Hurt Behind the Wheel of a Truck? Talk to a Georgia Lawyer Who Will Listen

If you were driving a truck and another vehicle caused the crash that hurt you, you may have a claim against that driver. Georgia generally gives two years to file most injury claims under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33, so early action matters. This page explains who can bring a claim, what it can cover, the Georgia rules that shape it, and how our team works through these cases.

Who This Page Is For: Truck Drivers Hurt by Another Vehicle’s Negligence

This page is for commercial truck drivers hurt when another driver’s negligence caused the crash. That includes over-the-road drivers, local drivers and owner-operators.

Common examples include:

• A car merges into the truck’s lane without checking its mirrors.
• A driver runs a red light and strikes the side of the truck.
• A pickup pulls out in front of the rig.

Whether a claim is worth pursuing depends on the facts. Drivers hurt while working and drivers hurt off duty can both have claims against the at-fault driver. A spouse may have a loss of consortium claim, which the same statute gives four years to bring.

For the broader picture, read our Georgia truck accident guide.

T. Madden & Associates, P.C. represents people hurt in truck and car crashes. The firm has offices in Jonesboro (Clayton County), Atlanta, Decatur, Macon and Augusta.

What a Claim Can Cover After a Crash Caused by Another Vehicle

A claim can seek compensation for medical care, lost income, vehicle damage and the harm you have suffered.

O.C.G.A. § 51-12-2

Under O.C.G.A. § 51-12-2, special damages are those which actually flow from a tortious act; they must be proved in order to be recovered. For medical and healthcare expenses, recovery in Georgia is tied to the reasonable value of medically necessary care, as the trier of fact (the judge or jury) decides (O.C.G.A. § 51-12-1.1(b)). O.C.G.A. § 51-12-1.1

Serious injuries, sometimes called catastrophic injuries, often need long-term planning for care and lost work. These cases need complete medical records from the start.

Workers’ compensation can apply when you were on the job. O.C.G.A. § 34-9-11 Your workers’ compensation claim and your claim against the other driver should be coordinated.

If the at-fault driver has no insurance, your own auto policy may help. O.C.G.A. § 33-7-11

Georgia Rules That Shape Your Claim

Georgia generally gives two years to file most injury claims (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33; Kenneth B. Cameron v. Jmp Pizza, Inc (2026)). Its fault rule can also reduce what you recover, so learn both rules early.

The clock starts when the right of action accrues. Most injury claims must be brought within two years after that point, and loss of consortium claims within four years. O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33

If you are 50 percent or more responsible, you cannot receive any damages. O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33

When more than one person caused the harm, each liable person pays only its own share. The jury considers the fault of everyone who contributed, but fault of a nonparty who was never sued is considered only if the plaintiff entered into a settlement agreement with the nonparty or a defending party gives notice not later than 120 days prior to the date of trial that the nonparty was wholly or partially at fault. O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33

For how fault is assigned when a car changes lanes into a truck, read how lane-change fault works in Georgia.

Evidence to Protect in the First Days After the Crash

The evidence that matters most is the evidence you protect early. Write down what you remember while it’s fresh.

• The police crash report
• Photos of both vehicles, the roadway and your injuries
• Names and phone numbers of witnesses
• Dash camera video from either vehicle
• Medical records, bills and treatment notes
• A written timeline of symptoms, missed work and appointments

Trucks create their own records. Under federal rules, a motor carrier must require each driver to record duty status for each 24-hour period. 49 CFR 395.8 Our team can request these records early in a claim.

Insurance adjusters often call quickly. Talk with our team before you give a recorded statement to an insurer. For a fuller explanation, read how to get truck crash evidence in Georgia.

How Our Firm Handles an Injured Truck Driver’s Claim, Step by Step

Our process starts with a free first consultation, which is confidential and carries no obligation to continue. From there, the work moves through investigation, insurance negotiation and, if needed, a lawsuit.

1. First consultation. You describe the crash, your injuries and your work situation.
2. Investigation. Our team can obtain the crash report, request trucking records and review your medical documentation.
3. Identifying coverage. We look at the at-fault driver’s liability coverage, any employer coverage that applies, and your uninsured motorist coverage.
4. Demand and negotiation. Our team presents the claim to insurers. This can take weeks or months, depending on whether your injuries have stabilized and how many parties are involved.
5. Filing suit. If a fair resolution is not reached before the deadline, a lawsuit is filed. The timeline depends on the facts of the case.

The firm works on a no-fee-unless-we-win basis, but you may still be responsible for court costs and case expenses.

Why Work With Terance Madden & Associates, P.C.

T. Madden & Associates, P.C. has been in practice since 1999. The firm has offices in Jonesboro (Clayton County), Atlanta, Decatur, Macon and Augusta.

Terance Madden is the responsible lawyer for this page. Shenia Madden is also a lawyer at the firm. Our lawyers work with assistants and office staff, and our team handles your questions as your claim moves forward.

The firm handles car accident, truck accident, catastrophic injury, wrongful death, and motorcycle and e-bike accident claims. Several of these areas overlap with a truck crash claim, especially when injuries are serious.

You can reach the firm through its contact page, and questions go to our team.

Common Questions From Injured Truck Drivers

Talk to Our Team About Your Crash Today

If another vehicle’s mistake left you hurt while driving a truck, the medical bills, lost pay and adjuster calls can pile up fast. Our team can review your crash, your injuries and your work situation with you. Start a free case evaluation through our contact page before the Georgia deadline runs.

Responsible lawyer: Terance Madden, T. Madden & Associates, P.C., with offices in Jonesboro (Clayton County), Atlanta, Decatur, Macon and Augusta, Georgia. Contact: https://www.tmaddenlaw.com/contact/. This page gives general information and is not legal advice.