Hit by a truck? The evidence starts disappearing today.
Trucking companies send investigators and lawyers to the scene fast. Talal Perez Ghosheh moves just as fast to lock down the black box data, driver logs and dashcam video that prove what happened.
A truck crash leaves a data trail. Some of it is gone in days.
Federal rules only require trucking companies to keep some records for a limited time, and onboard systems can record over themselves. A preservation letter, sent early, puts the company on notice to keep it.
The "black box"
Speed, braking, throttle and cruise control in the seconds before impact.
Can be overwritten as the truck keeps drivingHours-of-service logs
Shows whether the driver was over the federal driving limits and fatigued.
Carriers keep them only monthsDashcam & nearby video
Forward and driver-facing cameras, plus business and traffic cameras near the scene.
Often deleted within days or weeksWho was behind the wheel
License, medical certificate, past violations, drug and alcohol tests, training.
Must be requested from the carrierBrakes, tires, inspections
Inspection and repair records show whether the truck was safe to be on the road.
Limited retention after the truck leaves the fleetDeadlines and cargo
Delivery schedules, bills of lading and messages can show pressure to drive too fast or too long.
Held by carrier, broker or shipperIt's rarely just the driver.
Many companies can share responsibility for a truck crash. Finding all of them matters, because each may have its own insurance.
Trucks carry far more coverage than cars.
A car in Georgia may carry as little as $25,000 per injured person. An interstate truck generally has to carry much more, and some carriers, owners and shippers carry additional policies. In Georgia, the trucking company's insurer can sometimes be named directly in the lawsuit.
Talal Perez Ghosheh
Georgia personal injury lawyer since 2009. When a truck changes your life, you talk to the lawyer, not a call center, and he keeps you updated in English or Spanish.
- Office in Lawrenceville, serving all of Georgia
- Preservation letters sent fast
- Prepared to file suit when the insurer won't be fair
Truck crash FAQ
How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in Georgia?
Generally two years from the crash for personal injury, but some deadlines are much shorter, for example claims involving a government vehicle. Evidence can be lost long before any legal deadline, so call early.
The trucking company's insurer called me. Should I talk to them?
You don't have to give the other side's insurer a recorded statement. Their job is to limit what they pay. Talk to a lawyer first.
What if I was partly at fault?
Georgia lets you recover as long as you are less than 50% at fault; your recovery is reduced by your share.
What does it cost to hire you?
Nothing up front. We work on a contingency fee: no attorney fee unless we recover money for you. Case costs may be deducted from the recovery. Everything is explained in writing before you sign.