- Truck Accident
When you’re driving on Georgia’s highways, you expect that the large commercial trucks sharing the road with you are being operated safely and responsibly. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. Trucking company negligence can lead to catastrophic accidents, leaving victims with life-altering injuries and overwhelming medical bills.
If you’ve been injured in a truck crash, a skilled truck accident lawyer can help you navigate the complex legal landscape and fight for the compensation you deserve.
At Wade Law, we understand the devastating impact that trucking accidents can have on victims and their families. Our experienced team of attorneys is dedicated to holding negligent truck companies accountable and helping accident victims in Georgia rebuild their lives. Contact us today for a free consultation!
What Is Trucking Company Negligence?
Trucking company negligence occurs when a company fails to follow industry regulations, safety protocols, or reasonable care standards, leading to hazardous conditions on the road. Trucking companies are responsible for ensuring their drivers are properly trained, their trucks are well-maintained, and all safety regulations are followed.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets strict guidelines for trucking companies, including hours of service rules, maintenance standards, and driver qualifications. However, some companies prioritize profit over safety.
Examples of truck company negligence include ignoring federal and state trucking laws, hiring unqualified drivers, and poor truck maintenance. Even if a truck driver was primarily at fault for an accident, the trucking company may share responsibility if their negligence contributed to the crash.
Common Examples of Trucking Company Negligence
Trucking company negligence can take many forms, from poor hiring practices to inadequate vehicle maintenance.
Inadequate Driver Training
Driving an 18-wheeler requires specialized skills and knowledge. Trucking companies must ensure drivers receive proper training before operating these massive vehicles. However, some companies rush new drivers onto the road without adequate instruction in maneuvering, braking, and handling emergencies.
Poorly trained drivers may struggle with controlling their trucks, leading to preventable collisions.
Poor Truck Maintenance
Commercial trucks are complex machines that require regular maintenance to operate safely. Truck companies must regularly inspect and maintain their fleets. This includes everything from routine oil changes and tire rotations to more complex repairs of critical systems like brakes and steering.
Neglecting maintenance is an example of trucking company negligence. Mechanical failures due to poor maintenance can lead to devastating accidents, such as brake failures or tire blowouts at high speeds.
Encouraging Fatigued Driving
Driver fatigue is a significant factor in many truck accidents. To combat this, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has established strict hours-of-service regulations that limit how long truck drivers can be on the road without rest.
However, some trucking companies pressure their drivers to violate these regulations. This type of negligence violates federal law and dramatically increases the risk of accidents due to driver fatigue. Drowsy drivers have slower reaction times and impaired judgment.
Failing to Properly Screen Drivers
Trucking companies must ensure they hire qualified, responsible drivers. This involves conducting thorough background checks, verifying licenses and certifications, and screening for substance abuse or traffic violations.
When truck companies don’t properly screen drivers, they may put individuals with poor driving records, DUIs, or inadequate qualifications behind the wheel of an 80,000-pound vehicle. Trucking company negligence in the hiring process can have catastrophic consequences.
Improper Loading of Cargo
Trucks must be loaded according to specific weight distribution guidelines to ensure stability and prevent cargo from shifting during transit. If a trucking company fails to load or secure cargo properly, the truck may become unbalanced, increasing the risk of rollovers or cargo spills.
Overloaded trucks, improperly secured cargo, or unevenly distributed weight can cause tractor-trailer accidents.
FMCSA Commercial Truck Regulations
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is the government agency responsible for regulating the trucking industry in the United States. The FMCSA has established a comprehensive set of regulations known as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) that govern various aspects of commercial trucking operations.
- These regulations cover a wide range of areas, including:
- Driver qualifications and licensing
- Hours of service limitations
- Vehicle maintenance and inspection requirements
- Cargo securement standards
- Drug and alcohol testing programs
- Record-keeping and documentation requirements
Companies that violate federal trucking regulations can face severe penalties. Negligent trucking companies can also be held legally responsible for accidents.
How a Georgia Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help Victims
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, navigating the legal process can be overwhelming, especially while you’re trying to recover from your injuries.
Investigating the Accident
A lawyer can gather crucial evidence such as driver logs, maintenance records, and data from the truck’s electronic control module. As we’ve discussed, the trucking industry is heavily regulated. An experienced truck accident lawyer will have a deep understanding of these regulations and can identify any violations that may have contributed to your accident.
Identifying All Liable Parties
Responsibility for a semi-truck accident may extend beyond the driver. A knowledgeable attorney can identify all potentially liable parties, including the trucking company, cargo loaders, or truck manufacturers if a defective part contributed to the accident.
Calculating Full Damages
Truck accidents often result in severe injuries like spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries. Many victims need ongoing medical care and may be permanently disabled. A skilled attorney will seek maximum compensation for all damages, including current and future medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Trucking companies and their insurers often have teams of lawyers working to minimize their liability. Insurance companies often offer lowball settlements to truck accident victims. Your attorney can level the playing field and negotiate for a fair settlement.
Representing You in a Lawsuit
While many cases settle out of court, sometimes litigation is necessary to secure fair compensation. A truck accident lawyer can represent you in court, presenting a compelling case to a judge or jury.
Contact Wade Law for a Free Case Review
At Wade Law, we understand the complexities of truck accident cases and the devastating impact they can have on victims and their families. Our experienced Georgia personal injury lawyers are committed to fighting for the rights of those injured due to trucking company negligence.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, don’t face this challenging time alone. Contact our law firm today for a free consultation. Let us help you navigate the legal process and fight for the maximum compensation.
