Most of us have experienced the uncomfortable presence of large tractor trailers, semi-trucks, and big-rigs while traveling on our highways. Unfortunately, these types of commercial vehicles are becoming more and more prevalent at a time when drivers are becoming more and more distracted. Today’s drivers, even those that drive commercial vehicles, are often distracted by cell phones, GPS navigation systems and other on-board electronic equipment. A distracted driver in a tractor trailer, semi-truck, big-rig or other large vehicle is a recipe for disaster because accidents involving large vehicles are almost always catastrophic.
Pope, McGlamry had the pleasure of representing a wonderful lady that was rear-ended by a tractor trailer in Columbus, Georgia. She was stopped at a traffic light when she glanced in her rear view mirror and noticed that a tractor trailer was barreling down on her. It was as if the driver of the tractor trailer simply did not realize that the light had turned red. The impact was so violent that her car was launched hundreds of feet from the accident site and into an embankment. Fortunately, our client survived the collision, but she is likely to have permanent and ongoing injuries.
It was important that our client contacted us directly after the accident. Often, trucking companies will send an investigator to the accident site within days, and sometimes hours, after the accident in order to secure evidence that will support their version of how the accident happened. Once our firm became involved, a team of lawyers and investigators for the victim were staffed on the case to ensure valuable evidence remained intact and that our client obtained fair compensation for her injuries. The lawyers at Pope, McGlamry fought a long battle for the rear-ended victim. When our investigation was complete, the truck driver, the trucking company, and the insurance company that was involved decided that it would be better to settle the victim’s claims out of court than to face a jury, and a confidential settlement agreement was reached.
Cases involving tractor trailers, semi-trucks, big rigs, and other common and commercial carriers require special attention. There are specific laws that apply only to the trucking industry. These laws are designed to keep regular motorists safe. The lawyers investigating a trucking accident must be aware of the special laws that apply to the trucking industry, and the ways that truckers and trucking companies try to get around the law or cover up their activities after there has been an accident. The expert trucking lawyers at Pope, McGlamry are prepared to hold trucking companies accountable to these laws.
If either you or your loved one has been injured in a trucking accident, consider letting the expert trucking lawyers at Pope, McGlamry fight for you.
