How are Punitive Damages Affected if I’m Injured by a Truck Driver in Violation of Hours of Service? Every day we share the road with thousands of trucks. These trucks haul goods from one point to another. They are good for our economy and help consumers, like you, get the products you need on a daily basis. But, an Atlanta, GA trucking accident can occur easily. Unfortunately, the drivers of these trucks don’t always follow the rules of the road. Truck drivers are subject to stringent rules in order to drive a tractor-trailer. If they violate these rules, they will most likely have to deal with a truck accident attorney.
Instances When a Truck Driver May Be Violating Laws
Because they are hauling massive loads, they need a special operating license. They need to get medical clearance to drive. They also must adhere to specific hours of service when driving. The hours of service that a truck driver needs to obey provides for a significant amount of rest to keep them safe as they drive. The number of hours that they can drive has a limit. They must provide a logbook stating the hours that they were on the road.
There are instances when a truck driver is under pressure to deliver a load on a deadline. They may push the number of hours they are on the road. They may violate the laws for hours of service and falsify their logbook to the authorities. This is illegal on several levels and also dangerous.
When a truck driver causes an Atlanta, GA trucking accident because they violated of their hours of service, you do have rights. The law is on your side. The illegal acts of a truck driver make them at fault in your accident. This can affect your punitive damages. A truck accident attorney can help you understand what damages you can recover in a trucking accident.
Punitive Damages in a Trucking Accident in Atlanta, GA
If injured in an Atlanta, GA trucking accident, you have a right to damages in your case. If your injuries were caused by a truck driver that violated their hours of service, you may receive additional punitive damages. These damages may go above and beyond the traditional compensation awarded in a trucking accident.
Punitive damages are given against a defendant to further punish them for their actions. It provides a stiff monetary penalty. The act of ordering punitive damages in Atlanta, GA is also designed to act as a deterrent to others that may perform the same illegal actions.
By ordering punitive damages, a judge is sending a message that they don’t tolerate violations of the hours of service. Another truck driver that engages in the same behavior could face the same punitive damages, or a larger settlement amount to pay.
When a judge feels that egregious behavior has occurred, they hand down punitive damages. The fact that a truck driver knowingly violated the hours of service law makes them negligent in your Atlanta, GA trucking accident. It also proves that they have violated the law and driven illegally.
Punitive damages can help you recover from your injuries after a trucking accident in Atlanta, GA. Awarded punitive damages go above and beyond standard compensation award amounts. It can help you financially move forward with your life after injury in a trucking accident.
Working with a Truck Accident Attorney in Atlanta, GA
Your Atlanta, GA truck accident attorney can help you understand if your case is eligible for punitive damages. They can give you an idea of what to expect as a settlement in a trucking accident where a violation of service hours caused your injuries.
You can count on your truck accident attorney to fight against a truck driver that violated the law. They will investigate their driving record and service hours of the truck driver that caused your accident. They will also identify if negligence was at play and help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Let an Atlanta, GA truck accident attorney help you with your trucking accident case.
Contact a Truck Accident Attorney Today
If injured in a trucking accident, where a driver violated their service hours, you need a lawyer that will fight for you. The Atlanta, GA truck accident attorneys at The Weinstein Firm LCC will build a strong case against a negligent truck driver. They will fight for your legal rights and help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Let the truck accident attorneys at The Weinstein Firm help you. Contact us today to set up a consultation.
