Georgia has specific regulations regarding the size, weight, and safety equipment of construction trucks to reduce the risk of accidents that cause property damage and injure other road users. Construction companies and others that operate these commercial vehicles must comply with these laws or face penalties, civil suits, and other issues.
If you suffered injuries in a crash caused by a truck driver or construction company, a Brookhaven construction truck accident lawyer is your best resource. They will understand the applicable regulations and how to build a case based on them.
What Statutes Regulate Construction Trucks and Other Large Commercial Vehicles in Georgia?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates all commercial trucks that cross state lines. This agency has strict rules for vehicle operators related to hours of service, mandatory breaks for drivers, truck maintenance, and more. However, many construction trucks only work locally and never travel interstate.
When trucks only work intrastate—entirely within state lines—Georgia regulates their usage through statutes and administrative codes.
Size and Weight Restrictions
You’ll find these regulations in O.C.G.A. § 32, according to the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT).
- O.C.G.A. § 32-6-26: Georgia law sets maximum weight limits for commercial vehicles, including construction trucks. Trucks cannot exceed a gross vehicle weight of 80,000 pounds without a special permit.
- O.C.G.A. § 32-6-21: This statute requires loads to be securely covered or fastened to prevent shifting, spilling, or flying from the truck.
- O.C.G.A. §§ 32-6-22, 32-6-23: These limit the size and height of all vehicles, including construction trucks. The maximum allowable height is 13 feet 6 inches, and the maximum width is 102 inches.
- O.C.G.A. § 32-6-24: This statute establishes regulations for vehicle length, though specific construction equipment might require permits for longer combinations. Some equipment—farming or agricultural equipment or forest management equipment—could be exempt without a permit.
- O.C.G.A. § 32-6-28: Georgia requires special permits for vehicles exceeding standard weight, height, or length requirements. Construction trucks often need permits to carry heavy machinery or long or heavy materials.
Safety Standards
Georgia law, particularly O.C.G.A. § 40, sets many safety standards for large trucks hauling materials and equipment for the construction industry. Others are set out by the Georgia Department of Public Safety and enforced by the Motor Carrier Compliance Division:
- O.C.G.A. § 40-8-7: This law mandates all construction companies to maintain their trucks in safe operating condition.
- O.C.G.A. § 40-6-248.1: This statute requires all trucks to secure their loads, such as cover gravel or dirt in the dump bed of a truck hauling materials to a construction site.
- O.C.G.A. § 40-2-140: This law outlines the requirements for commercial vehicle license plates, including those for construction trucks. Trucks must have the correct plates based on weight and function.
- O.C.G.A. § 40-8-71: This law requires all vehicles, including construction trucks, to have a working muffler that reduces the noise coming from the exhaust system.
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What Effect Do the Regulations Have on Accident Liability?
Construction projects often involve substantial traffic, with dump trucks, heavy machinery haulers, box trucks, and landscaping vehicles regularly coming and going. Thus, these laws apply to all heavy commercial trucks.
In Georgia, commercial vehicle law can be complex because many federal and state laws and regulations apply to large trucks. There’s a lot to understand about the potential causes of your accident and complicated questions to answer when determining liability.
An experienced attorney familiar with construction accident cases can help you understand the applicable laws, identify the liable parties, and navigate the claims process. Trying to do this on your own while recovering from truck accident injuries often seems impossible. Do not feel tempted to settle for less than you deserve just to get the process over with.
How Construction Truck Accident Cases Work in Georgia
When a construction truck collides with a smaller passenger car, the occupants of that smaller vehicle often suffer the most severe injuries. Victims could sustain traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, or other catastrophic injuries.
The law allows victims to pursue a civil case against the construction truck driver or construction company. With evidence they caused the crash, you can hold the liable party responsible for your damages. However, you usually must show how they acted negligently, such as if they:
- Violated a traffic law (e.g., speeding or running a red light)
- Violated a federal or state regulation for truck drivers (e.g., skipped a mandatory rest period)
- Violated a regulation for the safe operation of a truck (e.g., did not maintain the brakes)
Don’t Wait to Ask a Truck Accident Lawyer for Help With Your Claim
In Georgia, the statute of limitations for most personal injury lawsuits is two years per O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33. This deadline also applies to wrongful death cases. However, it is beneficial to your case to act much faster. You do not want to scramble to prepare your complaint in the days and weeks before this deadline.
You will also benefit from hiring an attorney immediately after your accident because you want someone on your side working for you while you undergo treatment, heal, and recover. Your lawyer will manage all communication, preserve critical evidence, and protect your rights, allowing you to focus on your physical and emotional health.
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Discuss Your Georgia Construction Truck Accident Case With Us for Free
Bader Law Injury Lawyers will review your case for free during a complimentary consultation. Our attorneys understand the specific regulations for construction trucks in Georgia and how they could affect your case. Let us review the facts of your case and assess your options for seeking compensation. Contact us today to learn more.
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