Atlanta Truck Accident Passenger Injuries: Who Is Responsible?
The Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety reports that more than 1,000 people are injured in truck accidents throughout the state each year. In the majority of cases, truck drivers walk away uninjured. It’s people in nearby vehicles that tend to suffer the most harm.
If you were hurt as a passenger in an Atlanta truck accident, you may be wondering who is responsible for your costs. Our Atlanta truck accident lawyers explain common injuries suffered by clients in these cases and who can be held liable in an injury claim.
Common Passenger Injuries in an Atlanta Truck Accident
Riding along as a passenger can save you the stress of driving yourself, but it provides little protection in the event of a crash. Particularly when it involves an Atlanta truck accident, injuries suffered by passengers have the potential to be severe. They often include:
- Concussions, skull fractures, or other head or brain injuries;
- Fractured vertebrae, herniated discs, and damage to the spinal cord or column;
- Multiple, complex fractures impacting the arms, legs, ribs, or pelvis;
- Crushing or internal injuries;
- Deep cuts and severe soft tissue damage from shattered glass or debris.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) warns that over 70 percent of severe truck accident injuries happen to people in other vehicles. When passengers suffer harm, determining who is liable can help in getting the total compensation they need to recover.
Who’s Liable For Atlanta Truck Accident Passenger Injuries?
Atlanta truck accidents are complex events. These crashes can happen for a variety of reasons, and often there is more than one party who is responsible.
If you were a passenger and suffered injuries, those who may be liable in a Georgia injury claim include:
- The truck driver, due to reckless behavior such as speeding, fatigue, or distracted driving.
- The trucking company, for poor hiring practices or unrealistic schedules.
- Maintenance providers, for failing to conduct proper inspections or make needed repairs.
- Truck manufacturers, if defective tires, brakes, or other parts played a role in causing a crash.
- Cargo loaders, if unsafe or unbalanced loads contributed to what happened.
- The driver of the vehicle you were riding in or other motorists, if their reckless actions played a role in causing you harm.
Under Section 51-12-33 of the Georgia Code, compensation in Atlanta truck accident claims can be divided among multiple at-fault parties, depending on their share of the blame.
Request a Consult With Our Experienced Atlanta Truck Accident Lawyers
Being injured as a passenger in an Atlanta truck accident can leave you feeling powerless, but you are not alone. At Shiver Hamilton Campbell, we have experience untangling even the most challenging truck accident cases and fight to help injured victims get the maximum compensation they need to recover.
Our Atlanta truck accident lawyers provide trusted legal service to clients in Decatur, Johns Creek, Jonesboro, St. Simons Island, and Sandy Springs, as well as Fulton, DeKalb, and Gwinnett Counties. Contact our office and request a consultation today.
Sources:
gahighwaysafety.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/2021-Large-Trucks-Georgia-Traffic-Safety-Facts.pdf
crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/812891
georgiacourts.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Apportionment-of-Damages-Terry.pdf
