COMMERCIAL VEHICLE Accident Lawyer.
Georgia Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyer.
When a commercial vehicle collision occurs, victims are suddenly up against powerful companies, corporate insurance carriers, and a maze of complex federal and state regulations. The injuries are often severe, and the financial fallout can be overwhelming.
At Valentine Injury Law, our commercial vehicle accident attorneys work tirelessly to hold negligent drivers and their companies fully responsible for their negligence and fight for your maximum compensation. If you or a loved one has been injured in a commercial vehicle accident, then contact us today for a free consultation.
Types of Commercial Vehicle Accidents We Handle.
According to the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, commercial trucks and vehicles continue to claim over 240 lives each year in Georgia. These consistent fatality levels expose a troubling public safety crisis — one made worse by recent legislative changes (so-called “tort reform”) that reduce legal protections for victims.
Despite making up a much smaller share of vehicles on the road, commercial vehicles account for a disproportionate 14% of all traffic fatalities in Georgia. Even more concerning, 86% of truck-related crashes involve multiple vehicles, often causing severe injuries, multi-car pileups, and extended highway closures. Some of the most common commercial vehicle accidents we see include:
Semi-truck collisions (18-wheelers and tractor-trailers)
Crashes involving 18-wheelers or tractor-trailers are among the most devastating on Georgia roads. These massive vehicles can weigh up to 80,000 pounds and often cause multi-vehicle pileups, severe injuries, and fatalities.
We investigate every angle (driver logs, black box data, maintenance records, and federal regulation violations) to hold trucking companies and drivers accountable for negligence caused by fatigue, speeding, or safety violations of the company itself.
Delivery truck accidents (Amazon, FedEx, UPS, and other carriers)
With the rise in online shopping, delivery trucks are everywhere — and their drivers are often under intense pressure to meet tight deadlines. This leads to reckless driving, improper parking, and rushed decisions that put others at risk.
Whether you were hit by an Amazon van, FedEx truck, or another commercial delivery vehicle, our commercial vehicle accident lawyers at Valentine Injury Law can help you take on the corporate giants and recover full compensation.
Bus crashes (commercial passenger vehicles, like Greyhound)
When a commercial bus is involved in an accident, the consequences can be disastrous — not just for passengers, but also for other drivers and pedestrians. These vehicles require skilled handling and routine inspections, and any failure in safety procedures can lead to tragic outcomes.
We represent victims of crashes involving carriers like Greyhound, Megabus, and other private or charter buses, ensuring negligent operators are held responsible.
Garbage truck and dump truck accidents
Garbage trucks and dump trucks are vital for our society and frequently operate in residential neighborhoods, school zones, and construction sites. But their size, limited visibility, and complex moving parts can make them especially hazardous on the road.
Accidents can result from poor maintenance, distracted driving, or improperly secured loads, among other reasons. Whether the vehicle is owned by a private company or a city agency, we help injured victims cut through red tape and pursue rightful compensation.
Hazardous material spills (tanker truck accidents)
Tanker trucks carrying flammable liquids, corrosive chemicals, or toxic gases pose a dual threat: the crash itself and the dangerous materials released. These accidents can lead to serious burns, respiratory injuries, evacuations, and long-term environmental damage.
We have the experience and resources to handle these complex cases, including coordination with the appropriate expert witnesses and pursuing damages for both personal injury and property loss.
Smaller work vehicle accidents
Our communities and roadways are filled with smaller, company-owned work trucks, such as trucks and their trailers used for landscaping, plumbing, or HVAC services. Many of these trucks, along with their trailers and equipment, may fall within the definition of a “commercial vehicle.” We often see that these companies and their drivers do not comply with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, even though they are mandated by law to do so.
We have extensive experience handling these types of cases, and we know how to increase the amount of damages available to you if the company or driver failed to comply with these regulations.
Full Compensation for Commercial Vehicle Crash Victims: Types of Damages We Fight For.
At Valentine Injury Law, we fight for every dollar that you’re entitled to under Georgia law. That means going after both economic and non-economic damages, and in cases of willful misconduct and other similar behavior, pursuing punitive damages to hold wrongdoers fully accountable.
A commercial vehicle crash lawyer could seek these three types of compensation on your behalf:
Economic damages: Covering your financial losses
Economic damages, known under Georgia law as “special damages,” are the measurable costs associated with the accident, both now and in the future. Our team works with financial experts to ensure no current cost is overlooked and your future needs are accounted for.
We calculate and pursue full recovery for:
- Emergency medical treatment and hospital bills
- Ongoing rehabilitation and therapy
- Prescription medications and medical equipment
- Lost wages, past and future
- Property damage (vehicle repairs or total loss)
Non-economic damages: Addressing the human impact
Not all losses come with a receipt. These are called “general damages.” Serious injuries often bring lasting emotional and psychological trauma. Insurance companies often downplay these damages — we don’t let them.
Our commercial vehicle accident lawyers fight for compensation for your:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement or permanent disability
- Loss of companionship or intimacy (in catastrophic injury cases)
Punitive damages: Holding gross negligence accountable
In cases involving willful misconduct, malice, fraud, or other egregious behavior (such as drunk driving, falsifying driver logs, or knowingly ignoring safety regulations), Georgia law may allow for punitive damages. These are meant to punish the at-fault party and send a message to others in the industry as a deterrent.
Our firm doesn’t just look at what you lost — we look at how severely the defendant failed to protect others on the road.
