State and Federal Regulations Impact the Rights of Atlanta Truck Accident Victims
Atlanta truck accidents differ from regular car crashes in many ways. State and federal laws complicate the legal landscape, especially when it comes to who is responsible and can be held accountable in a claim. Our Atlanta truck accident lawyers explain how these laws apply and impact your rights to compensation.
Georgia Trucking Laws That Impact Your Rights After An Atlanta Truck Accident
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reports nearly 10,000 truck accidents throughout Georgia annually. When an Atlanta truck accident happens, state-specific laws dictate who can be held responsible, how long you have to file a claim, and what damages may be recovered. Under the Georgia Code, these laws include:
- Statute of limitations: Atlanta truck accident victims generally have only two years from the crash date to file a personal injury lawsuit.
- Comparative fault rule: Georgia uses a modified comparative negligence standard, which means compensation gets reduced if you are partially at fault.
- Direct action statute: Georgia is one of the few states that allows injured victims to sue a truck driver’s insurance company directly, which can streamline the litigation process.
- Intrastate regulations: Commercial vehicles operating solely within Georgia must comply with the state Department of Public Safety (DPS) rules, which mirror many federal standards.
Georgia laws govern time limits, liability, and direct access to insurers. To protect your rights in navigating these laws, contact an experienced Atlanta truck accident lawyer.
Federal Trucking Regulations That Can Influence Georgia Claims
Truck drivers and trucking companies that operate across state lines must also comply with federal safety standards set by the FMCSA. These regulations aim at helping to prevent accidents while creating a framework for proving negligence when a crash occurs. Federal rules that impact Atlanta truck accident claims include:
- Hours of service (HOS) rules: Drivers are limited in how long they can be on the road without rest.
- Driver qualification standards: Federal law requires regular drug testing, medical exams, and proper licensing.
- Vehicle inspection and maintenance: Commercial trucks must be regularly inspected and properly maintained.
- Electronic logging devices (ELDs): These track driver hours and truck operations in real-time.
- Minimum insurance coverage: Trucking companies must carry significant liability coverage, which gives victims a better chance at getting full compensation.
To Get The Compensation You Are Entitled To, Consult Our Experienced Atlanta Truck Accident Lawyers
Truck accident claims are complicated because they involve overlapping state and federal regulations, multiple defendants, and high financial stakes. At Shiver Hamilton, LLC, we know the legal landscape inside and out. From Georgia-specific liability rules to nationwide federal safety regulations, we use our knowledge to get the maximum compensation you are entitled to.
We serve clients across Georgia, including Savannah, St. Simons Island, Alpharetta, Decatur, Johns Creek, Jonesboro, Marietta, Roswell, Sandy Springs, DeKalb County, Fulton County, and Gwinnett County. If you or someone you care about gets hurt in a truck crash, reach out and request a consultation today with our experienced Atlanta truck accident lawyers.
Sources:
ai.fmcsa.dot.gov/CrashStatistics?tab=Summary
fultoncountyga.gov/commissioners/clerk-to-the-commission/code-of-georgia
fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations
