Tennessee Trucking Laws & Georgia Trucking Laws

The average motorist may not be aware of the laws and regulations that truck drivers must follow. When you or a loved one is injured in an accident, you need an attorney who knows the trucking industry inside and out to help you seek the compensation you deserve.

Attorney Scott Davis has represented truck accident victims for 15 years, and he knows how trucking companies and their insurers operate. With Davis Firm, LLC on your side, you can rest easy that your truck accident claim is in the hands of an experienced personal injury lawyer.

Call us today to set us a free claim review and discussion of your best legal options for seeking recovery.

Which Agencies Govern Truckers?

Both federal and state agencies govern truck drivers and the trucking companies that employ them. These agencies create and enforce the rules and regulations that drivers and trucking companies must follow to keep the roads in Tennessee and Georgia safe.

On a federal level, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates truck drivers. The organization was established by the Department of Transportation to keep the trucking industry safe for truck drivers and all motorists by reducing truck-related accidents and fatalities.

The FMCSA works with state agencies and state law enforcement officials on implementing truck safety-related programs. Drivers must comply with federal laws related to work hour limits and the transportation methods of hazardous materials, as well as many other rules and regulations.

State agencies in Tennessee and Georgia also govern truck drivers and trucking companies within those states. In Tennessee, the Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security’s Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division is in charge. This branch oversees the operation of vehicle inspection sites throughout Tennessee and conducts highway patrols to help ensure that truck drivers are not violating state laws. In Georgia, the Georgia Department of Public Safety enforces truck driver safety laws throughout the state.

Rules and Regulations Truck Drivers and Trucking Companies Must Follow

There are many complex rules and regulations that truck drivers and trucking companies must follow when operating trucks in Tennessee and Georgia. Attorney Scott Davis at Davis Firm, LLC is familiar with even the most complicated aspects.

Examples of the rules and regulations that apply include:

• Licensing — Truck drivers must have a commercial driver’s license (CDL) to operate a commercial truck. Operating a truck without the proper driver’s license is a violation of state law and can result in penalties and fines.
• Hours of Service — Truck drivers must comply with federal laws related to hours of service that mandate the number of hours that a truck driver can work without taking a break. The purpose of hours of service limit laws is to prevent truck driver fatigue, which impairs the ability of a driver to operate a truck safely. Driver fatigue driving is a common cause of truck accidents. Truck drivers are required to maintain driving logs that document their hours and their breaks. Law enforcement officials at inspection checkpoints may inspect these driving logs.
• Truck Weight — Truck drivers and trucking companies in Tennessee and Georgia must comply with laws that regulate the weight of trucks. Law enforcement officials at truck inspection checkpoints and weigh stations will use large scales to make sure that vehicles do not exceed safe weight limits. The purpose of placing weight limits on trucks is to reduce accidents and preserve the structures of roads and highways.
• Driving Under the Influence — Truck drivers must follow Tennessee and Georgia laws that relate to driving under the influence. Commercial drivers are subject to a lower blood alcohol limit than other drivers. If a truck driver causes an accident while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the trucking company may also be held liable for any victim’s injuries resulting from the accident. If a truck driver is found guilty of driving under the influence in Tennessee or Georgia, their CDL may be permanently revoked or suspended.
• Hazardous Materials — Truck drivers and trucking company owners must comply with laws that govern how hazardous materials are transported. If a truck that is carrying hazardous materials is involved in a truck accident, the injuries sustained by victims may be even more severe if the hazardous material was not properly contained.

Building a Case That Rules and Regulations Were Broken

If you’ve been the victim of a truck accident, the reliable Chattanooga personal injury lawyers at Davis Firm, LLC can help you build a case so that you can recover the compensation that you deserve. Our experienced truck accident attorneys can determine whether the truck driver who caused your injuries violated a truck industry rule or regulation. Davis Firm, LLC may also build a case against the trucking company, cargo owner, and other potentially liable parties.

There are many different situations when truck drivers, trucking companies, or other parties may be responsible for causing a truck accident in Tennessee or Georgia. In cases where a truck driver caused a crash after working too many hours without a break or was driving a truck while under the influence, both the driver and the trucking company could be found to be negligent. The same goes for accidents that result from operating a truck that is over the mandated weight limit, using faulty safety equipment, or driving a truck without a proper license, for example.

If the truck driver or trucking company in Tennessee or Georgia was negligent and broke a federal or state trucking law, Davis Firm, LLC can help you receive compensation for your medical expenses and lost wages.

Contact Our Law Firm Today for Help with Your Truck Wreck Case

Injuries resulting from truck accidents can be severe and life-altering. Fighting for compensation for your injuries can be a confusing and time-consuming process. These cases require complicated investigations and need to be handled properly from the start.

Attorney Scott Davis of Davis Firm, LLC has been fighting for victims of truck accidents in Georgia and Tennessee for 15 years. With over 200 cases brought to verdict and many settled long before that, Davis Firm, LLC is trusted and respected to handle even the toughest of truck accident cases.

Call us or contact us online now to schedule a free consultation and claim review.