Being involved in a truck accident in Georgia can have long-lasting repercussions. Read on to learn why truck accident lawsuits can be complicated to undertake.
Truck accidents are catastrophic
If you collide with a commercial truck, the occupants of your vehicle may experience serious injury or death. Large, powerful trucks are sure to cause extensive damage to your vehicle during an accident. Commercial trucks can measure up to 80 feet long and weigh several tons more than the average car. They are less agile and more difficult to manage than smaller vehicles. As a result, drivers who lose control of their trucks can cause devastating harm when they hit a smaller vehicle.
State and federal laws govern truck drivers
Trucking companies are required by law to maintain their vehicles, properly secure loads, and abide by weight limits when they put their trucks on the road. State and federal laws require licensed commercial truck drivers to limit their driving hours, take breaks, and track their driving time. When you are in a truck accident, a lawyer can help you determine whether you should sue in the state where your accident took place or sue in the state where the trucking company is incorporated.
Different parties may be liable for a truck accident
To make a successful claim after you are in a truck accident, you must be able to prove that negligent behavior caused the crash. Drivers who drive while distracted, tired, or chemically impaired commonly cause truck accidents. Negligent truck drivers who operate independently may be personally at fault for causing a crash. In many cases, trucking companies are accountable for their employees’ actions. When equipment defects and mechanical failures lead to accidents, the manufacturer of the defective part that contributed to the collision may be held liable.
Stay safe to avoid truck accidents
Truck accidents are serious incidents that can have terrible consequences. When you’re on the road, take every safety precaution you can to avoid getting involved in a crash.