Side Swipe Truck Accidents on Atlanta Highways: What Drivers Need to Know
Driving alongside a semi-truck on I-285, I-20, or I-75 is intimidating. One of the biggest dangers? Side swipe truck accidents in Atlanta. The size of most commercial vehicles, limited visibility, and high traffic volumes combine to make these crashes more likely to occur. Our experienced Atlanta truck accident lawyers explain more about the risks and how to protect your rights to compensation.
Factors That Increase Side Swipe Truck Accident Risks In Atlanta
Atlanta is a hub for the trucking industry, and roads such as I-20 and I-85 are among the busiest in the Southeast when it comes to commercial vehicle traffic. This can increase truck accident risks, and side swipes are among the most common ways they happen.
A September 2025 multi-vehicle truck accident on I-75 in Marietta is an example of how they can impact multiple motorists. According to Atlanta News First, the crash happened near the Canton Connector when a motorist side-swiped a tractor-trailer. It triggered a chain reaction, causing the truck to hit another vehicle, which spun out of control and overturned.
While police did not reveal the underlying causes, common factors in Atlanta side-swipe truck accidents include:
- Driving in trucker blind spots, causing passenger vehicles to disappear from the truck driver’s view;
- Frequent merges and lane changes on congested highways;
- High speeds and limited space;
- Improper turns, in which truckers often swing wide and impact other motorists.
Because trucks weigh up to 80,000 pounds, even a “minor” side swipe can push a car into a barrier or the path of other vehicles, causing chain-reaction crashes.
What Side Swipe Truck Accident Victims in Atlanta Can Do to Protect Their Rights
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) warns that side-swipe crashes represent nearly 20 percent of all truck accidents on U.S. roads. They are particularly common in Atlanta, where heavy traffic, narrow lanes, and frequent merging on major interstates increase the risks.
To protect yourself against these collisions, stay alert, give truck drivers adequate space on the road, and avoid driving in blind spots. If you are involved in a side-swipe truck accident in Atlanta, take these steps to protect your rights to compensation:
- Call 911 immediately.
- Get contact and insurance information for the trucker and other motorists involved.
- Take photos of the vehicles and roadway, showing damage and where the crash happened.
- Get medical care right away, even for injuries that seem minor.
- Avoid admitting fault at the crash scene or in statements to insurers.
- Get legal help from an experienced Atlanta truck accident lawyer, who can secure evidence such as black box data, dash cam footage, and driver logs.
Request A Consultation With Our Experienced Atlanta Truck Accident Lawyers
Side swipe accidents in Atlanta are common and can impact multiple motorists. At Shiver Hamilton Campbell, we fight to hold those at fault accountable.
Our office represents clients in Savannah, Alpharetta, Decatur, Johns Creek, Marietta, Sandy Springs, and all of Fulton, Gwinnett, and DeKalb Counties. If you or someone you love is hurt, contact our Atlanta truck accident lawyers and request a consultation today.
Sources:
atlantanewsfirst.com/2025/09/08/3-injured-after-multi-car-crash-shuts-down-i-75-marietta-police-say/
fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/data-and-statistics/vehicles-table-30-large-trucks-crashes-manner-collision-and-crash-5
