Understanding Georgia Truck Accident Laws: Key Points to Know Part I

Truck accidents in Georgia are often life-altering. The size and weight of these trucks all but ensure that the damage that they cause in accidents is devastating. If you are involved in a truck accident, it is important to understand how your scenario fits into Georgia’s truck accident laws. Knowledge of the legal landscape can help you know the right steps in navigating the aftermath of a crash, and ensure that you know your rights. At The Forsythe Law Firm, we are here to guide you through the legal process and help you navigate the complexities of your own case.

The laws surrounding truck accidents are different from the laws that apply to regular car accidents. Trucks are not the same as a regular car on the road, and they are subject to specific regulations. Knowing the key points we will discuss in this 3-part series on truck accidents in Georgia can help drivers, passengers, and pedestrians alike as you navigate through your own case. For more general information, read on. When you are ready to discuss your own case: contact experienced legal counsel at The Forsythe Law Firm.

Truck Regulations in Georgia

Trucks in Georgia are held to strict regulations. The rules were created in the state’s attempt to keep everyone on the road as safe as possible. There are many differences between big trucks and a regular vehicle on the road: some of which are that trucks are bigger, heavier, and more difficult to maneuver. In the state’s eyes, these special considerations warranted special rules that apply to trucks. Drivers of these large trucks are required to carry a commercial driver’s license (CDL), which is earned post-training on how to properly operate these trucks. Truck drivers must follow rules pertaining to how long they can drive without resting as well, as driving while exhausted is a major cause of these large-truck accidents.

Trucks also have weight limits, as overloaded trucks are more difficult to control, take longer to stop, and cause even more significant damage in crashes. Georgia further requires trucks to be regularly inspected to ensure that the machines continue to run in good working order.

Determining Fault in Trucking Accidents

In finding fault in an accident, Georgia follows what is called a “modified comparative negligence” system. If you are injured in an accident, the amount of compensation you can receive will depend on how much of the accident was your fault. If you are found to be less than 50 percent at fault, you can still recover damages. But, the amount of compensation you can recover will be reduced by the percentage you are found at fault in the accident. For example, if you were found to be 49% responsible for the accident, the compensation received will be reduced by 49%.

Due to the danger these larger trucks represent, truck operators are held to a higher standard than drivers of regular vehicles. If a truck driver breaks traffic laws, drives recklessly, or fails to follow federal trucking regulations, they may be held responsible, along with the trucking company if the company failed to properly maintain trucks, follow safety regulations, or train their drivers. Investigating a truck accident to determine who is at fault can be a complex process, and having legal assistance is crucial.

Contact The Forsythe Law Firm

The personal injury experience found at The Forsythe Law Firm can help you navigate through your own truck accident issues. Move forward with confidence and ensure your next steps are the best ones by contacting the experienced Atlanta truck accident lawyers at The Forsythe Law Firm.

Source:

dps.georgia.gov/georgia-department-public-safety-transportation-rulebook