Key Trucking Regulations
Truck drivers and trucking companies are held to strict standards set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and Georgia law. Violations of these regulations often play a central role in truck accident lawsuits.
- Hours-of-Service Rules: Drivers are limited in how many hours they can operate without a break to prevent fatigue-related accidents. Violations may suggest driver exhaustion contributed to a crash.
- Weight Limits: Trucks must not exceed certain weight thresholds based on axle count and cargo type. Overloaded vehicles are harder to stop and more prone to rollovers.
- Maintenance Requirements: Commercial carriers are required to inspect and maintain trucks regularly. Lack of proper maintenance (e.g., brakes, tires, lights) can create hazardous conditions.
- Driver Qualification Standards: Drivers must pass physicals, background checks, and licensing requirements including CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) certifications. Unqualified or undertrained drivers present a serious risk.
Determining Liability in a Truck Accident
Because multiple parties may be involved in a commercial trucking operation, determining fault often requires a thorough investigation.
- Truck Driver: May be liable for distracted driving, speeding, driving under the influence, or violating hours-of-service laws.
- Trucking Company: Can be held responsible for poor hiring practices, training failures, or pressuring drivers to exceed safe limits.
- Cargo Loader: Improper loading can lead to unbalanced trailers, causing rollovers or jackknife accidents.
- Vehicle Manufacturer: Defective parts like brakes or steering components may contribute to the crash.
- Maintenance Contractor: If a third-party company is responsible for maintaining the vehicle and fails to meet safety standards, they may share in liability.
Properly identifying all responsible parties is critical to maximizing
compensation and ensuring all avenues for recovery are pursued.
