Tractor trailer accidents tend to be some of the most serious of all motor vehicle accidents. Whenever you have a giant machine like a semi-truck crash into a passenger vehicle, the results are bound to be disastrous. This is one of the reasons why there are federal guidelines that regulate the behavior of commercial truck drivers.
Some of these rules limit the number of hours a truck driver can be on the road before they take a break. Others indicate how often a truck must be serviced before it can return to the road. The purpose of these federal regulations is to protect everyone on the road. This includes both truckers and other motorists. When truck drivers don’t follow these guidelines, people get hurt.
One problem is that some employers pressure their drivers to work more hours than they’re supposed to. Or, they force them to carry loads that are too big for their trucks. It all comes down to money. Carrier companies want to make as much money as possible. If this means their drivers don’t take their scheduled breaks, so be it. That’s why it’s crucial that you talk to a truck accident attorney in Atlanta if you’re injured in a tractor trailer accident. Your attorney is going to review the truck driver’s logs and see if they did violate any of these rules. If they did, it will help prove that they were at fault. It can also help prove their liability. While this doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed to win your case, it does help. But if you don’t hire an experienced truck accident attorney, you won’t know what to look for. They have decades of combined experience handling cases just like yours. That’s why you need to call one immediately after your Georgia truck accident.
What are the Federal Laws Regarding Truck Drivers’ Hours?
The truck driver regulations are set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. According to the FMCSA, truck drivers must have off for at least ten (10) consecutive hours before they get back behind the wheel. And they can’t work more than fourteen (14) hours in a row. If they’re going to work a shift longer than eight (8) hours, they need to take at least one thirty (30) minute break. The reason for this is that they can get too tired if work too many hours or don’t take a break. They can also start to become distracted. Anybody is going to get road weary after 8 or 9 hours. The federal hours’ regulations require that truck drivers limit the number of hours they drive.
What Happens if an Employer Knows Their Drivers are Using Drugs or Alcohol?
Most truck drivers take pride in their work. They don’t want to get into an accident any more than you do. But they are human. There are some truck drivers who drink and drive. There are others who take stimulants in order to stay on the road for so many long shifts. It is up to an employer to make sure their drivers aren’t driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If you get into a truck accident and suspect the trucker was impaired, let your Atlanta accident attorney know. They can investigate the company’s drug and alcohol policy. They can also demand to see records of the drivers’ random drug testing history.
Call and Talk to an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer in Atlanta Right Away
If you’re injured in a truck accident in Atlanta, you’ll need help. Odds are, you’re going to suffer some pretty serious injuries. You’ll need to focus on getting better. The last thing you’re going to want to do is fight with insurance adjustors. Let your Atlanta truck accident lawyer handle this for you. They’ll make sure your insurance claim is handled properly. And, if you need to file suit against more than one party, your attorney will take care of this for you.
Call right away and schedule your free initial consultation. You can sit down with someone who knows what questions to ask in order to prepare your case. They’ll negotiate with the insurance company and try to get your claim paid. If need be, they will file a lawsuit on your behalf. And they’ll make sure all the defendants are named in your suit. The consultation is free and you won’t pay a dime until you win or settle your case.
