Tractor-trailer accidents in and around Atlanta are common. The for-profit tractor-trailer industry is a recipe for danger. Tractor-trailer companies have an economic incentive to move products across the nation as quickly as possible, and their drivers are rewarded for working long hours and driving while tired. Ethical tractor-trailer companies enforce policies that value safety over these short-term economic incentives, but not all tractor-trailer companies are ethical. We share the roads with these tractor-trailer companies’ vehicles, and, unfortunately, when their drivers cause a wreck it almost always leads to a serious injury or wrongful death.
Accidents with tractor-trailers are particularly traumatic. The size difference between a passenger vehicle and the truck that hit you is considerable; it is not surprising that significant damage, serious personal injury, and loss of life often result. If you or someone you love was a victim of an accident of this type, compensation may be available. An experienced Atlanta truck accident attorney can help you navigate the complexities inherent in both insurance settlements and tractor trailer, truck accident or wrongful death lawsuits.
As you recover from your injuries or mourn the loss of your loved one, you likely have a great deal on your mind. Concern over exorbitant medical and rehabilitation bills, property loss, and an inability to work are just a few of the issues you may need to manage. And, if you have lost a loved one, your grief can be overwhelming. Simply thinking about insurance claims and lawsuits can trigger anxiety.
At The Stoddard Firm, we understand and appreciate your perilous situation. Years ago our partners made a commitment to represent individuals involved in truck accidents, as opposed to the trucking or insurance companies. Providing our clients peace of mind that all aspects of their cases are under control is paramount to the service we provide. Below we have shared some of what you can expect when you engage our firm.
First, we will conduct a thorough Investigation. In order to file for a settlement from an insurance company or go forward with a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit, a great deal of work is required. Incident reports must be gathered, medical records obtained, witness interviews conducted and accident sites reviewed. We will manage the entirety of this. Additionally, we will handle all communications with insurance representatives, attorneys, and others involved. You can refer all inquiries to us and focus on your recovery, your family, and your life.
Additionally, we can identify, quantify and prove damages. In Georgia, when negligence is proven, accident victims may be entitled to both economic and non-economic damages. On the surface, economic damages are easy to determine, as there is a specific monetary equivalent to them. They include medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and even lost wages. That said, truck accidents can be serious, and you may require long-term medical care.
Our team can quantify these long-term health-related costs to ensure you have access to the care you need, long after the case is settled.
We can also determine non-economic losses, including pain and suffering. You certainly deserve to be compensated for them. Finally, if a life is lost, we will work tirelessly to accurately identify the financial toll this will take on your family and help you prove your losses to insurance companies and the courts, if necessary.
In short, we will provide you with knowledgeable and experienced representation. It will be our responsibility to negotiate with insurance companies and represent you, if necessary, in any lawsuits. We will keep you apprised of the status of your case; you will always know what is happening and what to expect. Because of our experience, we know how to handle anything that may arise.
Clearly, The Stoddard Firm understands the tractor-trailer industry. Be aware that prior to founding the firm, Matt Stoddard, our truck accident partner, spent years defending some of the world’s largest tractor-trailer companies, talking to their drivers, and attending their seminars. The Stoddard Firm is comfortable and experienced in handling all types of tractor-trailer and commercial vehicle wreck cases including:
Interstate Carrier Tractor-Trailer Wrecks
In-State Carrier Tractor-Trailer Wrecks
Agricultural and Logging Truck Wrecks
Dump Truck Wrecks
City-owned Garbage and Recycling Truck Wrecks
Commercial Vehicle Wrecks.
You can rely on our firm to handle all aspects of your case. This is what we do – and we have a reputation for doing it well.
Why Choose Us
Selecting a truck accident lawyer to handle your case is a big decision. Not only is the outcome of the case critical to your future, but much of the process will occur as you are under a great deal of stress.
You need to engage a firm that has specific knowledge of truck accidents, is experienced in handling Atlanta personal injury and wrongful death cases, and has an approach to service that you can trust. We are that firm.
