7 Most Common Types Of Semi-Truck Accidents

Truck crashes are usually more devastating than regular car accidents, but there are certain types of semi-truck accidents that are more common than others.

Unfortunately, a large percentage of truck accidents in Atlanta, GA, lead to catastrophic injuries, and victims with reliable legal representation may be entitled to compensation. A semi-truck accident lawyer can provide invaluable legal assistance from the point you call the law office to discuss your case to the moment you obtain a favorable outcome.

Whether or not you can get compensated depends on the type and nature of your truck collision. Let’s review some of the most common types of truck accidents in Atlanta and other parts of Georgia.

Fact: The state of Georgia sees up to 230 fatal truck crashes every year, accounting for an estimated 14% of total traffic deaths in the state.

7 Common Types of Semi-Truck Accidents in Georgia

Many types of crashes are unique to semi-trucks because of their size, weight, length, and lack of maneuverability. The severity of injuries to the victims and the likelihood of wrongful death depends on the type of semi-truck accident.

1. Jackknife Accidents

These accidents occur when the semi-truck driver brakes too quickly or the vehicle’s brakes lock up. Jackknife accidents happen when the trailer skids and forms a 90-degree angle with the tractor. As a result, the trailer may end up blocking the whole road. Due to the fact that the trucker loses control of the semi-truck, the consequences can be devastating.

2. Wide-Turn Collisions

Because of a lack of maneuverability, trucks need to swing slightly to the left before making a right turn. When other motorists see this, they may think that the truck is going left when, instead, the trucker is actually trying to turn right. This can lead to collisions. The same principle applies when the truck is making left-hand and U-turns.

3. Rollover Crashes

Rolling over is one of the leading types of semi-truck accidents in Georgia. A rollover crash happens when a truck rolls sideways or forward. These collisions occur when the truck is braking suddenly or swerving abruptly to avoid a head-on crash with another vehicle.

4. Head-On Accidents

A semi-truck can be involved in a head-on collision for various reasons. A truck is more likely to collide directly with another car when its brakes malfunction, a driver ignores traffic signs, or either motorist fails to exercise due care when overtaking a vehicle.

Many head-on accidents happen when one or both drivers are speeding. According to truck accident statistics in Georgia, speeding is the most frequent driver-related cause of truck crashes in the U.S.

5. T-Bone Collisions

Most T-bone crashes involving trucks happen when either motorist is attempting to run a red light when another vehicle is traveling at high speed. Texting while driving, as well as other forms of distractions, increase the likelihood of a side-impact accident.

6. Read-End Crashes

Due to the size of semi-trucks as well as the fact that these large vehicles have an increased stopping distance compared to passenger cars, truckers may not have enough time to slow down in time to avoid a collision. This can result in a rear-end collision. Such factors as distracted driving and impaired driving, both of which affect the driver’s reaction times, are commonly associated with rear-end crashes involving trucks.

Fact: Failure to yield the right of way, speeding, and distracted driving account for a total of nearly 17% of all truck collisions in the U.S.

7. Underride Accidents

Last but not least, underride collisions are a common type of commercial truck accident that can result in a passenger car being crushed or pinned. Underride accidents occur when a smaller vehicle hits a semi-truck from behind and the momentum forces the car underneath the truck.

Top Causes of Semi-Truck Accidents in Atlanta, Georgia

The driver of the semi-truck is not always at fault for causing the victim’s injury. There can be different causes of semi-truck collisions, including:

• Adverse weather conditions
• Inadequately trained or inexperienced trucker
• Overloading
• Exceeding the speed limit
• Improper vehicle maintenance
• Faulty roadway design
• Blind spots
• Alcohol or drug use
• Distracted driving
• Failure to maintain a safe distance
• Performing a wide-turn
• Slamming on the brakes too quickly
• Running red lights
• Merging improperly into traffic
• Engaging in unsafe passing or overtaking
• Setting unrealistic deadlines for truckers
• Defective truck or its parts
• Poor road conditions

How Can a Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer Help?

If you were in one of the above-mentioned types of semi-truck accidents in Atlanta or other parts of Georgia, consult with a semi-truck accident lawyer to protect your rights and pursue maximum compensation.

Trucking companies in Georgia are usually represented by the state’s best lawyers to defend their interests and avoid liability. Trucking companies have defense strategies for various types of truck accidents, which is why people with no skilled personal injury attorney by their side may struggle to recover damages.

An Atlanta truck accident attorney knows how to investigate your case in order to prove your innocence and establish the other party’s fault. There may be multiple liable parties in a semi-truck crash, including the trucker, his/her employer (trucking company), the truck manufacturer, governmental agencies, and more.

Your attorney will:

• Acquire the police report;
• Find witnesses and collect their statements;
• Retain accident reconstruction experts to determine the cause of the semi-truck collision;
• Investigate whether the trucking company violated federal regulations (e.g., Hours of Service rules that prohibit driving a truck more than 11 hours or drive after having been on-duty for 14 hours);
• Negotiate with liable parties’ insurers to secure the most favorable outcome;
• Prepare your case for trial if negotiations lead nowhere or the opposing parties offer too little.

Contact Our Atlanta Semi-Truck Accident Attorneys

Contact our Atlanta semi-truck accident lawyers from The Graham Firm to review your legal options. Different types of semi-truck accidents impact victims differently, which is why our attorneys will have to evaluate your particular damages and determine fault in your unique case. Call at 404-526-9955 or complete the contact form below to discuss your situation.