Catastrophic and Fatal Truck Accidents in Atlanta: What You Should Know

Atlanta thrives on highways, as does the national economy and commerce. Large commercial trucks are no strange sight in the city, especially with the area’s close proximity to common trucking routes, like I-75, I-285, and I-20. These highways see a large flow of trucks, hauling everything from freight to food to fuel. When these massive vehicles collide with cars or motorcycles, catastrophic and fatal truck accidents in Atlanta can occur.

When you or a loved one is involved in a catastrophic or fatal truck accident in Atlanta, there are several things you need to be aware of. Knowing these specific details can greatly increase your chances of recovering compensation for the damages and injuries you have suffered due to the trucking accident. At The Tolson Firm, LLC, our proud Black attorneys can explain all your legal options and represent you through every step of a truck accident injury claim.

What Causes Truck Accidents in Atlanta?

In Atlanta, there are many reasons why fatal and catastrophic accidents occur. The way in which your accident occurs helps determine how much compensation you can recover and what parties you can hold liable in a personal injury claim. The most common causes of fatal and catastrophic truck accidents in Atlanta include the following:

Driver Fatigue

The leading cause of trucking accidents in the Atlanta area is driver fatigue. Truck drivers often work long hours, pushing themselves beyond what is safe to meet their delivery deadlines. When a driver operates their truck while fatigued, they have a slower reaction time, decreased concentration and focus, and a higher chance of falling asleep at the wheel.

A distracted driver may drift into other lanes of traffic, miss stop signals or other traffic lights, or fail to notice any slowdowns in the flow of traffic.

Distracted Driving

Another common reason for trucking accidents around the city of Atlanta is distracted driving. This is dangerous behavior, both for the driver and others on the roadways, as it can cause the driver to take their eyes and attention off the road in front of them. Even a small distraction can lead to a catastrophic or fatal accident, such as looking at your phone, taking a bite of food, or adjusting a device

Truckers may become distracted due to billboards or other roadside distractions, which can take their focus off the task at hand. They may eat or drink, which causes them to take their hands off the wheel. They might also engage with technology. A distracted truck driver can fail to brake, crash into pedestrians, or veer into lanes of oncoming traffic.

Speeding and Other Types of Reckless Driving

Another dangerous behavior that can cause trucking accidents is speeding. Large commercial trucks take much longer to slow down than the average passenger vehicle, so speeding can greatly increase your likelihood of a catastrophic and even fatal accident. Speeding can be a huge problem in trucking accidents due to longer stopping distances, loss of control, and a greater force of impact.

Other than speeding, other reckless behaviors that can cause accidents include making aggressive lane changes, failing to yield, or tailgating.

Poor Truck Maintenance

The truck driver and the company they drive for are required to periodically inspect their truck for any necessary maintenance. When these drivers and companies cut corners, trucks with serious defects and issues can still wind up on the roadways. The most common maintenance issues in trucks include brake failures, worn-out tires, malfunctioning lights, and part defects.

When a trucking accident occurs because of mechanical failure, you could hold multiple parties, including the trucking company, driver, and maintenance provider, accountable for the damages you suffer.

Poorly Loaded Cargo

When cargo is not loaded properly onto a truck, it can cause the truck to become unstable and increase the risk of jackknife accidents, spilled cargo, or rollovers. The dangers of incorrectly loading cargo include cargo shifts, overloaded trucks, and even failing debris, which can strike other vehicles around the truck.

FAQs

Q: What Should I Do After a Truck Accident in Atlanta?

A: If you suffer a trucking accident in Atlanta, there are several actions you can take to ensure your own safety and protection while preserving your future claim. First, contact the police and emergency medical services. Even if you do not feel injured, it can be wise to get checked out in case you are suffering from any invisible injuries. You should then exchange contact and insurance information with the other party.

Q: What Are the Most Common Types of Injury in an Atlanta Truck Accident?

A: The most common types of injury in Atlanta truck accidents include

• Head, neck, back, and shoulder injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries, such as concussions
• Paralysis
• Burns
• Road rash
• Crushing injuries
• Puncture wounds
• Cuts, bruises or lacerations
• Broken bones and fractures
• Internal bleeding
• Damage to internal organs
• Nerve damage

Q: What Are Wrongful Death Damages in Atlanta?

A: In Atlanta, if you lose a loved one in a trucking accident, you can seek compensation for wrongful death damages, depending on your relationship with the deceased. This compensation can cover any medical costs, funeral expenses, or burial costs associated with the death. It can also address your pain and suffering and any loss of income you now face due to the death.

Q: How Much Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Cost?

A: How much a personal injury lawyer might charge for their services depends on several factors. Every attorney is different, so they will approach the final cost analysis of your case in different ways. However, most costs will be influenced by the duration and complexity of the case and the skill level of your attorney.

Bring Home Justice: Contact The Tolson Firm, LLC, Today

A truck accident in Atlanta can leave behind more than just wreckage. You might have suffered a serious injury or even lost a loved one. At The Tolson Firm, LLC, we can explain everything you need to know about your claim and what you may be entitled to. Contact our offices today to learn more and schedule an initial consultation.

Atlanta thrives on highways, as does the national economy and commerce. Large commercial trucks are no strange sight in the city, especially with the area’s close proximity to common trucking routes, like I-75, I-285, and I-20. These highways see a large flow of trucks, hauling everything from freight to food to fuel. When these massive vehicles collide with cars or motorcycles, catastrophic and fatal truck accidents in Atlanta can occur.

When you or a loved one is involved in a catastrophic or fatal truck accident in Atlanta, there are several things you need to be aware of. Knowing these specific details can greatly increase your chances of recovering compensation for the damages and injuries you have suffered due to the trucking accident. At The Tolson Firm, LLC, our proud Black attorneys can explain all your legal options and represent you through every step of a truck accident injury claim.