According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), Georgia consistently ranks among the top states for fatal truck accidents. In 2022, there were over 5,000 crashes involving large trucks in our state, resulting in nearly 200 fatalities and countless injuries.
Further, the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) reports that truck-related accidents make up approximately 10 percent of all traffic fatalities in the state, with rural areas, where highways and interstates intersect, seeing a disproportionate number of these accidents. The impact of these crashes is often devastating due to the sheer size and weight of large trucks compared to passenger vehicles.
Common causes of truck accidents in Georgia
- Driver fatigue: Truck drivers often work long hours, sometimes exceeding the limits set by federal regulations. Despite rules that mandate rest breaks, financial strain, tight deadlines and pressure from managers or clients can push drivers to continue driving even when they are too tired to do so safely. Fatigue can severely impair a driver’s reaction time, judgment and ability to focus, placing themselves and everyone in their paths at risk.
- Distracted driving: Anything that diverts the driver’s attention from the road, such as texting, eating or adjusting the radio, can prove a potentially deadly contributor in a truck accident. The size and weight of a truck make it more challenging to stop quickly or maneuver in an emergency, so even a momentary distraction can have catastrophic consequences.
- Speeding: Speeding is a common issue on Georgia’s roads, especially for truck drivers who may feel pressured to meet tight delivery schedules. When a truck is speeding, it requires a much greater distance to stop and the force of a collision at high speed can cause devastating injuries. Speeding also reduces the driver’s ability to react to sudden changes in traffic conditions.
- Poor vehicle maintenance: Trucks require regular maintenance to ensure they are safe to operate. However, some trucking companies cut corners on maintenance to save money, which can lead to mechanical failures on the road. Brake failures, tire blowouts and other mechanical issues can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles, resulting in serious accidents.
- Impaired driving: Although less common, impaired driving still poses a significant risk. Truck drivers operating under the influence of alcohol, drugs or even certain prescription medications can have impaired judgment, slower reaction times and reduced coordination, all of which can lead to severe accidents.
- Improper loading: Improperly loaded or overloaded trucks can cause accidents by making the vehicle unstable. If cargo shifts during transit or the truck is overloaded, it can be difficult for the driver to maintain control, especially during sudden stops or sharp turns.
Legal recourse for truck accident victims
Truck accident cases can be complex, involving multiple parties such as the truck driver, trucking company and insurance providers. Victims themselves also are often found to be partially responsible. Such cases may involve the driver of a passenger vehicle changing lanes too closely in front of a truck and not accelerating fast enough, trying to race a truck through a right turn, failing to slow down when a truck changes lanes or starts to merge, driving in a truck’s blind spot or driving between two trucks on the freeway
If you or a loved one are injured in a truck accident, Farrar, Hennesy and Tanner can help secure fair compensation. Here’s how:
- Determining liability: The first step in pursuing a claim is determining who is liable for the accident. In truck accidents, liability can fall on the truck driver, the trucking company, the vehicle manufacturer (if a defect caused the accident) or even the company responsible for maintaining the truck. An experienced attorney can help identify the responsible parties and gather evidence to support your claim.
- Filing a personal injury claim: Victims of truck accidents may be entitled to compensation for their injuries, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and more. But time is of the essence. In Georgia, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is generally two years from the date of the accident, so it’s essential to act promptly.
- Negotiating with insurance companies: Insurance companies invariably attempt to minimize the amount they pay out in claims. Having an experienced attorney on your side can ensure that you receive fair compensation. We will negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf and, if necessary, take your case to court.
- Wrongful death claims: If a loved one has died as a result of a truck accident, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim. This type of claim can provide compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship and other related damages.
Truck accidents can have life-altering consequences, but you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Contact Farrar, Hennesy and Tanner at 912-384-2287 or schedule a free case review online today.