It is very common for people to feel anxious when driving next to or behind large trucks. It is estimated that there are 6,000 truck accidents on average in Georgia alone each year. Among the 6,000 accidents, almost 300 of them result in fatalities.
Table of contents
If a negligent truck driver or trucking company injured you, contact our Atlanta truck accident lawyers today to schedule a free consultation to discuss your claim.
The statistics are scary, but that is why we have compiled some tips to help you stay safe on the road with trucks. The best advice we can give is to be patient and aware. It's easy to get annoyed with slow trucks when you're in a rush to get somewhere, but it's best to avoid getting into an accident and drive patiently.
Here are some tips to help you feel more comfortable driving on the road with big trucks.
- Keep a safe following distance: Don't follow closely behind a truck because it makes it difficult for you to see what's ahead on the road and the truck driver won't be able to see you. Also, don't stop or break suddenly while driving in front of a truck because they will be unable to stop quickly. If a truck driver is driving aggressively or following you too closely, give it more space and allow it to pass, maintaining a safe distance. Sometimes it may fall on you to compensate for a truck driver's poor road safety skills and avoid rear end collisions.
- Be Alert: The majority of accidents involving a truck and car occur on highways and in rural areas. We encourage you to be alert when driving near large trucks. Eliminating any distractions and staying focused can give you the time and space you need to avoid a truck that veers out of its lane, brakes suddenly, or runs a traffic signal.
- Be Aware of a truck's blind spots: Trucks have many blind spots since they are so large. Even with sideview and rearview mirrors, blind spots are avoidable. Never assume that the driver can see you because, odds are, they can't. If you are ever caught behind a truck, don't be so quick to pass them. Give yourself some distance so you can see what's ahead of them and to your sides. Make sure your bright lights are dimmed to prevent causing a blinding glare.
- Allow more time and extra space: When you decide to change lanes, it’s best to use your turn signal earlier so you give the truck drivers time to slow down and notice you.
- Watch for wide turns: Larger trucks tend to take wider turns, so give them enough room to turn. When they are making a narrow turn, truck drivers tend to swing left or right to give themselves more room, so avoid passing them at this point.
Semi-Truck Traffic in the U.S.
Large commercial trucks dominate U.S. highways because they serve as the backbone of American commerce. Truck drivers move essential goods—everything from fresh produce to building materials—forming a vital link in the U.S. supply chain.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the number of registered large commercial vehicles, including tractor trailers and semi trucks, continues to climb each year. Recently, FMCSA data showed over 12.5 million registered commercial trucks in the United States, making it clear why you see big trucks on every major highway.
The sheer size of tractor trailers and other large trucks presents unique safety challenges, especially because they share the road with smaller passenger vehicles. The average car, pickup, or SUV is no match for a fully loaded tractor-trailer, which weighs about 20 times more.
Commercial trucking remains a critical part of the U.S. economy and accounts for over 70% of all freight transported by weight. While these large trucks keep store shelves stocked, they also pose enormous hazards to passenger vehicles. Knowing why big trucks move and perform the way they do, and the serious dangers they present can help you to drive defensively when you encounter them.
Truck Accidents: A Closer Look at Road Safety Trends
You can be the safest driver on the road, but unfortunately, that may not be enough to prevent you from being harmed by a negligent truck driver. Recent data underscores the importance of taking extra care when driving near large vehicles.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reported that more than 199,000 crashes involving large trucks occurred in the U.S. in one recent year. These truck accidents resulted in 6,205 fatalities and more than 90,000 serious injuries.
Passenger cars and other smaller vehicles sustain most of the severe impact in truck collisions. The sheer size, weight, and longer stopping time of big trucks often lead to devastating outcomes when a crash occurs. An Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) study shows that when commercial trucks are involved in a crash, 66% of the people killed are passenger vehicle drivers and other occupants. Another 16% are pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcycle riders. Tens of thousands of drivers and passengers in other vehicles suffer serious injuries.
These statistics show why drivers must use caution, drive defensively, and stay aware of their surroundings whenever they change lanes or approach large trucks. Consistent use of safety tips and smart decision-making can help avoid driving into dangerous situations on busy highways.
The Difference an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer Can Make for You
Truck accident cases can be incredibly complex. They involve investigating commercial driving logs, analyzing semi truck maintenance records and evaluating a carrier's truck driver hiring and training practices. Additionally, accidents involving large trucks may involve more than one liable party. For instance, truck drivers, trucking companies, manufacturers, and cargo loaders can all contribute to causing a crash.
Determining fault requires sifting through records, interviewing witnesses, and consulting with industry experts. An experienced truck accident lawyer knows how to identify every liable source and ensures your claim includes all responsible parties.
Additionally, experienced truck accident lawyers know trucking regulations inside and out. They recognize safety challenges such as wide turns, longer stopping distances, and large blind spots that make large commercial vehicles prone to serious collisions.
We wield this knowledge to protect our clients from lowball insurance offers and build strong truck accident claims that result in higher settlements or verdicts. We fight for fair compensation that fully accounts for your medical bills, lost wages or income, and other losses.
Just as importantly, our dedicated personal injury lawyers can provide you with the time and peace of mind to focus on healing while they handle the complexities of the case.
Compensation for Truck Accident Injuries and Other Damages
Truck accident victims often face substantial financial and personal hardships in the wake of a truck crash, but they may be entitled to compensation when another party's negligence causes the accident.
Compensation usually falls into two main categories: economic damages and non-economic damages. Economic damages may include costs such as medical expenses, rehabilitation, and lost wages caused by the crash. Non-economic damages address intangible losses, including pain and suffering, emotional distress, or the impact on your quality of life.
In tragic cases where a loved one loses their life, wrongful death damages can help cover funeral costs, loss of companionship, and the financial support the deceased would have contributed. Punitive damages may be awarded in certain cases when truck drivers or trucking companies show extreme negligence or recklessness. These damages serve as both punishment and a deterrent against similar behavior in the future.
An experienced truck accident attorney evaluates your claim thoroughly, gathers evidence, and consults with experts who can estimate long-term treatment costs and ongoing needs. With the right legal advocate, you will have the support to secure the compensation you deserve for both your physical and emotional recovery.
Contact Atlanta Personal Injury Law Group
Selecting the right legal representation can vastly improve the outcome of your claim. At Atlanta Personal Injury Law Group, we understand how overwhelming a truck accident can be on victims and their families.
Our founding attorney, Jennifer Gore-Cuthbert, recovered from a serious collision and faced uncooperative insurance companies. She knows firsthand the suffering, fear, and uncertainty that follow a major crash, which is why she built a firm dedicated to lifting that burden from our clients.
Our team respects that every case is unique, and we fight to maximize compensation for each client. We tailor our approach to fit your needs and pursue the best possible resolution. We pride ourselves on thorough investigations, strong negotiation tactics, and fearless courtroom advocacy when necessary.
If a negligent truck driver or trucking company injured you, call us today at (833) 285-9467 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your claim.