Common Causes of Georgia Large Truck Accidents: Truck Driver Negligence

By Grant Law Office on May 3, 2011

Large trucks, whether described as a semi-trailer truck, transfer truck, 18-wheeler, or big rig, are very intimidating when travelling along Georgia roads and highways due to their immense size and heft. Also as a result of these reasons, there is an increased risk of serious injury or death in the event of a Georgia large truck accident. This is the first of a 2-part blog series concerning the common causes of large truck crashes: 1) Driver Negligence; 2) Negligent Maintenance or Repair; and 3) Faulty Manufacturing or Design.

A trucker may cause a large truck crash as a result of fatigue and/or inattention, lack of experience or training, or distracted, or otherwise negligent, driving. Truck operators must follow strict federal regulations concerning the number of hours they drive. The life and schedule of a Georgia truck driver can be very demanding, and oftentimes truckers feel pressured to deliver ahead of schedule or even to deliver on schedule. This may cause a driver to tire by working more hours than is legally permitted per day or using illegal or over-the-counter drugs. An exhausted truck driver has much slower reaction times and may even fall asleep at the wheel. If a truck driver does not follow federally mandated work hour limits and causes an accident as a result of their fatigue, they, and possibly their employer, can be held liable for the losses of injured victims.

Likewise, if the truck driver is untrained or unlicensed, they and likely their employer can be held liable for a crash. To be a large truck driver, one needs a Commercial Truck Drivers License (CDL). It is the duty of a truck company to ensure that all its drivers are properly trained and licensed before getting on the road.

Finally, large truck accidents in Georgia may be caused by a truck operator who was driving distractedly, recklessly, under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or otherwise negligently. This is especially dangerous because of the size, weight, and potentially hazardous cargo a large truck carries. If you or a loved one has been injured in a large truck crash caused by truck driver negligence, you can pursue compensation by way of a personal injury claim.

The experienced Atlanta personal injury attorneys at The Law Offices of Wayne Grant, P.C., can provide you with the legal advice and action you deserve. Contact us today at 404-995-3955 for a consultation.

Check back with our blog for Part 2 that covers the causes: Negligent Truck Maintenance and Faulty Manufacturing or Design.