When Does Vehicular Homicide Become Murder?

vehicular homicide ga

When Does Vehicular Homicide Become Murder?

In Georgia, ‘homicide’ refers to a criminal offense that causes the death of an individual. It covers murder and manslaughter, but the former is considered more severe since it is intentional.

So if your loved one is unintentionally killed by a speeding car, the driver may be charged with vehicular homicide. But if they ran them over with the intent to murder them, the charge would turn into a murder charge. An Atlanta wrongful death attorney can bring you closure by bringing the negligent party to justice.

Vehicular Homicide in Georgia

As per the Georgia Vehicular Homicide statute, a person commits homicide via a vehicle when they unintentionally and without malice cause the death of another individual. Some common examples include the following:

  • Driving under the influence (of drugs or alcohol).
  • Passing a school bus improperly.
  • Leaving the scene of a vehicular homicide that they caused.
  • Running away from the police after causing the death of another individual with their vehicle (intentionally or otherwise).
  • Causing the death of an individual by violating laws other than those mentioned above.

Important note: ‘Malicious aforethought‘ can turn vehicular homicide into a murder charge. In itself, the latter is not considered murder in the state.

Penalties and Punishments

Vehicular homicide GA can be a felony or misdemeanor. Both carry separate penalties as per the factors surrounding the offense.

The charge can lead to a license suspension or a limited driving permit.

First-degree vehicular homicide GA can lead to a three-year license suspension. In this case, the convicted individual does not get the option of a limited driving permit.

On the other hand, a second-degree charge can lead to a license suspension spanning 120 days, but in exchange, you get a limited driving permit for a year. It can also be renewed when time runs out.

There are two types of charges you can face:

Misdemeanor Vehicular Homicide GA

This is a charge you can get if you unintentionally cause the death of a person because you broke traffic rules.

Felony Vehicular Homicide GA

This is a charge you can get if you unintentionally cause the death of a person because you were driving under the influence or recklessly.

The penalties can also be quite harsh. Both misdemeanor and felony charges for vehicular homicide carry lengthy prison sentences and hefty fines, which a judge determines. The latter can lead to a prison sentence spanning three to 15 years, per the case’s circumstances.

If you are charged with a second-degree misdemeanor, it can result in a punishment of one year in prison. This can also include a year on probation and a fine of up to $1,000.

Contact Shani O. Brooks For A Consultation Today!

If you lost a loved one because of a driver’s negligence or believe they targeted the victims with the intent to kill, an Atlanta wrongful death attorney can ensure you see justice. Shani O. Brooks can help you find closure and get the compensation that your family deserves during this tragedy. Do not give up!

Wrongful death cases following vehicular homicide GA can be complex. You need legal representation that can fight for your rights and ensure the perpetrators do not get away with murder.

Steps to Take If You Are In an Accident with a Drunk Driver

Steps to Take If You Are In an Accident with a Drunk Driver

If a drunk driver ever hits you, you will be disoriented. A checklist can help you get your bearings back faster and get the compensation you deserve.

What Qualifies As Drunk Driving In Georgia?

Suppose you wish to file a personal injury claim for a DUI accident in Georgia. In that case, you have to prove that the drunk party was under the influence of alcohol and that they fulfil one of the following criteria:

  • They are commercial drivers with a BAC level of .04 or higher during the accident.
  • They were under 21 years of age and had a BAC level of .02 or higher.
  • They refused a BAC test or did not provide a blood or urine sample.
  • They were not commercial drivers but had a BAC of .08 or higher.

Field sobriety tests are usually insufficient when determining whether a defendant is guilty or not. An Atlanta DUI accident lawyer may still use it in a civil lawsuit as proof.

What You Should Do After A DUI Car Accident – A Checklist

These accidents are more common than you think. This checklist will help you get your bearings and take action if you are ever involved in a DUI accident in Georgia:

1. Call 911 Immediately

Call 911 right after the drunk driver slams into you if you can. Whatever you do, don’t settle the matter without getting the police involved. They will ensure the crash is documented properly, and you can use those documents to file a claim with the insurance company or a lawsuit. If you think the other driver is drunk, watch for suspicious behavior as you wait. This includes slurred speech. Inform the paramedics and the police so they can include it in their reports.

2. Gather Information

Acquire and record as much information surrounding the accident as you can. This includes the drunk driver’s contact information, the names and details of witnesses, and the ID numbers of the police officers who arrive on the scene. Take pictures and videos of your and the other driver’s car, and ensure you get a copy of the police report. It should be free of errors.

