Hawk Law Group | May 12, 2025 | Truck Accident
Truck accidents can devastate lives in ways that regular car crashes simply don’t. When an 80,000-pound commercial truck collides with a passenger vehicle, the results are often catastrophic. Victims face overwhelming medical bills, complex insurance claims, and a web of federal and state regulations that make getting justice difficult without help.
A truck accident lawyer serves as your advocate through this challenging process. They handle everything from investigating the crash to negotiating with powerful trucking companies and their insurers. In Georgia, where specific trucking regulations apply and you have limited time to file a claim, having the right legal representation can make all the difference in your recovery.
Learn what our Augusta truck accident lawyer does and how we will help you get the compensation you deserve.
Why Truck Accident Cases Are Different from Car Crashes
The damage and injuries in truck accidents are typically much more severe than in regular car crashes. Commercial trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, about 20 times heavier than the average passenger vehicle. This weight difference means that even a “minor” truck collision can cause catastrophic injuries or death.
Truck accident cases also involve complex federal regulations from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These rules govern everything from how long drivers can operate without rest to how cargo must be secured. Georgia also enforces its own commercial vehicle safety regulations through the Georgia Department of Public Safety’s Motor Carrier Compliance Division.
Unlike a typical car accident where you’re dealing with one other driver, truck accidents often involve multiple liable parties:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- The cargo loader
- Maintenance providers
- Parts manufacturers
- Brokers or shippers
This makes determining who’s responsible much more complicated, and why having our experienced truck accident lawyer is essential.
⚖️ Because of their size, truck accidents cause greater harm—and unlike car crashes, they involve federal regulations, commercial insurance, and multiple liable parties.
What Does a Truck Accident Lawyer Do?
Investigates the Accident Thoroughly
Our skilled truck accident lawyer will begin by conducting a comprehensive investigation of your crash. This includes:
- Visiting the accident scene to document evidence before it disappears
- Obtaining the truck’s “black box” data recorder information
- Securing police reports and witness statements
- Analyzing driver logbooks and hours-of-service records
- Requesting the driver’s qualification file and training records
- Examining truck maintenance logs and inspection reports
- Consulting with accident reconstruction experts
At Hawk Law Group, we know what evidence to look for because we’ve handled countless truck accident cases throughout Georgia. We act quickly to preserve critical evidence before it can be lost or destroyed.
Determines Liability
One of the most important jobs our truck accident lawyer does is identifying all parties who may be responsible for your injuries. This includes:
- Investigating the truck driver’s actions and qualifications
- Examining the trucking company’s hiring and supervision practices
- Reviewing maintenance records for negligent repairs
- Checking whether load securement met safety standards
- Analyzing whether defective parts contributed to the crash
Georgia follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule under OCGA § 51-12-33. This means you can recover damages as long as you’re less than 50% responsible for the accident, but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. Our attorneys work to minimize any allegations of shared responsibility.
Handles Insurance Communications
Trucking companies typically carry insurance policies worth millions of dollars. When you’re injured, their insurance representatives will contact you immediately, hoping to:
- Get you to make recorded statements that hurt your claim
- Pressure you into accepting a quick, lowball settlement
- Have you sign documents that limit your rights
Our truck accident lawyer manages all these communications on your behalf. We deal directly with insurance adjusters, preventing them from taking advantage of you during a vulnerable time.
Calculates Full Damages
Our skilled truck accident attorney will accurately calculate all your damages, both current and future:
Economic damages include:
- Medical expenses (emergency care, hospitalization, surgeries)
- Rehabilitation costs (physical therapy, occupational therapy)
- Lost wages and diminished future earning capacity
- Property damage
- Home modifications for permanent disabilities
- Long-term care needs
Non-economic damages include:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma and mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium (impact on personal relationships)
With catastrophic injuries common in truck crashes, proper valuation of your claim is essential. Insurance companies will try to minimize these amounts, we won’t let them.
Files Lawsuits and Manages Legal Process
If a fair settlement isn’t offered, our truck accident lawyer will:
- File a lawsuit within Georgia’s statute of limitations
- Draft and file all necessary legal documents
- Conduct discovery (collecting evidence from the other side)
- Take depositions of witnesses, experts, and opposing parties
- File and respond to motions
- Represent you at all court hearings
In Georgia, you generally have only two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit under OCGA § 9-3-33. Missing this deadline can permanently bar your claim.
