Key Takeaways
- Hours of Service (HOS) rules limit how long truck drivers can be on the road to prevent fatigue-related crashes.
- Violations of these rules—like driving too many hours or falsifying logs—can be used to prove negligence or liability in a Georgia truck accident lawsuit.
- If a truck driver or carrier breaks HOS rules and causes a crash, the trucking company may be held legally and financially responsible.
- Electronic logging devices (ELDs), maintenance records, and GPS data often provide key evidence.
- Victims of truck crashes caused by fatigued or overworked drivers may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
What are HOS rules and why do they matter?
Hours of Service (HOS) regulations are federal safety rules created by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). They apply to most commercial truck drivers and are designed to:
- Prevent driver fatigue
- Limit daily and weekly driving hours
- Ensure proper rest and off-duty periods
Key rules include:
- 11-hour driving limit: after 10 hours off-duty
- 14-hour on-duty limit: including breaks and loading time
- 30-minute rest break: after 8 hours of driving
- 60/70-hour rule: weekly limits depending on company schedule
These rules matter because fatigued truckers are more likely to cause serious or fatal accidents on Georgia highways like I-75, I-20, and I-285.
Common Hours of Service violations
In Georgia truck crash cases, we often find violations such as:
- Driving longer than the legal daily or weekly limit
- Falsifying logbooks or Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data
- Skipping required rest breaks
- Logging time as “off duty” while still working
- Driving while fatigued or drowsy
These actions can lead to catastrophic wrecks, especially on high-speed corridors through metro Atlanta, Dalton, or Gainesville.
How do HOS violations prove liability in Georgia truck crashes?
Violating HOS rules is evidence of negligence. If a truck driver causes a crash and was found to be over their legal hours or falsifying logs:
- They may be personally liable
- The trucking company may also be liable for failure to supervise, train, or enforce rest policies
- The violation can increase the damages owed, especially if it shows reckless or willful disregard for safety
In some cases, the court may allow punitive damages if HOS violations are egregious or repeated.
What evidence can show HOS violations?
Experienced truck accident attorneys can uncover violations by reviewing:
- ELD (Electronic Logging Device) data
- GPS tracking logs
- Driver timecards or trip receipts
- Surveillance or weigh station timestamps
- Dispatch logs
- Company policies or emails pressuring drivers to meet delivery times
We may also consult trucking experts to reconstruct the timeline and identify rest rule violations.
Who can be held liable for an HOS-related crash?
Several parties may share responsibility:
- Truck Driver – for ignoring HOS rules or falsifying logs
- Trucking Company – for pressuring drivers, failing to monitor logs, or violating FMCSA rules
- Freight Broker or Shipper – if they knowingly hired a non-compliant driver or rushed a delivery schedule
Identifying all responsible parties is crucial for securing maximum compensation in a Georgia personal injury or wrongful death case.
Get Help from a Georgia Truck Accident Lawyer
Truck crashes caused by fatigue, long hours, or log violations often leave victims with life-altering injuries. At Hines Law, we investigate whether the driver broke HOS regulations and hold all negligent parties accountable.
We serve injured clients across Georgia—including Atlanta, Marietta, Dalton, Jonesboro, Gainesville, and Austell.
If you were hurt in a trucking accident, we’ll fight to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and long-term suffering.
Call 404-226-4236 or contact us online to request a free, bilingual consultation.
FAQ
Is it illegal for truck drivers to work more than 14 hours in a day?
Yes. Federal HOS rules limit drivers to 14 hours on duty, including breaks, before they must rest for 10 consecutive hours.
What if the driver’s logbook looks clean?
We often find falsified logs. ELD data, GPS records, and receipts can expose discrepancies and violations.
Can I sue the trucking company for driver fatigue?
Yes. If the company encouraged or ignored HOS violations, they may be liable for the crash.
Do HOS violations increase my potential compensation?
Yes. Clear violations can strengthen your case and support higher damages for negligence or recklessness.
Is there a time limit to file a truck crash lawsuit in Georgia?
Yes. You typically have 2 years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit.