Truck accidents in Griffin are often devastating, leading to severe injuries that require extensive recovery. If you have been negligently injured in a truck accident, you will want an experienced legal team by your side.
With numerous types of commercial trucks operating in the area, identifying the specific truck that caused your injuries is essential to determine who should be held liable for the damages you have suffered. Our lawyers have years of practice and know what to look for in our pursuit of justice. Many victims fear taking on large trucking companies in the courtroom, but our firm is here to help even the odds.
For a free case analysis with our truck accident attorneys, contact Howe Law at (844) 876-4357.
Hours of Service Truckers Are Permitted to Drive in Griffin, GA
One of the most important yet complex rules pertains to the hours of service truck drivers are permitted to operate their vehicles. Under 49 C.F.R. § 395.3(a), the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has established strict guidelines for the maximum driving time for property-carrying vehicles.
This rule stipulates that a driver cannot drive more than 11 hours after having ten consecutive hours off duty. Additionally, they cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty, following ten consecutive hours off duty. These regulations have been put in place to ensure that truckers are adequately rested before they get behind the wheel, reducing the risk of accidents caused by driver fatigue.
In addition to the daily driving limitations, there are also rules governing how much a driver can work over a longer period. According to 49 C.F.R. § 395.3(b), drivers are not permitted to drive if they have been on duty for a total of 60 hours during any seven consecutive day period or 70 total hours during any eight consecutive day period.
This regulation is often referred to as the “60/7” or “70/8” rule. It is designed to ensure that drivers have adequate time to rest and recover over a week-long period, further reducing the risk of unnecessary fatigue-related accidents.
However, “on duty” time encompasses more than just driving time. It includes all the time from when a driver begins work or is required to be ready to work until they are relieved from work and all responsibility for performing work. This could include time spent loading and unloading freight, inspecting the vehicle, or waiting at a shipper’s facility to be dispatched.
Parties that Can Be Held Responsible for a Truck Accident in Griffin, GA
Determining responsibility in a Griffin truck accident often involves a complex web of potential liable parties. This makes working with our truck accident lawyers critical, as we can help identify each party that might have played a role in bringing about your accident. The following are parties commonly held liable for causing injuries that could have been avoided:
Truck Drivers
Truck drivers can be held responsible for accidents if they were negligent or failed to adhere to safety regulations. This could include actions such as speeding, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, failing to adhere to Hours of Service regulations, or not properly maintaining their vehicle. If it is proven that the truck driver’s actions directly led to the accident, they could be held liable for damages.
Other Drivers
Sometimes, other drivers on the road can also share responsibility for a truck accident. For example, if a passenger vehicle driver cuts off a truck, causing the truck to swerve and crash, that driver might be partially or entirely at fault. Determining this requires a careful analysis of the accident scene, witness statements, and, often, the assistance of accident reconstruction experts.
Trucking Companies
Trucking companies can also be held accountable for accidents involving their vehicles. They are responsible for ensuring that their drivers are properly trained, that they adhere to all relevant safety regulations, and that their trucks are adequately maintained. If a trucking company fails in any of these areas, and that failure contributes to an accident, the company could be held liable.
Third Parties
In certain situations, third parties can bear responsibility beyond the direct parties involved in a truck accident. For example, if a defect in the truck or any of its parts contributed to the accident, the manufacturer could be held accountable.
Similarly, if the cargo on the truck was improperly loaded, the companies responsible for loading it could be held liable.
Moreover, government entities responsible for maintaining safe road conditions could also potentially be held responsible if road hazards caused the crash. This could include situations where the road was not properly maintained, signage was inadequate or missing, or any other factor that contributed to the accident. In such cases, it will be necessary to investigate the actions of these third parties to determine their level of liability.
How to Obtain and Use Evidence to Prove a Truck Accident Claim in Griffin, GA
In a truck accident claim, evidence serves as the cornerstone of your case. It helps demonstrate that another party was negligent or at fault, leading to the accident. Without sufficient evidence, proving fault can be challenging, potentially hindering your ability to secure the compensation you deserve.
Various types of evidence can be used to establish fault in a truck accident. These include driver statements, witness statements, police reports, photographs of the accident scene, and medical records. Each piece of evidence can provide a different perspective on the accident, helping to paint a clearer picture of what happened.
If your injuries allow, gathering evidence at the accident scene can be incredibly valuable. This could include taking photographs of the vehicles involved, the road conditions, any visible injuries, and any other relevant details. You should also try to collect contact information from any witnesses, as their statements could be crucial in supporting your claim.
Medical evidence is a vital component of any truck accident claim. It helps to demonstrate the extent of your injuries and the impact they have had on your life. This could include medical reports, treatment records, and expert testimony from healthcare providers. Your attorney can help you obtain this evidence and use it effectively in your claim.
Of course, professional help can often be invaluable in gathering and interpreting your evidence. Our team can assist in collecting evidence, such as obtaining the truck’s black box data or securing surveillance footage from nearby businesses. We can also work with experts, such as accident reconstruction specialists, to analyze the evidence and have them testify in court or during settlement negotiations.
Contact Our Griffin, GA Truck Accident Attorneys for Help Getting the Compensation You Deserve
Call Atlanta Accident Lawyers at Howe Law at (844) 876-4357 to speak with our truck accident attorneys and get your free case review today.
