Who’s at Fault for a Georgia Trucking Accident?

Trucks are large, dominating, dangerous forces on Georgia roadways.  Collisions involving semi trucks are more damaging and more deadly than collisions involving only cars.  This is because the massive size of a semi truck produces a powerful force that is too much for a passenger car to defend.

Many assume that the legal process for personal injuries resulting from trucking accidents is the same as personal injuries resulting from car accidents, but this is not the truth.  Trucking accidents differ from car accident cases in that more than one party may be held liable.  These cases can actually be quite complicated, and it is important to seek the help of an attorney who is experienced in handling truck accident cases in the state of Georgia.

Who is Liable in a Georgia Trucking Accident Case?

The truck driver him or herself may be held liable.  If their actions were negligent or irresponsible and caused the crash to occur, they may be responsible for the damages, injuries, and expenses that occurred as a result.  Driver fatigue is a factor in many trucking accident cases.  Georgia laws have strict limits on how many hours a commercial truck driver may operate their vehicle in a given time period and require that drivers stop to rest.  Drivers are required to log their driving hours.  If their logbook shows that they exceeded their allowed driving hours, they can be held responsible.

The employer of the truck driver may be directly at fault, particularly if the company required the driver to do something that led to the accident.  Many employers have a long history of violating trucking regulations.  If the employer failed to properly maintain the tractor and/or trailer involved in the wreck or hired a driver with a poor driving history, they can be held financially responsible for the damages.

The shipping company could be at fault for the accident.  If the load in the trailer is packed improperly, and the improper packing results in an accident, the shipping company that prepared the load would be liable.

These are just a few examples.  Many different factors contribute to a trucking accident case.  If you or someone you love has been a victim in a trucking accident in the state of Georgia, an experienced Atlanta truck accident lawyer at Bey & Associates can help.  Contact our experienced legal team today for a free, no-obligation consultation of your case.