- Truck Accident Archive
Trucks are significantly larger and heavier than other motor vehicles on Georgia roads. So, because of this, truck accidents can cause the most severe injuries to victims. Sometimes, these accidents lead to the death of the victims. For example, in the US, over 4,000 people died due to large truck crashes in 2019 only.
The victims included truck occupants, motorists, passengers, pedestrians, motorcyclists, and bicyclists. This article will be addressing the most common causes of truck accidents on Atlanta, GA roads. When you familiarize yourself with these causes, it will help you know how to avoid such severe accidents and inevitably reduce the growing number of truck accidents.
If you were a victim in a truck accident, or you lost a loved one in a truck accident, you might not know the steps to take. This is why having an Atlanta truck accident attorney backing you up is a great idea.
Causes of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents lead to whiplash, spinal cord injuries, concussions, traumatic brain injuries, burns, etc. The significant causes of truck accidents in Atlanta include:
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Driver Fatigue
Truck drivers face a ton of pressure and stress in their line of work. For instance, these drivers have to deliver goods to a particular destination within a short period. Because of this, when truck drivers are tired, they tend to lose concentration and coordination while driving.
This then increases the possibility of a truck accident. With this in mind, the government gave rules and regulations on the number of hours a truck driver should be on the road.
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Driving Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol
Drugs and alcohol impair the senses of the users. Imagine if a driver uses either of these substances before operating a heavy vehicle such as a truck. The results could be disastrous, both to the truck driver and other road users. You should know that some truck drivers use cocaine and amphetamines to stay awake while they are driving.
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Speeding
Because truck drivers want to make their deliveries at an allotted time, some go over the speed limit. When truck drivers speed excessively, they reduce their ability to react speedily. For instance, if they have to stop suddenly, they might find it difficult because of their speed. This then results in a crash.
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Poor Vehicle Maintenance
Before trucks are operational, the trucking company has to inspect the vehicle. Unfortunately, most trucking companies fail to do so, probably because of the time spent and the cost of maintenance. It becomes hazardous to motorists and pedestrians when the company doesn’t properly vet a truck before starting operations.
When a truck accident happens because of poor vehicle maintenance or defective truck parts, the following people are liable for the accident:
- The manufacturer of the part
- The truck manufacturer
- Trucking company
- Truck’s mechanic
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Distracted Driving
Nowadays, almost everyone has a mobile phone. Although this is great for communication, mobile phones have become a great source of distraction for road users, and truck drivers are not exempted. Truck drivers, because of the size of their vehicle, need the utmost level of concentration. When truck drivers are distracted, they could crash into other road users, leading to severe injuries or death.
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Reckless Driving
A reckless driver will not take the necessary caution in particular situations while driving. For instance, when overtaking, a trucker needs to be highly cautious. When a truck driver fails to apply caution in operating the vehicle, it could result in a disastrous accident.
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Inexperience
Rules and regulations guide truck drivers on how many hours they must take in training before they are qualified to drive a truck. Unfortunately, some drivers manage to start driving without fulfilling these requirements. So, if such drivers encounter bad roads, weather, etc., they may find it challenging to handle such circumstances. When the truck drivers do not know how to manage these conditions, they put themselves and other road users at risk.
Were You a Victim of a Truck Accident? Contact Us Today!
When you get involved in a truck accident, it can be a very devastating experience for you and your family. Your physical, emotional, and financial life will be affected by the crash. However, the right Atlanta truck accident lawyer will help you in getting your life back on track.
Bethune Law Firm is a personal injury law firm with experienced attorneys who help Georgians receive compensation for their injuries. We have successfully helped thousands of victims receive millions of dollars as a settlement. When you contact us today, you get your initial consultation free. So, please speak to us on our 24/7 customer service line, and kickstart your injury case today.