Truck Accident Knowledge: Unlike many other attorneys who advertise themselves as tractor-trailer wreck lawyers, Matt Stoddard is acutely familiar with the extensive regulation that makes tractor-trailer companies liable for improper loading, hiring unqualified drivers, driving over hours, failing to administer drug testing, and failing to perform pre-trip inspections. We are aware of which regulations apply to which tractor-trailer companies. By leveraging our knowledge, we have been valuable to our clients and developed a proven record of success.
Experienced in Negotiating and Litigating: For years, our firm has represented truck accident victims. We are experienced negotiators and aggressive litigators. Our familiarity with the local courts, insurance companies, and trucking companies are unmatched. We know all the players and are well aware of what to expect.
Trustworthy Service: While knowledge and experience are incredibly important, identifying a law firm on which you can rely is vital. You want to work with a team that will interact with you appropriately and alleviate all of your concerns. When Matt Stoddard committed his practice to individuals, years ago, he did so because he recognized the difference he could make in their lives. While no other person can truly know the pain you are experiencing, we appreciate your situation and understand all that you have to do. Our clients consistently share their positive experiences with our firm. Not only do we work tirelessly to get you the settlement you need and deserve, but we also strive to reduce your stress and operate under a sense of calm.
If you or your family has been impacted by a truck accident, please reach out to us. We are ready to learn about your situation and share more about our qualifications and how we can best help you. Contact us at 470-467-2200 for a free consultation today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accidents
Our Atlanta Truck Accident Attorneys Address Your Concerns
Victims of truck accidents and their families always have a lot of questions. It’s not surprising; the insurance and legal process is foreign to them. In order to provide answers to questions regarding a specific situation, we would need to meet with you. However, below we have shared some of the more general questions that are often asked of us, along with our truck accident lawyers’ responses.
Do I really need a truck accident lawyer?
Quite simply, yes. Personal injury laws and wrongful death laws (under which truck accidents fall) in Georgia are complicated; the insurance and legal processes are complex, and the trucking company will certainly have legal representation. An experienced truck accident attorney can provide much-needed guidance, advice, and counsel. You must put yourself in a position to succeed.
Who can I sue if I was involved in a truck accident?
Your Atlanta truck accident lawyer will review your case and determine who may have been negligent. Possible individuals/organizations who may have been at fault include the truck driver, the truck manufacturer, the trucking company, and even local or state governments if the accident was the result of poorly maintained roads.
How much time do I have to file my truck accident case?
In general, in Georgia, the statute of limitations regarding personal injury cases (under which truck accident cases fall) and wrongful death cases is two years. That said, there are some exceptions that your truck accident lawyer can explain.
My family member was killed in a truck accident. Can I file a wrongful death lawsuit?
Perhaps. It depends upon your relationship with the deceased. Under Georgia law, only certain family members are entitled to file these suits. These individuals include the spouse, children, and parents of the deceased.
What type of damages can I expect to receive from my truck accident?
Your Atlanta truck accident attorney will review your case and help to determine recoverable damages. They may include both economic damages (medical bills, lost wages, lost future wages, and property damage) and non-economic damages (pain and suffering and loss of consortium). Depending upon the circumstances surrounding the accident, punitive damages may also be awarded.
The insurance company called and offered a settlement, should I take it?
Not immediately. In fact, do not even engage in conversation with the insurance company; they do not have your best interests at heart. Instead, refer them to your Atlanta truck accident lawyer. We will handle all communications and negotiations on your behalf.
We hope the information shared above is helpful to you and your family. Please reach out to us at 470-467-2200 to schedule a free consultation during which we can address more of your concerns.
Our Atlanta Truck Accident Lawyer Shares the Facts
Common Causes of Truck Wrecks
Crashes involving tractor-trailers can have several contributing factors. Most crashes, even those involving large trucks, are caused by human error. When a tractor-trailer driver makes a mistake, the consequences for other drivers can be incredibly costly. Some of the most common causes of tractor-trailer wrecks include:
Fatigued driving – Fatigue is a common problem among truck drivers in the United States. Because trucking companies place such high demands on their drivers, truckers are pushed to the limit. The result is a fatigued workforce that is often strained to do its job safely.
