When a tractor-trailer collides with a passenger vehicle, the consequences can be catastrophic. What many people don’t realize is that federal trucking regulations often play a pivotal role in determining liability. These rules, established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), are designed to prevent accidents — yet when they are violated, Georgia drivers pay the price.
On highways like I-20 through Augusta and I-520/Bobby Jones Expressway, heavy commercial traffic makes compliance with federal regulations especially important. At Burnside Law Firm LLP, our attorneys have more than 50 years of collective experience pursuing justice for truck accident victims. With offices in Augusta and Athens, we’ve built a reputation recognized by organizations like Georgia Trend’s Legal Elite, Atlanta Magazine’s Top Attorneys in Georgia, and the National Trial Lawyers Top 100.
Why Federal Trucking Regulations Matter
Unlike passenger vehicle drivers, truck drivers and carriers must follow strict federal safety rules. These regulations set higher standards for rest breaks, vehicle inspections, and cargo securement.
When violations occur, the results can be tragic. In Georgia alone, 244 people were killed in large-truck crashes in 2021, reflecting a nearly 60% increase over the past decade. For injured victims, proving violations of FMCSA rules can make the difference between a denied claim and full compensation.
Hours of Service (HOS) Limits
Driver fatigue is a well-documented problem. To reduce risk, federal Hours of Service regulations cap the number of hours truck drivers can drive before mandatory rest. Despite these rules, fatigue contributes to roughly 13% of all large-truck crashes nationally.
On long-haul stretches through Richmond and Columbia Counties, drivers often push their limits to meet tight deadlines.
Impact on your case: If electronic logging device (ELD) data shows a driver exceeded allowable hours, it can provide compelling evidence of negligence.
Maintenance & Inspection Rules
Trucks log thousands of miles each week, making regular maintenance essential. FMCSA regulations require detailed inspection and repair schedules for brakes, tires, and other vital systems.
Mechanical failures are linked to a significant share of crashes — and in Georgia, many of the 244 truck-related deaths in 2021 involved preventable equipment issues.
Impact on your case: Maintenance records often reveal skipped inspections. At Burnside Law Firm, our attorneys know how to obtain and analyze these logs to establish liability.
Cargo Securement Standards
A poorly loaded truck is a hazard to everyone on the road. Federal rules spell out how loads must be distributed and secured, but violations remain common.
In Georgia, 92% of severe truck accident injuries occur in multi-vehicle crashes, often triggered by shifting or falling cargo. In Augusta, debris-related accidents on Hwy 25 and Bobby Jones Expressway highlight how dangerous improperly secured loads can be.
Impact on your case: If cargo securement violations are uncovered, liability may extend to not just the driver, but the loading company or carrier as well.
Drug & Alcohol Testing Requirements
Truck drivers are subject to mandatory drug and alcohol testing under federal law, including pre-employment screening, random testing, and post-accident checks.
Impact on your case: If testing records reveal noncompliance, it can strengthen your claim by proving a pattern of regulatory neglect by the carrier.
Why Choose Burnside Law Firm for Your Truck Accident Case
Truck accident litigation often hinges on regulatory violations — cases that demand skill, resources, and credibility. Burnside Law Firm LLP offers all three.
- Our attorneys have been recognized by Georgia Trend’s Legal Elite, Atlanta Magazine’s Top Attorneys in Georgia, and the National Trial Lawyers Top 100.
- Members of our team serve in leadership roles, including the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association Executive Committee and the Young Lawyers Division of the State Bar of Georgia.
- Graduates of Leadership Augusta and the GTLA LEAD program reflect our commitment to developing strong leaders both in the courtroom and in the community.
- Beyond law, our attorneys are actively involved in Augusta’s civic life, from serving as Chairman of the Board for Turn Back the Block, a nonprofit revitalization project, to holding executive positions in the Augusta Bar Association.
These credentials highlight our firm-wide commitment to excellence and to the communities we serve in Augusta, Athens, Evans, Martinez, and beyond.
FAQs: Federal Trucking Rules and Your Case
Q: How do trucking regulations affect accident claims?
A: They create clear safety standards. If a driver or company ignored these standards, it can strengthen your case and make proving negligence easier.
Q: What types of violations are most common?
A: Exceeding Hours of Service limits, skipping maintenance, improper loading, and failing drug/alcohol testing requirements are frequent issues.
Q: Who can be held responsible for breaking regulations?
A: Liability may extend to the driver, the trucking company, maintenance contractors, or even cargo-loading teams depending on the violation.
Q: What kind of evidence is used to prove violations?
A: Attorneys rely on electronic logging device (ELD) data, inspection records, cargo manifests, and testing reports to uncover wrongdoing.
Q: Why should I hire a local Augusta firm for my case?
A: Truck accident claims in the Augusta Judicial Circuit often involve complex evidence and aggressive defense teams. A firm deeply connected to the local courts and community provides both legal insight and strategic advantage.
Takeaway: Federal Rules Can Strengthen Your Case
Federal trucking regulations were created to protect motorists, but when companies and drivers fail to follow them, the consequences can be deadly. For victims in Augusta, Athens, and throughout Georgia, proving these violations is often the key to justice.
At Burnside Law Firm LLP, we combine decades of trial experience, respected state and national recognitions, and active community leadership to hold negligent trucking companies accountable. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in Georgia, contact Burnside Law Firm LLP today for a free consultation.
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