7 most common causes of truck accidents in Atlanta
Atlanta, GA – The trucking industry is essential for Georgia’s economy, but the presence of a large number of semis speeding on the highways increases the risks of deadly crashes. It’s a risk we all have to live with. You may be the most cautious driver in the world, but there’s no telling when you may be involved in a truck accident. All you can do is be extra careful around big rigs, understand what causes most truck accidents in Georgia, and know what to do if you’re ever involved in this type of crash.
Tip: After a collision with a semi or another type of commercial vehicle, you must reach out to seasoned truck accident lawyers in Atlanta. Truck accident claims are far more complex than regular car crash claims. Without legal representation, you don’t have much of a chance to get the compensation you deserve.
Most common causes of truck accidents in Georgia
Determining the exact cause of the crash is crucial in the recovery process as it allows you to understand who is liable for your damages. It may be the trucker, his employer, or both.
Driver fatigue
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has imposed strict regulations on the number of hours a trucker may drive in one shift and how much rest he needs. These are known as Hours of Service regulations and it is one of the first things knowledgeable Atlanta accident lawyers check when taking on a new case. If the driver violated HoS regulations, that falls under negligence and you have every right to sue the guy. On the other hand, if his employer knew or should have known about such violations, your lawyers may be able to build a case against the trucking company as well.
Distracted driving
Under FMCSA regulations, commercial drivers are prohibited from using a hand-held mobile phone while on the job. This includes holding a mobile phone to make or receive calls, text messages, or perform any other function that requires reaching for or holding the phone. Commercial drivers can only use a hands-free phone while driving, provided it can be operated by voice activation or one-touch operation. Other forms of distracted driving include eating or drinking, grooming, or adjusting radio or AC controls.
Speeding
Most of the time, truckers are under a tight schedule, but that doesn’t give them the right to exceed speed limits. If the accident was caused by speeding, you will have to file a claim against the trucker’s insurance.
Intoxicated trucker
You may be surprised, but alcohol is not the main problem as far as intoxicated truckers are concerned. Drugs are. It’s no secret that many truckers use stimulants such as amphetamines, cocaine, and caffeine which can increase alertness and reduce fatigue. However, these drugs also have negative side effects, such as increased heart rate, high blood pressure, and anxiety. If the police report says that the trucker was intoxicated at the time of the crash, your lawyers will check if their employer had its drivers tested for drugs and alcohol regularly, as required by the FMCSA. If they failed to do so or turned a blind eye to the trucker’s substance abuse problem, the employer can be held accountable for the accident.
Inexperienced trucker
Truckers must have a valid commercial driver’s license, but the employer must provide additional training to new employees before allowing them to drive a big rig. Any failure to do so constitutes negligence and you may be able to sue both trucker and employer if the accident was caused by a driver error.
Mechanical failure
If a mechanical failure, such as a blown tire or a brake system malfunction, led to the accident, your lawyers will request maintenance records from the trucking company. If the employer skimped on maintenance to cut costs, you have the right to file a claim against their insurance or sue them. Also, if they used a third party for maintenance services, your lawyers may be able to build a case against that company, accusing them of negligence.
Load shifting
Overloaded or improperly loaded cargo can cause a truck to become unstable, increasing the risk of rollovers, jackknifes, or tire blowouts. If that is the case, you should be able to hold the shipping company or the owner of the load liable for damages.
If you were recently injured in a truck accident in the Atlanta area, schedule a free consultation with the experienced lawyers at the Hooker Law Group, LLC. Their team will use their formidable professional expertise to help you get the damages you are entitled to.
Contact info:
Address:
659 Auburn Avenue; Suite 116
Atlanta, Georgia 30312
Phone: (470) 523-4665
Email: [email protected]
