Douglasville Truck Accident Lawyer

If you have ever driven on one of Metro Atlanta’s busy interstates, you know that commercial trucks are practically part of the landscape. I-285, I-85, I-75, and I-20 are all major thoroughfares, and are the gateway between states in the Southeast. Commercial trucks constantly travel these interstates to carry merchandise, food products, mail and packages, and even the vehicles we drive.

While commercial trucks are a necessity for transporting goods, their size and weight makes them inherently dangerous when auto accidents occur. Auto accidents between trucks and smaller vehicles are catastrophic. Cars, smaller trucks, and motorcycles simply cannot stand up to the size and force of an 18-wheeler.

At The Embry Law Firm, we understand how dangerous commercial vehicles can be. We have helped many clients sort through the aftermath of truck accidents. These often complicated cases deserve the skill and dedication of a personal injury attorney who knows how truck accident cases work.

Commercial Truck Laws and Regulations

It is common knowledge that commercial trucks pose significant risk to smaller vehicles, so states and the federal government have put laws and regulations in place in effort to prevent truck accidents. Commercial truck regulations are governed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Some of the regulations for truck drivers include:

• Licensing: Truck drivers must be able to obtain (and maintain) a commercial drivers license (CDL). CDL’s have specific requirements.
• Hours of service (HOS) laws: These laws require truck drivers to take breaks at specific intervals. Truck drivers are also required to take a certain number of days off after having been on duty for so many days.
• Logging Devices: Truck drivers are now required to have an electronic logging device to ensure compliance with HOS laws. The device actually attaches to the truck’s engine, so the log can be recorded accurately.
• Drug and Alcohol Testing: The FMCSA has specific guidelines for drug and alcohol testing and limits. These guidelines include a maximum blood alcohol content (BAC) level of 0.02 (the state BAC limit is 0.08), alcohol is not permitted in trucks unless it is cargo, and drivers cannot have alcohol in their system within eight hours of beginning a shift.
• Securing Cargo: One of the most important responsibilities of truck drivers is ensuring that cargo is properly secured. Improperly secured cargo significantly increases the risk of truck accidents, and can make accidents that occur far more catastrophic.

In addition to these regulations, truck drivers are required to follow all traffic laws, including some specific to truck drivers. Failing to follow the law and applicable regulations can have disastrous results for anyone sharing the road.

Causes of Douglasville Truck Accidents

Laws and regulations are designed to prevent truck accidents from occurring. Of course, we all know that they do occur, and quite frequently. Some of the most common causes of truck accidents are errors or negligence on the part of the truck driver. Some examples include:

• Drowsy driving, which should not be a problem if truck drivers follow regulations.
• Distracted driving (texting, using the radio, distractions inside the truck)
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Reckless driving (not following traffic laws, speeding, swerving, tailgating)
• Inexperienced drivers
• Improperly secured cargo
• Failure to maintain and service the truck
• Road rage

Truck drivers who participate in these dangerous and negligent behaviors put their lives – and the lives of everyone near them on the road – at risk. Many truck accidents could be prevented if the driver had taken the time to follow regulations and obey the law.

Legal Help for Douglasville Truck Accidents

Commercial trucks are part of everyday life for Metro Atlanta drivers, which makes it even more important for drivers to be aware of the dangers of truck accidents. It is also important that drivers understand the complicated nature of truck accident cases. That is where The Embry Law Firm is here to help. Our personal injury attorney understands truck accident cases and the complexities that can arise.

Truck accident cases often involve trucking companies, owners, and operators (truck drivers). Trucking companies and owners most likely have their own legal team ready to build a case against any driver attempting to hold them liable for an accident. At The Embry Law Firm, we are prepared to help you build a strong case and stand up for your legal rights.

When the negligent actions of someone else cause you harm, it is important to hold those responsible accountable for their actions. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, and you deserve the chance to pursue this compensation, and justice. To find out more about your truck accident case, contact The Embry Law Firm today. Call our office at 844-443-6279 to schedule a free consultation.