Injured In A Truck Accident?
A Lawyer Can Help You Pursue Compensation for Truck Wreck Injuries
While any accident can cause serious injuries, some of the most challenging cases we have handled involve large commercial trucks. Truck accidents can cause devastating injuries due to the sheer size of tractor-trailers and the disparity in size between commercial vehicles and passenger cars. A fully loaded tractor-trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, and even smaller commercial trucks, such as log trucks and dump trucks, are significantly larger than the average car. This weight discrepancy puts motorists and passengers in smaller cars at serious risk.
“Gary Martin Hays and Sarah Jett did an amazing job with my case. They handled my injury case professionally so I could focus on trying to get better! I would recommend them to anyone! Very pleased with my results!”
– James M.
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If you've been seriously injured in a truck accident, you need to take your case seriously right from the start. That's why you need to contact Gary Martin Hays & Associates, P.C. We've been taking on the trucking companies and their insurance companies for years, and we know how to build a strong legal case to secure the compensation you deserve to rebuild your life.
Truck accidents cause devastating injuries. We can help.
We've helped hundreds of people injured in truck accidents, and every injury is unique.
Some of the most common injuries we've seen include:
These injuries can take months or years to heal—and some never fully recover. Victims may not be able to work, care for loved ones, or to do the things they love. Many truck accidents leave people permanently scarred or disfigured. And when the trucking company's negligence is the cause, it's critically important that they be held accountable—and that the victims are fully compensated.
FAQs About Truck Accident Injuries in Georgia
- What are the most common serious injuries caused by commercial truck accidents in Georgia?
- How can I tell if my back, spine, or neck pain after a truck accident is something more serious?
- Why are injuries from truck accidents often worse than those from regular car crashes in metro Atlanta?
- What should I do if symptoms of an injury show up days or weeks after a truck wreck?
- Can I get compensation for long-term effects like chronic pain or limited mobility after a truck crash?
- What types of truck accidents are most likely to cause life-changing injuries on Georgia highways?
- What if my loved one died weeks later from injuries related to a truck crash in Georgia?
- How does traffic congestion in Atlanta make truck crash injuries more severe or more common?
- What happens if I was hit by a commercial truck while walking or biking in or near Atlanta?
- Can I recover damages for emotional trauma or PTSD after a violent truck crash?
- How do I pay for medical treatment if I can't work due to injuries from a truck accident?
- What role does physical therapy and rehab play in building a truck accident injury case?
- Can I sue if the truck accident made a previous injury or condition worse?
- What if the insurance company says my injuries aren't that serious?
- How can an Atlanta truck accident lawyer help me deal with the full impact of my injuries — now and in the future?
What are the most common serious injuries caused by commercial truck accidents in Georgia?
Truck accidents can result in devastating injuries that may require extensive medical care and cause long-lasting impacts. Some of the most common serious injuries caused by truck crashes in Georgia include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): These can occur from a sudden blow or jolt, leading to long-term cognitive issues.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: These often result in paralysis or long-term mobility issues, depending on the location and severity of the injury.
- Fractures And Broken Bones: Due to the sheer force of truck collisions, victims often suffer broken bones, which can require surgery and months of rehabilitation.
- Internal Injuries: The impact from a truck collision can cause severe internal damage to organs, often leading to life-threatening complications.
- Burns And Lacerations: Victims may suffer serious burns from fuel fires or injuries from sharp debris.
These injuries, whether they occur on highways like I-285 or in communities like Duluth or Marietta, require quick action to protect your rights and ensure proper medical treatment. Consulting with a truck accident lawyer can help ensure you receive the compensation needed for your recovery and future needs.
How can I tell if my back, spine, or neck pain after a truck accident is something more serious?
After a truck accident, it's important to assess your pain and symptoms, as some injuries may not immediately show obvious signs but can become serious over time. If you experience any of the following, your injury may be more severe than initially thought:
- Persistent Or Worsening Pain: Pain that persists for more than a few days or worsens with movement may indicate a herniated disc or nerve damage.
- Numbness Or Tingling: These sensations could be signs of nerve compression or spinal injury.
- Difficulty Moving: Trouble turning your neck or bending your back may indicate spinal cord issues.
- Headaches, Dizziness, Or Blurred Vision: These symptoms, particularly if accompanied by neck pain, could signal a concussion or more severe injury.
If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's crucial to seek medical care immediately and consult with an experienced attorney. A lawyer can help you get the right diagnosis and compensation for your injuries.
