A fully loaded tractor trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds in Georgia. The average commercial truck is also approximately 72 feet long. To safely operate a large truck, drivers must be well-trained. Inexperienced truckers are more likely to be involved in a crash. At Chance, Forlines, Carter & King, PC, we are strong advocates for highway safety. Here, our Georgia truck accident lawyer provides an overview of the risk posed by inexperienced truck drivers.
Know the Data: Inexperienced Truckers are More Likely to Be Involved in a Crash
Experience matters. Commercial truckers are more likely to be involved in a serious crash if they are relatively new to the professional. Indeed, a comprehensive study found that on a per-mile-travelled basis, truckers who were within their first few years on the job were more than 40 percent more likely to be involved in an accident (National Surface Transportation Safety Center for Excellence (NSTSCE)). Notably, studies indicate that truckers with less than two years of experience have the absolute highest crash rate. Some specific issues for inexperienced truck drivers include:
- Greater Likelihood to Lose Control of Vehicle: Tractor trailers are absolute massive vehicles. Truckers need the skills and experience to keep control. Inexperienced truckers may struggle to handle the sheer size and weight of a commercial vehicle. A number of different issues—from sudden stops to sharp turns to the need for evasive maneuvers—can all lead to loss of control. Proper training and hands-on experience are essential to mastering the unique handling characteristics of large trucks.
- Trouble Managing a Truck’s Blind Spots: New truck drivers often underestimate the size of their vehicle’s blind spots, also known as “no-zones.” Inadequate awareness of these areas can cause them to miss smaller vehicles or pedestrians while changing lanes or making turns. Experienced drivers develop strategies to minimize blind spot risks. It is important to remember that truckers are responsible for safely managing their blind spots.
- Susceptibility to Fatigued Driving Risks: Fatigue is a common issue for truck drivers, and inexperienced operators are especially vulnerable. New drivers may underestimate the physical and mental toll of long hours on the road—and that can lead to poor judgment about rest breaks. Notably, federal hours-of-service (HOS) regulations exist to combat driver fatigue, but enforcement can be challenging. Fatigued driving by a truck driver is dangerous driving. A fatigued trucker (and their employer) can be held accountable for a crash.
- Challenges in Unfavorable Driving Conditions: Another common problem is that inexperienced drivers may struggle in more challenging conditions—such as when there is particularly heavy traffic or poor weather. Unfamiliarity with strategies like controlled braking or adjusting speed in poor conditions can lead to preventable crashes. Experienced truckers learn to anticipate hazards and adapt their driving accordingly, but newer drivers may react too late or they may react improperly to a hazard. Truckers who are not able to drive safely in the existing road conditions must park their vehicle until conditions change.
Georgia is a Fault-Based Truck Accident State
Georgia is a fault-based commercial truck accident state. The trucker, truck company, or other party who is found to be at-fault for causing an accident can be held liable for all of the damage that happened in the crash. Fault is based on negligence. In Georgia, negligence is defined in a relatively broad manner: It means the failure to take reasonable care. Every accident in Georgia should be thoroughly investigated by an experienced lawyer. Your attorney will help you gather and assemble all of the evidence that you need to prove fault and establish the extent of your damages.
Truck Companies in Georgia Must Ensure Drivers are Properly Trained
Truck companies in Georgia are legally required to ensure that their drivers are properly trained and qualified to operate commercial vehicles safely. There are both federal and state regulations in place that mandate that drivers meet specific standards, including obtaining a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL) and completing training programs.
Notably, proper training for a commercial truck driver should include a full understanding of vehicle operation. It should also include complying with hours-of-service rules, and handling more challenging road conditions and driving conditions. Failure to adequately train drivers puts everyone on the road at risk and may result in liability for the trucking company after a crash.
Recovering Compensation After a Truck Accident
In Georgia, truck accident victims are entitled to seek compensation for the full extent of their actual damages from the at-fault party. How much can you expect to recover following a crash with an inexperienced and/or undertrained trucker? The answer depends on a number of different case specific factors, including the severity of your damages and your ability to establish liability. Our Georgia truck accident lawyers help injured victims seek the maximum compensation, including for:
- Vehicle repairs or replacement;
- Emergency room care and other damages;
- Hospital bills and other medical costs;
- Physical therapy and mental health support;
- Loss of wages and loss of earnings;
- Pain and suffering & mental distress;
- Disability or disfigurement; and
- Wrongful death of a family member.
Why Rely On the Georgia Truck Accident Attorneys at Chance, Forlines, Carter & King
Truck accident lawsuits can raise a lot of questions. Following a serious accident, you need strong and reliable representation. Younger and less experienced can contribute to serious collisions. At Chance, Forlines, Carter & King, PC, we strive to help victims and families get justice and the absolute maximum financial compensation. Our history of verdicts and settlements show what we can do for our clients. Initial consultations are free, confidential, and carry no further obligations.
Contact Our Georgia Truck Accident Attorney Today
At Chance, Forlines, Carter & King, PC, our Georgia truck accident lawyers are skilled, experienced, and solutions-focused. If you were hurt in a semi-truck crash with an inexperienced trucker, we can help. Contact us right away for your free, no obligation initial case review. We handle semi-truck accident injury claims throughout Georgia, including in Atlanta, Augusta, and Gwinnett.