Big Rig Accidents in Athens | Athens Big Rig Injury Lawyer

A big rig is another name for a semi truck, tractor-trailer or 18 wheeler truck, which is a heavy commercial vehicle used in interstate commerce for hauling freight. A big rig is a type of truck with a semi tractor / semi trailer combination and is primarily used for long haul transport of cargo over the interstate highway system such as Athens’s freeway system which can get dangerous due to rush hour traffic, higher speeds, and possible encounters with drivers being negligent or inexperienced.

Unlike a small truck, a big rig is a large, heavy and complex piece of equipment and requires special attention and maintenance. It is not uncommon for improper big rig maintenance to be the cause of an accident or major wreck on the roads and highways in Athens, Georgia such as the US-129, US-29, US-78, US-441, GA-316, GA-10, GA-8, GA-15, and GA-106.

Big rigs are very heavy – weighing up to 70,000 lbs. to 80,000 lbs. fully loaded. For this reason, a big rig can easily become a killing machine if it gets out of control and become involved in a truck crash on the highway. A big rig can do a lot of damage whether in a wreck by itself or with other vehicles – especially smaller, lighter passenger cars. A commercial big rig truck can become involved in a head-on, rear-end or jackknife crash when driving down Athens roads and freeways such as the US-129, US-29, US-78, US-441, GA-316, GA-10, GA-8, GA-15, or GA-106.

Athens Big Rig Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one becomes involved in a big rig truck accident on an Athens highway, road or interstate, it is advisable to retain an attorney who specializes in Athens truck accident law. There are special laws and regulations that govern commercial vehicles weighing over 10,000 lbs. that require the expertise of a lawyer or attorney who is experienced in this type of law practice and who knows how to protect your rights. Make sure to contact one of the qualified Athens big rig accident lawyers listed on this page. Hire a qualified Athens big rig accident attorney to help protect your rights.

Head-On Big Rig Accidents in Athens

Oftentimes multiple cars will become involved in a potentially deadly collision with a big rig truck or tractor trailer in Athens because of heavy traffic and congestion along major highways in Athens such as the US-129, US-29, US-78, US-441, GA-316, GA-10, GA-8, GA-15, and GA-106. Even though only a fraction of the number of Athens truck accidents are head-on collisions, they often involve a fatality when they do occur, especially where there is a concrete median in the road. When a heavily loaded truck crashes head-on with a passenger vehicle, the results can be devastating. If you or a loved one have been the victim of an Athens head-on collision, contact a qualified Athens truck accident lawyer immediately.

Athens Rear-End Big Rig Crashes

A big rig rear-end collision occurs when the truck strikes another vehicle in the rear. Rear-end truck accidents in Athens can easily happen because of the dangers of traffic along Athens freeways, streets and roads. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), about 18 percent of all large truck accidents are rear-end collisions. In all rear-end truck crashes, about 50 percent more happen when the truck strikes another vehicle than when the crash results from another vehicle striking the truck from behind. Contact an Athens truck accident lawyer to learn about victim’s rights and get your lawsuit started.

Athens Big Rig Jackknife Wrecks

A “jackknife” truck accident is when a large big rig truck towing a trailer folds over into an acute angle similar to that of a folding pocket knife. A big rig or semi truck is an articulated vehicle - the trailer is coupled to the tractor and is essentially “hinged”. If a semi tractor towing a trailer crashes or skids, the trailer can spin around and face backwards and, in some instances, the accident can be so severe that the truck and trailer may roll over.

What if an Athens company like the Athens Water Company, Ferrellgas, or AT&T Electrical had a semi truck jackknife accident on the Athens US-29? Severe injuries and in the worst case scenario, even death could result from a big rig accident of this nature. A big rig truck accident on Athens roads and highways can be so severe that the injured victim or victims need to be rushed - sometimes even airlifted - to a nearby Athens hospital such as the Landmark Hospital of Athens, St. Mary's Hospital and Health Care System, or Athens Regional Medical Center for treatment and emergency medical care.

Athens Truck Repair Shops

Athens truck drivers are required, under both federal law and Georgia truck regulations, to properly maintain their commercial vehicles. If the big rig driver fails to properly maintain his truck and an accident occurs as a result, then the trucker and the trucking company will be found legally negligent. Athens truck drivers should have their vehicles inspected at a truck repair facility like the ones listed below, which specialize in semi truck repairs in Athens.

Big Rig Accident Attorneys Serve Athens and Surrounding Cities

Serving clients throughout Northeastern Georgia, including Apalachee, Apple Valley, Arcade, Arnoldsville, Athens, Bishop, Bogart, Bogert, Bostwick, Braswell, Caruthers Mill, Center, Colbert, Comer, Crawford, Danielsville, Eastville, Elder, Good Hope, High Shoals, Jefferson, Lexington, Maxeys, Mount Vernon, Neese, Nickolson, Oconee Heights, Patterson, Planter, Rogers, Sandy Cross, Statham, Stephens, Watkinsville, Whitehall, Winterville, areas in the vicinity of Athens/Ben Epps Airport, University Of Georgia, and other communities in Barrow County, Clarke County, Jackson County, Madison County, Oconee County, and Oglethorpe County.

Athens big rig accident attorneys are experienced in handling serious injury truck collision cases and can help you fight the trucking company or its insurer in order to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact an Athens big rig accident lawyer today for a FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION.