Augusta Truck Accident Lawyer
When you need an experienced, compassionate Augusta attorney who understands trucking laws and regulations, contact M. Austin Jackson. We’ll guide you through your claim with kindness and care, advocating for your interests and keeping you informed at every turn.
Schedule your free consultation today. Fill out the form, or call 706-981-9286 to share your story and explore your legal options.
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If you’ve been in a truck accident in Augusta, you should know that you’re not alone. M. Austin Jackson is on your side, and our firm is here to advocate for your rights, protect your path to compensation, and support you as you heal.
As Augusta natives, we have deep ties to our community and the people who make it unique. As your truck accident attorney, M. Austin Jackson will work tirelessly to make you feel heard, treating you and your loved ones with compassion to help you navigate this difficult time in your life. As we work alongside you, you won’t just feel like a client—you’ll feel like a neighbor.
Our team has dealt extensively with commercial insurers and navigated federal and state truck regulations. We have represented truck accident victims in Georgia and South Carolina and recovered significant compensation on their behalf. If you’re ready to receive compensation for your damages and start rebuilding your life, we’d love to hear your story and be a part of your recovery.
We understand the challenges our clients are facing, and we know how to secure results on their behalf.
We charge our clients nothing until we secure them a financial recovery.
Not only is our practice based in Augusta, GA, but so are we. We live right where our clients are.
If you or a loved one have been injured in a truck accident, reach out to us today for a free consultation.
Understanding Truck Accident Rights in Georgia and South Carolina
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Augusta or nearby South Carolina, knowing the right next steps to take will help you secure fair compensation.
Many corporate freight carriers and their insurance providers will make low offers to victims and overcomplicate the process of recovering damages. An attentive and experienced truck accident attorney can simplify the process and stand firm against commercial insurers, helping you to receive the full amount needed for recovery.
M. Austin Jackson has seen firsthand how catastrophic truck accidents can be, and we’re here to help you navigate the aftermath. With detailed knowledge of federal trucking regulations and traffic laws in Georgia and South Carolina, we compassionately represent our neighbors who are reeling from their losses and seeking compensation to cover expenses, from medical bills to vehicle damage to lost wages.
Many corporate freight carriers and their insurance providers will make low offers to victims and overcomplicate the process of recovering damages.
Do I Have a Truck Accident Claim?
Truck accident claims can be especially complex. When a large commercial vehicle is involved, various factors impact the claim:
- Multiple Parties
- When a truck accident involves numerous parties, each party is likely to try to prove that they aren’t responsible for damages. Defendants may also blame one another and file litigation accordingly.
- Type of Accident
- Some accidents are specific to large commercial trucks, and experts are needed to investigate what truly happened.
- Unique Legal Issues
- State and federal regulators have enacted special rules that apply to commercial truck drivers. For example, if a carrier company overschedules its drivers and violates the federal Hours of Service Rules, which govern how long a trucker can drive before taking a break, the company can be held accountable.
In some cases, you may be entitled to more money than you realize. As your experienced Augusta truck accident attorney, M. Austin Jackson will help you understand your claim so you can make the best decisions about your legal rights.
Since 2013, M. Austin Jackson has been helping his injured neighbors throughout Georgia and South Carolina.
Austin Jackson is a personal injury attorney and Augusta Native. He formed M. Austin Jackson Attorney at Law in 2013, and since then, he’s become a leading advocate for those injured in trucking accidents across Georgia and South Carolina. He and his team have personally handled dozens of cases involving 18-wheelers, box trucks, and even log trucks.
Austin cares deeply for his Aiken-Augusta neighbors and has built deep roots within this community. He prides himself on treating his clients with care and respect, keeping them informed every step of the way so they know they have someone they can count on. When you work with our firm, you’ll receive the personal attention you need to begin rebuilding your life after a devastating truck accident.
Since 2013, M. Austin Jackson has been helping his injured neighbors throughout Georgia and South Carolina.
Do I Need an Attorney After a Truck Accident?
The hours following a truck accident are critical. A truck accident attorney can help ensure that, in those key moments, the right steps are being taken to strengthen and preserve your case. This includes collecting evidence, properly documenting the scene of the accident, and reporting the accident to your insurance company.
Truck accidents are rarely as simple as a minor fender-bender. The damage caused by these large, heavy vehicles is often significant, and there are generally multiple injuries involved.
When you’re up against large trucking companies and their insurance carriers, the stakes are also higher. In fact, after a serious truck accident, the company that owns the truck and/or its insurance carrier are likely on the scene collecting evidence while injured victims are headed to the hospital for medical treatment.
