Trucking Accident Trends: How Georgia’s Growing Economy Affects Road Safety

Georgia’s economy is thriving. The port of Savannah has become one of the busiest in the country, with its national and international trade routes. It’s also responsible for supporting the country’s economy with job opportunities and financial growth. Major highways such as I-75, I-85, and I-285 bustle with trucks bound for the Southeast and beyond.

However, with this increased economic activity comes a growing concern: road safety. As traffic surges to meet the demands of Georgia’s busy industries, trucking accidents become increasingly common. Let’s delve a bit deeper into Georgia’s trucking accident trends, how the state’s laws can affect insurance claims, and why—if you or a loved one has been involved in an accident—it’s crucial to consider hiring a truck accident lawyer.

Georgia’s hotspots for truck accidents

The most perilous highways in Georgia include stretches of I-20, I-285, I-85, and Georgia 42, which is also known as Moreland Avenue. These routes, many of which are in the heart of the Atlanta metro area, are notorious for congestion and frequent accidents.

The combination of high traffic volumes, frequent lane merging, and tight truck delivery schedules create traffic hazards on these roads. In their haste, many truck drivers ignore traffic laws on already-congested roads, leading to devastating accidents. Speeding trucks and decreased follow distance typically leave little to no room for reaction time, amplifying the impact and increasing the severity of the collision.

What are the main causes of truck accidents?

Either trucking companies, loading contractors, or truck drivers—and sometimes all three—are typically responsible for road truck accidents. Any one or a combination of the following reasons could cause a truck accident on the road:

• DUI: Many truck drivers break the protocol and drive commercial vehicles under the influence of alcohol or drugs, including medicines that clearly state side effects such as drowsiness, fatigue, and hyperactivity.
• Equipment malfunction: Did you know that vehicle defects are associated with a 200% increase in crash risk? Tire blowouts, faulty brakes, and worn-out components are some of the leading culprits behind these accidents. Regular maintenance and inspections are crucial for keeping roads safe. Unfortunately, many companies cut corners due to rising freight transportation demands, increasing the safety risk for everyone on the road.
• Driving fatigue: Truck drivers are required by law to take breaks and strictly follow hours-of-service regulations while on the road. Fatigued drivers often exhibit similar behaviors as drunk or drugged ones.
• Improper loading: The FMCSA has clear cargo securement rules for motor carriers operating in interstate commerce. However, many truck drivers and loading companies become careless over time and begin to ignore these rules altogether.
• Inexperienced drivers: The US faces a severe shortage of truck drivers nationwide. Instead of fighting the underlying causes, freight companies try to compensate by hiring inexperienced drivers to operate commercial vehicles and make tight deadlines.

Determining negligence in truck accident cases on your own can be overwhelming, especially when more than one party could be responsible for the accident. Truck accident lawyers in Georgia, such as Harris Lowry Manton LLP, have the necessary resources and expertise to help you identify the liable party. They also know how to explain and deal with Georgia’s complex auto accident laws and statutes of limitations, ensuring you receive the support you deserve every step of the way.

Why truck accidents are so dangerous for passenger cars

The average commercial 18-wheeler stretches 72 feet long and weighs tens of thousands of pounds. In stark contrast, passenger cars and trucks weigh only about 4,100 pounds. Given the enormous size disparity, the impact force of an 18-wheeler is nothing short of devastating, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities for those in smaller vehicles.

In addition, the stopping distance of a commercial truck is twice that of a passenger car, which means it takes far longer for the truck to come to a complete stop—especially when traveling at high speed or there are poor road conditions. This extended stopping distance makes it much more difficult for the trucks to react in time to avoid accidents, putting everyone on the road at risk.

How Georgia auto accident laws impact your claim

The statute of limitations for personal injury auto accidents in Georgia is two years. However, insurance claims should be submitted as soon as possible after an accident. It’s also important to note that Georgia follows a fault-based system. This means the liable party’s insurance is responsible for covering the injured party’s losses, depending on the type and extent of the coverage.

Georgia also follows comparative fault law in personal injury cases, which assigns a percentage of fault to both parties involved in an accident. It’s essential to understand that this law directly impacts your potential compensation. If your fault percentage reaches 50% or more, you are no longer eligible for compensation. This system is known as modified comparative negligence.

Get legal help when you’ve been in a truck accident

While the supply chain industry prioritizes profits, concerns about road safety in Georgia continue to grow. Truck accidents can disrupt lives in unimaginable ways, placing a significant financial strain on you in the form of medical bills, loss of wages, loss of job in case of severe injury, and rehabilitation. You have the option to recoup for damages and losses by filing a legal claim against at-fault parties. However, following this path on your own can be overwhelming and complex, especially when more than one party is responsible for the accident. That’s why it’s important to consider hiring an experienced truck accident lawyer who can guide you through the process and break everything down in clear, understandable language.

At Harris Lowry Manton LLP, we’re here to take the weight off your shoulders. Our team can assist you in filing your legal claim, identifying at-fault parties, and building a strong case so you can focus on what truly matters— complete recovery.

If you or your loved one has been in a car accident, don’t hesitate to contact a truck accident lawyer at Harris Lowry Manton LLP. Our skilled team has the resources and know-how to take on freight and insurance companies on your behalf. Call our Savannah office today or fill out our online contact form for a free evaluation.