According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, trucking accidents are a major source of accidents in Georgia and, thus, Atlanta. In one year alone, these accidents caused more than 180 fatalities. Across the nation, the number exceeded 476,000.
Considering that heavy commercial trucks are difficult to maneuver even in ideal conditions, these numbers are not surprising. The damage they do on the road is usually on a massive scale. It’s one of the main reasons why many victims hire an Atlanta trucking accident lawyer.
The most common causes of trucking accidents in the state include the following:
It takes several seconds for a large rig or truck to come to a complete stop. If the brakes fail on those behemoths, they can roll over easily or mow down other vehicles and pedestrians in their path.
Even over-the-counter drugs, such as allergy medication, can cause symptoms that affect driver performance. One of the most common cause of trucking accidents is drowsiness, which can prove deadly on the road. Some symptoms manifest the next day.
Trucks move slowly for a reason. Even though we can get quite frustrated trying to pass them, yelling at the drivers to drive faster can lead to tragic consequences. A truck driver needs at least one second for every 10 feet of a truck traveling 40 mph. Above that, they need five seconds for a 40-foot truck and 7 for one that is 60 feet long. A speeding truck on wet roads is a disaster waiting to happen.
Truck drivers unfamiliar with the roads they are driving on have higher chances of getting into or causing accidents. This is understandable. If a driver doesn’t know about upcoming turns or traffic-prone areas, they can brake too late or speed up where they shouldn’t.
Truck drivers have to drive for long hours on long stretches of road, which can be quite exhausting. Many work extra hours to meet deadlines or to make extra money. Fatigue slows reaction times and reduces the driver’s decision-making skills. Since trucks take several seconds to come to a full stop, drivers who doze off behind the wheel are hazardous to other drivers and themselves.
The way a truck is loaded with freight can determine its performance on the road. Cargo should be secured well, even if it is inside a trailer. The weight of the items inside should be distributed across the trailer to ensure the truck’s axles don’t get jammed. If the load is secured inadequately, the trailer can become a hazard on the road, especially during windy conditions.
Have you been in a trucking accident in Atlanta, and the insurance company of the trucking company refuses to compensate you for damages? If you said yes, you need an experienced Atlanta trucking accident lawyer in your corner. Get in touch with Shani O. Brooks P.C. for a free consultation today.