Being the victim of a trucking accident can be a terrifying experience. The size that makes them crucial for transporting goods can become a nightmare if they’re not meeting safety standards.
Those trucks must be engineering marvels to handle the transportation of so many goods, but that same marvel can mean danger if they’re not following fundamental requirements. Your accident could stem from negligence that occurred before they ever got close to Alpharetta.
Standardized shipping
Georgia has adopted most federal regulations when it comes to the trucking industry, so the rules of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration typically apply to both interstate and intrastate transport:
- Cargo: Trucks manage profit margins by taking advantage of every pound of hauling power they have. The maximum weight for U.S. semi with a full trailer is 80,000 pounds. If a carrier overloads a truck, or balances the cargo incorrectly over the length of the trailer, it can cause serious problems.
- Maintenance: Drivers and carriers alike are required to make sure trucks are in an acceptable condition to operate on roads. Brakes, steering, lighting and tires are just some of the things that must be in working order every time a truck hits the road.
- Fatigue: Governing bodies have established a limit on the amount a truck driver can operate, but pressure from the carrier or an irresponsible driver can lead to problems. Falling asleep at the wheel, failure to notice important details or abusing substances to stay alert can all result in an accident.
Knowing what trucks are liable for when operating on the road can go a long way toward getting compensation following your accident. You could make sure those responsible for failing to enforce safety protocols are required to provide you the financial help you need.
