Four Killed in Georgia Truck Accident; Driver Suspected of DUI

An afternoon multi-vehicle crash in Camden County, Georgia, near the Georgia-Florida state line, took the lives of four people on July 1, 2022, according to the Georgia State Patrol. Early reports state the accident was likely caused by a commercial truck driver who lost control of his vehicle and veered into oncoming traffic, while under the influence of alcohol.

Per 11 Alive News, four people were killed and at least 12 taken to the hospital around 2:30 P.M. when:

[T]he tractor trailer driver was traveling south on I-95 and struck a Nissan Armada, then lost control and began to overturn, striking a Chevrolet Silverado. At that point, it traveled through the center median into the northbound lanes of travel, when [a] Honda Pilot, a Nissan Xterra and a Peterbilt make tractor-trailer all ran into it.

Two people in the Honda Pilot, as well as two people in an International make tractor-trailer, died on the scene. The driver of the International tractor-trailer was transported to the hospital. At this time, it is unclear what charges the driver will face, but the Georgia State Patrol tells 11 Alive he was suspected to be driving drunk at the time of the accident.

Commercial trucks and drunk driving

We all understand the dangers of drinking and driving. However, the potential for tragedy from getting behind the wheel of a tractor-trailer after consuming alcohol cannot be overstated. Motor vehicle drivers throughout the state of Georgia are considered legally intoxicated if they have a BAC of 0.08% or higher. However, for commercial truck drivers, this limit is only 0.04%. Further, after consuming alcohol, commercial truck drivers are not permitted to drive for at least four hours.

These Federal and State regulations are in place because of the immense size, weight, and difficulty in maneuvering large trucks in a safe manner. While the risk of a serious crash is higher when any driver is intoxicated, the risk of a deadly and/or catastrophic crash is significantly higher when a truck driver operates a commercial truck while intoxicated. It is crucial that drivers of these massive commercial vehicles are always alert, sober, and capable when operating their tractor-trailers to avoid serious injuries to innocent travelers.

Liability in alcohol-related truck accidents

If you or a loved one are harmed in a truck accident , whether the driver was intoxicated or not, you have the right to hold the responsible party liable for your injuries. In the case of an accident involving a commercial vehicle, these parties can include:

• Truck driver: The primary party responsible for your injuries would be the truck driver, as driving while intoxicated is illegal in Georgia and across the country. They will likely face criminal penalties in addition to any personal injury actions you bring for their negligence. Our attorneys can utilize police reports, as well as official breath or blood tests and experts, to show that the driver was intoxicated when they caused the accident.
• Trucking company: If the driver was an employee of a trucking company at the time of the accident, the company can also be held liable for your injuries for negligent training and/or hiring of the driver. Additionally, the trucking company can be liable for the employee’s negligent actions. This is known as vicarious liability because the driver caused the accident during the course of their employment with the trucking company.
• Insurance company: You may also sue the truck driver’s and/or the trucking company’s insurance company for your damages and losses. This is where it is important to have an experienced attorney on your side that knows the ins and outs of trucking litigation because insurance companies are known for fighting, delaying, and/or denying claims, even when the truck driver was clearly at fault, in order to protect the insurance company’s bottom line.

Our truck accident lawyers are ready to help you and your family after a serious tractor-trailer crash.  We understand your injuries are serious, life-changing, and ongoing, and we will do everything we can to get you the just compensation you deserve.

How a truck accident attorney can help

After an accident with a commercial truck, you need serious legal help. Trucking companies typically have an army of attorneys behind them, and Harris Lowry Manton LLP is here to help you level the playing field. We regularly fight these trucking companies and obtain just compensation for our clients.

As soon as we sign-up your case, our lawyers launch an investigation into the accident that injured you or your loved one. Our investigation can include reviewing the scene of the accident, recovering a commercial truck’s “black box,” reviewing the truck’s log books, and any video or audio leading up to the accident. We also interview witnesses, speak with your physicians and surgeons to determine the true extent of your physical injuries and financial losses, and we work with experts to ensure the jury fully understands how significantly this accident has impacted your life to secure the financial compensation you are entitled.

When you or a loved one has been seriously injured, you want a compassionate attorney that works with you to get the best possible outcome. Whether we work to come to an agreeable settlement or take your case to trial, we keep you involved throughout every step of the legal process and never make any decisions without your approval. We are here to help you through this difficult time by providing guidance, information, and advice, but the final decision is always yours to make. When you are ready to fight for your rights after an accident with a truck driver, let our attorneys help.

At Harris Lowry Manton LLP, our experience handling commercial truck accidents has helped us secure millions of dollars on behalf of injury victims in Georgia. We understand the complex issues involved with taking action against trucking companies, and we are prepared to help when you or a loved one are harmed by a truck driver. To find out how we can help with your case, call us today in Atlanta at 404-998-8847, in Savannah at 912-417-3774, or fill out our contact page to schedule your free initial consultation.