Why are injuries from truck accidents often worse than those from regular car crashes in metro Atlanta?
Commercial trucks weigh 20 to 30 times more than passenger vehicles, so when they crash — especially at highway speeds — the injuries tend to be far more severe. In metro Atlanta, where roads like I-285, I-75, and I-20 are packed with trucks and commuters, even a low-speed impact can cause devastating harm. Victims often suffer spinal injuries, brain trauma, or internal damage that can require years of care. These crashes involve more force, more complex claims, and higher stakes — making it essential to have a lawyer who understands the full impact.
What should I do if symptoms of an injury show up days or weeks after a truck wreck?
Symptoms of serious injuries, such as back pain or cognitive issues, may not be immediately apparent after a truck accident. If symptoms arise days or weeks after the crash, you should:
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if symptoms appear later, a doctor can assess your condition and determine the full extent of your injuries.
- Document Your Symptoms: Keep a detailed record of when your symptoms started, how they have progressed, and how they affect your daily life.
- Avoid Delay In Reporting: Be sure to report new symptoms to your attorney and ensure they are added to your case records.
Injuries that don't appear immediately can still be eligible for compensation. Working with an experienced truck accident lawyer will help ensure your case is handled appropriately, even if your injuries manifest later.
Can I get compensation for long-term effects like chronic pain or limited mobility after a truck crash?
Yes. Georgia law allows you to seek compensation for ongoing consequences of your injuries — not just the immediate medical bills. If a truck crash left you with nerve damage, reduced range of motion, or chronic pain that limits your ability to work or enjoy life, those losses are legally recognized. Victims may struggle with long-term therapy or job limitations, but an attorney can help calculate and pursue full compensation, including projected future expenses and pain and suffering.
What types of truck accidents are most likely to cause life-changing injuries on Georgia highways?
Certain types of truck accidents are more likely to result in serious injuries. These include:
- Rear-End Collisions: Often caused by a truck following too closely, these crashes can lead to whiplash, spinal injuries, and head trauma.
- Jackknife Accidents: When a truck's trailer swings out of control, it can cause severe injuries from the force of the impact.
- T-Bone Or Side-Impact Accidents: These crashes often occur at intersections and can result in devastating injuries to the side of the vehicle.
- Rollover Accidents: Trucks can easily roll over, particularly on highways like I-85 or near communities like Roswell, leading to crushing injuries.
- Wide-Turn Accidents: Trucks making wide turns, particularly in dense urban areas like Johns Creek, can cause accidents where victims are trapped or crushed.
Understanding the types of truck accidents and their impact on your body is essential. An experienced truck accident attorney can evaluate your case and help you recover compensation for your injuries.
What if my loved one died weeks later from injuries related to a truck crash in Georgia?
Even if your loved one initially survived the crash, if their death was tied to injuries caused by a negligent truck driver or company, your family may have a valid wrongful death claim. This often happens with internal injuries, brain trauma, or complications from surgeries or infections.
Whether the wreck occurred in South Fulton, Lithonia, or on a rural stretch of I-85, Georgia law allows spouses, children, or parents to pursue damages for medical bills, funeral costs, lost income, and the full value of the life lost. An attorney can help investigate the medical timeline and build a case that proves the connection.
How does traffic congestion in Atlanta make truck crash injuries more severe or more common?
Atlanta's notorious traffic — especially on I-285, GA-400, and the Downtown Connector — creates constant stop-and-go conditions that increase the risk of truck crashes. Trucks take longer to stop and require more space to maneuver, which can become dangerous when cars weave in and out or stop suddenly.
In high-density areas like Brookhaven and Smyrna, these conditions often lead to rear-end collisions or sideswipes that injure multiple people at once. The congestion also delays emergency response time, which can make injuries worse and complicate recovery — something a lawyer can factor into your claim.
What happens if I was hit by a commercial truck while walking or biking in or near Atlanta?
Pedestrians and cyclists are particularly vulnerable in collisions with commercial vehicles. Whether it happened near a crosswalk in downtown Atlanta or on a shoulder in Johns Creek, injuries tend to be catastrophic — ranging from broken bones to brain trauma.
Trucking companies often attempt to shift blame by claiming the victim was "outside the crosswalk" or "not visible," but Georgia law provides important protections for pedestrians and cyclists. A lawyer can gather surveillance footage, witness accounts, and crash data to hold the truck driver and company accountable.
Can I recover damages for emotional trauma or PTSD after a violent truck crash?
