Need a Georgia Tractor-Trailer Distracted Driving Lawyer?
Protect Your Rights Now
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of tractor-trailer accidents in Georgia. When truck drivers take their eyes off the road, even for a few seconds, the results can be devastating. These massive vehicles, often weighing up to 80,000 pounds, require full attention to avoid catastrophic accidents.
If you or a loved one has been injured due to a distracted truck driver, you may be entitled to compensation. Here's what you need to know about the risks of distracted driving, relevant Georgia laws, and how an experienced truck accident attorney can help you recover damages.
At Gary Martin Hays & Associates, we specialize in helping accident victims get the justice they deserve.
The Growing Threat of Distracted Driving Tractor-Trailer Accidents in Georgia
- According to the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, distracted driving causes thousands of crashes annually in Georgia.
- Due to their size and weight, large trucks take longer to stop and have larger blind spots, making distracted driving especially dangerous.
- The real number of distracted truck driving accidents may be higher than reported due to difficulty proving distraction.
Why Distracted Driving is More Dangerous for Large Trucks
- A tractor-trailer traveling at 65 mph covers 95 feet per second—just a few seconds of inattention can cause a crash.
- Large trucks require longer stopping distances, increasing the risk of rear-end collisions.
- Truck drivers who multitask behind the wheel may miss critical hazards, leading to deadly accidents.
What Legally Defines Tractor-Trailer Distracted Driving in Georgia?
Distracted driving is any activity that diverts attention from the road. The three main types include:
- Visual Distractions – Looking away from the road (e.g., checking a GPS or reading messages).
- Manual Distractions – Taking hands off the wheel (e.g., adjusting controls, eating, or texting).
- Cognitive Distractions – Losing mental focus (e.g., daydreaming or talking to passengers).
Georgia’s Hands-Free Law (GA Code § 40-6-241) strictly prohibits:
- Holding a phone while driving.
- Reading or sending texts and emails.
- Watching or recording videos.
Federal Regulations on Distracted Driving for Truckers
- FMCSA rules prohibit commercial drivers from texting or using hand-held devices while operating a vehicle.
- Violations can result in fines, license suspension, or disqualification from driving.
Even legal activities, like adjusting a GPS, can lead to distraction and accidents.
The Catastrophic Consequences of Tractor-Trailer Distracted Driving Accidents
- Severe Injuries – Head trauma, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and internal injuries.
- Fatal Accidents – Large trucks cause thousands of deaths nationwide every year.
- Loss of Control – A distracted truck driver is more likely to drift into other lanes or off the road.
- Missed Traffic Signals – Running red lights or stop signs increases crash risks.
- Blind Spots & Following Too Closely – Distraction delays reaction time, leading to rear-end collisions and lane-change accidents.
Seeking Justice with a Georgia Lawyer for Tractor-Trailer Distracted Driving Accidents
Distracted driving is considered negligent behavior, making truck drivers and their employers liable for damages.
Proving Liability in a Distracted Driving Truck Accident Case
- Police Reports – Officers may note signs of distraction.
- Cell Phone Records – Proof of texting or calls while driving.
- Logbooks & Black Box Data – Shows erratic driving behavior.
- Witness Statements – Observers may have seen the driver distracted.
- Expert Testimony – Crash reconstruction experts can help establish fault.
Compensation Available for Victims
- Medical Expenses – Hospital bills, surgeries, and rehabilitation.
- Lost Wages – Compensation for time missed from work.
- Pain and Suffering – Emotional and physical distress.
- Wrongful Death Damages – If a loved one is lost, families can seek funeral costs and loss of companionship.
Understanding Georgia's Modified Comparative Negligence Rule
- You can recover damages if you are less than 50% at fault.
- Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.
Why You Need an Experienced Georgia Tractor-Trailer Distracted Driving Attorney
- Investigates the Accident – Collects crucial evidence to prove negligence.
- Handles Insurance Companies – Protects you from lowball settlement offers.
- Understands Complex Trucking Laws – Navigates state and federal regulations.
- Represents You in Court – If necessary, we fight aggressively for your rights.
- Maximizes Compensation – Ensures you receive fair financial recovery.
At Gary Martin Hays & Associates, we fight tirelessly for truck accident victims. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia Tractor-Trailer Distracted Driving Accidents
What should I do after a tractor-trailer accident caused by a distracted driver?
- Seek medical attention immediately.
- Call the police to report the accident.
- Document the scene with photos and witness information.
- Contact a truck accident lawyer before speaking with insurance companies.
How can I prove a truck driver was distracted?
- Cell phone records, black box data, witness statements, and surveillance footage can provide evidence.
What compensation can I recover?
- Medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and wrongful death damages.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit?
- Two years from the date of the accident in Georgia.
How much does it cost to hire a lawyer?
- We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Contact a Georgia Tractor-Trailer Distracted Driving Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has been injured due to a distracted truck driver, don’t wait. Call Gary Martin Hays & Associates at 800-898-HAYS for a free consultation.
Attorneys Gary Martin Hays & Sarah Jett wrote the book, “The Authority on Tractor Trailer Claims in Georgia” for other attorneys. Our law firm has recovered more than $1 billion in Georgia since 1993.
We are committed to fighting for your rights and securing the compensation you deserve. Act now before time runs out!
“There are not enough words to describe the service and professionalism of this law firm. They listened to my challenge and guided me through a difficult time in my life while keeping my best interests in mind…"
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“My experience could not have been better. The professional staff was accommodating and understanding from day one. They managed to turn a rather unfortunate situation into a painless experience. Would HIGHLY recommend them to anyone in need of representation!"
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