3. Seek Medical Aid

Do not refuse medical aid whether you think you are injured or not. Some injuries can take time to manifest, and hidden ones can worsen with time if they are not taken care of immediately. The Atlanta DUI accident lawyer can also use it as proof that you were injured in the accident and deserve compensation.

4. Hire An Atlanta DUI Accident Lawyer

Before you get in touch with the insurance company regarding your DUI accident, contact an attorney first. You deserve compensation for your injuries, medical bills, and car damage. A lawyer will ensure your case has the best chance to produce the compensation you deserve after conducting a thorough investigation into the accident. This includes securing evidence that can strengthen your claim.

Contact Shani O. Brooks P.C. For A Consultation Today!

Car and DUI accidents are the leading causes of severe injuries in Atlanta, Georgia. Why should you pay out of pocket for damages if you were injured in an accident involving a drunk driver? Shani O. Brooks P.C. can go up against formidable opponents in court in your stead, such as insurance companies that deny your claim.

Why Car Accidents Are More Common During Summer?

Why Car Accidents Are More Common During Summer?

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), car accidents increase exponentially during summer, especially on weekends. New Year’s Day and Independence Day see sharp increases in these accidents compared to other holidays. If you were the victim of a hit-and-run accident, contact an Atlanta car accident attorney for a consultation.

5 Top Reasons for Car Accidents in Summer

Here are some of the main reasons why the number of car accidents increases during the summer in the US:

1. More Teens On The Road

Teenagers on their summer break come out in droves during these months. Unfortunately, since most of them are inexperienced drivers with little defensive driving skills, their chances of getting into accidents are higher than adult drivers.

Most teenagers also lack reflexes, foresight, and strong nerves to avoid a collision with other vehicles and pedestrians. Many of them are between 16 and 19 years of age.

2. More People On The Roads

Besides teenagers, the sweltering summer months also increase the number of pedestrians, cyclists, and other riders on the roads. Since these individuals are difficult to notice, especially during rush hours, they are more likely to get hit. Whether drivers are distracted or not, a single lone individual on the road is easily missed.

3. More Work Crews On The Roads

Roadways undergo construction and maintenance during the summer, so it is not surprising to see more work crews on highways than you would during other seasons. The weather is nice enough for them to do their job, particularly in areas inaccessible during winter. The equipment and road closures can lead to frustrated drivers who are more likely to get into accidents. Plus, work crews can also step into oncoming traffic as they work on the roads.

4. Vehicle Breakdowns Increase

Even experienced drivers can get into accidents if their car, bike, or other vehicle breaks down because of the heat. Rising temperatures can cause tire blowouts, engine overheating, and corroded components, leading to malfunctions. If you are speeding down the highway and any of these issues make you careen off the road, the consequences can be devastating and, in some cases, fatal.

5. Increase In Drunk Drivers On The Roads

More people die because of drunk drivers or because they drink and drive during summer. As the hot summer months roll around, activities such as barbecues, parties, get-togethers, and other outdoor events increase.

With beer and wine flowing freely, and even with ridesharing options such as Uber and Lyft, many people still prefer to get behind the wheel intoxicated. Inebriated drivers can become drowsy or fall asleep behind the wheel. In both cases, they can veer into other drivers on the road, leading to a wreck. These incidents are more common during the 4th of July as revelers imbibe all night heavily.

These were just some of the reasons why the number of car accidents increases during the summer months. If you were the victim of such an incident, an experienced Atlanta car accident attorney could help you get the compensation you deserve.

Contact Shani O. Brooks For A Consultation Today!

This is where car accident attorney Shani O. Brooks can prove invaluable. Car accidents are among the leading causes of accidents in Georgia. You shouldn’t have to pay for your medical bills whether you were injured because of a drunk driver, negligence, or a speeding vehicle. Our Atlanta car accident attorneys can go up against the insurance companies, so you don’t have to. Get in touch for a consultation today!

What Is Vicarious Liability in Georgia Car Accidents?

What Is Vicarious Liability in Georgia Car Accidents?

A car accident can be disorienting, so assigning fault right after can be difficult. In most cases, the people involved assume the responsible parties include the at-fault driver, the vehicle manufacturer, and maybe the property owner.

