Common Georgia Truck Accident Myths
& Misconceptions

According to Georgia law and regulations, truck drivers are required to take breaks after driving so many hours or miles. Drivers must also document driving and break times in a logbook. However, there is nothing stopping drivers from entering false information in their books. Some keep more than 1 logbook: 1 book to show law enforcement authorities (should they be stopped) and 1 with factual driving times, which is often used to base company wages.

If a driver does not get sufficient rest, they become fatigued, which leads to drowsiness, slowed reaction time and poor judgment. Thus, accidents are more likely to occur.

Regulations and requirements are also different for truck drivers traveling within the state vs. cross-country excursions. Federal statutes do not apply to in-state trucking companies. So, trucks may not be loaded properly or overloaded. Drivers may drive overtime to ensure desired wages. Local trucks might also exercise poor judgment and adopt irresponsible habits that lead to collisions.

Whether or not a truck driver is responsible for a motor vehicle collision depends on many variables. The driver may be at fault if they’re driving recklessly by disobeying regulations or not taking road and weather conditions into consideration.

An accident may occur if the driver could not control the truck secondary to a defective part or another type of malfunction. In this instance, the manufacturer becomes responsible. A collision may occur if a motorist acts irresponsibly, which causes a collision with a truck. The motorist is then deemed responsible.

Companies may attempt to remove themselves from the situation to prevent adverse judgments in the event one of their trucks becomes involved in a collision. However, there are many factors that point to negligence on behalf of the company that led to an accident. The company is liable if they failed to perform a background evaluation, validate a driver’s license or test drivers for substance abuse. Companies might also hire drivers without knowledge that the individual is safe or qualified to drive.

Trucking companies are also liable if they fail to supervise driver behavior. Some hire individuals and do not provide sufficient training. Companies that do not regularly maintain trucks to ensure optimal function are also at fault. When supervisors and company owners are more concerned with production rather than regulations and safe driving habits, they are then responsible.

Large, well-known trucking companies and their insurance providers may attempt to relinquish themselves from responsibility in order to prevent a payout settlement. Tuck-related accident victims consulting with a qualified and experienced firm increase the likelihood of getting results.

Quality law firms perform extensive evaluations of the case and gather evidence to determine fault in addition to presenting a case that clearly denotes the losses, pain and suffering of their client.