Atlanta Truck Accident Lawyer – Heavy Vehicle Injury Claims

Truck accidents can cause devastating injuries and life-altering consequences. Atlanta’s interstates, including I-285, I-75, and I-20, are major trucking routes and, sadly, sites of frequent collisions.  These roads are often congested and support heavy freight transport, raising the likelihood of high-speed or multi-vehicle accidents. 

If you have been injured in a crash involving a semi-truck, tractor-trailer, or commercial vehicle, Rafaeli Law PLLC stands ready to represent you with skill, compassion, and results-driven legal strategy.

Why Atlanta Truck Accidents Are So Dangerous

Collisions involving large commercial trucks are uniquely catastrophic due to their sheer size and weight. A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, compared to the 4,000-pound average passenger car.

According to the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety and GDOT data, over 230 people died in large truck crashes in Georgia in 2022, many of them in the Atlanta metro area.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Atlanta:

  • Driver Fatigue – Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations limit truckers to 11 hours of driving per day. Unfortunately, many exceed these limits to meet delivery deadlines, significantly increasing crash risks.
  • Distracted Driving – Using GPS, dispatch radios, or mobile apps while driving is common. These distractions are particularly dangerous in traffic-heavy areas like downtown Atlanta.
  • Improperly Loaded Cargo – Uneven weight distribution can make a truck prone to rollovers, especially on ramps and curves. Overloaded trucks also struggle to brake properly.
  • Inadequate Driver Training – A CDL is required, but not all companies invest in comprehensive safety training, especially for new hires navigating congested urban routes.
  • Mechanical Failures – A worn tire blowout at high speeds or faulty brake pads can result in catastrophic collisions. Regular inspections are mandated by FMCSA but often neglected.

Georgia Trucking Laws & Liability in Commercial Vehicle Crashes

Georgia law holds truck drivers and companies to higher standards of care due to the potential for widespread harm.

Parties That May Be Liable:

  • The Truck Driver – May be personally responsible if found guilty of speeding, driving under the influence, or violating hours-of-service rules.
  • The Trucking Company – Responsible for negligent hiring practices, improper training, or failure to enforce safety policies.
  • Maintenance Provider – If an outsourced vendor failed to fix known issues or falsified inspection records.
  • Manufacturer – Liable if defective brakes, tires, or steering mechanisms contributed to the crash.
  • Cargo Loader – Poorly secured goods can shift during transit, causing the driver to lose control.

What to Do After a Truck Accident in Atlanta

  1. Call 911 immediately – Ensure emergency services respond and generate a detailed accident report.
  2. Document the Scene – Take pictures of all vehicles, road conditions, injuries, license plates, and signage. The video is even better.
  3. Seek Medical Attention – Internal injuries like organ damage or brain trauma may not be immediately apparent.
  4. Avoid Giving Statements – Especially to the trucking company’s insurer. Let your attorney handle all communication.
  5. Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer – Prompt legal action preserves key evidence like GPS data, electronic logging devices, and driver records.

Common Injuries in Semi-Truck Collisions

Truck accidents tend to produce more severe injuries than standard crashes:

  • Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) – From skull fractures to long-term cognitive impairments, TBIs can affect speech, memory, and mobility.
  • Spinal Cord Injuries – May lead to partial or full paralysis, requiring lifelong medical care and modifications to daily life.
  • Multiple Fractures & Crushed Bones – Often caused by a truck impacting the side or roof of a smaller vehicle.
  • Burns or Chemical Exposure – In crashes involving tankers or commercial trucks carrying hazardous materials.
  • Internal Bleeding or Organ Damage – Blunt force trauma from airbags or dashboard impact can injure the lungs, liver, kidneys, or heart.

Victims often require multiple surgeries, rehabilitation, and assistive devices such as wheelchairs. We connect you to trusted Atlanta medical experts.

How Rafaeli Law PLLC Helps Truck Accident Victims

We handle all aspects of your claim, including:

  • Investigation & Evidence Gathering – We subpoena driver logs, maintenance records, drug test results, and more. We may also send preservation letters to ensure critical evidence is not destroyed.
  • Insurance Negotiation – Our lawyers have handled high-stakes negotiations against major insurance providers and self-insured trucking companies.
  • Medical Coordination – We assist with arranging diagnostics, surgical consultations, and long-term therapy at top Atlanta hospitals.
  • Litigation – We file suit when fair settlements are denied and present expert witnesses, crash reconstructions, and detailed economic loss models in court.