However, most people overlook the owner of the car the at-fault driver was driving. This can be an employee driving a company car that caused the accident in some cases. An Atlanta car accident lawyer can help you get compensation from the at-fault parties.

What is Vicarious Liability?

Vicarious liability means that the employer is responsible for damages and injuries that their employees cause. The law would come into effect if the damages were caused during their work duties. Besides car accidents involving company vehicles, this can include on-premise accidents. For example, if a store worker dropped items while stocking shelves and caused an accident, their employer will be responsible for compensating the victims.

There are two main reasons behind vicarious liability:

It protects workers

Under vicarious liability, employees cannot be sued for damages they caused during their work duties, even if they were negligent. The logic behind this is that employees do their jobs at their employer’s behest – if they had trained their workers better or supervised them closely, the accident may not have happened.

It protects victims

If you are injured because of a car accident caused by a driver driving a company car, suing them is not a sound decision. They may not have the money or resources to compensate you, but their employers will. Holding their employers accountable with help from a professional Atlanta car accident lawyer can ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

Exceptions To Vicarious Liability

Employers can only be held liable if the accident caused injuries or damages while the worker was on company time or during their work duties. For instance, if a delivery driver runs into a bicyclist while delivering packages, they are protected. However, if an office worker hits someone on their way to work with their car, they can be held liable for damages since driving the car is not part of their job.

Similarly, if a delivery driver got into an accident when they took the company’s delivery van on a joy ride, they can be held liable for their actions. In either case, hiring a competent Atlanta car accident attorney should be their priority. Their employer may still be partly liable since their responsibility is to screen new workers and supervise existing ones.

Contact Shani O. Brooks P.C. For A Car Accident Claim

You have just a few years to sue the at-fault parties for the car accident that took so much away from you. File your claim as soon as possible to ensure you get compensated for damages. At Shani O.Brooks P.C., we represent injured car accident victims in Atlanta and across Georgia. We have years of experience helping victims like you get justice and can tell you how much your case is worth. If you or a loved one was injured in an accident, get in touch with us today for a confidential consultation.

Laws Regarding Truck Accidents in Georgia

Laws Regarding Truck Accidents in Georgia

Tractor-trailers can be intimidating on the road. One wrong turn or brake failure can result in massive loss of life and major damages. Most victims never recover and are left with lifelong medical bills and conditions.

Important Georgia Truck Accident Laws You Should Know

If you or someone you know was involved in a truck accident, experienced Atlanta truck accident lawyers could ensure you get the compensation you deserve. Familiarize yourself with Georgia truck accident laws beforehand:

Negligent Entrustment Law

All carriers and fleet owners in Georgia have to conduct a thorough background check of each new driver they hire. Their motor vehicle records should not be off-limits, and they should also contact their previous employers. If they discover an accident in the driver’s records, the carrier is duty-bound to check the driver’s records for accuracy and their account of the incident.

If the carrier is aware of such incidents and the driver’s inexperience, they have to ensure they are trained. If they allow them to drive a truck and the driver gets into an accident, the carrier could be charged with negligent entrustment.

Hours of Service Laws

To prevent tired drivers from getting behind the wheel, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) maintains strict service hours all carriers have to adhere to. The rules determine how long drivers can work and rest. Some of the regulations that trucking organizations have to follow include the following:

  • Truck drivers cannot drive for more than 11 hours after completing 10 hours of rest.
  • Truck drivers should stop driving if they have driven for more than 13 consecutive hours. Breaks and refueling don’t count.
  • Truck drivers should be allowed a half-hour break for every eight consecutive hours they drive. They can load or refuel during this time.
  • Truck drivers cannot drive more than 60 hours a week or 70 hours in eight straight days. If the driver takes 34+ hours of rest, this resets.

Important note: All drivers have to maintain logs of their service hours to ensure they are compliant. If your employer forces you to overwork and violates those laws, you have the right to sue. In some cases, employers can deliberately increase hourly limits by falsifying logbooks.

Statute Of Limitations for Filing Truck Accident Claims

According to the statute of limitations for Georgia truck accidents, you have two years to file a lawsuit after the right to sue accrues. This means you should try your best to file the suit on the date the accident occurred. This can only increase if criminal charges are involved, and investigations can take six years. Experienced Atlanta truck accident lawyers can determine exceptions that can help your case.

