Head-On Truck Accidents in Atlanta: What Victims Need to Know
Head-on truck accidents in Atlanta are among the most devastating types of crashes. With the weight and speed of a fully loaded tractor-trailer, the impact of a direct collision with a passenger vehicle often results in catastrophic injuries or fatalities.
While these crashes are sadly common on roads throughout Georgia, highways and interstates surrounding the city mean that Atlanta gets more than its fair share. Our Atlanta truck accident lawyers have the knowledge and experience needed to protect victims in these cases. Find out how head-on collisions involving 18-wheelers, tanker trucks, and other big rigs happen and your rights in seeking compensation.
The Risk Of Head-On Truck Accidents in Atlanta And Common Causes
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) warns that nearly 10,000 truck accidents occur in Georgia each year. As Atlanta has become a hub for the trucking industry, they are unfortunately common on I-85, I-20, and other major roads and highways.
Head-on accidents happen when one vehicle crosses the center line or median into oncoming traffic. When that vehicle is a commercial truck, the resulting damage is often catastrophic. Among the leading causes of head-on truck accidents in Atlanta include:
- Fatigued driving, especially when truckers violate hours-of-service limits;
- Distracted driving, such as texting, adjusting navigation, or eating while driving;
- Impaired driving, including alcohol, illegal drugs, or prescription medications;
- Mechanical failure due to poor truck maintenance;
- Improper passing on two-lane roads;
- Going too fast in hazardous weather or low-visibility conditions.
When a head-on truck accident in Georgia happens due to the above or other types of negligence, you may be entitled to hold the truck driver, their employer, or others involved liable.
Liability For Atlanta Head-On Truck Accidents
Head-on truck crashes often involve complex liability issues. While the truck driver may appear to be the obvious at-fault party, the trucking company, the truck manufacturer, or others involved may also bear responsibility.
Under the Georgia Code, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses, even if you were partially at fault for the crash (provided you were not more than 50 percent responsible.) In these types of complex claims, gathering evidence plays a crucial role. Common types of evidence needed in Atlanta truck accident claims include:
- Witness statements and police reports;
- Truck driver logs and hours-of-service compliance records;
- Maintenance and inspection reports for mechanical issues;
- Black box (ELD) data showing speed, braking, and driving time;
- Accident reconstruction reports and expert testimony.
Get Trusted Legal Help From Our Experienced Atlanta Truck Accident Lawyers
Head-on collisions in Atlanta are the most dangerous types of crashes. When it involves 18-wheelers or other big rigs, injuries can be devastating. At Shiver Hamilton, LLC, we gather the evidence needed to hold those at fault accountable.
For trusted legal help in filing an injury claim, give our office a call or contact our experienced Atlanta truck accident lawyers online. We serve clients throughout Atlanta, Marietta, Sandy Springs, Decatur, Roswell, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Jonesboro, Savannah, St. Simons Island, DeKalb County, Fulton County, and Gwinnett County. Request a consultation today.
Sources:
ai.fmcsa.dot.gov/CrashStatistics?tab=Summary&type=&report_id=1&crash_type_id=4&datasource_id=1&time_period_id=2&report_date=0&vehicle_type=2&state=GA&domicile=ALL&measure_id=1&operation_id=null
georgiacourts.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Apportionment-of-Damages-Terry.pdf
