An Overview Of Trucking Accidents In Georgia

In this article, you can discover:

• When, where, and how often accidents happen with large semi-trucks.
• The most common causes of large truck accidents.
• What type of compensation you may be entitled to as the victim of a trucking accident.

How Common Are Auto Wrecks On Georgia Roadways Involving Large Semi-Trucks And Other Commercial Vehicles?

Auto wrecks involving tractor-trailer trucks are unfortunately very common in Georgia. According to the Georgia Department of Transportation, there were 387,444 police-reported crashes in 2021, with 1,909 of those crashes involving fatalities. There were over 14,227 large truck accidents, with 141 accidents involving fatalities.

Where And When Do Most Trucking Accidents Occur?

Fatal crashes involving large trucks often happen in rural areas or on interstate highways. Approximately 54% of all fatal crashes with large trucks occur in rural areas, 27% occur on interstate highways, and 13% fall into both categories by occurring on a rural state highway.

Furthermore, 37% of all fatal crashes and 24% of all injury crashes involving large trucks occur between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. Based on these statistics, most truck-related accidents occur at night in rural areas or on interstates.

What Are The Most Common Causes Of Trucking Accidents?

One of the most common causes of truck-related accidents is driver exhaustion. Federal regulations limit truck drivers from driving more than 11 hours in a single day. After driving for long periods, truckers are supposed to take a 10-hour break. When truck drivers become too tired, they are more likely to have accidents.

The second most frequent cause of trucking accidents is distracted driving. Driving 11 hours straight can be boring, and drivers may try to entertain themselves. The high number of accidents involving trucks can often be attributed to technology and other major distractions, such as:

• Texting
• Talking on the phone
• Playing games
• Watching videos
• And more…

Another common factor in trucking accidents is speeding. A big issue with large trucks is their required stopping distance. As the speed of the tractor-trailer increases, it becomes more and more difficult for the truck to stop. If the driver is tired or not paying attention, they may not brake quickly enough.

What Initial Questions And Misconceptions Do Victims Usually Have After Being Injured In A Trucking Accident In Georgia?

If you’ve been injured in an accident with a truck or commercial vehicle, it is perfectly normal to have a lot of questions about your case and what to do next. The law firm of Cohen and Sinowski is here to provide you with answers and help guide you through every step of the process.

One of the most common topics we discuss with our clients is the difference between a car accident and a tractor-trailer or big-rig wreck. Semi-trucks differ from cars in many ways. One significant difference is the increased potential for damage and injury that occurs when a large truck and another vehicle collide. Trucks can weigh more than 80,000 pounds and can cause serious harm to smaller vehicles.

Clients often ask whether certain laws apply to semi-trucks. There are both state and federal laws protecting motorists from negligent truck drivers, mainly due to the massive size of these trucks.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requires trucking companies to follow regulations concerning equipment, hours of service, and the maintenance of driver logs. Since truck drivers are only allowed to drive for a certain amount of time without rest, they must keep records of their driving and resting schedules.

What Type Of Compensation Can I Receive If I Am Injured In A Commercial Accident?

Another question we receive frequently is about the type of compensation a client may be entitled to as a result of a truck accident. There are different forms of compensation depending on the situation, including medical expenses, lost wages, and compensation for pain and suffering.

As the victim of a trucking accident, you are entitled to both past and future medical expenses relating to your injuries. This includes doctor’s visits, hospitalizations, surgeries, physical therapy, medication, psychological therapy, and any other medical expenses that you incur due to the accident.

Additionally, you can be owed monetary compensation for the pain and suffering you experience. You may also receive payment for past or future lost wages from missing time at work to recover from injuries.

Does Commercial Accident Reparation Include Spousal Service Compensation?

The loss of consortium, or loss of spousal services, is another form of compensation a party could receive after a commercial vehicle accident. The loss of consortium is when a person is entitled to compensation for services that their spouse can no longer provide as a result of an accident.

For example, within traditional gender roles, if a wife typically does household chores that she can no longer accomplish after an accident injury, her husband has a claim for those lost duties. Likewise, if a husband typically cuts the grass, and he is no longer able to perform yard work as a result of an automobile accident, his wife would be entitled to those damages as well.

With the guidance of a skilled attorney for Trucking Accident Cases, you can have the peace of mind that comes with knowing that we’ll make it look easy. For more information on Trucking Accident Laws in Georgia, a free initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (404) 383-8835 today.