What to Do After a Commercial Vehicle Accident in Georgia?
Taking the right steps immediately after the accident can make a huge difference in your ability to recover physically and financially. If you’ve been involved in a commercial truck accident, then follow these guidelines:
Call 911 immediately
Report the accident and request emergency medical assistance if anyone is injured. The police will document the scene and create an official crash report, which is crucial for your legal claim. Ask the responding officer how and when you can get a copy of the accident report. This will be essential for proving liability.
Seek medical attention
Some injuries may not show symptoms right away. Always get checked by a medical professional as soon as possible. This is also helpful for your case, since medical records also serve as critical pieces of evidence.
Document everything at the scene
Once you’ve made sure that you and the other party are stable, gather evidence at the scene like photos of vehicle damage, property in the bed or trailer of any trucks, road conditions, injuries, and debris.
Do not admit fault or give statements to the company
Anything you say at the scene (or to an insurance adjuster) can be used against you. Be polite, but avoid discussing who was at fault. Let your attorney speak on your behalf.
Notify your insurance company
Report the accident to your insurer, but avoid providing a recorded statement until you’ve spoken with an attorney.
Contact a Georgia commercial vehicle accident lawyer
Commercial vehicle accidents may involve federal trucking regulations, powerful insurance companies, and aggressive legal teams. Hiring a knowledgeable commercial vehicle accident attorney promptly after the collision ensures that your rights are protected, critical evidence is preserved, and you have someone fighting for the full compensation you deserve.
What Does a Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyer Do?
After a crash involving a commercial truck, you’re not just dealing with a driver — you’re up against companies, corporate insurers, and legal teams whose goal is to minimize your claim. A commercial vehicle accident lawyer protects your interests by:
Investigating the accident thoroughly
Commercial vehicle accidents often involve multiple parties and complex causes of action. Your lawyer will: Gather police reports, black box data, dashcam footage, and driver logs; investigate the company’s safety record and maintenance practices; work with accident reconstruction experts to determine liability, as well as interview witnesses and secure surveillance footage before it disappears or is destroyed by a party.
Identifying all liable parties
A commercial vehicle crash attorney ensures no responsible party is overlooked, which can significantly increase the value of your claim. Unlike standard car accidents, commercial vehicle crashes may involve multiple liable parties, such as: The company driver, the company or even the insurance carrier, cargo loaders or maintenance contractors, and truck or parts manufacturers (in cases of mechanical failure).
Calculating the true value of your case
Your damages go beyond just the repair bill. A commercial vehicle accident lawyer calculates: Medical costs (current and future), ost wages and reduced earning potential, pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and potential punitive damages in certain cases.
Representing you in court if needed
While many cases settle out of court, some require litigation. If the insurance company refuses to pay what you’re owed, then a lawyer will build a strong case and represent you at trial to pursue the justice you deserve.
When Do I Hire a Commercial Vehicle Accident Attorney?
If you’ve been involved in a collision with a commercial vehicle, then timing is critical. These cases are often complex, and trucking companies act fast to protect themselves. Oftentimes, companies send investigators to the scene within an hour or two after the accident to start building their defenses. Hiring an experienced local attorney early can make the difference between a denied claim and a full financial recovery.
You should contact a commercial vehicle accident attorney if:
- You suffered injuries, even if they seem minor at first
- The vehicle that hit you was owned or operated by a company
- You’re facing large medical bills or time away from work
- You’ve received a quick settlement offer that feels too low
- The insurance company is delaying, denying, or underpaying your claim
- You’re being blamed for an accident that you didn’t cause
- You’re unsure who is legally responsible for the crash
- Critical evidence (like dash cam footage or driver logs) may be lost without legal action
- You’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure about your rights
Crushed by a Commercial Vehicle? Call Our Athens Lawyer Now!
At Valentine Injury Law, we understand the devastation that a commercial truck accident can cause. You’re facing powerful trucking companies and complex legal challenges — but you don’t have to face them alone. Our experienced Georgia attorneys dig deep, fight hard, and never back down until you receive the compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a commercial vehicle crash, take action now to protect your rights and secure your future. Call Valentine Injury Law today for a free, no-obligation consultation — we’re here to help you rebuild your life.
Our Practice Areas.
Valentine Injury Law proudly represents clients across a wide range of personal injury and wrongful death cases, including but not limited to:
Rideshare collisions
Uber and Lyft accidents are becoming more common. We know how to pursue compensation and put money back in your pocket.
Tractor trailer collisions
Tractor-trailer accidents can come with complex liability issues. We navigate the nuances for you.
Bicycle accidents
Cyclists face unique and often life-threatening dangers on Georgia roads.
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Pedestrian accidents
Hire an expert who knows how to navigate these special laws. We’ve won significant recoveries for injured pedestrians.
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Hit and run collisions
We don’t let hit-and-run drivers get away with fleeing the scene and their responsibility.
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Catastrophic injuries
We help you pursue the financial foundation you need to rebuild your life.
DUI accidents
Drunk and impaired drivers can wreck lives. We hold them accountable for their actions.
Learn MoreOther Areas of Expertise
Discover How We Can HelpIf you or a loved one has experienced an injury due to any of the above cases, then you need to contact Valentine Injury Law immediately. Getting the ball rolling early on your legal case is essential to achieving the maximum result that you deserve. Call us today.
We’re ready to fight for you.
If you’ve been injured, you’re not alone. Contact us for a free case evaluation. You only pay if we secure a settlement for you.
