According to a report from 11Alive News, a semi-truck was involved in a major crash on Interstate 85 (I-85) just north of Midtown Atlanta. The large truck went through a highway divider—and both the northbound and southbound lanes were closed temporarily to address the crash. 11Alive News reports that two other vehicles were also involved in the collision. At least one person was hurt.
The semi-truck overturned during the accident. These types of crashes can be especially dangerous. At Stewart Miller Simmons Trial Attorneys, we fight for the rights and interests of injured truck accident victims and their families. Here, our Atlanta trucking accident lawyers explain what we know about the crash and highlight the causes and dangers of overturned tractor trailer crashes.
Tractor Trailer Rollover Accidents: Know the Data
A fully loaded tractor trailer in Georgia can weigh a maximum of 80,000 pounds (40 tons). When a crash happens, the consequences can be horrific. Of course, not all semi-truck accidents are equally dangerous. Rollover accidents (semi-truck overturns) are among the most dangerous types of eighteen wheeler crashes. Alarmingly, a comprehensive study cited by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) nearly 9 percent of commercial truck accidents in the United States are rollover crashes. These collisions are disproportionately likely to cause fatalities or incapacitating injuries. An estimated 13,000 people are injured in semi-truck rollover accidents nationwide each year.
The Most Common Reasons Why Large Trucks Rollover
A tractor trailer has a high center of gravity. By its very nature, it is more susceptible to rollover crashes than standard-sized passenger vehicles. That being said, a modern semi-truck should not rollover during the normal course of its operations. Why do so many large commercial truck accidents turn over? Here are some of the most common reasons:
- Speeding: Speeding is dangerous—and yet it still happens far too often in the trucking industry. Semi-trucks need more time and distance to stop than smaller vehicles. When a truck is moving too fast—especially around curves or on off-ramps—the risk of rolling over increases dramatically.
- Improper Loading: The way cargo is loaded onto a truck plays a crucial role in its stability. If the load is not evenly distributed or is too heavy, it can make the truck more likely to tip over during sudden turns or stops. A poorly loaded trailer is far more likely to rollover.
- Driver Fatigue: Truck drivers often have long routes that can lead to tiredness. A fatigued driver may not react quickly enough to sudden changes in road conditions or traffic—and it could lead to mistakes that could cause a rollover.
- Poor Road Conditions: Slippery roads from rain, snow, or ice, as well as uneven road surfaces, can challenge even the most experienced drivers. These conditions can make it harder to maintain control of a large truck. Of course, truckers and trucking companies have a duty to operate safely no matter the road conditions.
Most Semi-Truck Overturn Crashes Could Have Been Avoided With Proper Care
Semi-truck overturns are too often catastrophic, life-altering accidents for the victims. The reality is that most of these terrible incidents could have been prevented with due diligence and proper care. Factors such as excessive speed, improper cargo loading, and inadequate vehicle maintenance are all often cited as issues that contribute to these accidents. Truckers and trucking companies need to ensure that they proactively work to avoid crashes. Simple things can reduce the risk of semi-truck rollover accidents, including:
- Ensuring that truckers slow down, especially in unfavorable weather conditions or around sharp curves;
- Confirming that cargo is securely fastened and evenly distributed to avoid any shift during transit; and
- Conducting regular and comprehensive maintenance checks to identify and rectify potential issues like brake failures or tire blowouts.
A Negligent Trucker or Trucking Company Must Be Held Accountable
Who is legally responsible for a semi-truck accident in Atlanta? In Georgia, liability for a crash is based on fault. When a semi-truck overturns due to negligence, it is essential that injured victims are able to hold the responsible parties accountable. Negligence can stem from the trucker’s failure to adhere to driving regulations, such as speed limits and rest periods, or from the trucking company’s oversight in enforcing safety standards and vehicle maintenance. Accountability is not merely about assigning blame—it is about getting justice for the victims. An experienced Atlanta truck accident lawyer can investigate your rollover crash and gather all of the evidence that you need to prove fault and establish liability.
Injured Victims Have a Right to Pursue Full Financial Compensation
Were you involved in a rollover semi-truck crash in Atlanta or elsewhere in Georgia? If so, it is crucial that you are able to secure the full and fair financial compensation that you need to pay bills and support your loved ones. As these types of accidents can cause catastrophic damage, you need a top-tier Atlanta tractor trailer accident lawyer on your side. You cannot trust any insurance company or any truck company to protect your rights and your interests. Along with other types of damages, you may be entitled to recover financial compensation for:
- Vehicle repairs or vehicle replacement;
- Ambulance costs and other emergency room care;
- Hospital bills and other medical damages;
- Ongoing rehabilitative care, such as physical therapy;
- Loss of wages and loss of earning power;
- Pain and suffering & mental anguish;
- Long-term disability and physical impairment; and
- Wrongful death of a family member.
Contact Our Atlanta Truck Accident Attorneys for a Free Case Review
At Stewart Miller Simmons Trial Attorneys, our Atlanta semi-truck accident attorneys are award-winning, results-focused advocates for victims and families. If you were hurt in a crash involving an overturned truck, we can help. Give us a phone call now at (404) 529-3476 or contact us online to arrange your free, no strings attached initial case review. From our Atlanta law office, we are well-positioned to handle tractor trailer accident cases throughout the wider region.