Contact Shani O. Brooks for Cases Involving Truck Accidents

If you have been injured in a truck accident involving a commercial truck and need knowledgeable and determined lawyers, get in touch with Shani O. Brooks P.C., Attorneys at Law. We understand Georgia truck accident laws better than you do and can ensure you get the maximum compensation you deserve. Get in touch with us for a consultation today! We urge you to take immediate action lest the carrier tries to hide critical evidence.

Safe Driving Tips to Avoid Car Accidents Around Atlanta

Safe Driving Tips to Avoid Car Accidents Around Atlanta

Home to several major interstates, Atlanta is known for traffic and large trucks that frequent its roads. Combine speeding cars that are traveling at interstate speeds, congestion, and aggressive drivers, and your chances of getting into an accident increase. If you drive or commute to the state regularly, you should have an Atlanta car accident lawyer on speed dial.

Safe Driving Tips That Can Help You Avoid A Car Accident

Whether you are a novice or an experienced driver, you can get into an accident on those busy roads. Here are some of the top tips that can help you avoid them:

Complete a Pre-Driving Checklist Before Hitting the Road

Do a safety check before you get into your car or any vehicle. Walk around inspecting it for leaks, check the tires to ensure they are fully inflated, check all of the lights (headlights, brake lights, turn signals, hazard lights, etc), especially if you are driving at night. Besides this, adjust your seat and mirrors before starting the vehicle. The mirrors will eliminate blind spots, and a properly-adjusted seat will not distract you as you drive.

Wear Your Seatbelt at All Times

Buckle up after you have adjusted your seat. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, most people who get into fatal car accidents fail to do this. Also, remind your passengers to put on their seatbelts if they haven’t. As the driver, it is your responsibility to ensure your passengers are safe in your vehicle.

Be Aware Of Blind Spots

Always be aware of your blind spots, whether you are stuck in traffic or driving on the open road. This includes the vehicles around you. For example, if a truck is in front of you or the lane next to yours, and you cannot see your vehicle in its rearview mirrors, the driver cannot see you either. Change lanes cautiously.

Cut Down On Distractions

Do you listen to loud music, eat, or apply makeup behind the wheel? If you answered yes, you are highly susceptible to car accidents. Anything that takes your attention away from road and traffic conditions can cause a fender bender. Cut down on as many distractions as you can to avoid this.

Do Not Drive If You Are Sleepy

If you get drowsy behind the wheel, pull over immediately or check into the nearest motel to catch up on your sleep. Once you nod off completely, your car can careen into oncoming traffic, drive off a bridge or run over innocent pedestrians.

Contact Shani O. Brooks P.C. To Recover Damages From Car Accidents

A car accident can be a traumatizing experience. If you or someone you know has been injured or disabled because of a negligent driver, you need an attorney who can aid you during this stressful time. With more than 10 years of experience, professional Atlanta car accident lawyer Shani O. Brooks P.C. can ensure you get the compensation you deserve. Get control of your life once again with his help. Get in touch for a consultation today! Why should you pay out of pocket for your medical expenses when the other driver was at fault for the accident?

What you Should Know About Georgia Motorcycle Laws

What you Should Know About Georgia Motorcycle Laws

Motorcyclists are at a much greater risk of injuries than other drivers on the road. Accidents involving motorcycles in Georgia have increased over the years.

Top Georgia Motorcycle Laws That Can Prevent Accidents

While riders are primarily unprotected, they can mitigate risks by following these Georgia motorcycle laws:

Wear Safety Gear

As per the law, motorcyclists in Georgia have to wear helmets and appropriate eye safety gear on the road. The latter doesn’t have to be a face shield or an attached visor. You can wear a helmet without a visor if your motorcycle has a windscreen that can protect you. Besides this, you can also wear goggles to prevent fines. Thick motorcycle gloves can improve your grip on the handlebars so that you won’t break any laws.

Motorcycles Have To Have Specific Features

While they are not as detailed as other states, keep Georgia’s motorcycle equipment requirements in mind if you don’t want to break the law. For example, ‘ape hangers’ are considered illegal – the handlebars shouldn’t be more than 15 inches above where you sit on your bike.

Plus, if you carry a passenger, the bike should have an extra seat that is large enough to accommodate their size and weight. Plus, also make sure it has footrests that can keep them steady.

Get Proper License and Permits

As a motorcyclist in Georgia, you need to have a Class M license or a motorcycle permit to drive your bike legally. Riders who are 16 years of age can get the latter, and those older than 17 are eligible for the former. However, 17-year old riders cannot ride a motorcycle without their parent’s or guardian’s consent.

