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Largest Trucking
Verdict In U.S. History

At Butler Prather LLP, our Georgia trucking accident attorneys hold trucking companies accountable when their carelessness results in catastrophic and fatal collisions.

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Tractor Trailer Inadequate Lighting Accidents

Tractor trailers are important to the United States economy, but they are also some of the most dangerous vehicles on the road. It’s imperative for both truck drivers and regular motorists to appreciate the dangers these vehicles represent, especially at night. Tractor trailers require light fixtures and reflectors so other drivers can spot them on the road. Poor roadway lighting could leave a local government agency or municipality responsible for maintaining the light fixtures liable for damages resulting from inadequate lighting.

At Butler Prather LLP, we want drivers in Atlanta and throughout Georgia to understand the dangers of inadequate lighting on the road, both in terms of roadway lighting and lighting fixtures on tractor trailers. When trucking companies fail to properly maintain their vehicles, or when government agencies fail to maintain safe roadways, injured victims should know what to expect and how to start the process of suing for compensation.

Truck Lighting

Trucking companies have a duty of care to the public that entails several safety measures. First, they must ensure their drivers have the appropriate licenses and skill to operate their trucks. Next, they must also ensure those trucks are safe to drive, and lighting is an important part of this. While maintaining the components under the hood is crucial, it’s also imperative for truck maintenance teams to check trucks’ lighting systems and reflectors.

Reflectors and reflective tape help other drivers notice trucks on the road at night. Depending on the location, the color of the truck, and the available light in the area, a truck and its trailer can be extremely difficult to discern at night. If a trucking company did not perform thorough maintenance and allows a truck’s lighting system to fall into disrepair, or fails to replace worn, faded, or lost reflective tape, the company an incur liability for any resulting injuries and damages from other drivers.

Road Lighting

State and local governments maintain the roadways and the lighting fixtures on them. If a roadway lighting failure causes an accident, the injured plaintiffs must file a claim against the government agency responsible for the road’s maintenance. Suing a government entity is much different than suing a private individual or company. When suing a government agency, plaintiffs typically have a much shorter statute of limitations and must also meet strict filing deadlines. An attorney is a tremendous asset in these situations.

Filing a Lawsuit

If you suffered injuries and other losses in a truck accident due to the trucking company’s failure to maintain the lighting on their trucks, an attorney can help you gather the evidence you’ll need to win your case. Like most personal injury cases, plaintiffs can potentially secure compensation for:

  • Medical expenses. Plaintiffs can sue for any and all medical expenditures resulting from the defendant’s actions. This can include hospital bills, fees for surgeries, rehabilitation and medical device costs, and any costs for necessary long-term care.
  • Pain and suffering. Serious injuries are often very painful, and traumatic experiences can easily leave long-lasting psychological scars. A judge will consider the facts of the case and award an appropriate amount.
  • Lost income. You can sue for the wages you would have earned if your injuries had not caused you to miss work. If your injuries prevent you from returning to work, you can sue for the income you would have reasonably expected to earn in the future.
  • Property damage. You can also sue for the costs of repairing or replacing your car or other belongings damaged in an accident.

After experiencing a truck accident due to inadequate lighting, handle your medical issues first, and then contact an attorney as soon as possible. The Atlanta truck accident lawyer team at Butler Prather LLP is here to handle all types of truck accident cases in the Atlanta area and throughout the state of Georgia, so call our office to schedule a free case evaluation.