M. Austin Jackson is the advocate you need to turn the tables in your favor so you can get back on your feet physically and financially. M. Austin Jackson is a local Augusta attorney who takes the time to listen and empathize with your situation while also fighting for a fair settlement. If a fair settlement cannot be obtained without filing a lawsuit or going to trial, Austin’s team is more than willing to continue working on your case to ensure you get the best result possible.
After a serious accident involving an 18-wheeler, Samantha and Savannah were looking for trustworthy, local legal guidance. M. Austin Jackson offered just that, checking in on their goals and priorities as the case progressed to help them secure the outcome they wanted—with peace of mind along the way.
Why Choose M. Austin Jackson?
We know that a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work, and we’ll give you the careful attention your case deserves.
- We have a successful track record of representing truck accident victims in Georgia and South Carolina.
- We’ve recovered millions for our clients, and we’ll focus on helping you receive compensation that accurately reflects your damages.
- We regularly go up against large trucking companies and insurance carriers and have extensive knowledge of the trucking industry, traffic laws, and previous litigation that will strengthen your case.
- Our lives and our business are rooted in the Aiken-Augusta community.
- We don’t get paid unless you receive a financial recovery.
Simplifying the Legal Process After a Truck Accident
After a truck accident, there are important steps we’ll take to protect your rights.
By working with trained experts and leveraging our own experience in truck accident cases, we can uncover evidence of liability and damages. This helps us hold firm when in negotiations with the insurance company.
We handle all communication with your insurance company and the at-fault party’s insurer. While you focus on your healing and recovery, we focus on building your case for a full settlement.
M. Austin Jackson doesn’t stop negotiating until you receive the appropriate compensation for your accident.
Our team has seen insurance companies take advantage of truck accident victims all too often. That’s why we dedicated ourselves to helping our Aiken-Augusta neighbors get fair settlements for the truck accident injuries and damages they’ve sustained. When you work with our firm, you’ll get personal attention from our team as we take care of all the details in your case.
Understanding Your Truck Accident Claim in Augusta
Commercial truck drivers and their companies must follow Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, as well as all state regulations. If truckers are tired because they’ve driven too many hours, or if they are operating unsafe vehicles, their negligence can cause serious injuries and cost other drivers their lives.
In Augusta and the surrounding areas, truck accidents are almost always caused by negligence. Common examples include:
- Speeding
- Tailgating
- Improper vehicle maintenance
- Drowsy driving
- Impaired driving (alcohol, prescription drugs, illicit drugs, or over-the-counter medications)
- Improper driver training or negligent hiring by the carrier
- Unlicensed drivers
- Distracted driving (texting, GPS devices, using a radio, etc.)
- Failure to yield
- Running red lights or stop signs
If you’re suffering because of another driver’s negligence, M. Austin Jackson will help you weather the storm with compassion and personalized care. We can’t guarantee you a settlement amount, but we can promise we’ll work tirelessly to help you receive compensation and hold the other driver accountable.
What to Do After a Truck Accident
Here are some steps you should take immediately following your truck accident:
- Call emergency services to report the accident and receive help if anyone is hurt.
- Avoid apologizing for the accident or admitting blame, even if you believe you were partially at fault.
- Take photos to document the accident scene including:
- Damage to your vehicle
- Damage to the other driver’s truck
- Relevant traffic control devices (traffic lights, stop signs, speed limit signs, etc.)
- Skid marks from braking
- Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible.
- Contact a truck accident attorney who can protect your rights and counter any lowball offers from insurance.
Common Injuries from Truck Accidents
Commercial truck accidents are often more severe than auto accidents and more likely to result in serious injuries. Common injuries include:
- Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
- Internal injuries
- Bruises or lacerations
- Fractured or broken bones
- Traumatic brain injury
- Neck, shoulder, or back injury
- Spinal injury
- Paralysis
- Emotional distress
Not only can the effects of these injuries be debilitating, but they can result in thousands of dollars in medical expenses. M. Austin Jackson has experience working with a wide range of accident types and injuries and can help you receive strong compensation that eases your recovery.
Dealing with the Insurance Company After a Truck Accident
At the end of the day, insurance companies are businesses looking to make a profit. Pursuing a claim against them after a truck accident can feel intimidating, and it might seem impossible to get a fair settlement.
Here are some important things to keep in mind when dealing with insurers:
- They are not on your side. Insurance companies will reduce payouts and deny claims to protect their own interests.
- They can use your statements against you. Be careful what you say when talking to an insurance adjuster. An attorney can help you navigate your conversations with a major insurer.
