Statistics demonstrate that truck accidents consistently cause damage and/or fatalities on the roadways in America. The level of truck traffic has increased throughout the United States in tandem with an increased demand for goods and products. Consequently, the federal government has adopted certain regulations that govern the operation of tractor trailers across America. In most instances, the State of Georgia has adopted these regulations. Some of the more important regulations include the following:
Hours of ServiceThe regulations dealing with hours of service (HOS) are designed to keep truck drivers fresh and alert in order to minimize fatigue; increase reaction time; and decrease truck accidents. Many states have similar—sometimes identical—guidelines regarding when and how long a truck driver may operate a tractor trailer. Unfortunately, employers of truck drivers occasionally “persuade” truck drivers to ignore the hours of services regulations by demanding shipment to a particular destination at a specific time which encourages the trucker to speed and/or skip his/her rest breaks. Consequently, a speeding truck or a drowsy driver can caused serious bodily injury to motorists. Additionally, it is customary in the trucking business for employers to pay drivers by the mile, so truckers may choose to ignore the HOS regulations in order to increase their pay.
The HOS regulations include, without limitation, the following:
Like similar state laws for motorists operating cars, truck drivers are also subject to rules governing when/what/how much a driver may use legal drugs while operating a tractor trailer. Some of the regulations include the following:
In order to verify that truck drivers are complying with applicable regulations, drivers and their employers are required by law to keep timely and regular records documenting their compliance. Some of the required documentation includes:
If you or a loved one has been injured as the result of the negligence of a truck driver, it is of utmost importance to contact an experienced personal injury attorney quickly inasmuch as evidence on the roadway may deteriorate over time and logbooks are not kept secure and in evidence for an indefinite period. Negligence of a truck driver and his/her employer can result from alcohol/drug misuse, improper training, violation of hours of services regulations, violation of road rules, improper maintenance, improper equipment and weight restrictions, among others.
Georgia, as well as the federal government, has special laws that apply to trucks operating on the roads in Atlanta and throughout Georgia. Frequently, these laws limit the number of hours that a truck driver can drive without resting, the weight of the load in the trailer and most other aspects of truck driving. Often, the violation of these laws by a truck driver and the trucking company is the reason for the cause of the truck accident. The Law Offices of Kevin C. Ford frequently works with trucking experts to establish the cause and fault of the collision.
Do Not Delay – Call Now for a Free Consultation From an Experienced AttorneyIf you are injured in a tractor trailer collision or truck accident in Georgia, Mr. Ford can help you receive the maximum compensation you deserve for your injuries, lost earnings or wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. The Law Offices of Kevin C. Ford is currently accepting trucking accident cases throughout Georgia. Please contact us today for a free consultation.