What Makes 18-Wheeler Accidents So Dangerous in Atlanta?

What Makes 18-Wheeler Accidents So Dangerous in Atlanta?

Eighteen-wheelers and other large trucks present considerable safety hazards for Atlanta drivers. Crashes involving semi-trucks and other commercial vehicles alter countless lives every year, yet many people don’t fully understand what makes 18-wheeler accidents so dangerous. Here are some factors that make truck crashes particularly hazardous.

1. Trucks Are Much Larger and Heavier Than Passenger Cars

A fully loaded tractor-trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, while a typical passenger car weighs around 3,000 to 4,000 pounds. Because of this extreme size and weight difference, smaller vehicles usually absorb the brunt of the impact in a crash. The force of a collision with a truck is much greater than when two cars collide, which often leads to more severe injuries (or death) for those in the smaller car.

2. Trucks Take Longer to Stop

Due to their weight and size, large trucks need much more distance to come to a full stop. Even with properly maintained brakes, a truck traveling at highway speeds may need the length of a football field or more to stop safely. If traffic suddenly slows or another hazard appears, the truck may not be able to stop in time, leading to a rear-end or multi-vehicle crash.

3. Trucks Have Large Blind Spots

Commercial trucks have significant blind spots on all four sides, especially along the sides and rear of the trailer. If a car is in one of these “no zones,” the truck driver may not see it when changing lanes or turning, increasing the risk of dangerous sideswipe or underride accidents.

4. Shifting or Overloaded Cargo Can Cause Instability

A truck’s cargo can shift during transit if it’s not correctly secured, throwing the entire vehicle off balance.

5. Truck Drivers Often Operate Under Pressure

Many truck drivers are under tight deadlines and work long hours. Fatigue, distraction, or stress can affect their reaction times and decisions, increasing the chances of a collision.

Who’s Liable for an Atlanta Truck Accident?

Liability for a truck crash is usually based on negligence. In other words, the person or company liable for the collision is whoever didn’t take reasonable steps to prevent the accident. Depending on whose negligence caused the truck accident, those who might be liable for your injuries include:

• The Truck Driver – The person driving the truck could be liable if they were speeding, distracted, impaired, overly fatigued, or careless in some other way.
• The Trucking Company – The company that employed the truck driver could be responsible for the accident if it didn’t verify the driver’s credentials or maintain the vehicle properly.
• Maintenance Providers – Some trucking companies outsource maintenance services to third-party businesses. These maintenance providers can be liable if they don’t notice or properly fix defective or worn parts.
• Cargo Loaders – Cargo loaders are responsible for making sure a truck’s load is properly secured and balanced. They can be liable if their mistakes cause a collision.
• Truck or Parts Manufacturers – These businesses can be liable if their defective components cause a trucker to lose control and crash.
• Government Agencies Responsible for Road Maintenance – A state or local government could be liable for a truck accident if it didn’t maintain roads properly and those poor road conditions caused the crash.

What to Do After an Atlanta Truck Crash

Follow these steps to protect your health and legal rights after an 18-wheeler accident:

• Report the crash to the police and seek immediate medical attention
• Save your medical bills, proof of lost income, and other records related to the crash
• Avoid discussing the crash publicly or on social media
• Don’t give any recorded statements to insurance companies without seeking legal advice
• Hire an Atlanta truck accident attorney

Contact Our Atlanta 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers

Kaufman Injury Law has over 45 years of experience and a proven record of winning tough truck accident cases. We’ll handle all the legal work in your case and fight for fair compensation. With our help, you could recover compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and more. Call now or complete our contact form for a free consultation.