Atlanta Commercial Vehicle Lawyers.

Tractor-Trailers

When people think about commercial vehicles, tractor-trailers are usually the first things that come to their minds, because almost everyone has seen tractor-trailers. These large commercial trucks are usually about 53 feet long, minus the cab—add the cab and they are approximately 70 to 80 feet long. These are usually the largest vehicles on the road, and weight 80,000 pounds—which is 20 to 30 times more than an average passenger car.

As commercial vehicle accident lawyers in Atlanta, we are familiar with the damage and injuries that these trucks can cause. To learn more about tractor-trailers, visit our Atlanta truck accident attorney page.

Tanker Trucks

These trucks are used to transport hazardous cargo, including gasoline, diesel, ethanol, petroleum-based products, and chemicals. While some tanker trucks carry non-flammables, most carry explosive cargo that can set on fire. In addition to hauling dangerous cargo, tankers are apt to rollover because of their size and shape.

Garbage and dump trucks can be seen each day in Gainseville, Atlanta, Columbus, Savannah, Macon, Albany, and just about every other city and small town in Georgia—these trucks are often on the same residential roads as regular cars, bicycles, and pedestrians. But, don’t get lulled into thinking these trucks are safe. These trucks are designed to collect and transport trash, so they are built with large, heavy frames. They may also have hydraulic equipment used to compact trash. The way garbage and dump truck are designed can result in large blind spots, which can greatly affect a driver’s ability to see around the truck.

Delivery and Box Trucks

These trucks are usually smaller than other commercial vehicles, but are often driven by untrained or inexperienced drivers. Further, delivery drivers are regularly pressured by their bosses to get to more destinations and get there quicker, so drivers often speed and drive recklessly. Some employers encourage or require their drivers to drive in excess of the hours-of-service limits.

Driver hours limits are specifically designed to keep tired drivers off the road, but unfortunately, companies and their drivers break these rules.

These are reckless and inexcusable actions that can cause severe injury and even death. Contact a commercial vehicle accident lawyer in Atlanta to learn more about the legal implications of driving a truck past the 11-hour limit.

Flatbed Trucks

Trucks that do not have sides or walls where cargo is stored are usually called flatbed trucks. They are used to haul cargo that will not fit inside closed trailers, like logs. Properly loaded and secured cargo is essential for safety. There are many specific rules and industry guidelines for loading and securing cargo.

Tow Trucks

Tow trucks have flatbeds where cars are loaded onto, hooks and chains to keep cars from rolling off, wheel lifts to ensure cars cannot move, and a boom or winch to pull vehicles up from ditches. Like flatbeds, it is essential that cars are loaded safely and securely to tow trucks—failure to do so can injure other motorists, pedestrians, and the tow truck driver.

Buses

According to government statistics, approximately 300 fatal bus crashes occur each year. In bus accidents with no fatalities, the risk of severe injury and disability is high. Bus accidents can be complex cases to handle because a number of responsible parties may be at fault, including:

• The bus driver
• The bus management company
• The bus owner
• Bus equipment manufacturers
• Other negligent drivers
• Government entities, if a public bus

If you or someone you know has been injured in a crash with a commercial vehicle, you should speak with a commercial vehicle accident lawyer in Atlanta who is familiar with commercial trucks and the laws and regulations that govern them. The law firm of Rafi, Brown, and Stokes knows commercial vehicle accidents and will get you the compensation you are entitled to.