Commercial Trucking Accidents
Truck accidents are indeed a serious problem in Georgia, often resulting in catastrophic injuries or death to the automobile driver or passengers involved in the collision. There are a host of reasons why trucks are inherently so dangerous. These include:
- Aggressive drivers
- Illegally driving excessive hours
- Failure to maintain the truck properly
- Driver fatigue
- Overloaded trucks
- Speeding
- Cell phone use
- Failure to install blind spot mirrors to avoid dangerous lane changes
- Jackknifing
According to the National Center for Statistics and Analysis, thousands of motorists are killed each year by large trucks -- those weighing more than 10,000 pounds. Tractor-trailers, 18-wheelers, and semi-trucks fall into this category.
In 2006 alone, large trucks accounted for 8 percent of all vehicles involved in fatal crashes and 4 percent of all vehicles involved in injury and property-damage-only crashes.
Trucking accidents have an increased chance of causing severe injuries because in most cases, a truck cannot remain upright during an accident. Additionally, truck drivers have limited visibility and maneuverability. These factors greatly contribute to trucking accidents. Whether the driver is distracted, falls asleep at the wheel or just isn't paying attention, accidents caused by these massive vehicles can kill or catastrophically injure motorists.
Truck drivers and the companies they work for have a responsibility to operate their vehicles in a safe manner. Unsafe driving, oversized cargo loads and various other careless factors put the public and the truck operators in danger. If you or someone you know is injured in an accident involving a large truck, it is important that you seek competent legal representation as soon as possible to fully protect your rights.
Contact us today at 404-758-9111 or toll free at 1-800-632-6026 to schedule your free consultation.
