Columbus Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyers

Hurt from a Crash with a Commercial Vehicle or Truck?

Columbus sees thousands of commercial vehicles on its roads every day, from delivery trucks heading to the residential areas to 18-wheelers traversing through major highways to get to the next town over. Because of the sheer size of these vehicles, they’re a bigger risk than most other cars on the road.

When these trucks and company vans get involved in a car crash, the results are almost always devastating. In some tragic cases, they are fatal, like the collision involving a U.S. Foods semi-truck that left one dead along Woodruff Farm Rd in 2023.

If you or someone you love has been involved in a commercial truck accident, get legal help right away and seek just compensation for your injuries and losses. Schedule a FREE CONSULTATION with Thompson Law’s Columbus commercial vehicle accident lawyers today.

 

Columbus Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyers

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Why You Need a Columbus Commercial Vehicle Accident Attorney

Commercial vehicle crashes are much more complex than everyday car accidents. They involve more than just two drivers on the road, but also the company the truck driver works for and the aggressive insurance companies that back them.

When you try to handle this case on your own or with an inexperienced attorney who isn’t familiar with the lay of the land in Columbus, GA, you could end up making costly mistakes that weaken your case. That’s why it’s essential to hire a reputable legal team that knows Georgia’s traffic laws and isn’t afraid to hold private companies accountable for your losses.

A lawyer can also help you calculate the amount you deserve in compensation that reflects the extent of your injuries. Our team at Thompson Law can help you estimate the actual value of your claim and ensure you only get a settlement amount that is fair.

Don’t risk getting taken advantage of by these big companies and insurers. Work with our team of trusted, experienced Columbus commercial vehicle accident lawyers to ensure you take all the proper measures to protect your rights and bring those at fault to justice. Schedule a FREE CASE REVIEW to see how we can help strengthen your commercial truck case.

How Thompson Law Handles Commercial Truck Accident Cases

At Thompson Law, we understand that every commercial truck accident is unique and should be treated with a tailored, strategic approach. From day one of working with us, we’ll handle your case however it fits best. Here are just some of the ways we can help build a winning legal strategy for your case and advocate for your rights:

  • Conducting a thorough investigation of what transpired on the road during the accident
  • Collecting key evidence to prove negligence on the truck driver or the private company, from black box data to witness statements
  • Submit the necessary legal paperwork to ensure you don’t miss important deadlines that can hurt your case in the future
  • Calculate the amount you deserve to receive in compensatory damages
  • Liaise with corporate insurance companies on your behalf to ensure they don’t lowball your payout
  • Represent you in a full court battle if your case ends up going to trial
  • Negotiate a fair settlement amount, should the other party wish to settle it outside of court
  • Give you any and all legal support you need during these difficult times
  • Our Columbus commercial vehicle accident attorneys will do everything to make sure you don’t carry the burden of someone else’s recklessness on the road. Contact us and get a FREE CASE REVIEW to start the fight for justice today.

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(844) 308-8180

Why Choose Thompson Law?

Our lawyers know how devastating a commercial vehicle accident can be on a victim’s life even after physical healing. When the medical bills and other expenses tied to the accident rack up, we believe that the private trucking company that owns the commercial vehicle should foot the bill. We can help bring those responsible for your pain and struggles to justice so that you get full, fair compensation for your injuries and trauma.

Common Causes of Commercial Vehicle Accidents in Columbus

There are many factors that contribute to the prevalence of commercial truck accidents in Columbus and all over Georgia. Here are just some of the common reasons these tragic accidents occur:

  • Driving above the speed limit, which can reduce reaction times when needed
  • Reckless driving and not following traffic signals
  • Driver fatigue, especially when the commercial vehicle driver has been on the road for more hours than allowed
  • Distracted driving, like when the driver is on their phone instead of minding the road
  • Lack of proper training for inexperienced commercial truck drivers
  • Improperly loaded cargo that leads to rollovers or cargo spilling out into the road
  • Poor truck maintenance that results in faulty brakes, engine failure, and so on
  • Hazardous road conditions due to inclement weather or obstructions like debris or potholes on the street

At Thompson Law

We provide Commercial Vehicle Accident victims with dedicated and tenacious legal representation, ensuring you get fair value for your claim. Our Columbus Commercial Vehicle Accident lawyers will build a strong case with supporting evidence for injured victims so that you recover the money that you deserve.

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Who is at Fault for Your Commercial Vehicle Crash?

