Blind Spot Truck Accidents In Atlanta Pose Risks To Local Drivers
You’re merging onto I-285 or changing lanes on I-75 when a semi-truck suddenly veers into your lane. With little warning or time to react, your vehicle gets crushed against the guardrail or, worse, pushed into opposing lanes. This is the frightening reality of blind-spot truck accidents in Atlanta.
“No-zone” crashes are among the most common and dangerous types of accidents on Atlanta’s highways. Our experienced Atlanta truck accident lawyers explain more about the risks and common legal challenges when filing an injury claim.
Factors that Make Blind Spot Truck Accidents in Atlanta More Likely To Happen
All vehicles have blind spots, but for tanker trucks, tractor-trailers, and other big rigs, they are shockingly large. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration identifies four “no-zones” where cars disappear from a trucker’s view: directly behind the trailer (up to 30 feet), along both sides (especially the right side), and immediately in front of the cab.
On congested highways in Atlanta, such as I-75, I-85, and the Perimeter, these blind spots become deadly traps. Factors that make no-zone crashes more likely to happen:
- Lack of experience and inadequate training mean that some truckers may not be as aware of blind spots.
- Tight delivery schedules pressure drivers to change lanes or merge without taking time to check mirrors and cameras.
- Rush hour congestion means you’re more likely to get trapped in a no-zone.
- Sudden moves near highway entrances or exits and around major distribution hubs increase the risk.
Truckers are responsible for being aware of blind spots and taking precautions to prevent crashes. When they fail to do so, they can be held liable.
Legal Challenges in Atlanta Blind Spot Truck Accident Claims
Trucking companies carry massive insurance policies to protect them in the event of a crash or collision. However, they also have teams of attorneys on hand to deny or downplay claims. Common obstacles in Atlanta blind spot truck accident cases include:
- Denial of responsibility, in which truckers claim they never saw your vehicle and couldn’t have prevented the crash.
- Admitting partial liability while suggesting you are more to blame for driving directly beside a truck.
- Disputes over evidence, such as dash cam footage, witness statements, and electronic logging device data.
- Lowball settlement offers that fail to cover all ongoing medical care, lost wages, or future complications.
Under the Georgia Code, if the trucking company can prove you were ever partially to blame, it can jeopardize your rights in a settlement.
Injured in a Blind Spot Crash? Request a Consultation Today With Our Atlanta Truck Accident Lawyers
Blind spot truck accidents in Atlanta can cause potentially devastating injuries. Shiver Hamilton Campbell has extensive experience holding truckers and trucking companies accountable and can fight to get you the maximum compensation.
We proudly serve injured clients in Atlanta, Decatur, Marietta, Alpharetta, and all of Fulton, DeKalb, and Gwinnett counties. To get the fierce legal representation you need to protect your rights, contact our office. Request a consultation today with our Atlanta truck accident lawyers.
Sources:
fmcsa.dot.gov/sites/fmcsa.dot.gov/files/docs/lang/USDOT_OROR_Inforgraphic_1170x612-Truck_V17ai.pdf
georgiacourts.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Apportionment-of-Damages-Terry.pdf
