When a crash involves a tractor-trailer or commercial truck, the consequences are far more devastating than in a car accident. In Augusta, Georgia, where highways like I-20, Bobby Jones Expressway (I-520), and Hwy 25 carry heavy truck traffic, these collisions often lead to catastrophic injuries and complex claims.
At Burnside Law Firm LLP, with offices in Augusta and Athens, our attorneys bring over 50 years of combined experience in personal injury law. Recognized by Best Lawyers in America, Super Lawyers, and the National Trial Lawyers Top 100, our team has successfully represented victims across Georgia in truck accident cases that demand deep legal knowledge and courtroom skill.
Federal Rules Add Extra Layers of Complexity
Truck drivers and companies must follow strict Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules, such as hours-of-service limits and vehicle inspection requirements. When these regulations are violated, victims may have strong grounds for recovery.
These cases demand attorneys who understand both federal and state law. Founding partner Thomas R. Burnside III, who holds admissions to the Georgia Supreme Court, 11th Circuit Court of Appeals, and U.S. District Court (Southern District of Georgia), has decades of experience navigating cases where federal trucking law intersects with Georgia litigation. His leadership on the State Bar Board of Governors (2007–2022) demonstrates the kind of credibility that makes insurers take notice.
In Georgia alone, 14% of traffic fatalities in 2021 involved large trucks — a statistic that highlights how crucial regulatory compliance is in protecting motorists.
Multiple Liable Parties Increase Complexity
Unlike car accidents, where usually only one driver is at fault, truck accidents often involve several parties:
- The driver
- The trucking company
- A cargo loader
- A maintenance provider
- A parts manufacturer
This complexity requires careful investigation and trial-ready representation. Partner Garon Muller, a Leadership Augusta Graduate and past president of the Augusta Bar Association, has litigated cases where identifying every liable party was the difference between partial and full recovery. His recognition as a Super Lawyers honoree (2021–2023) and Avvo Client’s Choice Award recipient underscores his reputation among both peers and clients.
In fact, 92% of serious injuries and 86% of fatalities from large truck crashes in Georgia occur in multi-vehicle collisions, showing just how critical it is to uncover all layers of liability.
Higher Insurance Limits Mean Bigger Battles
Federal law requires trucking companies to carry much higher insurance coverage limits than individual drivers — sometimes millions of dollars. While this increases the potential recovery for victims, insurers often fight aggressively to protect those funds.
That’s why trial-tested representation matters. Attorney Robert MacGregor, admitted in both Georgia and South Carolina, brings unique trial experience from his years as a Public Defender in the Augusta Judicial Circuit. His background gives him insight into the strategies insurers and defense counsel may use in Georgia courts.
Truck crash litigation in Georgia reflects the stakes: between 2012 and 2021, fatalities from large truck accidents increased by nearly 60% statewide, even as overall traffic safety measures improved.
The Severity of Truck Accident Injuries
Because fully loaded tractor-trailers can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, the injuries from these crashes are often catastrophic — traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, amputations, or wrongful death.
In 2021, 244 people were killed in Georgia truck crashes, up from 234 in 2020. Nationally, 5,837 fatal truck crashes occurred in 2022, with 72% of victims being occupants of smaller vehicles. These statistics illustrate how dangerous large trucks are for Georgia motorists.
Cases like these often demand not just negotiation, but courtroom advocacy. Attorney Ashton Revollo, who earned her J.D. from Emory University School of Law and has trial experience in the Atlanta area, is active in the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association LEAD program. Her litigation background adds strength to Burnside Law Firm’s trial team, ensuring clients have advocates prepared to go the distance.
Why Augusta Truck Cases Demand Local Insight
The Augusta Judicial Circuit, which covers Richmond, Columbia, and Burke Counties, is where many local truck crash cases are litigated. Knowing the local judges, procedures, and even traffic patterns can make a major difference.
Our firm’s attorneys are deeply connected to the Augusta community:
- Thomas Burnside served as City Attorney for Harlem, GA.
- Garon Muller currently serves as Chairman of the Board for Turn Back the Block, a local nonprofit revitalizing neighborhoods.
- Multiple attorneys at Burnside Law Firm have held leadership roles in the Augusta Bar Association.
These community ties complement the firm’s legal recognitions, such as Georgia Trend’s Legal Elite, Atlanta Magazine’s Top Attorneys, and Martindale-Hubbell’s AV Preeminent rating.
When combined with decades of trial experience, this local insight gives our clients an advantage in the courtroom.
FAQs: Truck Accidents in Georgia
Q: What should I do after a truck accident?
A: Call 911, seek medical care, and gather photos and witness information if possible. Then contact a truck accident attorney before speaking with insurers. Truck companies often dispatch their own investigators within hours, so early legal help is critical.
Q: How long do I have to file a claim?
A: Georgia law allows two years to file a personal injury lawsuit. Acting quickly helps preserve evidence, such as driver logs or maintenance records.
Q: What damages can I recover?
A: Victims may recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and wrongful death damages. Given that multi-vehicle fatal truck crashes in Georgia increased from 179 in 2017 to 190 in 2021, courts recognize the catastrophic nature of these losses.
Q: Do I really need a lawyer for a truck accident?
A: Yes. With higher insurance limits and multiple potential defendants, truck accident cases are among the most aggressively defended personal injury claims. Having a firm like Burnside Law, with attorneys recognized by Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers in America, and the National Trial Lawyers Top 100, ensures your case is taken seriously.
Takeaway: Protecting Your Rights After a Truck Accident
Truck accident cases are not simply “larger car accident cases” — they involve federal regulations, multiple liable parties, aggressive insurers, and catastrophic injuries. Victims in Augusta, Athens, and throughout Georgia deserve representation backed by proven results, professional recognition, and a reputation for excellence.
At Burnside Law Firm LLP, our attorneys combine over 50 years of collective experience with accolades from Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers in America, and Martindale-Hubbell. We serve clients in Augusta, Athens, Evans, Martinez, Waynesboro, and beyond. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in Georgia, call Burnside Law Firm LLP today for a free consultation. Our trial-tested team is ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.
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