If you’ve been injured in a collision with a commercial vehicle, an experienced Savannah truck accident lawyer can help you navigate the legal system and fight for fair compensation. A fully loaded semi-truck traveling legally on I-95 can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, nearly twenty times the weight of a standard passenger car.
When these vehicles crash, the force of impact often leads to catastrophic consequences for those in the smaller vehicle. Trucking companies move quickly after an accident, dispatching teams of investigators and attorneys to the scene to protect their interests and shape the initial investigation in their favor.
You deserve someone equally committed to protecting your rights. Contact Hasner Law PC today at (912) 234-2334 for a free and confidential case evaluation.
Savannah Truck Accident Guide
- How a Savannah Truck Accident Lawyer Can Protect Your Rights After a Crash
- Swift Legal Action to Protect Your Truck Accident Claim
- Why Are Truck Accidents in Savannah Legally Complex?
- Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Savannah
- Serious Injuries from Truck Accidents in Savannah
- Key Georgia Laws That May Affect Your Case
- FAQs for Savannah Truck Accident Lawyers
- Seeking Justice for Victims of Trucking Company Negligence in Savannah
How a Savannah Truck Accident Lawyer Can Protect Your Rights After a Crash
If you have been injured in a collision with a semi-truck or other commercial vehicle in Savannah or anywhere in Chatham County, working with an experienced Savannah truck accident lawyer is essential.
These cases are very different from ordinary car accidents. Instead of dealing with one driver, you may be up against a trucking company supported by insurance adjusters and corporate attorneys who are focused on limiting how much they pay.
At Hasner Law, we take immediate action to protect your interests. Our legal team understands how to navigate the trucking industry’s legal strategies and fight for the full compensation you are entitled to under Georgia law.
Swift Legal Action to Protect Your Truck Accident Claim
As soon as you hire our firm, we take swift legal action to preserve the evidence your case depends on. One of our first steps is sending a spoliation letter to the trucking company. This formal notice requires them to retain key information such as:
- The truck’s electronic logging device (ELD), also called the black box
- The driver’s logbooks and hours-of-service records
- Truck maintenance and inspection reports
- Results from any drug or alcohol testing after the accident
We also take over all communication with the trucking company and its insurers. You will not need to speak with adjusters or worry about being pushed into giving a recorded statement. Our team handles every detail while you focus on your medical care and recovery.
With the help of experienced investigators and highly regarded accident reconstruction experts, we conduct our own independent analysis of the crash. Our goal is to build a strong, evidence-backed case that supports your claim and maximizes your chance of recovering full compensation.
Why Are Truck Accidents in Savannah Legally Complex?
Collisions involving tractor-trailers or other commercial trucks are far more complicated than ordinary car crashes. These cases are governed by federal trucking regulations, involve multiple layers of corporate responsibility, and require specialized knowledge and resources to pursue effectively.
Trucking Industry Regulations
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets nationwide safety standards for commercial vehicles. These rules cover everything from how long a truck driver can stay behind the wheel to how often a truck must be inspected and maintained.
Violations of these rules can be used to show that a trucking company or driver failed to meet their legal obligations. A skilled truck accident attorney in Savannah understands how to find and use these violations to support your case.
Multiple Parties May Be Liable in a Truck Accident
Truck crashes often involve multiple potentially liable parties. Depending on the circumstances, you may have claims against:
- The truck driver who was behind the wheel
- The motor carrier (trucking company) that employed the driver
- A logistics company that arranged the shipment
- A cargo loading crew
- A third-party maintenance provider
- A manufacturer of faulty truck parts
Each of these parties may have played a role in causing the crash. Identifying them early is key to recovering full compensation.
Preserving Evidence Is Crucial in Truck Accident Cases
Commercial trucks are equipped with digital systems that store vital data, including vehicle speed, braking, and driver activity leading up to the crash. Without quick legal action, this information can be altered or lost. A knowledgeable Chatham County truck accident attorney will act swiftly to protect this evidence before it disappears.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Savannah
Savannah experiences a steady flow of commercial truck traffic across major roads such as I-95, I-16, Highway 21, and Abercorn Street. As a growing economic center and home to one of the busiest seaports in the country, the Port of Savannah, the city sees significant freight movement throughout Chatham County and surrounding areas.
This constant truck activity increases the likelihood of serious collisions, many of which are preventable through proper safety protocols and regulatory compliance. These accidents often result from avoidable errors such as driver fatigue, poor maintenance, unsafe loading practices, or violations of federal and state regulations. A skilled Savannah truck accident lawyer can help uncover the cause of the crash and seek compensation from every party responsible.
Fatigue and Hours-of-Service Violations
Federal rules limit how long truck drivers can remain on the road without rest. However, tight delivery schedules and pressure from employers often push drivers to exceed those limits. Fatigued driving reduces alertness and slows reaction times, making accidents far more likely.
Improper Loading and Overweight Trucks
Cargo that is unsecured or unevenly loaded can shift during transit, making the truck unstable. Overweight vehicles place extra stress on tires and brakes and require more time and distance to stop safely, increasing the risk of high-impact crashes.
Mechanical Failures Caused by Poor Maintenance
Trucking companies are required to inspect and maintain their vehicles regularly. When they skip scheduled maintenance or delay repairs, it can lead to serious mechanical failures such as brake issues or tire blowouts on the highway.
Distracted and Impaired Driving
Truck drivers face the same risks of distraction and impairment as other drivers. Cell phone use, drug or alcohol consumption, and inattention behind the wheel can all contribute to devastating outcomes, especially given the size and speed of commercial vehicles.
Serious Injuries from Truck Accidents in Savannah
Truck crashes often result in life-changing injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, limb amputations, severe burns, and other catastrophic conditions. These injuries typically require extensive treatment and long-term care.
A knowledgeable Chatham County truck accident attorney can help document your injuries and pursue full compensation for your medical needs, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Key Georgia Laws That May Affect Your Case
Understanding the legal landscape in Georgia is essential when pursuing a truck accident claim. The trucking company’s legal team will be prepared, and you need a legal advocate who is equally experienced.
Georgia’s Comparative Negligence Rule
Under O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33, you may still recover compensation if you were less than 50% at fault for the accident. Any compensation awarded is reduced by your share of fault. If you are found to be 50% or more responsible, you cannot recover damages.
Time Limits for Filing a Claim
According to O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Georgia. Missing this deadline means you cannot pursue compensation in court, which is why it is important to act quickly.
Direct Legal Claims Against Trucking Insurers in Georgia
Unlike most states, Georgia allows injured individuals to name a trucking company’s insurance carrier as a defendant in a lawsuit. This is made possible under O.C.G.A. § 40-1-112(c) and O.C.G.A. § 40-2-140(d)(4).
These provisions apply to motor carriers operating within the state and permit a direct cause of action against their insurer when a covered loss occurs. This legal tool can strengthen your case by involving the party that holds the financial responsibility from the outset.
Filing a direct action against the insurance company may:
- Encourage faster and more meaningful settlement discussions
- Limit delays by including the insurer in early proceedings
- Provide clarity to juries regarding the source of compensation
A seasoned Chatham County truck accident attorney will know how and when to use these statutes effectively as part of your overall legal strategy.
FAQs for Savannah Truck Accident Lawyers
1. How much does it cost to hire a truck accident lawyer in Savannah?
Hiring a Savannah truck accident lawyer from Hasner Law comes at no upfront cost to you. We handle these cases on a contingency fee basis, which means we advance all expenses related to investigating, preparing, and litigating your claim. You will only pay legal fees if we successfully recover compensation on your behalf.
2. How much is my truck accident case worth?
Every case is unique, and no attorney can give an exact value right away. Your compensation will depfend on several factors, including medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and how the injuries have affected your daily life.
No ethical attorney can assign an exact dollar figure at the beginning of a case, but our team will work diligently to pursue compensation that fully reflects the harm you have suffered.
3. Should I speak with the trucking company’s insurance adjuster?
It is usually not in your best interest to speak directly with an insurance adjuster after a truck accident, particularly if they ask to record your statement. These adjusters are trained to frame questions in a way that could reduce the value of your claim or shift blame onto you.
You have the right to inform them that you are hiring legal representation and that your attorney will be handling all further communication on your behalf.
4. How long does a commercial truck accident case take to resolve?
The timeline for a truck accident case can vary significantly based on the complexity of the situation. Some cases involving clear liability and moderate injuries may be resolved through settlement within several months, while others that involve severe injuries or contested facts may take longer and require a full litigation process.
At Hasner Law, we are committed to moving your case forward efficiently without compromising the outcome by accepting an unfair settlement.
5. Who can be held responsible for a truck accident besides the driver?
In many commercial vehicle accidents, legal responsibility is not limited to the driver alone. Liability may also fall on the trucking company, particularly if they failed to train or supervise the driver properly.
Other potentially responsible parties may include the company that loaded the cargo, especially if improper loading contributed to the crash, a third-party maintenance provider responsible for faulty repairs, or a manufacturer of defective vehicle components.
Identifying all responsible parties is an important part of building a strong legal claim, and your truck accident lawyer in Savannah will take the steps needed to uncover every source of liability.
Seeking Justice for Victims of Trucking Company Negligence in Savannah
Truck crashes are rarely random events. More often, they are the foreseeable outcome of unsafe practices, poor decision-making, and systemic negligence within the trucking industry. When a corporation cuts corners on safety, rushes shipments, or ignores maintenance standards, the consequences can be devastating for innocent drivers and their families.
If you or a loved one have been injured in a truck accident, you do not have to take on this fight by yourself. At Hasner Law, our team is committed to helping injury victims and their families pursue justice with strength and compassion. We bring years of experience, extensive legal resources, and a firm commitment to holding trucking companies accountable under Georgia law.
Call our Savannah office today at (912) 234-2334 to schedule a free and confidential consultation with a Savannah personal injury lawyer.
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Hasner Law: Savannah Injury & Workers’ Compensation Attorneys
221 W York St
Savannah, GA 31401
