Speed-Related Truck Accidents In Atlanta: Know The Risks And Your Rights To Compensation

Speeding is among the most common causes of truck accidents in Atlanta, which can put other road users at risk of severe injuries. While all drivers face pressure to reach their destinations quickly, truckers are often under tight deadlines that push them to exceed speed limits.

Our Atlanta truck accident lawyers explain how this increases the risks of speed-related crashes on roads throughout our area and the rights of victims in seeking compensation.

How Speeding Increases the Risk of Atlanta Truck Accidents

Atlanta’s major highways, including I-285, I-75, and I-85, serve as critical trucking routes. However, considering the large size of semi-trucks, tankers, and other big rigs, they require more time and distance to slow down or stop compared to passenger vehicles. When truckers exceed posted speed limits, crash risks increase and put other road users in danger.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) warns that speeding contributes to nearly 25 percent of all fatal truck crashes throughout the country. Even just going too fast for road or weather conditions can make Atlanta truck accidents more likely to happen. Speed-related facts that increase the odds of a crash include:

• Longer stopping distances: A fully loaded semi-truck can take over 500 feet to stop at highway speeds.
• Loss of control: Sharp turns or sudden maneuvers become more dangerous when a truck is traveling too fast.
• Tire blowouts: Excessive speed generates heat and stress on tires, increasing the risk of blowouts.
• Increased impact force: The faster a trucker is going, the more severe the crash and the greater the likelihood of catastrophic injuries.

Your Rights After a Speed-Related Truck Accident in Atlanta

Victims of truck accidents in Atlanta caused by speeding often suffer life-threatening injuries. They and their families can easily end up facing millions of dollars in medical bills and lost earnings afterward.

Under the Georgia Code, you have the right to hold those at fault accountable. However, Atlanta speed-related truck accident claims frequently involve multiple at-fault parties, including the trucker, the trucking company, and other motorists. To protect your rights to compensation in a claim, take these precautions:

• Report the accident immediately to law enforcement;
• Gather any evidence you can from the scene, including photos or videos and witness contact info;
• Do not discuss the accident with anyone, speculate about the causes, or post about it on social media;
• Avoid making any statements to insurers, agreeing to a settlement, or signing any documents without a lawyer present.

Contact Our Atlanta Truck Accident Lawyers And Request A Consultation

Speeding truck drivers create significant risks for local motorists. If you or a loved one has been injured in a speed-related crash, contact our experienced Atlanta truck accident lawyers.

Shiver Hamilton, LLC. provides trusted legal help and fights to get you the maximum compensation. We represent clients throughout Atlanta, Savannah, St. Simons Island, Alpharetta, Decatur, Johns Creek, Jonesboro, Marietta, Roswell, Sandy Springs, and all of DeKalb, Fulton, and Gwinnett Counties. Request a consultation today.

Sources:

fmcsa.dot.gov/safespeed

georgiacourts.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Apportionment-of-Damages-Terry.pdf