Collisions and other road mishaps happen with tractor-trailers in Georgia and elsewhere routinely. Several factors contribute to semi-truck crashes, including driver fatigue and intoxication. Sometimes, maintenance issues lead to collisions, which is why roadchecks can be helpful. When authorities discover a mechanical issue, drivers and their employers could take steps to fix things.
The international road check
The 2023 Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) international road check ran for 72 hours and involved inspections of vehicles in the United States, Canada and Mexico. 81% of the vehicles checked, and 94.5% of drivers had no out-of-service violations. Although the numbers appear favorable, it’s important to note that not all trucks and drivers are issue-free.
The most common vehicle violations involved issues with brakes, tires and lights. Sometimes, issues find issues with cargo securement. In addition, drivers may drive with revoked licenses or falsified logs. The truck driver and the employer could face a negligence claim if an accident results from these violations.
Legal issues after truck accidents
Truck accidents that result from negligence may lead to a personal injury lawsuit. The violations mentioned above could support a negligence claim. A dangerous vehicle is on the road when a trucking company allows vehicles to operate with poor brakes.
All parties involved with improperly securing cargo may face legal claims if something falls off the truck and hits someone. Sometimes, cargo sliding inside the trailer could make the truck harder to handle, increasing accident risks.
Drivers who drive while tired or fail to take the required brakes might not react in time to avoid a collision. These drivers might face a lawsuit if their improper behavior caused a crash. Commercial vehicle liability insurance settlement often may cover the costs associated with civil claims.