Atlanta Truck Accidents and Stranded Motorists: How to Stay Safe During Highway Breakdowns
A vehicle breakdown on an Atlanta highway can put you in a dangerous position. When your car suddenly stops on I-285, I-75, I-85, or another busy roadway, you may have little choice but to remain near moving traffic while waiting for help.
Be aware that passing trucks pose serious hazards. Our experienced Atlanta truck accident lawyers explain the risks and what to do after a breakdown to protect yourself and your passengers.
Vehicle Breakdowns Increase Atlanta Truck Accident Risks
Vehicle breakdowns leave motorists vulnerable. A fatal tractor-trailer accident on Highway 78 in DeKalb County emphasizes the potential risks.
According to a September 23, 2026 Fox 5 news report, a male driver lost control of his vehicle and pulled over in the eastbound lanes, just past Mountain Industrial Boulevard. He was standing next to the car, surveying the situation, when he was struck by a passing tractor-trailer. Unfortunately, he suffered fatal injuries.
The crash happened shortly before 2:00 a.m., and the darkness was likely a contributing cause. Other factors that can make truck accidents in Atlanta more likely to impact disabled motorists include:
- Heavy rain or other adverse weather, which also impacts visibility.
- High speeds on local interstates and highways, which give truckers less time to react or brake.
- Heavy traffic, making it harder for truckers to move around a disabled vehicle.
- Distracted driving, which can cause truckers not to notice stranded motorists until it is too late.
Tractor-trailers and other big rigs sit high off the ground and have large blind spots, which also increases the risks for disabled motorists.
Vehicle Breakdown? How to Reduce Atlanta Truck Accident Risks
According to the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), nearly 50,000 vehicle breakdowns are recorded on roads throughout the state, while thousands more likely go unreported. Major highways are among the most common places for vehicle malfunctions.
If you have car troubles while traveling through Atlanta, the top priority is getting yourself and your passengers as far away from moving traffic as possible. Other steps to protect yourself include:
- Turn on your hazard lights, which help approaching drivers recognize that your vehicle is disabled.
- Stay inside the vehicle if getting out would put you closer to traffic.
- If you can safely exit, move to a protected area well away from the roadway.
- Contact roadside assistance, law enforcement, or emergency services.
- Don’t try to diagnose the problem or make any needed repairs.
Keep a flashlight, reflective equipment, and other basic emergency supplies on hand, just in case you’re ever in this situation.
Contact Our Experienced Atlanta Truck Accident Lawyers and Request a Consultation
Being stranded on the side of the road is stressful enough. Unfortunately, it also increases Atlanta truck accident risks. At Shiver Hamilton LLC, we help injured victims and their loved ones hold those at fault accountable and get the compensation needed to cover their losses.
Our Atlanta truck accident lawyers represent clients in Savannah, St. Simons Island, Sandy Springs, and all of Fulton, Gwinnett, and DeKalb Counties. Contact our office today to request a consultation.
Sources:
fox5atlanta.com/news/man-killed-tractor-trailer-after-crash-hwy-78-dekalb-police-say
dot.ga.gov/GDOT/Pages/HERO.aspx
