Commercial drivers in Atlanta have higher safety standards than other motorists. However, accidents still happen. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), there were 4,440 large trucks and buses involved in deadly accidents in 2016.
Commercial driving accidents are often severe or fatal. If you or a loved one suffered injuries, speak with an Atlanta commercial driver accident lawyer today. An experienced lawyer will understand the complexities of this type of case.
At John Foy & Associates, our priority is to get you the fullest compensation possible. With over 20 years of experience, we have the skills and knowledge it takes to win. Contact our firm today to schedule a free, no-obligation case evaluation with one of our experienced truck accident lawyers serving Atlanta by using our chat tool, giving us a call, or completing our contact form.
Commercial Driver Regulations in Atlanta
Commercial drivers spend many hours on the roads each day. They travel through many cities and pass countless numbers of motorists. When someone drives for their job, they must be incredibly careful on the road.
Commercial drivers must follow safety regulations. They must also obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL). To get a CDL, someone must complete more requirements than everyday drivers.
CDL requirements in Atlanta include:
- Being at least 18 years old (and at least 21 to travel outside of Georgia),
- Having a valid Class C driver’s license,
- Completing a CDL application (and paying the $35 fee),
- Passing a vision test,
- Passing written knowledge exams,
- Passing a road skills test,
- Certifying themselves under a driving category,
Some drivers must complete additional steps. For example, a truck driver who will transport hazardous materials must pass a hazmat test and background check.
Large trucks are especially dangerous on Atlanta roads. Truck drivers must exercise extraordinary care every time they get behind the wheel. If a driver fails in that duty, they could be responsible for the damages. Our firm, John Foy & Associates, has been advocating for accident victims in Atlanta for over 20 years, securing their legal rights and financial recovery. Contacting a personal injury attorney in Atlanta can be a critical step in ensuring you receive the expertise required to handle a commercial truck accident claim effectively.
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Why Commercial Driver Accidents Happen in Atlanta
Semi-trucks and other commercial vehicles are essential to the economy. However, the demand for products puts a lot of pressure on drivers and companies. Trucking companies often set strict deadlines to move cargo faster.
Drivers or companies might overlook safety rules for more profit. Unfortunately, doing so puts everyone at risk.
Driver negligence is the most common reason for commercial driver accidents in Atlanta. Here’s how.
Commercial Driver Fatigue
Commercial drivers typically have grueling schedules. Even with safety standards, drivers must forgo rest to move more miles. Or a driver might falsify records to log breaks even when they didn’t take them.
Lack of rest leads to driver fatigue. Tragically, drowsy drivers can be as dangerous as drunk drivers. Exhaustion impairs essential functions like:
- Reaction time
- Alertness
- Good decision-making
- Attention
- Avoiding hazards
Fatigued drivers are dangerous, especially when they are controlling commercial vehicles.
Driver Distraction
Any driver should keep their attention fully on the road, but especially commercial drivers. Unfortunately, even professional drivers are not immune to distraction. Cell phones, GPS systems, music, and more remove a driver’s attention from the road.
Even a moment of distracted driving might be fatal. A distracted truck driver cannot avoid a sudden hazard, for example. If a commercial driver is not careful to stay alert, their negligence is incredibly dangerous.
Drunk or Drugged Driving
Some commercial drivers numb their work stress with substances. Some truck accidents happen when the driver is drunk or on drugs. The consequences of such a crash are often deadly.
Lifestyle Issues
Commercial drivers spend all day sitting and watching the road. If a driver isn’t careful, they can easily neglect their health. Commercial trucking might lead to:
- Lack of regular exercise
- A junk food diet
- Excessive stress
- Extreme boredom
- Lack of social connection
Poor lifestyle conditions might increase the risk of accidents on the road. For example, a driver might make careless mistakes or become aggressive out of frustration. One moment of poor decisions can be life-changing for accident victims.
The Trucking Company
Commercial driving accidents are more complicated than the average car accident. When a trucker causes an accident, there could be several at-fault parties. The trucker was negligent, but their employer might be responsible for their actions.
It’s best to contact a commercial driver accident lawyer after your crash. Your lawyer will research what happened and who was at fault. They can determine who is responsible for your damages.
Commercial driving companies must hire experienced and responsible drivers. If a driver is inexperienced, the company is likely liable. Sometimes, both the driver and the company share partial fault. Your lawyer will dig into the details as they build your case.
A Manufacturing Company
Manufacturing companies must produce safe vehicles. If defects in the commercial truck or bus contributed to the accident, the manufacturer could be at fault.
Mechanics Who Worked on the Vehicle
If a mechanic performed faulty work on a commercial vehicle, the defective work could contribute to an accident. The person who worked on the vehicle could be partially responsible.
As you can see, commercial driver accidents become complicated quickly. It’s often challenging to know where to turn first. Thankfully, that’s where an experienced lawyer helps.
Talk to an Atlanta Commercial Drivers Accident Lawyer for Free Today
Commercial vehicle accidents often cause catastrophic damages. At John Foy & Associates, we’ve been working on these types of cases for over 20 years. We are here to help you build the most substantial claim possible after your accident.
Our legal team understands the type of toll these crashes take. We fight tirelessly for accident victims—and only for victims. We’re here to protect your rights from the moment you decide to hire us.
We only work on contingency, which means:
- There are no upfront fees.
- We only collect a fee if we win you money.
- Our fee is a percentage of what you win (not out-of-pocket), and you keep the rest.
- The initial consultation is always 100% FREE.
To discuss the details of your accident with no strings attached, contact us today. We’ll schedule a FREE consultation to learn more about your needs and how we’ll help. Call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for your FREE consultation.
(404) 400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
