State Rules and Regulations for Intrastate Trucking

Atlanta truck accident attorney Stephen M. Ozcomert has over 20 years of experience in personal injury law. As a seasoned litigator and dedicated advocate, he protects the rights of victims injured through the negligence of others. During two decades of practice, Mr. Ozcomert has handled numerous truck accidents, including collisions caused by violations of intrastate trucking rules.

The trucking industry is governed by a combination of federal and state law, often depending upon whether the vehicle is carrying goods within or across state lines. Intrastate trucks operate within state boundaries and are therefore regulated by Georgia law. Interstate travel may depend more heavily on Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, which are relevant in any case because Georgia law incorporates federal standards. But specific state rules can affect personal injury liability by providing an alternative remedy not available under federal law.

Unlike interstate trucks that travel between state lines, intrastate carriers deliver goods within Georgia. These vehicles are governed by the Department of Transportation and may include:

• Fire trucks
• School buses
• Logging trucks
• Cement trailers
• Intrastate hauling
• Construction trucks
• Garbage, dump trucks
• Public transportation vehicles

Contrary to popular belief, commercial vehicles are not defined strictly by weight, but also by the number of transport passengers for hire. Vehicles that carry over 10 people may include:

• Limousines
• Extended sedans
• Sport utility vehicles
• Non-emergency vehicles
• Towing and storage trucks
• Residential and business movers
• Vans for the elderly or disabled
• Unmetered hourly charter services

Intrastate hauling of forest products requires specific lighting, reflectors, and load securement set forth in Georgia trucking rules. Transport vehicles require an Intrastate Motor Carrier license. Atlanta trucking injury attorney Stephen M. Ozcomert has the knowledge and experience to help if you or someone you love has been involved in an accident involving an intrastate motor carrier.

Georgia law requires insurance coverage for intrastate carriers. The minimum policy limits are $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident. Because the minimum coverage is rarely sufficient in serious accidents, most commercial vehicles are contracted to carry up to $1 million in liability protection. Federal and state rules make the owners and operators of commercial vehicles liable for the negligent acts of their drivers. This provides multiple sources of relief for bodily injury or wrongful death caused by a careless truck driver.

Further, Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) Section 46-7-12 also allows personal injury victims to join the motor carrier and its liability insurer in a separate suit against the truck operator’s insurance company. This provides a distinct remedy not available under federal law. The relief is allowed because the underlying policy must comply with state insurance requirements protecting the public from injury caused by the motor carrier’s negligence. Personal injury victims may be entitled to compensation for lost income, medical costs, pain and suffering, and other expenses related to the crash.

If you were injured by a truck in intrastate traffic, contact Atlanta personal injury lawyer Stephen M. Ozcomert today. He has recovered much-needed compensation for injured victims and family members throughout Georgia. With over 20 years of experience handling multiple claims in truck accident cases, Mr. Ozcomert can make a crucial difference in fighting for the award you deserve. Call (404) 370-1000 or contact us online to set up your free consultation.