Our record includes successful cases against large trucking fleets, logistics companies, and corporate insurers.

Damages You May Be Entitled To

Victims of truck accidents can recover compensation for:

  • Medical Bills – Emergency transport, surgery, hospital stays, and future medical care.
  • Lost Wages – Income lost during recovery and reduced future earning capacity.
  • Pain & Suffering – Physical discomfort, anxiety, PTSD, and emotional distress.
  • Property Damage – Vehicle repair or replacement, including any personal property inside the vehicle.
  • Punitive Damages – Reserved for cases involving willful misconduct, such as driving under the influence or falsifying driver logs.

Our firm calculates long-term financial needs, including future care costs, using economists and life care planners.

Atlanta Trucking Accident Statistics

Data PointValueAdditional Context
Truck-involved fatalities in Georgia (2022)230+Reflects a rising trend in deadly crashes, especially on I-285 and I-75 corridors in Atlanta.
Average truck weight vs. car80,000 lbs vs. 4,000 lbsA truck’s stopping distance is 20-40% longer than a car’s, making sudden stops far more dangerous.
Percent of fatal crashes involving commercial trucks in Metro Atlanta13%Metro Atlanta sees higher rates due to dense traffic, freight volume, and intermodal logistics zones.

Why Choose Rafaeli Law PLLC as Your Personal Injury Lawyer

  • Decades of Experience in Georgia Trucking Law – We understand FMCSA regulations, Georgia traffic laws, and how to challenge big trucking defense teams.
  • Aggressive Trial Preparation – Every case is prepared as if it will go to trial, pressuring insurers to offer fair settlements.
  • Access to Leading Accident Reconstruction Experts – We work with engineers and trucking safety professionals.
  • 24/7 Availability – Call us anytime, even on weekends or holidays.
  • No Upfront Legal Fees – We only get paid when we recover money for you.

From Gwinnett to Fulton County, we proudly serve injured victims across the Atlanta region.

Talk to an Atlanta Truck Accident Lawyer Today

Do not wait. Georgia imposes a 2-year statute of limitations on truck injury claims. Crucial evidence such as black box data, GPS logs, and driving records can vanish quickly.

Let Rafaeli Law PLLC protect your rights. Call us today at 954-365-5639 or schedule a free consultation online. We’re ready to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How is a truck accident different from a car accident?

Truck accidents typically involve larger vehicles, more serious injuries, and complex regulations from the FMCSA. They often require deeper investigation and legal expertise.

2. Who can be held liable in an Atlanta truck accident case?

Depending on the facts, it may include the driver, trucking company, parts manufacturer, maintenance team, or cargo loader.

3. What evidence should I collect after a truck crash?

Take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, your injuries, and license plates. If possible, get contact info from witnesses and request a copy of the police report.

4. How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit in Georgia?

The statute of limitations is two years from the date of the accident. Delaying may result in loss of your right to file a claim.

5. What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Georgia follows modified comparative negligence. If you’re less than 50% at fault, you can still recover damages, reduced by your percentage of fault.

6. Should I talk to the trucking company's insurance adjuster?

No. Let your lawyer handle all communications. Adjusters aim to reduce payouts and may use your words against you.

7. Can Rafaeli Law help with trucking accidents outside Atlanta?

Yes, we represent clients across Georgia, including Fulton, Cobb, and Gwinnett Counties. See all our locations

8. What damages can I recover in a commercial truck accident case?

You may be eligible for compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, vehicle repair, and more.

9. How much does it cost to hire a truck accident lawyer?

We work on a contingency fee basis; you pay nothing unless we win your case.

10. What types of trucks are commonly involved in Atlanta accidents?

Common types include 18-wheelers, dump trucks, cement trucks, garbage trucks, and box trucks navigating metro roadways.

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If you are facing a personal injury or insurance dispute, Rafaeli Law PLLC is here to help. We are dedicated to protecting your rights and helping you secure the compensation you deserve.