Co-Driver Injury Attorney

It’s common for tractor-trailers to be driven by a pair of drivers, with one person at the wheel while the other rests after hours of driving. Accidents involving tractor-trailers can be complicated enough with one driver. When you add a co-driver to the mix, the accident can become more difficult to sort out.

If there is a truck accident involving a truck-driving team, the driver who is in the sleeper berth is often hurt more badly than the driver behind the wheel. A co-driver resting in the sleeper berth is practically never liable in a truck accident.

In most cases, the drivers are independent contractors hired by a trucking company. This means the co-driver who was injured and not at fault can sue the driver and the trucking company if they are negligent. It’s just as though you were driving another car and had been struck by the truck.

If you are a truck driver and you were injured in an accident while you weren’t behind the wheel, we may be the attorneys for you. The Georgia truck accident lawyers at Fried Goldberg have secured large settlements and favorable verdicts on behalf of people in your situation. You should give us a call today at 877-591-1801 contact us using our online form.

There is never any cost or obligation to speak with an attorney at Fried Goldberg.

atlanta commercial trucking attorneys

Sleeper Berth Drivers at Risk

Though it’s supposed to be a place of rest, a sleeper berth can be a dangerous place for truck drivers. A recent study detailed what are some of the biggest risks for co-drivers in sleeper berths. They include:

  • Drivers failing to use proper restraints. This was the main cause of serious injury and death to drivers in sleeper berths.
  • The very location of the sleeper berth in the cab. A driver is at higher risk of injury or death when he or she is in the sleeper berth rather than the driver’s seat, the study said.

The study went on to say that restraints in sleeper berths are not used nearly as much as they should be. This study shows that it’s clear more needs to be done to keep drivers in sleeper berths safe and sheds light on how dangerous this job can be.

Challenges In Determining Fault For a Trucking Accident

commercial truck accident collision

After an accident, a lengthy investigation will start. Investigators will look at what happened: why, how and, most importantly, who was responsible. The cause of the crash is often not obvious.

If you were a co-driver was injured because of the negligence of the driver behind the wheel, you need to get an attorney. Your lawyer will conduct a separate investigation of the accident to get the facts needed to build a strong case.

We vigorously investigate accidents that hurt our clients. One of our attorneys, Joe Fried, is a former police officer who has been on the scene of accidents more times than he can remember. We document evidence. We consult with experts. We review police reports and medical records. We read witness statements and interview other witnesses.

Truck accident cases can be lengthy and hard to prove because they also involve layers upon layers of federal rules and regulations. At Fried Goldberg, we know these regulations. Roughly 75% of our caseload involves truck accident lawsuits. That’s why we’re referred to as the Truck Accident Attorneys.

Whether you were a truck driver who was hurt or another driver on the road who was struck by a truck, you are more than likely going through a lot of physical and emotional pain. The last thing you want to do with your time is worry about the nuances of co-driver trucking regulations. That’s why you need lawyers who know truck accident law. 

If you need legal representation or have any questions about your case, contact us at 877-304-8323.

Co-Driver Liability in a Crash

When can a co-driver resting in the sleeper berth be held legally accountable during a crash? The short answer: only if somehow the co-driver who was not driving caused or contributed to the accident. This is not likely.

A co-driver could be held responsible if it can be proven that he or she distracted the driver behind the wheel, causing the crash. A co-driver might also be legally liable if he or she knowingly allowed the other driver to get behind the wheel intoxicated and an accident results.

The co-driver cases our attorneys see most often involve a co-driver injured in a crash caused by the other truck driver.

Establishing Liability and Moving Forward With Your Case

Truck accident cases involving co-drivers can be among the most difficult to prove. There are a lot of moving parts and a lot to know about truck accident law. These accidents require in-depth investigations. A lot can be at stake financially.

Experienced attorneys can help collect what evidence is necessary, demonstrate liability and secure the best result. At Fried Goldberg, we have handled many scenarios involving trucks with co-driving teams. We’ve secured millions of dollars for our clients in cases involving co-drivers.

We are one of the country’s preeminent truck accident law firms. We have a proven reputation and record of success that is unparalleled in truck accident law. Our attorneys are nationally recognized for their dedication and results.

If you would like to discuss your accident with us, call us at 877-591-1801 or fill out our online contact form. There is no cost or obligation. We will listen to your story and discuss your options with you. We may be able to help.

Truck accident attorneys at Fried Goldberg

The Truck Accident Attorneys

The Truck Accident Attorneys at Fried Goldberg LLC devote at least 75% of their caseload to representing the victims of accidents involving tractor trailers and other commercial vehicles. Our extensive experience with the laws governing the trucking industry is the reason we are routinely successful at taking on trucking companies when someone is seriously injured.

 

 

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FG Partners

The Truck Accident Attorneys

The Truck Accident Attorneys at Fried Goldberg LLC devote at least 95% of their caseload to representing the victims of accidents involving tractor trailers and other commercial vehicles. Our extensive experience with the laws governing the trucking industry is the reason we are routinely successful at taking on trucking companies when someone is seriously injured.

Get a Free Case Evaluation

Get a Free Case Evaluation

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Millions Recovered

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Our experienced attorneys have represented individuals who have been seriously injured. We are proud of the outstanding reputation we have within our industry and our track record of success, which sets us apart. In particular, we have recovered nearly $1 billion for our clients throughout the country.

red 100 percent$30 million+
red 60 percent $11-$30 million
red 30 percent $1-$10 million
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