Represents Clients in Settlement or Trial
While most truck accident cases settle before trial, our attorney prepares every case as if it will go before a jury. This approach achieves two important goals:
- It shows insurance companies you’re serious about getting fair compensation
- It ensures you’re ready if negotiations fail
Our truck accident lawyer will represent you throughout settlement negotiations or at trial, fighting for the maximum compensation your case deserves.
Benefits of Hiring our Truck Accident Lawyer in Georgia
Working with our local Georgia truck accident attorney provides several advantages:
- Familiarity with local courts and judges in Augusta, Columbia County, Richmond County, and throughout the CSRA
- Knowledge of regional trucking companies that operate in Georgia and South Carolina
- Understanding of Georgia-specific laws that affect your case
- Relationships with local experts who can strengthen your claim
- Ability to meet with you in person at our five convenient offices throughout the region
At Hawk Law Group, our attorneys have more than 71 years of combined experience handling complex truck accident cases. Our deep understanding of Georgia’s legal landscape means we will manage your case more effectively.
📌 Working with our local attorney means familiarity with judges, trucking companies, and court rules across Georgia—an edge in both negotiation and litigation.
When Should You Contact a Truck Accident Attorney?
The answer is simple: as soon as possible after receiving medical care.
Early legal representation is essential because:
- Evidence disappears quickly after a truck crash
- Witness memories fade over time
- Electronic data may be overwritten or deleted
- Companies may “lose” important records if not legally required to preserve them
- Insurance companies start building their defense immediately
Remember that in Georgia, you have just two years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit. While this may seem like plenty of time, building a strong truck accident case takes months of investigation and preparation.
FAQs About Truck Accident Lawyers
What is the average settlement for a truck accident in Georgia?
There is no “average” settlement that applies to all cases. Truck accident settlements range from tens of thousands to millions of dollars, depending on factors like:
- Severity of injuries
- Long-term medical needs
- Impact on earning capacity
- Available insurance coverage
- Strength of liability evidence
For example, Hawk Law Group secured an $840,000 settlement for a client injured in a truck accident, but each case is unique.
How long does a truck accident lawsuit take?
The timeline varies widely. Some cases settle within months, while more complex claims might take 1-2 years to resolve, especially if they go to trial. Factors affecting the timeline include:
- The complexity of your injuries
- Number of parties involved
- Insurance company cooperation
- Court schedules in your county
We’ll give you a realistic timeline based on the specific details of your case.
Can more than one party be at fault in a truck accident?
Yes, and this is often the case. Multiple parties may share liability, including:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- Cargo loaders
- Maintenance providers
- Parts manufacturers
Georgia law allows you to recover from all responsible parties based on their percentage of fault.
Do I need a lawyer if the insurance company offered me money?
Absolutely. Initial settlement offers are almost always far less than what your case is truly worth. Insurance companies hope you’ll accept before understanding the full extent of your injuries and future needs.
Our truck accident lawyer will:
- Evaluate if the offer is fair
- Calculate your actual damages
- Negotiate for appropriate compensation
- Take your case to court if necessary
What’s the deadline to file a truck accident claim in Georgia?
In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Georgia. However, there are exceptions:
- If a death occurred, the family has two years from the date of death
- Claims against government entities may have much shorter notice requirements
- Cases involving minors may have extended deadlines
Missing these deadlines can permanently bar your right to compensation.
Talk to our Georgia Truck Accident Lawyer Today
The results of a truck accident can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face them alone. Our commercial truck accident attorneys at Hawk Law Group are ready to help you manage this difficult time.
We offer:
- Free initial consultations to evaluate your case
- No fees unless we win your case
- 24/7 availability to answer your questions
- Home and hospital visits if you can’t come to us
At Hawk Law Group, we take on cases other law firms have given up on, and we win. Let us put our experience as trial attorneys to work for you and your family.
Don’t wait until critical evidence disappears or deadlines pass. Call us today at (706) 539-5191 or contact us online to protect your rights and start your journey toward recovery.