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Poor Maintenance is a Common Cause of Truck Accidents in Atlanta
In the case of Atlanta truck accidents, the issue of poor maintenance is almost always present in every commercial vehicle accident, and Atlanta truckers driving 18-wheelers, semi trucks, big rigs, or tractor trailers must be vigilant that they maintain a safe and properly functioning truck. The maintenance of a commercial vehicle rests with both the Atlanta trucking company and with the Atlanta truck driver, but the truck driver has the final say with regard to the maintenance of the vehicle before embarking on a trip along Atlanta streets and freeways.
Atlanta is the largest city in Georgia and the 9th largest city in the United States. It is a sprawling metropolis and certainly has more than its share of truck accidents. But Atlanta also has a number of truck repair shops where maintenance issues can be anticipated and corrected before they create a disastrous truck collision. As mentioned, it is the semi truck driver's responsibility to maintain his commercial vehicle as defined under the federal and Georgia truck regulations. If an accident occurs due to the trucker's failure to properly maintain the tractor trailer or semi truck, both the trucking company and the driver can be found negligent and held liable.
Areas of maintenance for an Atlanta big rig or 18-wheeler truck driver that frequently arise involve brakes, proper lubrication (grease), steering and suspension, hydraulic fluid, air pressure, and loads. The Atlanta trucker must do a pre-trip inspection to make sure that any maintenance issues that could be detected upon a reasonable inspection will be detected before getting on the road. These pre-trip inspections are intended to prevent accidents, overturned trucks, and other types of vehicle malfunctions before they ever arise, and if an Atlanta trucker fails to properly inspect the truck before embarking on a drive, he or she has breached a duty of care and will be held negligent.
Atlanta Truck Driver Maintenance Program
Some Atlanta trucking companies have a maintenance program. An Atlanta trucking company or any company that uses vehicles to transport passengers or property along major Atlanta highways, such as I-20, I-85, I-575, I-75, I-285, Stone Mountain Freeway, or Langford Parkway, should have a maintenance program in place. As explained, improper maintenance is often a major cause of accidents in Atlanta and Fulton County and both the driver and trucking company have a duty to ensure the safety of their vehicles.
Atlanta Owner-Operator Maintenance Issues
If you're on an Atlanta interstate such as I-20, I-85, I-575, I-75, I-285, Stone Mountain Freeway, I-985, and you become involved in an auto accident, it can easily become a multiple vehicle car accident or pileup due to the sheer traffic in the Greater Atlanta area. This is unfortunate, and often occurs due to improperly maintained trucks owned by small businesses. For example, improper truck maintenance is often found in Atlanta owner-operator situations where one driver owns a single truck, like a cement truck or a dump truck. Because the owner-operator owns a small business and may not have the time or money to do proper maintenance and inspections, they may let their truck's condition fall by the wayside as long as it is still able to get the job done. This is unacceptable regardless of a company's size, and the vehicle owner will be liable for failing to properly maintain the vehicle if it later causes an accident.
The following is a list of big rig truck maintenance repair shops in Atlanta:
Cummins Power South LLC
Dec Atlanta Inc
Clark Truck Repair
European Automotive, Inc
MSI Equipment Repair
Airport Truck Center Inc
Jenrette Truck Repair |
Map of Truck Repairing & Service Near Atlanta, GA |
| Truck Drivers are always required to keep their semi trucks, 18-wheelers, and tractor trailers in good working condition! |
Atlanta Trucking Companies Must Meet Federal Regulations
Federal regulations mandate that Atlanta trucking companies properly maintain commercial vehicles. Examples of some of the regulations affecting Atlanta trucking companies and the maintenance of semi trucks, big rigs, or 18-wheelers are:
- Atlanta truck drivers must “systematically inspect, repair, and maintain” all motor vehicles under their control.
- All truck parts and accessories must be maintained in a “safe and proper operating condition at all times.”
- Maintenance records must be retained for at least one year as long as the vehicle remains under the Atlanta truck company’s control, or six months after the vehicle is sold or leaves its control.
Atlanta Truck Driver Pre-Trip Inspection
Atlanta truck drivers are required to inspect their commercial vehicles prior to going out on the road. A semi truck or big rig is a complex vehicle with many moving parts, and can become a deadly weapon if it is not properly maintained. All aspects of the truck must be in good working order. Some of the things that the Atlanta trucker should inspect prior to any trip are:
- Fluid levels (oil, coolant, power steering fluid, etc.)
- Hoses and drive belts
- Fluid leaks (motor oil, hydraulic fluid, brake fluid, etc.)
- Steering
- Brakes
- Tires
- Air lines
- Hydraulic hoses
- Mirrors, lights, defroster and wipers
Truck Accident Attorneys Serve Atlanta and Surrounding Cities
Serving clients throughout Northern Georgia, including Atlanta, Austell, Belvedere Park, Clarkston, College Park, Conley, Conyers, Covington, Dallas, Douglasville, Druid Hills, East Point, Fairburn, Fayetteville, Forest Park, Gresham Park, Griffin, Irondale, Lithonia, Locust Grove, Mableton, McDonough, Morrow, Newman, North Atlanta, North Decatur, North Druid Hills, Palmetto, Panthersville, Peachtree City, Powder Springs, Redan, Riverside, Scottdale, Smyrna, Snellville, Stockbridge, Stone Mountain, Tucker, Tyrone, Union City, Vaugn, Villa Rica, Worthville, and other communities in Dekalb County and Fulton County.
Atlanta Truck Accident Attorneys are experienced in handling truck accident cases of all kinds. Make sure you get a quality Atlanta accident attorney by selecting one of the experienced legal professionals listed on this page to represent you in your truck accident case.