There are rigorous trucking rules and regulations in place in Georgia to ensure that everyone remains safe on the road. However, collisions still occur due to the negligent actions of truck operators. When they do, injured parties need to know their rights in seeking compensation for their losses.
If you were recently involved in a tractor-trailer collision, reach out to an experienced attorney at Smith Hulsey. A Flowery Branch truck accident lawyer. At our firm could advise you on filing a claim and pursuing the damages you are entitled to.
Any large truck, whether a tractor-trailer, semi-truck, or big rig, requires skill and experience to safely operate. These vehicles have large blind spots that can make turning or merging precarious when sharing the road with other cars. Truckers must always check their blind zones before changing lanes or making turns.
Additionally, commercial trucks are slow to stop and start, making it important for truckers to maintain a healthy distance between themselves and others on the road. When truck drivers are distracted or negligent, they can cause serious accidents to the passengers of much smaller cars.
Commercial truck operators in Flowery Branch must abide by the rules of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, or FMCSA. Truckers and trucking companies must adhere to various regulations regarding:
Driver fatigue is notorious for causing truck accidents. Because of this, the FMCSA limits the amount of time a trucker can be behind the wheel each day. There is also a set period that truckers must wait between drives to ensure they have fully rested and are ready for the road again. Most truckers must keep a log of the hours they drive.
A trucking company could be responsible for a commercial truck accident if they did not require their drivers to abide by the FMCSA regulations. After a trucking accident, a diligent local attorney could investigate whether any regulations were violated and advise a victim on pursuing damages from the truck driver or their employer. If the trucking company is responsible for a commercial truck accident, victims might be able to seek compensation from the company’s insurance provider, depending on the circumstances.
Truck accident victims who intend to sue for damages must prove that the driver or trucking company acted in violation of their duty and that the violation caused the accident. Negligence in the form of speeding, failure to check blind spots before merging, overloading cargo, or other similar actions can confer liability on a trucker.
However, all drivers in Flowery Branch should be aware of the state’s contributory negligence laws. If an injured victim is found partially liable for the truck collision, they could have their damage award reduced according to their degree of fault. If they are found 50 percent or more responsible for causing the crash, they will be barred from collecting any compensation at all.
If you suffered injuries in a collision with a truck, you deserve legal representation and guidance in seeking compensation for your losses. At Smith Hulsey, a Flowery Branch truck accident lawyer could investigate the incident on your behalf and work to build a case for your recovery. Call and schedule a meeting with a dedicated attorney today to discuss your circumstances.
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