- You have rights and are entitled to recover for the losses you’ve experienced as a result of the policyholder’s negligence. Insurers cannot shortchange you to save money.
In the state of Georgia, motor carriers transporting goods or cargo within the state must carry liability insurance with at least $100,000 per person and $300,000 per truck accident. In South Carolina, commercial vehicles with weight ratings that exceed 10,001 pounds must carry liability insurance of at least $750,000 to cover accidents. For trucks carrying less than 10,001 pounds, drivers must carry a minimum of $300,000 worth of coverage.
Motor carriers traveling across state lines are required to carry significantly more insurance and must file documentation with the FMCSA that they have met requirements.
According to federal regulations, motor carriers transporting cargo or property must carry at least $750,000 in insurance. If motor carriers are transporting hazardous materials, different types and amounts of insurance are required.
It’s imperative to have a trusted advocate like M. Austin Jackson on your side to ensure you receive fair compensation.
Our Truck Accident Client Stories & Case Results
After spending time in the ICU and undergoing multiple surgeries following a logging truck accident, Kim and Kimberly wanted to put the incident behind them. M. Austin Jackson recovered a seven-figure settlement to help them cover their medical bills and other damages.
Hear Their StoryCase Results
recovered in a truck accident case
recovered in a truck accident case
recovered for multiple claimants in a truck accident case
recovered for a child of victims in a fatal truck accident
recovered for a victim in a multi-vehicle accident involving a 30-foot trailer
Types of Truck Accident Cases We Help With
When a tractor-trailer turns in on itself, with the trailer folding in on the tractor at a 90-degree angle
When cargo spills out of a truck because of improper storage and loading, or a truck crashes because it is carrying too much cargo or the wrong kind of cargo
Caused by the commercial truck’s weight and extensive number of miles driven
When the driver loses control, often due to brake failure, and cannot bring the truck to a stop
Often caused by an object in the roadway and a truck’s higher susceptibility to rollover
When the truck driver swings left to make a wide right turn, striking vehicles or pedestrians on either side
When a truck stops suddenly, causing ordinary passenger cars to rear-end the truck and run up under it
When truck drivers make turns or change lanes without noticing a vehicle in their blind spot
When you need a knowledgeable, approachable attorney following a motorcycle accident in Georgia or South Carolina, contact M. Austin Jackson. We’ll listen to your needs, advocate for your interests, and keep you informed every step of the way.
FAQs on Truck Accidents in Augusta
First, you should contact emergency services and seek medical attention. You should also file an accident report with the local police. In Georgia, an accident that has caused injuries or apparent property damage of $500 or more requires an accident report. In South Carolina, that threshold is $1,000.
As you are able, document the accident scene. Take photos of all vehicles involved and relevant road signs or signals. Write down the names of all passengers and witnesses and their contact info. You’ll also want to report the accident to your insurance company. Before you make your report, it’s a good idea to contact a truck accident attorney. They can help you make your statement and take the right steps to maximize your settlement.
Truck accident claims are usually more costly. Large trucking companies and their insurance carriers often take an aggressive or defensive stance against paying full claims. This is one of the reasons it’s important to have an experienced attorney on your side.
Additionally, trucking accidents typically cause significant injuries and damages due to the size and weight of the vehicles. There may also be multiple at-fault parties in a truck accident: the truck driver, trucking company, and insurance companies may all play a role in the accident.
If you’ve been in a truck accident in Georgia or South Carolina, you can pursue compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering caused by the accident, property damage, and in the case of a fatality, wrongful death.
In Georgia, the statute of limitations for truck accident claims is two years from the date of the accident. In South Carolina, it’s three years.
No—insurance adjusters who work for trucking companies are trained to settle claims for as little as possible. They’re well-versed in negotiation tactics to minimize the settlement. Fortunately, attorneys are also experienced negotiators who know how to maximize your claim and represent your best interests.
Truck drivers or companies that violate trucking regulations can cause serious accidents and injuries. Whether they’ve exceeded their maximum driving hours, improperly loaded their cargo, or failed to properly maintain their vehicle, they put the safety of other drivers on the line with their negligence.
In these types of accidents, it’s important to demonstrate that the violation was a direct cause of the accident. Companies and drivers can then be held accountable for their actions. With the help of a knowledgeable truck accident attorney, you can ensure the driver and their company are held accountable for their negligence and that you receive proper and just compensation.
Yes—you may be able to include compensation for the cost of pre-death medical care, loss of future income and benefits of the deceased, mental anguish damages, loss of companionship damages, and other expenses including funeral costs. You can also file a wrongful death claim to seek compensation from the negligent party for the full value of the life of the person who passed.