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The words “interstate” and “intrastate” look and sound almost the same but there are differences. The first are highways that cross over state lines, and intrastate highways do not – they are only within a state. Interstate highways are part of a national highway system. The highway signs indicate which kind they are, and either read “Interstate” and a number or “State Highway” and a number. Both have laws that apply to trucks, including ones that cause accidents.
Trucks that travel between states are regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). When these laws are broken, the offenders can face fines and other consequences like liability for causing accidents.
Some of the FMCSA regulations include:
Commercial truck drivers are licensed differently for interstate travel. They must be permitted to cross state lines and if they do so without being properly licensed, the penalties can be severe. In fact, an insurer might not pay out a claim for an under-licensed trucker who was driving their vehicle in another state.
One of the most important FMCSA regulations is the one that applies to working hours. A trucker cannot drive more than eight hours straight without taking a 30-minute break. They are also only allowed to drive for 11 hours when they have been off duty for 10. These drivers should also not be driving more than 60 to 70 hours in a seven- or eight-day period. Yet many exceed those limits, especially when they are behind schedule and under pressure to make deliveries on time.
The trucks are supposed to be inspected by federal employees, and drivers should also be inspecting them daily. Truck drivers must be at least 21 years old to drive these vehicles for interstate commerce, and all have to take drug and alcohol tests after certain kinds of accidents.
The State of Georgia has adopted many of the FMCSA’s regulations, including the ones listed above. On top of that, it has special rules for transporting forest products and hazardous materials. These apply to lighting devices, tie-downs, top and side securement, tire covers, emergency equipment, and other areas.
A willful violation can result in a fine up to $15,000, plus additional fines each day that the situation is not corrected. When a rule violation causes a crash, the driver and company might end up paying an injured party compensation to cover their medical expenses, lost time from work, property damage, and pain and suffering.
This depends on the nature of your injuries and property damage, the ability to show that the other party was negligent, and the type of insurance they carry. In Georgia, semi-trucks must have minimum liability insurance of $100,000 per person/$300,000 per accident. Some commercial truck companies carry more than that though, and have million-dollar policies.
If you or someone you care about was seriously injured in a truck accident, significant compensation may be within your reach. For more information, call Childers & McCain, LLC. Our talented Savannah truck accident attorneys can review your case and fight to protect your rights. Call us at 478-254-2007 or complete our online form to schedule a free consultation. Our Macon, Georgia office serves clients in Savannah, Albany, Atlanta, Bibb County, Chatham County, Columbus, Crawford County, Oglethorpe, and Peach County.
Facing the aftermath of a serious accident can be overwhelming. Before you speak with the insurance companies, make sure you schedule a free consultation with the Macon personal injury lawyers at Childers & McCain. We can protect your rights while anticipating the insurance company’s tactics to make sure you get the full compensation you deserve. You don’t have to navigate this tough road alone – let our team of professionals help you move forward.
