver and dispatch.
At Ashby Thelen Lowry, we send formal preservation demands and secure these materials before they are altered or deleted. We understand the urgency of these situations and move swiftly to protect your right to a fair and complete investigation.
How Third-Party Contractors Contribute to Commercial Vehicle Hazards
In today’s logistics industry, many companies contract out different aspects of the supply chain—from maintenance and repairs to loading cargo. While this helps reduce carriers’ costs, it often adds complexity to injury claims. These third parties may be just as responsible for the harm as the driver or the trucking company.
Third-party negligence may include:
- Improper cargo loading causes load shifts or trailer rollovers.
- Inadequate maintenance by an outsourced repair service.
- Fleet owners are leasing trucks to undertrained operators.
- Warehouses are failing to follow safe loading dock procedures.
We examine every relationship tied to the vehicle and the route to determine who may have failed in their duty to protect the public. Our firm has the resources to hold multiple entities accountable in cases where fault is shared across the supply chain.
Why Injuries from Commercial Trucks Are Often Catastrophic
When a fully loaded 80,000-pound truck strikes a smaller passenger vehicle, the impact force is unlike any other roadway event. As a result, those who survive often face severe, life-altering trauma.
Common injuries in these cases include:
- Spinal cord damage leading to permanent paralysis.
- Traumatic brain injuries require lifelong rehabilitation.
- Complex orthopedic fractures require multiple surgeries.
- Severe internal bleeding or organ damage.
- Burns from fuel explosions or post-impact fires.
- Psychological trauma, including PTSD.
At Ashby Thelen Lowry, we work with physicians, trauma specialists, and vocational experts to fully document the scope of our clients’ injuries. These cases are not about a few medical bills—they are about a life disrupted, and what it will take to recover physically, emotionally, and financially.
We Take on National Freight Carriers and Their Defense Teams
Many large freight companies operate across multiple states and maintain powerful legal teams trained to minimize payouts. They rely on their size and complexity to create confusion or delay. We know how to take them on.
Our firm has successfully handled cases against national carriers, logistics firms, and transportation conglomerates. We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial and apply pressure early, forcing the defense to take our clients seriously.
From securing experts to structuring life care plans, we bring clarity, strategy, and strength to every stage of litigation.
Can I Pursue the Negligent Party Who Caused the Loss of My Loved One in a Georgia Semi-Truck Crash?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an estimated 439,200 large trucks were involved in police-reported traffic crashes nationwide last year. During those collisions, 4,965 people were killed. Seventy-one percent of the people killed in those large-truck crashes were occupants of other vehicles.
In cases where our fellow Georgians lose a loved one to the reckless or intentionally negligent conduct of a person or company, it is considered a wrongful death.
This means that when someone is killed because of another person’s negligence, including a truck driver, trucking company, or another third party, the family of the deceased may be eligible to file legal action against the liable party to recover the damages that resulted.
In Georgia, the eligible parties who may pursue a wrongful death claim include:
- Surviving spouse or children.
- Parents.
- Decedent’s personal estate representative.
If you have questions about our eligibility to file a wrongful death claim after a semi-truck collision has taken your loved one’s life, contact our skilled Georgia tractor-trailer crash attorneys today to discuss your case.
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Contact Our Truck Accident Attorneys In Atlanta Today
At Ashby Thelen Lowry, we deliberately limit the number of cases we take so that we can build relationships with our clients, devote the time that their cases deserve, and make their goals our goals. Together, we have decades of experience in overseeing the most complicated, catastrophic, and meaningful cases on behalf of the most deserving clients.
We understand that suffering personal injuries or the loss of a loved one because of another person’s negligence is nothing short of life changing. We want to help you turn the page and move forward with confidence starting today, so we can start pursuing real results together.
Contact our skilled Atlanta truck collision lawyers and support team today at (404) 777-7771 or online to schedule a free consultation, so we can tell your story and ensure your voice is heard by pursuing the best outcome for your unique case.
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Frequently Asked Questions for Truck Accident FAQs
After ensuring your safety and seeking medical attention, it’s crucial to gather as much information as possible. This includes exchanging contact and insurance details with the truck driver, taking photos of the accident scene, and collecting witness information. Then, contacting an experienced truck accident attorney like Ashby Thelen Lowry should be your next step to protect your rights and navigate the legal process effectively.
In Georgia, the statute of limitations for filing a truck accident claim is typically two years from the date of the accident. However, it’s advisable to consult with an attorney at Ashby Thelen Lowry as soon as possible to ensure you meet all legal deadlines and maximize your chances of receiving compensation.
Victims of truck accidents may be entitled to various types of compensation, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and in some cases, punitive damages. Our firm will assess your case’s specifics to determine the full extent of damages you may be entitled to pursue.
Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident. However, your total recovery may be reduced by your percentage of fault. It’s essential to consult with Ashby Thelen Lowry to assess how comparative negligence laws may affect your case.
Many truck accident cases are resolved through out-of-court settlements, as litigation can be time-consuming and costly. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, our Atlanta truck accident lawyers are prepared to take your case to trial and advocate for your rights in the courtroom.
Yes, there are often multiple parties involved in truck accidents, including trucking companies, manufacturers, maintenance contractors, and other third parties. Even if the truck driver was not at fault, you may still have a valid claim against other liable parties. Our personal injury law firm will thoroughly investigate all potential avenues for compensation on your behalf.
The timeline for resolving a truck accident claim can vary depending on factors such as the complexity of the case, the extent of injuries, and whether a settlement is reached or litigation is pursued. Ashby Thelen Lowry is committed to diligently advocating for your best interests while striving for a timely resolution to your case. You can get a more accurate timeline when you have your initial consultation with Atlanta truck accident attorney.
Ashby Thelen Lowry brings extensive experience, knowledge, and a proven track record of success in handling truck accident cases throughout Atlanta, Georgia. They prioritize client communication, personalized attention, and aggressive representation to achieve the best possible outcome for each client. With Ashby Thelen Lowry, you can trust that your case is in capable hands.
