Distracted Driving Truck Accidents in Atlanta: Common Causes And Evidence Needed In A Claim
Distracted driving is responsible for a high number of motor vehicle crashes in the U.S. When the distracted driver is behind the wheel of a multi-ton commercial truck, the consequences can be devastating.
In a city like Atlanta, where traffic congestion is already high and trucks share lanes with smaller vehicles, a moment of inattention can quickly lead to tragedy. Our Atlanta truck accident lawyers explain common causes and key evidence for an injury claim.
Common Types of Distracted Behavior Responsible For Atlanta Truck Accidents
Truck drivers face long hours on the road. Fatigue and boredom increase the temptation to multitask while driving, putting the trucker and surrounding motorists at risk.
Texting and talking on cell phones are two of the most common causes of distracted driving truck accidents. Both are prohibited under Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations, but continue to be a problem on roads throughout the state. Other truck driver distractions that increase crash risks include:
- Eating or drinking while driving;
- Adjusting the radio, climate controls, or navigation system;
- Reaching for objects in the cab, such as paperwork or a dropped item;
- Reading maps, logs, or delivery manifests;
- Daydreaming or highway hypnosis, especially on long hauls;
- Using a dispatching device or company communication system.
When a trucker is distracted for even a few seconds, it increases the likelihood of catastrophic rear-end crashes, jackknife accidents, or multi-vehicle pileups in Atlanta.
Evidence Used in Distracted Driving Truck Accident Claims
The Georgia Code allows personal injury victims to seek compensation for injuries due to another party’s negligence. However, in Atlanta truck accident claims, proving a trucker was distracted at the time of a crash requires a thorough investigation.
It also means taking quick action to preserve time-sensitive evidence. Common types of evidence used to support distracted driving truck accident claims in Georgia include:
- Cell phone records showing calls, texts, or data use before the crash;
- Dash cam or traffic camera footage capturing the driver’s actions;
- Electronic logging device (ELD) data indicating erratic or sudden movements;
- Witness statements from other drivers or bystanders;
- Black box data revealing braking patterns and speed;
- Receipts or logs showing whether the driver was eating, using a device, or otherwise occupied;
- Truck cab inspections that reveal open food containers, phones, or other distractions.
Gathering evidence is the foundation for a strong legal claim and helps establish the truck driver’s liability in court or during insurance settlement negotiations.
Our Atlanta Truck Accident Lawyers Help You Get Compensation
Distracted driving truck accidents in Atlanta can cause life-altering personal injuries. If you or a loved one was involved in this type of crash, the legal team at Shiver Hamilton, LLC is here to help you get justice and full compensation for your losses.
We proudly serve clients in Atlanta, Decatur, Marietta, Sandy Springs, Roswell, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Jonesboro, Savannah, St. Simons Island, DeKalb County, Fulton County, and Gwinnett County. To get the total amount you are entitled to, call or contact us online. Request a consultation today with our Atlanta truck accident lawyers.
Sources:
fmcsa.dot.gov/driver-safety/distracted-driving
ga.elaws.us/law/section51-1-2
