Date: January 12, 2012By: Atlanta Truck Accident Lawyers

Charges have been filed against the driver of a truck that allegedly ran over a young girl in Cedartown, leaving her seriously injured. According to the Rome News-Tribune, 63-year-old Billy Don Sims was arrested after his 18-wheeler struck 6-year-old Zyliyah Washington while she was riding her bike. The Cedardown resident and driver for H & W Trucking Co. allegedly left the scene of the accident. It is unknown whether Sims knew that he had been involved in an accident. According to family members, Washington has a broken pelvis and broken leg, had to have her bladder repaired, had a blood transfusion, is on a ventilator, and still faces a second surgery. She is in critical condition but is considered stable.

The accident occurred at the intersection of Cave Spring and Church streets, as reported on Examiner.com. Police were able to locate the truck and driver by speaking to witnesses who relayed that they had seen H & W Trucking Co. on the side of the truck. Police found Sims dropping his truck off and doing an end-of-the-day inspection shortly after the incident. Law enforcement determined that the bike and girl had been hit by the rear tires of the 18-wheeler. Sims driver was taken to Polk ER to test for drugs and alcohol. He is currently being charged with misdemeanors of leaving the scene of an accident, causing serious bodily injury by motorized vehicle, and obstruction.

The nature of trucks put drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and other automobiles at an increased risk, as they are large and difficult to maneuver. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 74,000 injuries and 3,380 fatalities involving large trucks in 2009. If you or a loved one has been involved in a trucking accident, as another automobile or a pedestrian, you may be entitled to compensation for your lost wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering. Contact a seasoned Atlanta trucking accident lawyer to find out if you might be eligible to pursue damages for your truck accident injury.

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Keywords: truck accident, truck accident injuries