Fulfill Insurance Requirements

Each motorcycle rider in the state has to carry the following insurance to be allowed on the road:

  • $25,000 or property damage liability.
  • $25,000 of bodily injury liability that is $50,000 per accident.

Lane Splitting Is Illegal

Unlike other states, lane splitting (weaving between cars to get to another lane) is illegal in Georgia. Motorcyclists stopped by police for lane splitting can be held responsible if their actions caused an accident. There are some exceptions. You can use the entire width of a lane when driving and drive with more than two motorcycles side by side in a single lane.

Contact Shani O. Brooks P.C. For A Consultation Today!

Whether you are a motorcyclist or a pedestrian who sustained injuries because of a traffic accident, you need Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyers to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. At Shani O. Brooks, P.C., we have represented a range of injured victims in Atlanta and throughout Georgia and ensured the best outcomes. Our experienced legal team leaves no stone unturned during investigations and gives each case the attention it deserves, if not more.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a motorcycle accident, do not wait to get in touch with us for a consultation. The longer you wait, the less compensation you may get. All of the cases we handle are strictly confidential.

What Are The Most Common Personal Injuries In Car Accidents?

What Are The Most Common Personal Injuries In Car Accidents?

As per stats from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 38,600 people died in car accidents, higher than those in 2019. The increase in traffic fatalities occurred despite lockdowns that were in place to curb the COVID-19 pandemic. This goes to show that no one is safe.

Common Personal Injuries You Can Get In a Car Accident

Some of the common car accident injuries Atlanta personal injury lawyers can get you compensated for include the following:

Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue injuries occur in connective tissue such as tendons, muscles, and ligaments and take on several forms. Whiplash is the most common one you can get from a collision with another vehicle. It occurs if the head and neck whip from side to side violently during it. The same force can also cause a back sprain.

Cuts and Scrapes

Any loose objects can become high-speed projectiles in a violent car accident. This can include cell phones, loose change, books, purses, wallets, and even your GPS. If any of these items hit your body at high speed, you can get deep cuts and scrapes. Depending on the extent of your injuries, you may require stitches. Airbags can also cause these injuries as they deploy during a collision.

Head Injuries

Head injuries can range from minor to severe depending on the extent of the car accident. An unexpected stop or change in direction can make your head strike the dashboard or the window, leading to a concussion. Passengers who fly out the windshield during a head-on collision can suffer traumatic brain injuries. Burst blood vessels can remain undetectable for days while they do more damage. Most of these injuries can cause lasting brain damage that can cripple you.

Broken Bones

A high-speed car accident can make bones break all over your body, depending on the type of collision you are in. Your arm can be pinned under your body and fracture. Your foot may bend in ways it’s not made to mend and break. Even your seatbelt can make ribs crack when you strain against them violently during a car accident.

While broken bones are rarely life-threatening, they can cause chronic pain and prevent you from leading a fulfilling quality of life. If you require surgery, it may take you months or even years to fully recover from your predicament.

Contact Shani O.Brooks for a Legal Consultation

Whether you are in a car accident or were run over by one, contact Atlanta personal injury lawyers at Shani O. Brooks P.C. Attorneys at Law. We can ensure you get full and fair compensation for damages and injuries you sustained in the accident, even if the insurance company denies your claim.

We are not afraid to go up against them and ensure your rights are protected. Get in touch with us for a consultation today before it is too late. Please do not hesitate to contact us for a fully confidential and thorough meeting where we will discuss the options you have at your disposal.

Tips To Prevent Accidents on a Motorcycle

Tips To Prevent Accidents on a Motorcycle

Motorcycle accidents have increased in Georgia over the past few years. This is understandable since these vehicles lack airbags, seat belts, and other safety features in cars. The chances of anyone walking away from a motorcycle accident injury-free are slim to none. That is how devastating one motorcycle accident can be.

Top 4 Tips on Avoiding Motorcycle Accidents

However, these tips can help you avoid these incidents or at least reduce the injuries you sustain:

1. Remain Focused and Alert

When riding your motorcycle, make sure there are little to no distractions. Be mindful of the other vehicles around you. If the car in front of you stops suddenly, you have to be alert enough to hit the breaks immediately. Do not listen to music while riding if you are tired or under the influence. Even a tiny distraction can lead to devastating consequences.

