Driving a commercial truck is an exhausting, high-pressure job. Truck drivers are often expected to cover long distances on tight deadlines, sometimes sacrificing sleep to meet delivery demands. In Georgia, as in other states, the law limits truckers’ hours on the road. These rules are designed to protect everyone on the highway. However, when drivers or trucking companies disregard these limits, the consequences can be devastating.
Fatigue impairs judgment, slows reaction time, and makes it challenging to stay focused, especially when handling a vehicle that weighs up to 80,000 pounds. When truckers push past legal limits and drive while overly tired, they place everyone around them at risk.
Federal Hours of Service Regulations are in Place for a Reason
To combat the dangers of fatigue, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) established Hours of Service (HOS) regulations. These rules limit the number of hours a truck driver can operate without taking mandatory breaks or time off.
For example:
- Drivers may drive 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty.
- Driving is prohibited after 14 hours since coming on duty, even if breaks were taken.
- Drivers must take a 30-minute break after eight hours of driving time.
- The weekly cap is 60 or 70 hours on duty over seven or eight consecutive days, respectively.
These rules apply to most commercial truck drivers nationwide, including those operating in and around Atlanta and Georgia. Unfortunately, not all drivers or their employers follow these requirements.
Why Drivers Exceed Safe Driving Limits
Truck drivers sometimes feel pressured to work beyond the legal limits, either by their financial goals or by the demands of their trucking companies.
This can happen when:
- Delivery schedules are unrealistic or poorly managed.
- Compensation structures reward more miles instead of safe practices.
- Drivers falsify logbooks or use unauthorized electronic logging device (ELD) modifications.
- Companies fail to monitor or enforce HOS compliance properly.
When this type of negligence occurs, it is not just a violation of federal law; it can also serve as grounds for a personal injury claim if someone is harmed.
Legal Options When Fatigue Plays a Role in a Georgia Truck Crash
If someone is hurt due to a collision involving a fatigued truck driver, they may be entitled to pursue a claim against the driver, the trucking company, or both. An investigation can reveal whether the driver exceeded HOS limits, whether the company knew or should have known about it, and whether logs or other records point to unsafe practices.
At Ashby Thelen Lowry, we understand how to uncover the truth behind a devastating trucking incident. Our attorneys have extensive experience holding commercial drivers and companies accountable when fatigue leads to preventable harm.
Speak With a Georgia Personal Injury Attorney Who Puts Your Recovery First
If you or a loved one was harmed in a collision involving a large truck, it is crucial to act quickly. Evidence can disappear, and the trucking company will work to limit its liability. Contact our Atlanta personal injury attorneys at Ashby Thelen Lowry, call us at (404) 777-7771, or schedule a free, confidential consultation online.
We will listen to your story, investigate thoroughly, and help you decide whether we are the right team to stand by your side.