Determining fault in a commercial vehicle crash isn’t always that simple. Many different parties can be found liable for your injuries and losses, mainly because big companies are involved in these cases.

Most of the time, it is the driver of the commercial truck who is found liable for the accident. If they were caught speeding, driving distractedly or under the influence, or clearly violating traffic laws, then they may be personally liable.

However, if the cause of the accident is improper driver training or pressure by an employer to work more hours on the road, the trucking or transport company may be found liable instead.

In some situations, the vehicle maintenance provider can also be found negligent. If third-party maintenance contractors failed to properly inspect, repair, and service the commercial vehicle, it could be considered as contributing to the collision.

With the right pieces of evidence, our Columbus commercial vehicle accident lawyers can help determine fault in the collision you were involved in. Then, we hold them accountable for their actions by demanding the rightful compensation you are owed.

How to Handle Insurance Companies After a Commercial Vehicle Accident

After being involved in an accident with a commercial vehicle, you might start getting calls from the insurance provider of the company that owns the vehicle. But you need to remember that these insurance adjusters are not on your side. They will use all kinds of tactics to downplay your injuries from the collision and even shift the blame onto you when they can.

When you talk to these insurance companies, make sure never to admit fault, as this can be used against you. Limit the communication with them as much as possible, especially when it comes to details about the accident.

If they give you a settlement offer, don’t accept it right away. The first offer is usually much lower than what your claim is worth. Instead, tell them you have a lawyer, then direct them to Thompson Law’s attorneys. We’ll negotiate with them to ensure your payout isn’t getting minimized or undermined. We’ll work relentlessly to get only a fair settlement you actually deserve.

Damages You Can Seek After a Commercial Truck Accident

If you’ve been hurt in a commercial vehicle accident and another party is found liable for it, you may be entitled to compensatory damages for your losses. These damages allow victims to recover from the financial burden of an accident that wasn’t their fault. Some of these damages include compensation for:

  • Medical expenses from emergency treatment, rehabilitation, surgery, and more
  • Lost wages if you had to miss work due to the accident and your injuries
  • Diminished earning capacity if you can no longer work because of your severe injuries
  • Pain and suffering, which refers to the mental turmoil and emotional distress brought on by the accident
  • Property damage if your car or any other personal belongings were damaged in the accident
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Punitive damages if the truck driver is found to have acted out of gross negligence or malice

Our lawyers will work tirelessly to ensure you get compensated for any of the damages above you’ve incurred since the accident. Get a FREE CASE REVIEW with our team to learn more about other damages you can pursue compensation for, depending on your case.

What If My Loved One was Killed in a Commercial Truck Accident?

If you lost a loved one in a commercial vehicle accident in Columbus, you and other surviving family members can file a wrongful death claim. Aside from the damages listed above, you can seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and the deceased’s pain and suffering.

Our attorneys know how to handle wrongful death cases with the respect and dignity they deserve. We’ll help you navigate the legal process in this difficult time. If you’re dealing with a loved one’s death on the road and are wondering if you have a solid case, schedule a FREE CONSULTATION with our team.

Is There a Deadline for Filing a Commercial Vehicle Accident Claim?

Yes, there is a strict deadline to meet if you want to file a claim for a commercial vehicle accident. In Georgia, the statute of limitations for personal injuries from road accidents is two years from the date of the crash.

If you don’t file a claim or pursue legal action against a negligent party before that deadline, you’ll lose your right to obtain compensation for your losses.

Local Laws in Columbus, GA, Surrounding Commercial Vehicles

The City of Columbus and the State of Georgia have local laws to protect motorists from getting involved in accidents with commercial vehicles and trucks. Here are some of the most relevant ones.

Strict Commercial Truck Routes

The Columbus Code of Ordinances § 20-9.47 mandates a strict truck route system for all trucks that drive in the streets of the city, including commercial vehicles.

There are two main types of routes for these vehicles. The first is thru routes, which trucks can use if they’re only passing through Columbus without stopping. The second is local routes, designed for vehicles making deliveries or heading to their company’s location.

The general rule is that these commercial trucks must use the biggest and strongest roads available, like highways, before turning onto small streets when they get closer to their destination.

Restricted Parking in Residential Areas

According to the Columbus Code of Ordinances § 20-13.10, large commercial vehicles and trailers are not allowed to park in residential areas, unless it is only for deliveries, pickups, and quick services. If the truck is parked for any of the purposes listed, the driver must place visible safety markers like cones around the truck.

This is because huge trucks can damage the small streets in residential neighborhoods and cause disturbance among residents at home.

