Logging trucks, dump trucks and garbage trucks and their associated drivers are not subject to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCSA) strict regulations that apply to other commercial trucks and their drivers. As a result these trucks are often improperly maintained, thus creating road hazards, accidents and injuries. If you are the victim of a truck accident where the truck jackknifes it is important to have an experienced truck accident attorney in Clayton County who can get the proper compensation.
Georgia's lucrative forest and logging industry necessarily requires that local highways, roads and interstate transit routes contain dangerous logging trucks. These same roads are also used by dump trucks and garbage and recycling trucks. Frequently, accidents involving these vehicles are caused by:
- Driver negligence caused by impairment, inadequate training or excessive speed;
- Vehicle maintenance deficiencies including tire malfunctions (retread shredding and blowouts) or brake failures;
- Cargo shifting and load release (including logs or other materials);
- Insufficient lighting, load warnings such as flags or lighting for evening illumination;
- Load strap and lock failures that become projectiles when released from the truck.
Drivers are not held to the FMCSA standards for commercial carriers because they are often self-employed or independent contractors. Unlike with other drivers there are no daily driving limitations, frequently there are no background checks into their driving history and there may not be any training on how to properly secure a load.
If you or someone you know has been hurt by a distracted truck driver, meet with a truck accident lawyer at Shane Smith Law. We can assist you in every stage of your case so give us a call today at (980) 246-2656.