What Are the Laws in Georgia About People Riding in A Truck Bed or Cargo Area?
The laws regarding riding in the back of a truck or a cargo area vary from state to state. Georgia allows individuals 18 years of age and older to ride in a truck bed legally. Georgia Code §40-8-79 makes it illegal for any person under 18 years of age to ride in the back of a truck on the interstate. The driver can be fined up to $1,000 and face up to 12 months in jail for a violation of Georgia’s cargo area passenger law.
What if I Am Injured While Riding in a Truck Bed?
Sadly, many people are injured in truck accidents each year. Some of those individuals were passengers who were riding in a cargo space or truck bed. Because evidence suggests that riding in a cargo area is dangerous, insurance companies try to argue the victim is either wholly or partially at fault for his or her injuries. If the insurance company is successful in arguing your injury is your fault, it could get away with paying nothing for your injury victim. Handling your own accident claim could be disastrous and costly if you do not defend these arguments with hard evidence and solid legal arguments.
Our attorneys know how to fight these arguments and win. We understand the applicable laws regarding comparative negligence in Georgia, and we are very familiar with the tactics used by insurance companies to avoid paying claims. Instead of arguing with an insurance adjuster, turn your case over to our attorneys and focus solely on your health while we focus on getting you the highest amount of compensation available by law for your claim.
Common Injuries in a Truck Bed Accident
Passengers seated in a cab of a truck have some protection in a truck accident because they have seatbelts, airbags, and the truck’s cab to protect them in a collision. People seated in a cargo space have no protection in an accident. In many cases, the people seated in a cargo area are thrown from the vehicle or crushed in a collision. Therefore, we see traumatic injuries when people are seated in the bed of a truck.
Common injuries in these types of accidents include:
- Head and brain injuries including closed head injuries, concussions, penetrating head injuries, and traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Amputations
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Fractures and broken bones
- Neck and back injuries
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Damage to internal organs and internal bleeding
- Burns
In many cases, victims require long-term medical care and personal care. This care is very expensive, especially when the person is out of work because of the injuries.
Damages in a Truck Accident Case
When a third party is responsible for the truck accident, you may have a valid claim for damages against that party. Depending on the circumstances and facts of your case, you may be entitled to receive compensation for:
- Loss of income
- Medical and personal care expenses
- Emotional and mental suffering
- Physical pain
- Ongoing physical therapy
- Reconstructive surgery
- Scarring, disfigurement, and disability
To receive the maximum compensation available by law, you must prove the extent and severity of your injuries and losses.
Therefore, in addition to copies of medical bills and proof of loss of income, you should keep a detailed journal of information about your injury and recovery. Include information about your daily pain level, tasks you are unable to perform, and how your injury impacts your relationship with others. An experienced attorney can use this information to craft a demand for settlement that maximizes your recovery.