Commercial drivers are held to higher standards and must obey the rules of the road. Commercial vehicles include semi-trucks and buses. If you have been injured because of the negligence of a commercial driver, you must learn about your rights for seeking compensation.
Because many unique elements will affect your case, you must hire an experienced commercial vehicle crash attorney. From your extensive injuries to the major damages to your vehicle, we will work to ensure you receive fair compensation.
Our attorneys are dedicated to our clients. We have the knowledge and experience to take on commercial drivers, their employers, and their insurance companies. You can contact us 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There will always be someone available to answer your call.
Commercial Drivers Must Practice Safe Driving
Commercial drivers spend much of their workday behind the wheel of a vehicle. Most companies require their drivers to go through extensive training.
Both the Department of Transportation and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration ensure all federal and state laws are followed by truckers and other professional drivers in Georgia.
Georgia heavily regulates all truckers on our roads because eighteen-wheelers can be so dangerous in an accident. All drivers must be safety-conscious, but truckers are held to an even higher mandate.
At Metro Atlanta Law Group, we fight for the rights of the injured. We understand the immense stress and complicated nature of commercial vehicle crashes. Allow us to take on your case and see that you receive fair compensation.
Commercial Truck Drivers Make Deadly Mistakes
With consumer demand growing and shortages of truck drivers, there are harsh demands placed on truckers and their employers. Because of these demands, safety regulations sometimes get ignored or overlooked.
Even though they are under great stress, this does not negate a truck driver’s or their employer’s responsibilities for safety. Truck driver negligence takes on many forms, including the following.
Driver Fatigue
One of the most common reasons for commercial vehicle crashes is driver fatigue. Although truck drivers often face maximum delivery pressure, they must address issues with fatigue safely and appropriately.
Both federal and state laws have placed strict guidelines on how long a truck driver can be on the road and how long they need to rest. If a driver or their employer does not adhere to these regulations, serious accidents result.
Fatigue is a common reason for trucking accidents. Drivers who are being pushed past their limits can experience lowered reaction times and may even fall asleep at the wheel. A tired truck driver is a dangerous one and should not be on the road!
Driver Distraction
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration states distraction is anything that creates a diversion for a driver and causes them to lose focus. Truck drivers who are distracted are more likely to cause serious accidents.
Around 71% of truck accidents occur because the driver is distracted.
Truck driver distraction is the top cause of car accidents across the country.
Truck drivers who are texting are 23 times more likely to cause an accident.
If a truck driver is driving 55 mph and texts for 5 seconds, they are driving the length of a football field without looking at the road.
Texting is one of the most dangerous and most common distractions for truck drivers. Texting takes the driver’s eyes off the road. Because they are not paying attention and only have one hand on the wheel, dire consequences often result.
Unhealthy Lifestyles
Truck drivers spend long hours on the road and often live unhealthy lifestyles. Their lifestyles put them at a greater risk of having a heart attack while on the road.
Because of their sedentary lifestyles and loneliness, truck drivers sometimes turn to alcohol and drugs. When a truck driver is under the influence, their addiction only aggravates the risks of crashes.
What Are the Other Causes of Commercial Vehicle Crashes?
While driver error is a common reason for crashes, it certainly is not the only factor. Sometimes, the cause of a commercial vehicle crash is out of the hands of the driver.
An experienced commercial vehicle crash attorney knows there are often multiple considerations for liability. Some of the parties that can be held responsible for a crash include the following.
The trucking company
The truck manufacturer
The truck mechanic
We will work to hold the at-fault parties responsible, even if there are multiple defendants to pursue. Our goal is to ensure you get fair compensation from each party responsible.
Common Injuries in Commercial Vehicle Crashes
The injuries in commercial vehicle crashes are often more severe because of the weight and size of the commercial vehicle. The following are some of the injuries victims face with these crashes.
Traumatic brain injuries
Spinal cord injuries
Broken bones
Lacerations
Contusions
Allow Us to Help You Obtain Fair Compensation
Truck accidents are the most deadly on Georgia roads. If you have been injured by a negligent commercial driver, we are here to help you every step of the way. You have the right to pursue compensation for the following.
1. Medical bills
2. Vehicle damages
3. Lost wages
4. Pain & Suffering
Consult With Our Expert Commercial Vehicle Crash Attorneys Today
The dedicated legal team at Metro Atlanta Law Group is poised to offer you strong legal representation. We become your advocate and work to protect your rights.
We understand the extreme trauma that can result from a commercial vehicle accident. We have the knowledge, skills, and determination to fight for you tirelessly and get the win you deserve.
You can contact us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We are always here to take your call and schedule your free case evaluation. Time is ticking on the statute of limitations, so act now!