The Anatomy of a Georgia Trucking Accident

Peachtree Injury Talk with Jordan Jewkes

Podcast Attorney: Jordan M. Jewkes

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The Anatomy of a Georgia Trucking Accident

In this episode of Peachtree Injury Talk, host Kevin Rosenquist sits down with attorney Jordan Jewkes to discuss the critical aspects of trucking accident cases in Georgia. They explore the prevalence of large trucks on Georgia roadways, emphasizing that while most truck drivers are attentive and safe, some may cut corners and violate regulations, leading to severe accidents. Jordan highlights the importance of holding negligent parties accountable to improve roadway safety. It shares insights into the growing number of trucking accident cases in the Atlanta area, which is known as a central transportation hub.

00:00 Narrator: Welcome to Peachtree Injury Talk with attorney Jordan Jewkes.
00:05 Kevin Rosenquist: Hello and welcome to Peachtree Injury Talk with Attorney Jordan Jewkes. I'm your host, Kevin Rosenquist, and today we are diving into the essentials you need to know about personal injury law in Georgia. Jordan, great to see you again.
00:18 Jordan Jewkes: Hey, thanks, Kevin. Thanks for having me back.
00:20 Kevin Rosenquist: All right, so we're going to talk about trucking accident cases in Georgia. We talked last episode about personal injury law in general, but what specifically interests you about taking on serious and sometimes catastrophic trucking accident cases?
00:35 Jordan Jewkes: Yeah, right. If you've driven on the freeways in Georgia, you see a ton of these big tractor-trailers—18-wheelers, diesels, whatever you want to call them. They fill the roadway. Fortunately, 99% of truckers are great drivers—very attentive—but some cut corners or don't follow the regulations, and that can cause serious harm. So one of the reasons we pursue these cases is to help make the roadways safer. And when someone is injured by a truck, it’s usually a significant injury. You have to hold these companies accountable to protect others on the road.
01:14 Kevin Rosenquist: It seems like there’s a growing number of trucking accident cases on Georgia roads. Why do you think that is?
01:21 Jordan Jewkes: Well, Atlanta is a growing city—people love to move here. And historically, Atlanta was called ā€œTerminus,ā€ meaning it’s a transportation hub. That hasn’t changed. One thing a lot of people don’t know is that trucks aren’t supposed to use the connector—75/85 through Atlanta—unless they're making a local delivery. They're supposed to use the 285 perimeter. So if you've driven on 285, you know it’s jam-packed with trucks. That restriction is meant to ease inner-city congestion, but it creates heavy truck traffic around the city’s edge, which increases the risk of wrecks.
02:10 Kevin Rosenquist: What's the number one cause of trucking accidents?
02:16 Jordan Jewkes: There’s a lot of data, but a common theme is that drivers are in a hurry. Often they don't get the sleep they're required to get. Fatigue is a major issue. The trucking industry is heavily regulated because of the sheer size and danger of these vehicles. They can’t brake or maneuver like a regular car. Drivers need a commercial license and extensive training. But sometimes, they skip safety steps to save time—and that’s when accidents happen.
03:04 Kevin Rosenquist: Maybe a little overconfidence too. Get too comfortable, go a little faster than they should, then can’t brake fast enough.
03:14 Jordan Jewkes: Exactly. And that’s not unique to truckers. That applies to attorneys and podcasters too—we all have to stay alert in our professions or risk doing harm.
03:30 Kevin Rosenquist: What makes trucking accident cases different from regular car crashes?
03:35 Jordan Jewkes: Great question. Most people wouldn’t know the difference without legal experience, but trucking cases are governed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Act. That applies to commercial vehicles over 10,000 pounds, which is basically all of them. These laws cover everything from sleep hours and logbooks to what medications drivers can take. It’s similar to the regulations for airline pilots. There’s a reason you and I can’t just walk into Amazon and ask for truck keys—you need specialized training and licensing. To figure out what went wrong in a trucking crash, we often have to bring in experts who understand those regulations and how they were violated. It’s much more complex than your average car accident.
05:03 Kevin Rosenquist: What kind of experts do you bring in?
05:06 Jordan Jewkes: We use accident reconstructionists, engineers, highway safety experts, and trucking experts—often retired drivers who now testify in court. Knowing which expert to use can be the difference between winning or losing a case.
05:37 Kevin Rosenquist: People sometimes try to handle personal injury cases themselves. That’s risky, but I imagine trying to handle a trucking case alone is even worse.
05:53 Jordan Jewkes: Yeah, it's a whole different ballgame. Insurance companies already fight hard on car accident claims. With trucking, it’s even tougher. You’re going up against powerful companies, and without representation, your chances are slim.
