Atlanta Semi-Truck Accidents: Common Causes And Who Is Liable In A Claim

Semi-truck accidents in Atlanta are among the most devastating types of crashes. Given their massive size and weight, collisions involving these commercial vehicles can result in catastrophic injuries.

Have you or a loved one been hurt in this type of crash? Our experienced Atlanta truck accident lawyers explain how understanding the common causes and who may be held liable plays a crucial role in protecting your rights in a claim.

Common Causes of Semi-Truck Accidents in Atlanta

According to the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, over 25,000 truck accidents in Georgia happen yearly. These often involve semi-trucks comprising two parts: the truck cab and a trailer attached behind.

Semi-trucks can extend to 72 feet and may weigh up to 80,000 pounds. Their large size makes them difficult to navigate, increasing the risk of collisions. The following are among the most frequent causes of semi-truck accidents in Atlanta:

• Drowsy driving: Truckers spend long hours on the road. Exhaustion leads to slower reaction times and other problems.
• Speeding and Reckless Driving: Truckers often exceed posted speed limits or drive aggressively to meet strict delivery deadlines.
• Distracted Driving: Texting, eating, or adjusting a GPS can take a driver’s focus off the road.
• Improperly Loaded Cargo: Unsecured or unbalanced loads can shift, making semi-trucks harder to control.
• Mechanical Failures: Worn-out brakes, hitches, and other problems can cause sudden and severe accidents.

Liability in Atlanta Semi-Truck Accidents and Your Legal Rights In A Claim

Under the Georgia Code, when a semi-truck accident in Atlanta happens due to another’s negligence, injured victims and surviving family members have the right to hold those at fault accountable.

Determining liability in an Atlanta semi-truck accident is often challenging. Multiple parties may be to blame:

• The truck driver, if negligent actions like fatigue, distraction, or reckless driving contributed to the crash;
• The trucking company for failing to follow or enforce safety regulations, overworked drivers, or neglected vehicle maintenance;
• The cargo loading company, if improper loading played a role in the accident;
• The truck manufacturer, if defects in the truck or its parts played a role;
• Third-party maintenance providers if they failed to address mechanical issues.

Pursuing compensation for a semi-truck accident is rarely easy, as multiple parties may be at fault, and trucking company insurers tend to deny claims. In this situation, your best chance of seeking accountability and compensation may be filing a truck accident lawsuit through the

Fulton or Dekalb County Court, depending on where the crash happened.

Get The Legal Help You Need After An Atlanta Semi-Truck Accident

Semi-truck accidents in Atlanta can cause severe and potentially life-threatening injuries. Victims and their families have the right to seek compensation from those at fault. Shiver Hamilton, LLC provides the professional representation you need to file a claim.

We have extensive experience representing clients in Savannah, St. Simons Island, Alpharetta, Decatur, Johns Creek, Jonesboro, Marietta, Roswell, Sandy Springs, and all of DeKalb, Fulton, and Gwinnett Counties. For trusted legal help, request a consultation with our Atlanta truck accident lawyers today.

Sources:

gahighwaysafety.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/2021-Large-Trucks-Georgia-Traffic-Safety-Facts.pdf

fultoncountyga.gov/commissioners/clerk-to-the-commission/code-of-georgia