Yes — Georgia courts recognize emotional and psychological harm as part of personal injury damages. Many victims of violent crashes, particularly in places like Duluth or Jonesboro, where multi-vehicle truck collisions are common, experience PTSD, flashbacks, anxiety, or depression. If you're in therapy, on medication, or struggling to function normally because of the trauma, that suffering can and should be part of your claim. A lawyer can help document these impacts through medical records and professional evaluations to strengthen your case.
How do I pay for medical treatment if I can't work due to injuries from a truck accident?
Dealing with medical bills while recovering from a truck accident injury can be overwhelming, especially if you are unable to work. To handle this situation effectively, consider these steps:
- Health Insurance: If you have health insurance, it may cover your medical expenses upfront while you pursue a claim.
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Insurance: If available, this can help cover medical bills in the immediate aftermath of the crash.
- Workers' Compensation: If you were working at the time of the accident, your workers' compensation insurance may cover lost wages and medical expenses.
- File a Claim: Pursue a personal injury claim with the help of an attorney to recover the cost of treatment, therapy, and long-term care needs.
Having a skilled attorney can help ensure you avoid financial ruin. They will fight to get you the compensation you need for both immediate and future expenses.
What role does physical therapy and rehab play in building a truck accident injury case?
Physical therapy and rehabilitation aren't just part of your recovery — they're also important proof of how seriously you were injured. Ongoing treatment for injuries like whiplash, herniated discs, or joint damage shows the long-term impact of the crash and helps calculate future medical costs.
Victims may spend months in therapy before returning to work, and those records become key evidence. A lawyer can work with your care providers to ensure this documentation is used to support your claim for full and fair compensation.
Can I sue if the truck accident made a previous injury or condition worse?
If a truck accident worsens a pre-existing condition, you may still be able to pursue compensation. Here's what to consider:
- Aggravation Of An Existing Injury: If the accident made an old injury worse, you could still file a claim for the additional damage caused by the accident.
- New Injuries Resulting From Old Conditions: If the truck accident caused a new, more serious injury on top of a pre-existing condition, you may be entitled to compensation for both.
- Expert Medical Testimony: A doctor can provide evidence that the truck crash exacerbated your condition, which is key for proving the claim.
If you live in Athens, Conyers, or other parts of Georgia, speaking to an attorney will help you understand how to pursue your case. A lawyer will help you gather evidence to prove that the truck accident contributed to worsening your condition.
What if the insurance company says my injuries aren't that serious?
Insurance companies often try to downplay the severity of injuries to minimize payouts. If they say your injuries are not serious, consider these points:
- Document Everything: Keep detailed records of your injuries, including doctor's visits, diagnostic tests, and physical therapy sessions.
- Second Opinions: Seek second opinions from medical professionals to ensure your injuries are fully evaluated.
- Understand Your Rights: Insurance companies may try to pressure you into accepting a low offer. An attorney can help you understand the full scope of your injuries and advocate for fair compensation.
Having a lawyer on your side ensures the insurance company doesn't take advantage of you.
How can an Atlanta truck accident lawyer help me deal with the full impact of my injuries — now and in the future?
A skilled truck accident lawyer will help you navigate the complexities of a claim, ensuring that you are compensated for all aspects of your injury. Here's how a lawyer can assist:
- Maximizing Compensation: A lawyer will ensure that all current and future expenses, including medical bills, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs, are fully covered.
- Dealing with Insurance Companies: They will handle negotiations with the trucker's insurance company, ensuring that you don't settle for less than what you are entitled to.
- Long-Term Planning: Truck accidents can cause lifelong injuries, and an attorney will help plan for future medical needs, therapy, and lost earning potential.
In communities like Roswell or Johns Creek, where large trucks frequently use local roadways, a dedicated attorney can make the difference between financial stability and long-term hardship. Getting legal help early is often the best step you can take.
Trust our experience and resources to resolve your case
If you've sustained a significant injury in a truck accident, we want to hear from you. When you meet with one of our attorneys for a free consultation, we'll take the time to listen and learn more about exactly what happened to you.
We'll seek to understand how the injury has affected your life, and we'll explain all your legal options to you. And if you choose to hire our firm, we'll handle the legal battle while you focus on getting better.
Don't try to take on the trucking company and their lawyers by yourself. Contact us right away and speak with an experienced truck accident lawyer. We'll fight for the compensation you deserve and help you get the care you need to rebuild your life.
