The Role of Trucking Company Policies in Atlanta Truck Accidents
Trucking company policies govern the use and maintenance of big rigs and how truckers operate on the road. These companies must follow strict state and federal safety regulations, but some prioritize profits and ignore safety rules, increasing the risk of truck accidents in Atlanta.
Our Atlanta truck accident lawyers help victims in these crashes get the compensation they need to recover from often devastating injuries. We explain common truck company policies that put motorists at risk and how to hold them liable.
Dangerous Policies That Increase Atlanta Truck Accident Risks
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets rules and regulations for the trucking industry. The Georgia Department of Public Safety also has strict requirements for truckers.
Unfortunately, trucking companies often flaunt state and federal regulations and engage in dangerous practices that increase Atlanta truck accident risks. Examples include:
- Inadequate driver training: Failure to properly train drivers on cargo handling, lane merging, and defensive driving can lead to serious accidents.
- Unrealistic delivery schedules: Tight deadlines pressure drivers to speed, increasing the risk of losing control or missing crucial blind spot checks.
- Oversized loads: Overloading makes the truck more unstable and makes it more likely the driver will lose control of the rig.
- Skipping maintenance checks: Mechanical failures, such as brake malfunctions or tire blowouts, are preventable if trucks are regularly inspected.
- Ignoring rest break regulations: Truckers are legally required to take breaks, but some companies push drivers to exceed hours-of-service limits, leading to drowsy driving crashes.
Holding Trucking Companies Accountable For Atlanta Truck Accident Injuries
Truck accidents in Atlanta can impact multiple motorists on the road and often cause devastating personal injuries to other drivers. When negligent trucking company policies and practices are partly to blame, you have the right to hold them liable.
You may be entitled to payment either through a negotiated settlement or by taking the trucking company to court. Under the Georgia Code, common types of compensation available in these cases include:
- Economic damages, covering the cost to replace your vehicle, all current and future medical expenses, rehabilitation, lost income, and future lost earnings due to permanent disabilities.
- Non-economic damages, compensating victims for pain and suffering caused by a truck accident in Atlanta, any scarring or disfigurement, and loss of companionship and enjoyment in life.
- Punitive damages, an additional amount we push for if the trucking company was particularly negligent in not following state and federal regulations.
Get Professional Representation From Our Atlanta Truck Accident Lawyers
When negligent trucking company’s policies played a role in causing truck accidents in Atlanta, victims have the right to hold them accountable. Shiver Hamilton, LLC. provides professional legal representation and fights to get you the maximum compensation you need to recover.
Serving the Atlanta metro area as well as Savannah, St. Simons Island, Alpharetta, Decatur, Marietta, Sandy Springs, and all of DeKalb, Fulton, and Gwinnett Counties, contact o r Atlanta truck accident lawyer today to request a consultation.
Sources:
fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations
georgiacourts.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Apportionment-of-Damages-Terry.pdf
