How Rainy Spring Weather Increases Atlanta Truck Accident Risks

The weather can change quickly in Georgia, particularly in the spring. Heavy rain and fog make driving more dangerous, particularly for truck drivers.

Slick roads and poor visibility on heavily traveled routes like I-75, I-285, and I-20 make it harder for truckers to maintain control of tankers, tractor-trailers, and other big rigs, increasing the risks of truck accidents in Atlanta. Our Atlanta truck accident lawyers explain more about weather-related crashes and who can be held liable.

Weather Hazards That Make Atlanta Truck Crashes More Likely To Happen

Heavy spring rains help reduce drought conditions and make gardens lush throughout Georgia, but pose serious hazards to motorists. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) reports that adverse weather contributes to more than 20 percent of the estimated six million motor vehicle crashes that occur throughout the U.S. each year.

Truck drivers are particularly susceptible to weather-related hazards. Common impacts they suffer that make Atlanta truck accidents more likely to happen include:

• Poor visibility due to driving rain or fog;
• Decreased tire traction due to slick roads, resulting in poor maneuverability;
• Greater difficulty stopping and increased likelihood of skids;
• Increased threat of hydroplaning and losing control of their rig.

While rainy weather makes truck accidents in Atlanta more of a risk over spring, reckless behavior on the part of the trucker, the trucking company, or others involved is often ultimately responsible.

Who Can Be Held Liable For Weather-Related Truck Accidents In Atlanta?

If you or someone you love suffers injuries in an Atlanta truck accident, the trucking company and insurers may point to rainy, wet weather to avoid liability. However, the fact is they can still be held liable.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires truckers to use extreme caution during adverse weather. When they fail to do so and engage in reckless behavior such as tailgating, speeding, and driving distracted, they can be held responsible for damages that result. Others who may be liable in a claim include:

• The trucking company, for pushing drivers to meet impossible schedules and not providing adequate breaks or time off;
• Truck mechanics, for failing to provide the maintenance needed to keep the rig in good shape;
• Truck manufacturers and suppliers, when design errors or defective parts factor into a crash;
• Other motorists, who may be partially at fault due to their reckless driving behavior.

To Get The Compensation You Need To Recover In A Claim, Contact Our Atlanta Truck Accident Lawyers

Rainy, wet weather is common in Georgia each spring and can increase the risk of truck accidents in Atlanta. To get the compensation you need to recover, you need to prove that the truck driver, the trucking company, or others are ultimately responsible.

Shiver Hamilton, LLC provides fierce legal representation and fights to get you the maximum amount you need to cover your losses. We serve residents and visitors to Savannah, St. Simons Island, Decatur, Jonesboro, Sandy Springs, and all of DeKalb, Fulton, and Gwinnett Counties. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our experienced Atlanta truck accident lawyers.

Sources:

ops.fhwa.dot.gov/weather/q1_roadimpact.htm

csa.fmcsa.dot.gov/safetyplanner/MyFiles/SubSections.aspx?ch=23&sec=68&sub=172