Item: Katz Personal Injury Lawyers
Rating: 5
Author: Michael G.

Intrastate Trucking Regulations

Georgia State Rules and Regulations for Intrastate Trucking

Georgia highway safety statistics reveal between one and two hundred deaths each year in collisions involving a large truck, and the vast majority of those fatalities are the occupants of the other vehicle. The state legislature regulates trucking within the state, while the federal government makes rules for trucks traveling across state lines. Together, these rules and regulations impose safety requirements on trucks, truck drivers, and trucking companies to reduce car and truck crashes.

Georgia adopts federal trucking rules

Interstate trucking is regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), and the bulk of FMCSA regulations have been adopted by the state of Georgia for intrastate trucking as well. These regulations cover many aspects of the trucking industry, including:

Maximum hours of service of drivers
Driver standards and required training
Alcohol and drug testing rules
Inspection and maintenance routines
Safety equipment required on-board
Truck length, width and weight limits

Even though these regulations are adopted for safety, the trucking industry lobby has influenced these rules to maximize their profits. For instance, under the rules a trucker can be required to spend 11 hours behind the wheel in a 14-hour period. These 14-hour workdays can also extend for a seven-day workweek, not five or six days like most industries. Although the Georgia legislature could adopt stricter standards for intrastate commerce, they decided to stick with the minimum standards of the federal rules.

Georgia has also adopted special rules for the transportation of hazardous materials and for trucking of forest products. Federal rules were again adopted for transporting hazardous materials, while the Georgia Forest Products Trucking Rules provide specific regulations for haulers of lumber and unmanufactured forest products. These rules touch on:

Inspection, repair and maintenance
Drug and alcohol testing
Commercial driver's license standards
Required vehicle markings
Qualification of drivers
Lighting devices and vehicle reflectors
Emergency equipment
Tiedowns
Top and side securement
Tire covers and more

Hold Trucking Companies Accountable for Unsafe Driving

Trucking companies can face fines up to $15,000 for a willful violation of these rules, and an additional $10,000 per day as long as the violation continues. When a violation of the rules leads to a collision with an automobile or other trucking accident, the driver and the company can be liable to the injured party for medical expenses, pain and suffering, vehicle damage, and other legal damages. While Georgia law only requires semi-trucks to carry the minimum liability insurance of $100,000 per person or $300,000 per accident, many commercial carriers carry million-dollar policies to compensate victims of personal injury or wrongful death in tractor-trailer accidents.

The legal team at Katz Personal Injury Lawyers knows the state and federal requirements for record keeping and logs and how to investigate whether trucking regulations were followed prior to a truck accident. If you have been injured in a collision with a semi-truck in Atlanta, Decatur, Marietta and surrounding areas, contact our law firm today at (404) 460-0101 for a free consultation with experienced and knowledgeable Georgia truck accident attorneys.

★★★★★

I was in a head-on collision last year that put me in a wheelchair with a fractured femur. I needed an attorney and my cousin recommended this firm because he had used Briant Mildenhall for his accident. I was glad I called Briant because he always did what he said he would do and kept me informed. We settled with the insurance company and I'm happy with the result. If someone I know needs an attorney, I will tell them to call Briant because he will get the job done. Michael G.

After a head–on collision I had extremely serious injuries to my back and neck, and some internal injuries. I was airlifted to the hospital and started a huge amount of medical expenses accumulating. I hired a lawyer recommended by a friend but I was not satisfied. My cousin told me about this firm so I talked to Briant Mildenhall about handling the case. I was at ease from the get–go. Briant kept me informed all the way through, was always reassuring and did everything he said he would do. He helped us get the money we needed to get the treatment we needed. Briant was fantastic! Ronda W. (Car Accident)

After my car accident, I was looking for an attorney and came across the name Katz Personal Injury Lawyers. My intuition told me to call. I called in and Briant Mildenhall talked to me. He was very clear and honest about my options. As the case went forward, Briant and the staff at the law office always answered my questions right away. I was very confident in Briant's legal ability. He kept me informed every step of the way. I would recommend Mr. Mildenhall and the firm to anyone who needs an attorney. Antonio J. (Car Accident)

I am 100% satisfied. I called Rob the day after the accident. Everything he said that would happen did, every step of the way. He went beyond what we needed him to do. I would definitely use him again and recommend him to anyone who needs a lawyer. Steve H.

Robert Katz isn't your average personal injury lawyer. He has specialized knowledge and experience that the others don't. Timothy W. (Trucking Accident)

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