Limits on Driving Hours

Georgia state law incorporates the driving hour regulations of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Some of these stipulations include:

  • Drivers can drive only a maximum of 11 hours after spending 10 consecutive hours not working
  • Drivers must take a 30-minute break after driving eight hours
  • A trucking company cannot compel a driver to drive after their 14th hour on duty
  • Drivers cannot drive more than 60 on-duty hours within seven days or 70 hours within eight days. A driver can restart their 7- or 8-day period by taking 34 consecutive hours off-duty

Insurance Requirements

Georgia Administrative Code Rule 515-16-11-.03 requires trucking companies to carry substantial insurance policies. If these commercial trucks only operate within Georgia, their insurance must cover $100,000 for injuries or death per person, with a limit of $300,000 per accident.

High-Risk Intersections to Watch in Columbus, GA

Commercial vehicle accidents can happen anywhere in Columbus. However, they are more likely to occur in the city’s busy intersections due to complex lane configurations and a heavy flow of vehicles making turns in the same spot.

Here are some of the intersections in Columbus where any motorist needs to be extra cautious, especially when commercial trucks are involved:

  • 1st and 13th Ave
  • Macon Rd and Interstate 185
  • Beaver Run and Gateway Rd
  • Whittlesey Blvd & Veterans Pkwy
  • Rigdon Rd and Colorado Street
  • Manchester Expy & Armour Rd
  • Forrest Rd and Reese Rd
  • 13th St and US-27/Veterans Parkway
  • Manchester Expressway and 2nd Ave
  • Manchester Expressway and Woodruff Road
  • GA-22 and Macon Rd

Columbus, GA Hospitals for Medical Care After a Road Accident

When you get hurt in a road accident with a commercial truck, safety and medical care should be your utmost priority. Dial 911 for help so that medics can come to the scene and give you the treatment you need. If you need to be transferred to a hospital, here are some options around Columbus you could be taken to.

  • St. Francis-Emory Healthcare:  Has a full range of inpatient and outpatient care services, including but not limited to cardiac care, orthopedics, and open-heart surgery. This hospital has 376 beds available for patients.
  • Piedmont Columbus Regional’s Midtown Campus:  This tertiary care facility is the largest hospital in West Georgia with a total of 583 beds for patients. It’s a Regional Level II Emergency Trauma Center as well, making it ideal for those nursing major injuries from a road crash.
  • Piedmont Columbus Regional’s Northside Campus:  This hospital has 100 beds and offers services such as emergency care, orthopedics, physical rehabilitation, general surgery, spine treatment, and hip and knee joint replacement.

Let Thompson Law Get You the Compensation You Deserve

When a commercial vehicle accident turns your world upside down, it’s important to have a legal team you can trust to fight for your rights and get you the compensation you deserve.

Our team of Columbus commercial vehicle accident lawyers isn’t afraid to go after the big guys. We’re committed to standing with you and advocating for your rights in every step of the legal process until we secure the maximum compensation possible for your case.

Let us deal with the legal battle so that you can focus on getting the rest and healing you need to recover physically and mentally from the accident. Give us a call and schedule a FREE CONSULTATION today and get the justice and compensation you deserve.

 

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FAQs About Commercial Vehicle Accidents in Columbus, GA

How soon after the commercial vehicle accident should I contact a lawyer?

It’s always smart to reach out to a reputable commercial vehicle accident lawyer as soon as you can, whether it’s right after the accident or in the days afterward, if you need to heal physically first. When you have a lawyer early on, you get guidance at every step of the legal process, including what evidence to preserve to strengthen your case.

How much does it cost to hire a commercial vehicle accident lawyer?

It’s hard to pinpoint an average rate because most attorneys who work on commercial vehicle accidents charge a contingency fee. That means clients pay nothing upfront and only pay their legal team a 25-40% cut of their final settlement or court-awarded compensatory damages. That way, you can get legal help without the financial stress.

What is the longest a settlement can take for a commercial vehicle accident case?

Commercial vehicle collisions that are complex and result in severe injuries take the longest. Some of these cases can take years to resolve, especially if fault and liability aren’t completely clear. Your legal team can give you a good estimate of how long your case will take to resolve, depending on its unique circumstances.

Thompson Law Guarantee

Thompson Law charges NO FEE unless we obtain a settlement for your case. We’ve put over $1.9 billion in cash settlements in our clients’ pockets. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your accident, get your questions answered, and understand your legal options.

State law limits the time you have to file a claim after an injury accident, so call today.