06:26 Kevin Rosenquist: It sounds like trucking companies also have access to critical data, like a black box?
06:36 Jordan Jewkes: That’s right. Trucks have electronic control modules—basically black boxes—that record speed, braking, and more. One of the first things we do is send a notice to preserve that data. If they keep driving the truck, that data can get overwritten or lost. Different trucks—Volvos, Peterbilts, Macks—they all have different systems. You need the right expert to go retrieve and interpret that data. It’s essential and time-sensitive.
07:40 Kevin Rosenquist: Walk me through what happens in a typical trucking case in Georgia.
07:44 Jordan Jewkes: Like all wrecks, step one is getting medical help and calling the police. Take photos, start documenting everything. But in trucking cases, you also need to send someone to the scene, hire an expert to download the black box data, and reconstruct what happened. That has to happen quickly. Then we look into the driver’s history—training records, sleep logs, medication use. We build a timeline of what led up to the wreck. It's rarely just ā€œI ran a red light.ā€ It’s usually a series of mistakes: fatigue, pressure to meet deadlines, ignoring safety rules. Once our client is finished with treatment—or we at least know their prognosis—we negotiate with the insurance company to reach a fair settlement.
10:07 Kevin Rosenquist: How often do insurance companies try to lowball or deny settlements?
10:18 Jordan Jewkes: All the time. It’s what they do. And they know which attorneys are serious about going to trial and which ones just want a quick settlement. At The Jewkes Firm, we prepare every case as if it will go to trial. That’s how we maximize value—even though most cases settle. But if the insurance company knows you’re ready for court, they’ll take your case much more seriously.
11:21 Kevin Rosenquist: What are the biggest challenges in a trucking accident case?
11:28 Jordan Jewkes: The defense is well-funded. They hire top experts, doctors who will claim your injuries aren't real, or that your MRI doesn’t show anything. They have elite attorneys trying to discredit your case. You need resources to fight that. It’s expensive and time-consuming. But if you don’t do it right, the victim won’t get what they deserve.
12:30 Kevin Rosenquist: I can see why you left the insurance side. Sounds frustrating.
12:41 Jordan Jewkes: It is. What’s crazy is insurance companies would rather pay their attorneys than pay the victim a fair settlement. In a perfect world, they’d say, ā€œWe’re at fault, we caused harm, here’s a fair offer.ā€ But they never do that. That’s why attorneys like me exist.
13:17 Kevin Rosenquist: If someone dies during a case—say the claim has already started—does the case continue?
13:29 Jordan Jewkes: Yes, absolutely. Unfortunately, many fatalities on Georgia roads involve trucks. If someone passes away—whether from the wreck or later complications—their heirs can continue the claim. Usually, it’s a spouse, children, or parents. Whoever’s legally designated as the heir takes over the case. The goal becomes seeking justice and ensuring accountability.
14:24 Kevin Rosenquist: That’s such a hard thing for a family. But I can imagine they still want to see someone held responsible.
14:41 Jordan Jewkes: Exactly. Most of our clients aren’t about the money—they want to make sure this doesn’t happen to someone else. Money doesn’t heal injuries or bring people back. It’s about accountability and protecting others.
15:51 Kevin Rosenquist: And let’s be honest—this kind of accident uproots your life, even beyond the physical injuries.
16:05 Jordan Jewkes: Right. It changes everything—your work, your family life, your health. And trucking cases often reveal a series of preventable mistakes: skipped safety checks, ignored no-cellphone policies, lack of rest. It’s rarely a single error—it’s a failure to follow safety regulations that protect everyone on the road.
17:01 Kevin Rosenquist: When it comes to trucking attorneys in Georgia, what sets you and your firm apart?
17:07 Jordan Jewkes: I think it's our approach. We treat clients like family, knowing this may be the first time they’ve ever hired an attorney. We walk them through every step. Also, my background in insurance defense gives me insight into how these cases are defended. I know what to expect, what tactics they’ll use, and how to counter them. And for larger cases, we often bring in a team approach—working with other attorneys to strategize the best outcome.
18:02 Kevin Rosenquist: As I said before, your passion for helping people really shows. Everyone in Georgia thanks you for what you do.
18:10 Kevin Rosenquist: Thanks for tuning in to Peachtree Injury Talk with attorney Jordan Jewkes. For more information or to connect with Jordan, visit jewkesfirm.com (http://jewkesfirm.com)—that’s J-E-W-K-E-S firm. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave us a review in the comments.
18:24 Jordan Jewkes: You too. Thanks, Kevin.
18:26 Narrator: Thanks for watching. Be sure to hit that like and subscribe button and leave us a review in the comments.