2. Assume You Are Invisible On The Road

Most motorists cannot spot motorcycles before it is too late. Many motorcyclists remain in blind spots. Plus, car drivers usually pay more attention to other cars and larger vehicles on the road compared to small bikes. Avoid serious accidents by assuming no one can see you on the road. That way, you will not make a wrong decision based on assumptions.

3. Slow Down

It can be very tempting to speed up on a long stretch of road, especially if you are on a high-performance bike such as a Harley Davidson. However, the faster you go, the slower your reaction time to other vehicles, pedestrians, and debris.

If you speed, you can also miss an upcoming turn. In this case, you will take the turn too fast. Panic and hit the brakes, and you will go flying over the handlebars. Your motorcycle can slide out from under you if you ride the corner too hard. An extra second or two is just what you need to avoid a slippery patch of road or a pothole. If you speed in the rain, the chances of you getting into a tragic accident will increase a hundredfold.

4. Do Not Ride At Night

While riding at night can be thrilling, low light conditions can increase your chances of getting into a motorcycle accident. If you have to ride for, say, an emergency, make sure your headlights are working, ride in well-lit areas where they are available, and remain well under the speed limit.

If you get into an accident even after following all of the tips mentioned above, you should ensure you are compensated for damages.

Contact Shani O.Brooks after a Motorcycle Accident – Get The Compensation You Deserve

After getting medical treatment to treat your injuries from a motorcycle accident, contact an Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyer to investigate the incident for you. Shani O. Brooks can ensure all of the evidence is preserved right away and will deal with the other side on your behalf as well. Like all of his clients, he will have your best interests in mind when negotiating a settlement. Contact the attorneys at 404-920-4736 for a consultation today before it is too late.

How Common Are Big Rig Trucking Accidents Around Atlanta?

How Common Are Big Rig Trucking Accidents Around Atlanta?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, trucking accidents are a major source of accidents in Georgia and, thus, Atlanta. In one year alone, these accidents caused more than 180 fatalities. Across the nation, the number exceeded 476,000.

Considering that heavy commercial trucks are difficult to maneuver even in ideal conditions, these numbers are not surprising. The damage they do on the road is usually on a massive scale. It’s one of the main reasons why many victims hire an Atlanta trucking accident lawyer.

Top Causes of Trucking Accidents in Atlanta

The most common causes of trucking accidents in the state include the following:

Brake failure

It takes several seconds for a large rig or truck to come to a complete stop. If the brakes fail on those behemoths, they can roll over easily or mow down other vehicles and pedestrians in their path.

Drug use

Even over-the-counter drugs, such as allergy medication, can cause symptoms that affect driver performance. One of the most common cause of trucking accidents is drowsiness, which can prove deadly on the road. Some symptoms manifest the next day.

Speeding

Trucks move slowly for a reason. Even though we can get quite frustrated trying to pass them, yelling at the drivers to drive faster can lead to tragic consequences. A truck driver needs at least one second for every 10 feet of a truck traveling 40 mph. Above that, they need five seconds for a 40-foot truck and 7 for one that is 60 feet long. A speeding truck on wet roads is a disaster waiting to happen.

Road Unfamiliarity

Truck drivers unfamiliar with the roads they are driving on have higher chances of getting into or causing accidents. This is understandable. If a driver doesn’t know about upcoming turns or traffic-prone areas, they can brake too late or speed up where they shouldn’t.

Driver fatigue

Truck drivers have to drive for long hours on long stretches of road, which can be quite exhausting. Many work extra hours to meet deadlines or to make extra money. Fatigue slows reaction times and reduces the driver’s decision-making skills. Since trucks take several seconds to come to a full stop, drivers who doze off behind the wheel are hazardous to other drivers and themselves.

Improperly Secured Loads

The way a truck is loaded with freight can determine its performance on the road. Cargo should be secured well, even if it is inside a trailer. The weight of the items inside should be distributed across the trailer to ensure the truck’s axles don’t get jammed. If the load is secured inadequately, the trailer can become a hazard on the road, especially during windy conditions.

Contact Shani O. Brooks P.C. For A Consultation Regarding Your Trucking Accident

Have you been in a trucking accident in Atlanta, and the insurance company of the trucking company refuses to compensate you for damages? If you said yes, you need an experienced Atlanta trucking accident lawyer in your corner. Get in touch with Shani O. Brooks P.C. for a free consultation today.