How a Trucker’s Prior Driving Record Impacts Atlanta Truck Accident Claims
A truck driver’s momentary lapse in judgment can lead to devastating truck accidents in Atlanta. However, in some cases, they have a long history of serious safety violations, but the trucking company hired them anyway.
When that happens, the company’s decision to put a dangerous driver on the road can become a central part of your injury claim. Our experienced Atlanta truck accident lawyers explain the role driver records play in getting compensation.
Holding Trucking Companies Liable For Putting Truckers With a History of Violations On the Road
Federal regulations require commercial trucking companies to carefully screen truck drivers before hiring them and to monitor their safety records on an ongoing basis. When companies ignore red flags or look the other way to keep truckers on the road, they can be held liable for the consequences.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) maintains the Pre-Employment Screening Program (PSP), which provides carriers with access to a driver’s crash and inspection history dating back three years. Violation histories that can be relevant to an Atlanta truck accident claim include:
- Hours-of-service violations.
- Prior roadside inspection failures.
- Suspensions or revocations of a commercial driver’s license (CDL).
- Prior drug or alcohol violations.
- A history of speeding, reckless driving, or moving violations.
Under Section 51-1-6 of the Georgia Code, victims of Atlanta truck accidents may be entitled to compensation when another party’s negligence causes them harm. Trucking companies that ignore documented violations can be held liable for the resulting damages.
How We Uncover Truck Driver Violations in Atlanta Truck Accident Claims
The FMCSA’s Safety Measurement System (SMS) scores commercial carriers based on safety data across multiple categories, including unsafe driving, hours-of-service compliance, and driver fitness. A carrier with poor SMS scores may signal a broader pattern of overlooking driver safety issues throughout the organization, which is highly relevant when filing a claim.
Our experienced Atlanta truck accident lawyer can investigate a driver’s violation history by:
- Requesting the driver’s PSP report, CDL records, and employment history.
- Reviewing FMCSA SMS data for the carrier’s overall safety performance.
- Obtaining drug and alcohol testing records, which is required under federal regulations.
- Identifying whether the trucking company had prior knowledge of the driver’s record.
- Building a negligent hiring or retention claim when the evidence supports it.
A driver’s past does not stay in the past when it contributes to a serious crash. Get professional legal help to hold them accountable for violations that put you at risk.
Request a Consultation With Our Experienced Atlanta Truck Accident Lawyer
When a trucking company ignores a driver’s history of violations, and someone gets hurt, that is not just an accident. It is negligence. At Shiver Hamilton Campbell, we dig into the records, identify every responsible party, and fight to get the maximum compensation victims and their families deserve.
To protect your rights in a claim, contact us today and request a consultation with our Atlanta truck accident lawyers. We help clients throughout Fulton, Gwinnett, and DeKalb Counties, including Decatur, Marietta, Jonesboro, Roswell, Savannah, and St. Simons Island.
Source:
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