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Peachtree Injury Talk with Jordan Jewkes

The Anatomy of a Georgia Trucking Accident delves into the specifics of trucking accident cases in Georgia, a growing concern on the state’s roads. They explore the complexities and challenges of handling these types of personal injury claims, which often involve serious, catastrophic injuries due to the size and force of trucks.

Causes and Accountability in Trucking Accidents

Jordan explains that while most truck drivers are responsible, a significant number of accidents stem from drivers cutting corners or failing to follow regulations, leading to severe injuries. He emphasizes the need to hold trucking companies accountable to make roads safer. This issue is particularly relevant in Georgia, where Atlanta, a major transportation hub, sees a lot of truck traffic. Although trucks should use the 285 perimeter, many trucks bypass this restriction, adding to the congestion and risk of accidents within the city.

Driver Fatigue and Industry Regulations

The number one cause of trucking accidents, according to Jordan, is driver fatigue, often due to long hours and the pressure to meet tight deadlines. The trucking industry is heavily regulated, but some drivers neglect these regulations, increasing the risk of accidents. Overconfidence and an inability to stop in time, much like overworking professionals in other fields, also contribute to these incidents.

Legal Framework and Expert Involvement

Trucking accident cases differ from regular car accidents because the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Act governs them, which applies to vehicles over 10,000 pounds. This includes strict rules about driving hours, sleep logs, and medication usage. Jordan notes that these cases require the involvement of experts, including accident reconstructionists and trucking specialists, who can interpret complex data and regulations.

Importance of Legal Representation in Trucking Cases

Kevin raises the issue of individuals attempting to handle personal injury cases without legal help, which Jordan strongly discourages, especially in trucking cases. The stakes are much higher, as trucking companies are well-funded and have access to crucial data like the truck’s black box, which records information on speed and braking. Jordan stresses the importance of preserving this data early in the case to avoid it being overwritten.

Case Investigation and Evidence Gathering Process

In a typical trucking accident case, after the initial medical treatment, the firm moves quickly to gather evidence, including hiring experts to download and interpret data from the truck’s black box. They also investigate the driver’s history, including training records, sleep logs, and medication use, to build a timeline of events leading up to the crash. The process is complex and often requires multiple experts to help establish what went wrong.

Dealing with Insurance Companies and Trial Preparation

Jordan also discusses the challenges of dealing with insurance companies, which often attempt to deny or undervalue claims. He notes that at his firm, they prepare every case as if it will go to trial to ensure they get the best possible settlement for their clients. This thorough approach sets them apart from other firms. The Jewkes Firm goes the extra mile to secure justice.

Handling Cases Involving Fatalities

Finally, they touch on the legal implications if a victim dies during the case. The claim can continue, with the deceased’s heirs taking over the case to seek justice and accountability. Jordan underscores that for many of their clients, the pursuit is not about money but about holding the responsible parties accountable to prevent future accidents.

The episode concludes with Kevin praising Jordan for his dedication to clients and his expertise, while Jordan highlights the firm’s commitment to treating clients like family and leveraging his background in insurance defense to strategically handle cases.Ā  For more information, reach out to The Jewkes Law Firm at (770) 771-5130.

The Anatomy of a Georgia Trucking Accident Case

Welcome to Peachtree Injury Talk—your essential podcast for navigating the often bewildering landscape of personal injury law. In each episode, join Attorney Jordan Jewkes as he unpacks the complexities surrounding your rights in the unfortunate event of an accident.

Through engaging dialogue and expert insights, Jordan demystifies legal jargon. He presents practical, applicable, and relatable scenarios that will resonate with listeners. Whether you’re dealing with the aftermath of a car accident, a slip and fall incident, or any other personal injury matter, Peachtree Injury Talk aims to empower you with the knowledge you need.

Each episode is designed to be accessible and informative. Thus, making it easier for you to understand the steps you should take to protect yourself and your interests. Jordan Jewkes shares real-life cases, common pitfalls to avoid, and tips on securing the compensation you deserve.

Additionally, the podcast fosters a community atmosphere where listeners can feel comfortable asking questions and seeking guidance. This supportive environment is a testament to The Jewkes Firm’s commitment to helping individuals understand their legal options.

So, whether you’re a seasoned listener or tuning in for the first time, prepare to arm yourself with valuable insights that can significantly influence your recovery journey. Tune in to Peachtree Injury Talk. Equip yourself with the vital information needed to navigate your rights confidently and get the support you deserve!

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This show is designed to deliver general information regarding the law. Our guests will not provide tailored legal advice. If you have a personal issue and need legal support, get in touch with us for a free consultation with a Jewkes Firm attorney.

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