Distracted driving – Just like other types of drivers, truckers can be prone to distraction. Driving a truck requires a great deal of focus, and one small lapse of attention can lead to a serious wreck.
Speeding – While many tractor-trailers have devices that limit how fast the truck can travel, those devices don’t take into account hazardous traffic conditions and areas that have lower speed limits. Traveling too fast for conditions is one of the most common causes of crashes involving large trucks.
Following signs and signals – Most truck drivers place an emphasis on following the rules of the road, but some might fall short of that obligation. For example, when a driver fails to come to a complete stop or yield when necessary, it can lead to a chain reaction in which another driver suffers the consequences.
Tractor-Trailer Wrecks Can Be Complex
There are unique laws that apply to tractor-trailers, all of which play a role in how cases involving truck wrecks are handled. In addition to federal laws, Georgia also has its own regulations regarding commercial vehicles and commercial vehicle drivers. The Stoddard Law Firm has extensive experience and knowledge of both federal and state laws governing tractor-trailers
Another thing that makes these cases unique is the fact that there are often several different parties involved on the trucker’s side of the case. A truck driver may or may not own their own truck, and many drivers are either employed or hired out by another company.
The manufacturer of the truck might also have a role in the case if a defect was partially responsible for a crash.
These parties often have experienced teams who handle legal matters on a regular basis. That’s another reason it’s so important to have an attorney that has a proven track record of handling tractor-trailer wreck cases.
The legal teams and insurance representatives of trucking companies go to work immediately following a crash involving one of their drivers. It’s vital that you do the same. If you’ve been involved in a crash with a tractor-trailer, contact us as soon as possible to put our resources to work for you and your loved ones.
Accidents with Large Corporations’ Trucks
One reason many of the truckers have access to highly qualified legal teams is that they work for large, national and international organizations. In fact, some of the most recognizable brands are reliant upon truck drivers to deliver their products in Atlanta and across the country.
The Stoddard Firm has in-depth experience and exceptional qualifications. We can handle your case, regardless of who you are up against. Our experience includes, but is not limited to:
Knowing the industry matters. Having the financial resources and manpower to fight is important. And choosing a real trial law firm, one with a low caseload, matters. Not every law firm knows what they are doing. Not every law firm is equipped to fight for full justice.
The Stoddard Firm is different, and reaching out to us is free. Please give us a call or contact us online so we can answer your questions and discuss what is necessary to achieve a favorable result in your tractor-trailer wreck case. Knowledge is power, and we will share ours with you. There is truly no reason not to call or contact us at 470-467-2200 for free advice.
Attorney Matt Stoddard
Matt Stoddard is a professional, hardworking, ethical advocate. He routinely faces some of the nation’s largest companies and some of the world’s largest insurers – opponents who have virtually unlimited resources. In these circumstances, Mr. Stoddard is comfortable. Mr. Stoddard provides his strongest efforts to his clients, and he devotes the firm’s significant financial resources to presenting the strongest case possible on their behalf. Matt understands that his clients must put their trust in him. That trust creates an obligation for Matt to work tirelessly on their behalf, and Matt Stoddard does not take that obligation lightly. [ Attorney Bio ]
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Whenever you see an Amazon delivery truck out making its rounds, there’s a good chance it’s not technically owned by Amazon. And when you see a delivery truck with an obscure logo or no logo at all, there’s a good chance what it’s delivering was ordered on Amazon.
This is because, in addition to its in-house delivery services, Amazon contracts with hundreds of local delivery companies. Altho...
Matt Stoddard is a professional, hardworking, ethical advocate. He routinely faces some of the nation’s largest companies and some of the world’s largest insurers – opponents who have virtually unlimited resources. In these circumstances, Mr. Stoddard is comfortable. Mr. Stoddard provides his strongest efforts to his clients, and he devotes the firm’s significant financial resources to presenting the strongest case possible on their behalf. Matt understands that his clients must put their trust in him. That trust creates an obligation for Matt to work tirelessly on their behalf, and Matt Stoddard does not take that obligation lightly. [ 
