Trucking Company Negligence Puts Atlanta Drivers at Risk
In Atlanta, semi-trucks and tractor-trailers are a routine sight, both on major highways and interstates as well as local streets. While truck drivers are responsible for operating their vehicles safely, trucking companies also play a major role in preventing crashes.
When they prioritize profits over safety, the consequences can be catastrophic. Our Atlanta truck accident lawyers explain what you need to know if you or a loved one is involved in a truck accident caused by a trucking company’s reckless and negligent actions.
Common Examples of Trucking Company Negligence
Under state and federal regulations, trucking companies must ensure their fleet and personnel meet safety and legal standards. When they fail to do so, they put everyone on the road at risk. Common ways company negligence contributes to truck accidents in Atlanta:
- Negligent hiring practices, such as skipping background checks, drug screenings, or driving records;
- Inadequate driver training, in which not knowing weight distribution, turning techniques, blind spots, or emergency maneuvers increases accident risk.
- Failure to maintain trucks or provide regular inspections and repairs, which can lead to brake failures, tire blowouts, and other problems;
- Ignoring safety violations and failing to address them with truckers;
- Improper cargo loading, which can cause rollovers or loss of control;
- Hours-of-Service violations, in which companies pressure truckers to drive beyond limits set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
Challenges In Holding Trucking Companies Accountable For Atlanta Truck Accidents
Truck accidents in Atlanta can cause devastating injuries to motorists involved. Even if it’s clear that the trucking company’s negligence played a role in a crash, you are likely to face significant hurdles in trying to hold them liable.
Trucking companies have strong teams of legal professionals and insurers working to defend them against claims and minimize payouts. Common challenges include:
- Lack of immediate access to evidence, such as maintenance logs or black box data;
- Destroyed or altered records, especially if a company is attempting to cover its tracks;
- Complex corporate structures that obscure ownership or shift liability;
- Conflicting accounts from drivers and company representatives designed to create doubt or confusion;
- Delays or denials by insurers attempting to place blame on the injured party or the driver alone.
Because of these challenges, you need your own legal team, someone who will be a strong advocate and move quickly to reconstruct what really happened. At Shiver Hamilton, LLC, we act fast to preserve evidence, interview witnesses, and hold negligent trucking companies accountable for the harm they’ve caused.
Request A Consultation With Our Experienced Atlanta Truck Accident Lawyer
When trucking companies cut corners, Atlanta drivers pay the price. At Shiver Hamilton, LLC, we have a deep understanding of trucking regulations, industry practices, and Georgia liability law. If you get hurt in a crash, we can determine whether the trucking company was negligent and help you hold them and others at fault responsible.
Our experienced Atlanta truck accident lawyers provide trusted legal representation to clients throughout Georgia, including Decatur, Marietta, Savannah, and all of Fulton, Gwinnett, and DeKalb Counties. Contact our office today and request a consultation.
Sources:
fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations
dps.georgia.gov/transportation-safety-rules
