Being involved in a truck accident can be a terrifying experience. The injuries can be severe and lead to prolonged medical care, lost income, and other expenses. With this in mind, understanding liability in a truck accident is important. The State of Georgia maintains specific laws and regulations that apply to commercial truck accidents. In this blog, we will explore the concept of liability in Georgia trucking accidents and what steps are available to injured parties.

Who is Liable in a Truck Accident?



Determining who is liable for an accident involving a commercial vehicle can be complicated. However, some parties are usually found to have some level of liability in most cases. These parties are the truck driver, the owner of the truck, the trucking company, the freight company, and the manufacturer of the truck or its parts. In some cases, other parties could be held accountable, such as the government agency responsible for maintaining the roads where the accident occurred.

What Are My Options If I Was Injured in a Trucking Accident?

If you are injured in a trucking accident, you have legal options available, depending on your circumstances. If you are an employee that was injured while carrying out your job, you might be entitled to workers' compensation benefits from your employer. However, if you were not an employee but were injured due to the negligence of the truck driver, you might have the right to sue the responsible parties for monetary compensation.

How Is Compensation Calculated?

Compensation in truck accidents is calculated based on the extent of the injuries, medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering experienced as a result of the accident. The calculation of compensation requires a detailed review of medical records, employment records, and other factors that reflect the impact of the injuries on the victim's life.

Who Pays the Compensation to the Victims?

In most cases, the compensation is awarded through a settlement or a court judgment. The compensation can be paid by the responsible parties, their insurance provider or their employers. It is advisable to work with a competent personal injury attorney with experience in handling trucking accidents, which will help ensure that you receive just compensation for your injuries.

Can I Still Receive Compensation If I Was Uninsured at the Time of the Accident?

If you were uninsured at the time of an accident with a commercial truck, you could still receive compensation for your injuries. The State of Georgia applies a system of comparative negligence that assigns a percentage of the blame to each party involved in the accident. So, even if you were partially to blame for the accident, you might still receive compensation for your injuries, but the amount will be reduced by your proportion of fault.

Getting injured in a truck accident can be a life-changing event. It can have physical, psychological, and financial implications that can last for years. Determining who is liable, understanding your rights, and calculating a fair amount of compensation can be complicated. That's why engaging the services of a competent personal injury attorney is essential. At The Boone Firm, P.C., we have experience in handling trucking accidents in Georgia and can assist you in recovering the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.