Large commercial vehicles share our highways every day, transporting goods that keep Georgia’s economy moving. When these massive trucks collide with passenger vehicles, the results are often catastrophic and leave families facing significant damage. At The Persons Firm, our Marietta truck accident lawyers have represented numerous clients in Marietta who have suffered because of preventable truck crashes. Here, we look at the primary factors that lead to these devastating collisions and how Georgia law addresses them.
Driver Fatigue
Truck driver fatigue represents one of the most common causes of truck accidents on Georgia roads. Federal regulations limit how many hours commercial drivers can operate their vehicles, yet violations happen regularly. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requires truck drivers to follow strict Hours of Service rules, including mandatory rest breaks and maximum driving periods.
When drivers exceed these limits, their reaction times slow dramatically. A fatigued driver might drift between lanes, fail to notice stopped traffic ahead, or even fall asleep at the wheel. Georgia law recognizes the danger of drowsy driving, and violations of federal Hours of Service regulations can establish negligence in a Georgia truck accident case.
Trucking companies sometimes pressure drivers to meet unrealistic delivery schedules. This pressure creates an environment where drivers feel compelled to skip rest breaks or falsify their logbooks. Electronic logging devices now track driving hours automatically, making it harder to hide violations. However, some companies still find ways to push their drivers beyond safe limits.
Improper Loading and Cargo Issues
The way cargo gets loaded onto a truck directly affects its stability and handling. Improperly secured loads can shift during transport, causing the driver to lose control. Overloaded trucks require longer stopping distances and put excessive strain on brakes and tires.
Georgia law requires commercial vehicles to comply with federal weight restrictions. When trucks exceed these limits, they become harder to maneuver and more likely to cause serious collisions. Cargo that falls from a truck can create hazards for other motorists, leading to multi-vehicle pileups on busy highways like I-75 or I-285.
Loading companies and trucking firms share responsibility for ensuring cargo gets secured properly. Straps must be tight, weight must be distributed evenly, and loads must not exceed height or weight restrictions.
Equipment Failure and Inadequate Maintenance
Commercial trucks require regular maintenance to operate safely. Brake systems, tires, lights, and steering components must all function properly. When trucking companies cut corners on maintenance, they put everyone on the road at risk.
Federal regulations mandate routine inspections of commercial vehicles. These inspections must occur at specific intervals, and defects must be repaired before the truck returns to service. Some of the most critical maintenance areas include:
- Brake systems that must handle the stress of stopping 80,000 pounds
- Tire tread depth and air pressure affect traction and stability
- Lighting systems that make trucks visible to other drivers
- Steering and suspension components that control the vehicle’s direction
Maintenance records often reveal a pattern of neglect when our firm investigates a Georgia truck accident. Missing inspections, delayed repairs, or known defects that went unaddressed can establish liability against the trucking company. Georgia follows the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, which set minimum maintenance standards for all commercial vehicles operating in the state.
Distracted Driving Among Commercial Operators
Truck drivers spend long hours alone on the road, which creates temptations to use phones, eat, or engage in other distracting activities. Even a few seconds of inattention can be deadly when operating a vehicle that weighs tens of thousands of pounds.
Federal regulations prohibit truck drivers from texting while driving and limit their use of handheld mobile devices. Georgia law also bans texting while driving for all motorists. When a truck driver violates these rules and causes a collision, victims can pursue compensation for their injuries.
Modern trucks come equipped with various electronic devices, from GPS systems to fleet management software. While these tools serve legitimate purposes, they can also divert a driver’s attention from the road.
Speeding and Aggressive Driving Behavior
Speed limits exist for good reasons, and they become even more critical for large commercial vehicles. A truck traveling at excessive speed cannot stop quickly enough to avoid collisions. The laws of physics work against these massive vehicles, requiring much longer distances to come to a complete stop compared to passenger cars.
Some truck drivers engage in aggressive behaviors, like tailgating, unsafe lane changes, or racing to meet delivery deadlines. These actions dramatically increase the risk of serious crashes. Georgia traffic laws apply to all vehicles, including commercial trucks, and violations can support negligence claims.
Weather conditions in Georgia vary throughout the year. Rain, fog, and occasional ice create hazardous driving conditions that require reduced speeds. Truck drivers must adjust their speed based on conditions, not just posted limits. Failure to slow down in poor weather is another one of the common causes of truck accidents.
Inadequate Training and Inexperienced Drivers
Operating a commercial truck requires specialized skills that take time to develop. New drivers need proper training in handling these large vehicles, managing cargo, and responding to emergencies. Companies that rush drivers through training or hire unqualified operators create dangerous situations.
The Commercial Driver’s License program sets minimum standards for truck driver qualifications. However, some drivers obtain their licenses without mastering essential skills. Others may have licenses but lack experience with specific types of trucks or cargo.
Trucking companies must verify that their drivers hold valid licenses and meet all qualification requirements. They should also provide ongoing training to keep drivers updated on safety practices and regulations. When companies fail in these duties and crashes occur, they can be held liable for resulting injuries.
Areas We Serve in Marietta and Surrounding Communities
The Persons Firm proudly serves clients throughout Cobb County and the greater Atlanta metropolitan area. Our Marietta truck accident lawyers assist accident victims in the following zip codes:
- 30060, 30061, 30062, 30063, 30064, 30065, 30066, 30067, 30068, and 30069 in Marietta
- 30080, 30082, and 30090 in Smyrna
- 30106, 30107, and 30109 in Austell
- 30126, 30127, and 30144 in Mableton and Powder Springs
Seek Legal Help
The common causes of truck accidents share a common thread: they are preventable. Proper training, adequate rest, regular maintenance, and responsible driving practices can eliminate most crashes involving commercial vehicles. When trucking companies and drivers fail to meet their obligations, innocent people suffer.
If you have been injured in a collision with a commercial vehicle, contact our office to discuss your legal options. We fight for the compensation you deserve while you focus on recovery.