Truck Accidents in Georgia

According to a report released in October 2018 by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, the federal organization organized through the U.S. Department of Transportation responsible for keeping motorists safe on the roads, there were 37,133 people killed in motor vehicle wrecks in the United States in 2017. Fatalities decreased from 2016 to 2017 in almost all segments of the population except for crashes involving SUVs and trucks.

Commercial Vehicle Laws in Georgia

Commercial vehicle owners and operators are expected to abide by rules established by both the federal and state governments. Irrespective of whether you operate a fleet of vehicles or just one, there are several state and federal regulations that govern your business, your vehicles, your drivers, and you if your vehicles are operated on highways.

It can be challenging to operate a business every hour of the day. Making sure proper permits are obtained, drivers are qualified, and documents are in order can be difficult. But they are important and must be followed. If you do not adhere to the laws, you and/or your business could face significant penalties, fines, and possibly the revocation of your license to operate your vehicle or company.

Federal laws that address truck drivers are intended to keep motorists safe. Truck drivers and the owners of businesses that operate trucking companies must follow rules. These rules are to keep everyone safe.  To learn more about the federal laws governing the operation of a commercial vehicle, you can read the federal motor carrier safety regulations online and visit our trucking page for more information.

Pickup Truck Laws in Georgia

Accidents with non-commercial trucks are also a problem. Because there are so many pickup trucks on the roads in Georgia, the state has laws that restrict who can ride in the bed of a truck. We have seat belt laws for a reason–protection. One important law that drivers of pickup trucks need to know is O.C.G.A. § 40-8-79 which directly targets those who operate pickup trucks and the people who ride untethered in the bed of the truck.

Many fatal vehicle crashes in the rural areas of Georgia involve pickup trucks. And in many of those cases those who perished were not wearing their seat belts.

Get Advice from a Good Lawyer

Traffic wrecks, whether they involve a driver of commercial vehicle or a driver of a pickup truck, can be intimidating. Talk with our team of personal injury lawyers in Atlanta who can explain what you should consider doing.

Jeb Butler

Jeb Butler’s career as a Georgia trial lawyer has led to a $150 million verdict in a product liability case against Chrysler for a dangerous vehicle design that caused the death of a child, a $45 million settlement for a young man who permanently lost the ability to walk and talk, and numerous other verdicts and settlements, many of which are confidential at the defendant’s insistence. Jeb has worked on several cases that led to systemic changes and improvements in public safety. He has been repeatedly recognized as a Georgia SuperLawyer and ranks among Georgia’s legal elite. Jeb graduated in the top 10% of his class at UGA Law, argued on the National Moot Court team, and published in the Law Review. He is the founding partner of Butler Kahn law firm. Connect with me on LinkedIn