Understanding Truck Accident Claims and Legal Options in Union City, GA
Truck accidents are among the most catastrophic types of collisions on the road — and Union City sees more than its share. Located near major highways like I-85 and State Route 138, it’s a hub for commercial traffic. With so many vehicles, serious truck crashes are unfortunately common, and the aftermath can be devastating. If you’ve been hurt in a collision with a semi-truck, delivery vehicle, or commercial hauler, you’re likely facing massive medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma. That’s why it’s essential to understand how truck accident claims work, and what steps you should take to file one accurately.
At Buddoo & Associates, we’re here to help Union City victims get the compensation they need to recover.
Why Truck Accident Claims Are Different
Filing a truck accident claim is not the same as filing a regular car accident claim. Here’s why:
- Severity of injuries: Truck accidents often result in life-altering injuries or fatalities due to the sheer size and weight of commercial vehicles.
- Multiple liable parties: Responsibility may lie with more than just the truck driver.
- Federal regulations: Truck drivers and companies must follow rules set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), and violations can impact liability.
- Corporate involvement: Trucking companies and insurers deploy aggressive legal teams immediately after a crash to protect their interests.
Because of these complexities, having experienced legal representation like our team is critical to the success of truck accident claims in and around Union City.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Union City
Understanding what caused your accident is the first step in identifying who’s liable. Common causes include:
- Driver fatigue due to violations of hours-of-service regulations.
- Distracted driving, including phone use behind the wheel.
- Driving while under the influence.
- Speeding or aggressive lane changes, especially near merging areas.
- Poor vehicle maintenance, such as brake failure or tire blowouts.
- Improperly loaded cargo that shifts or spills.
- Dangerous road conditions in high-traffic areas like Roosevelt Highway or Royal South Parkway.
No matter the cause, if negligence played a role, then you may be entitled to compensation through a truck accident claim.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Truck Accident Claim?
One of the unique aspects of truck accident claims is the potential for multiple liable parties. Depending on the circumstances of your crash, these may include the following.
1. The Truck Driver
If the driver was speeding, distracted, fatigued, or under the influence, they may be held personally liable.
2. The Trucking Company
Employers may be responsible for hiring unqualified drivers, failing to train staff, or pressuring drivers to violate safety rules in order to meet deadlines.
3. The Cargo Loader
Unbalanced or unsecured loads can lead to rollover accidents or jackknifes, making the loading company liable.
4. Vehicle Manufacturers or Maintenance Contractors
Defective brakes, steering systems, or other components could make the manufacturer or maintenance crew liable.
5. Other Drivers or Third Parties
Sometimes another motorist may contribute to the crash by cutting off a truck or causing a chain-reaction collision.
Identifying who’s liable is essential in truck accident claims, and that’s where Buddoo & Associates brings its local insight and investigative power to bear.
What to Do After a Truck Accident in Union City
Your actions after a crash can dramatically affect the success of your claim. If you’re involved in a truck accident, the best actions you can take (if physically able) include:
- Calling 911 immediately to request medical help and police response.
- Getting medical attention, even if you feel okay, as adrenaline can mask symptoms.
- Documenting the scene by taking photos of the truck, damage, road conditions, injuries, and cargo spills.
- Exchanging information with the driver and any witnesses.
- Requesting a police report once it’s been filed.
- NOT speaking to the trucking company or their insurance representative.
- Contacting a Union City truck accident attorney, like Buddoo & Associates, as soon as possible.
How to File a Truck Accident Claim in Georgia
Truck accident claims in Georgia involve several steps to file. Here’s how that process generally works.
1. A Free Case Evaluation
At Buddoo & Associates, we start with a no-cost consultation to understand your case and outline your legal options.
2. An Accident Investigation
We collect police reports, black box data, surveillance footage, witness statements, and FMCSA compliance records.
3. Filing a Demand Letter
This document outlines the damages you’re seeking, and is sent to the at-fault party’s insurance company.
4. Negotiation with Insurers
We handle all communication and fight for a fair settlement that reflects your losses.
5. Filing a Lawsuit (If Necessary)
If insurers refuse to pay fairly, we’re prepared to take your case to court.
6. Important Deadlines
Georgia law gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim — but filing sooner is always better than later.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
Truck accidents often lead to significant damages. Through a successful claim, you may recover compensation for:
- Medical bills, including surgeries, rehab, and prescriptions.
- Future medical care and assistive devices.
- Lost income and reduced earning potential.
- Pain and suffering.
- Emotional distress and PTSD.
- Vehicle and property damage.
- Wrongful death damages for surviving family members.
- Punitive damages, if gross negligence or illegal activity (like a DUI) was involved.
Our team will work tirelessly to make sure that every dollar of your damage is documented and pursued.
Why Choose Buddoo & Associates for Your Truck Accident Claim
With years of experience and a deep understanding of truck accident claims, Buddoo & Associates stands out as a trusted local firm serving Union City, GA, and its surrounding areas. Here’s why our clients choose us.
- We use in-depth knowledge of commercial trucking laws.
- We have local insight into Union City courts, roads, and accident hotspots.
- We implement aggressive negotiation strategies against large trucking insurers.
- We offer contingency-based pricing, which means that you pay nothing unless we win.
- We pride ourselves on compassionate, hands-on support from day one.
We’re committed to helping victims heal and rebuild after traumatic truck accidents.
Call Buddoo & Associates Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck crash in Union City, time is of the essence. Trucking companies and insurers move fast — so should you. We proudly serve Union City, South Fulton, Fairburn, College Park, and the entire metro Atlanta area. Your consultation is free, and there are no legal fees unless we win your case. Contact us today!
