Approximately 150 people died in fatal Georgia truck accidents during 2009.* Many more were injured.  It is important to understand what caused these fatalities so that Georgia roads become safer both for truck drivers and those with whom they share the road. 

Why Truck Accidents Happen


As experienced Atlanta truck crash lawyers we have represented victims of truck accidents that were caused by many different factors, such as:
  • Oversized loads: Trucks that are improperly loaded or overloaded can be a significant safety risk.  Trucks, particularly those that weigh more than government standards allow, are more unstable than properly loaded trucks. They have difficulty stopping and have trouble avoiding obstacles (or vehicles) in their path because they are hard to maneuver.
  • Demands Placed on Truck Drivers: Trucking companies often place unsafe demands on drivers, despite industry regulations designed to prevent such demands.  For example, many trucking companies pay drivers per mile driven which encourages drivers to drive faster.  The faster they drive, the more money they make in less time.  Further, it is often difficult for truckers to get a good night’s sleep between shifts which explains why fatigue is often a factor in serious truck wrecks.
  • Unsafe Driving: Unsafe driving which includes aggressive driving, distracted driving and drunk driving, is a problem among truckers just as it is with other types of motorists. Unsafe driving can often lead to serious or fatal crashes.

Contact an Atlanta Truck Accident Attorney if You Have Been Hurt in a Crash

If you’ve been hurt in a tractor trailer crash, or if you’ve lost a loved one in an 18-wheeler wreck, then it is important to consult an Atlanta truck accident attorney.  Our experienced Georgia tractor trailer crash lawyers have written a book about what NOT to do after a truck wreck, 4 Common Mistakes That Will Ruin Your Georgia Car or Truck Claim, and we can help you decide what TO do after a crash.  Contact us today at 770.518.1133 or via our online form for more information.

*Source: NHTSA Traffic Safety Measures for Georgia Fatalities in Crashes Involving a Large Truck by County for 2009