Commuters At Higher Risk For Truck Accidents in Atlanta
If you are among the many people who commute to work or school, it is important to keep in mind the risks of truck accidents in Atlanta. Unfortunately, collisions involving tractor-trailers and other big rigs are common and can cause devastating injuries. Our experienced Atlanta truck accident lawyers explain factors that increase the likelihood of crashes for commuters and common challenges they face in filing accident claims.
Why Truck Accidents in Atlanta Pose Increased Risks For Commuters
According to the Atlanta Regional Commission, Atlanta is among the top ten cities in terms of the total number of commuters. Nearly 2.5 million people rely on Interstates 20, 75, and 85, I-285 connector, Buford Highway, Peachtree Street, or other busy roads.
When you factor in the number of truckers who also rely on these roads, it’s easy to see the risks. Factors that can make truck accidents in Atlanta more likely to happen during work commutes include:
- As commercial vehicles weigh up to 80,000 pounds, truckers have a harder time controlling their rigs in stop-and-go traffic.
- There is more potential for cutting drivers off and other aggressive driving behaviors.
- Driver fatigue is a problem for drivers headed to work or coming off long shifts and for truckers, who often have to drive through the night.
- Limited maneuverability makes it more difficult for truckers to navigate narrow on-ramps or suburban exits.
- Speeding is a common problem on interstates and major highways, such as the 316.
The size and weight of commercial trucks make even low-speed crashes potentially life-threatening for commuters.
Common Challenges Commuters Face After Truck Accidents In Atlanta
Truck accidents in Atlanta during the morning or evening rush hours can impact multiple other motorists nearby. Even when it’s clear that the trucker or trucking company was at fault, filing a claim and getting the compensation you need to cover your losses is rarely simple.
Insurance companies and trucking carriers have legal teams trained to protect their own bottom line. Common challenges commuters often face in Atlanta truck accident claims include:
- Downplaying the severity of injuries;
- Disputing how the accident happened;
- Difficulty accessing trucking logs, maintenance records, or other important evidence;
- Delayed payouts, creating additional financial insecurity for victims and their loved ones.
The trucking company or insurer may even try to say you were partially at fault. Under the Georgia Code, you can still get compensation if you were less than 50 percent responsible.
To Get What You Are Entitled To In A Claim, Contact Our Experienced Atlanta Truck Accident Lawyers
Commuters face significant risks when it comes to truck accidents in Atlanta. At Shiver Hamilton, LLC, we investigate what happened, gather critical evidence, and fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
Our office serves clients throughout the greater Atlanta metro area, including Alpharetta, Decatur, Johns Creek, Jonesboro, Marietta, Roswell, Sandy Springs, and all of Gwinnett, Fulton, and DeKalb counties. To get what you are entitled to in a claim, contact us today and request a consultation with our experienced Atlanta truck accident lawyers.
Sources:
33n.atlantaregional.com/data-diversions/traffic-congestion-clearing-or-continuing
georgiacourts.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Apportionment-of-Damages-Terry.pdf
