Managing Partner
Truck accidents in Georgia can occur for a wide variety of reasons, and because of mistakes made by many different parties. Here are some of the top causes, and what they could mean for victims trying to seek fair compensation.
Driver-Related Causes of Truck Accidents
Commercial trucks are large, cumbersome, and difficult to operate. Even the simplest driving mistake can become downright disastrous when the person who makes it is behind the wheel of a 40-ton 18-wheeler. Some of the most common trucker-related causes of truck accidents in Georgia include:
- Speeding or driving too fast for conditions
- Reckless driving, such as excessive speeding or swerving through traffic
- Tailgating/following too closely
- Improper wide turns
- Improper backing up
- Improper braking
- Running traffic controls
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Failing to signal or check mirrors before turning or changing lanes
- Illegal or unsafe turns, passes, or lane changes
- Drowsy/fatigued driving (especially when violating hours-of-service regulations)
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Driving the wrong way
- Unfamiliarity with routes or local roads
- Failing to conduct pre- or post-trip inspections
- Failing to inspect cargo loads
Trucking Company-Related Causes of Truck Crashes
A trucking company may bear vicarious liability for a truck accident caused by a negligent employee. Furthermore, the company’s negligence or recklessness can also directly cause a crash. Examples of trucking company-related causes of truck accidents include:
- Negligent hiring, training, and supervision of truck drivers
- Ordering or encouraging truck drivers to engage in unsafe or illegal driving behaviors
- Improperly loading cargo
- Intentionally deferring truck inspections, maintenance, or repairs
Vehicle-Related Causes of Truck Accidents
An issue with the truck or trailer can sometimes lead to a crash. Examples of vehicle-related causes of truck accidents include:
- Inadequate or negligently performed maintenance
- Design or manufacturing defects in the vehicle or its parts
- Unsafe cargo loads, such as excessive weight or unsecured items that can shift on the road
A trucking company may bear responsibility for intentionally deferred maintenance or poor repair work performed by in-house mechanics. However, when trucking companies outsource maintenance work, third-party auto shops may bear liability for negligent work leading to an accident.
A design or manufacturing defect can sometimes lead to a mechanical failure that causes the truck to crash, such as brake failure, runaway acceleration, tire blowout, or tread separation. When this happens, the manufacturer of the unsafe component could be liable.
Truckers, motor carriers, or shipping companies may bear responsibility when an unsafe cargo load causes a truck crash. Cargo companies may be responsible for improperly loading a truck or trailer, while drivers or trucking companies might be to blame for not inspecting the load to ensure its safety.
Potentially Liable Parties in Truck Accident Cases
Many different individuals and companies in the trucking industry may bear responsibility for a truck accident, depending on its underlying cause. Parties you might hold liable in a truck accident claim include:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company/motor carrier
- The truck’s owner (if not the trucker or trucking company)
- The shipping/cargo company
- The truck’s manufacturer
- Manufacturers of parts used on the truck or trailer
- Third-party mechanics who service the truck/trailer
A lawyer can determine who is to blame by reviewing evidence, such as:
- Driver hours-of-service logs
- Truck repair/maintenance records
- Truck “black box” logs
- Cargo manifests
- Accident scene photos
- Surveillance videos
- Witness testimony
Contact an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney from Joshua E. Palmer Law Firm Today
Have you been hurt in a truck accident in Macon, Georgia? If so, you may have the right to compensation for the financial and personal harm you’ve suffered. A seasoned truck accident with Joshua E. Palmer Law Firm can help you stand up for your rights and demand the money you deserve. Contact us today to get started with a free, no-obligation consultation about your rights and options.
