When a semi-truck collides with a car, the results are often devastating. These crashes are rarely simple — and determining who is legally responsible can be one of the most complex parts of a case. Unlike typical car accidents, truck accident claims may involve multiple defendants, from the driver to the company that owns the vehicle or even the manufacturer of a defective part.
At Burnside Law Firm LLP, we’ve represented truck accident victims in Augusta, Athens, Evans, Martinez, and across Georgia for decades. With 50+ years of combined experience and recognition from Georgia Trend’s Legal Elite, Super Lawyers, and the National Trial Lawyers Top 100, our attorneys know how to untangle these cases and hold the right parties accountable.
Why Liability in Truck Accidents Is More Complicated
In a car crash, responsibility often falls on just one driver. But with commercial trucking, multiple parties play a role in keeping vehicles safe and operating within the law. In Georgia, where 244 people lost their lives in truck-related crashes in 2021, the question of liability is central to ensuring victims and families get the compensation they deserve.
The Truck Driver
Drivers are the most obvious party to investigate. If a driver was speeding, distracted, fatigued, or impaired, they can be held directly responsible. Federal Hours of Service (HOS) rules limit how long a driver can remain behind the wheel, but violations are common. Nationally, 13% of truck crashes involve fatigued drivers — and Augusta’s busy interstates make those risks even greater.
The Trucking Company
Carriers have a legal duty to hire qualified drivers, enforce safety rules, and maintain their fleets. If they push drivers to exceed HOS limits, cut corners on inspections, or ignore drug and alcohol testing, they may share liability.
Trucking companies also carry higher insurance coverage limits, which is why insurers fight these claims so aggressively. Burnside Law Firm’s attorneys — including Leadership Augusta graduate Garon Muller and GTLA LEAD Program participants — know how to counter these defense strategies in Georgia’s courts.
Maintenance and Repair Providers
Trucks require constant upkeep. If a third-party mechanic or maintenance contractor fails to properly service brakes, tires, or steering components, they may be liable when those failures cause an accident.
In Georgia, mechanical issues remain a contributing factor in truck-related fatalities. Investigating maintenance logs can reveal whether negligence played a role.
Cargo Loaders
Improperly loaded or unsecured cargo is another common cause of wrecks. A sudden shift in weight can cause a truck to jackknife, roll over, or spill debris into traffic. With 92% of serious truck accident injuries in Georgia occurring in multi-vehicle crashes, improperly secured cargo often plays a role in chain-reaction collisions.
Manufacturers and Parts Suppliers
Sometimes, the crash is traced back to a defective part — such as faulty brakes, tires, or steering systems. In these cases, liability may extend to the manufacturer or distributor under product liability laws.
Burnside Law Firm’s attorneys, including trial lawyer Robert MacGregor (licensed in both Georgia and South Carolina), understand how to pursue claims that involve both trucking companies and out-of-state manufacturers.
Why Burnside Law Firm LLP?
Truck accident litigation is not just about identifying the obvious defendant. It requires a law firm with the experience and resources to uncover every responsible party.
- Our attorneys have held leadership positions in the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association, the Young Lawyers Division of the State Bar of Georgia, and the Augusta Bar Association.
- We’ve been recognized by Martindale-Hubbell with an AV Preeminent rating, Atlanta Magazine’s Top Attorneys, and Best Lawyers in America.
- Beyond the courtroom, we’re active in the Augusta community, including nonprofit leadership such as Turn Back the Block, which revitalizes local neighborhoods.
These qualifications reflect not only legal skill but also a commitment to the communities we serve across Georgia.
FAQs: Liability in Truck Accident Cases
Q: Can more than one party be responsible for my truck accident?
A: Yes. Liability often extends beyond the driver to include the trucking company, maintenance providers, or even parts manufacturers.
Q: How do attorneys figure out who is liable?
A: By reviewing driver logs, company records, maintenance schedules, cargo manifests, and even black box data from the truck.
Q: Do trucking companies fight liability?
A: Absolutely. Because they carry higher insurance limits, carriers and their insurers often mount aggressive defenses. Having experienced attorneys on your side is critical.
Q: Are cases handled differently in Augusta courts?
A: Truck accident claims in the Augusta Judicial Circuit (Richmond, Columbia, and Burke Counties) can involve multi-party litigation. A local firm familiar with these courts, like Burnside Law Firm, gives you an advantage.
Q: What if the crash was caused by a defective part?
A: Product liability claims can be filed against manufacturers or distributors, often alongside claims against trucking companies.
Takeaway: Truck Accident Liability Is a Team Effort
Truck accidents are rarely caused by just one factor. From fatigued drivers to negligent companies and faulty equipment, liability can extend to several parties. Identifying all of them is key to securing fair compensation.
At Burnside Law Firm LLP, our attorneys combine five decades of trial-tested experience, statewide recognition, and strong community leadership to represent truck accident victims across Georgia. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in Augusta or anywhere in Georgia, contact Burnside Law Firm LLP today for a free consultation.
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