Atlanta has plenty of busy roads and highways. Commercial trucks are used to transport cargo in Atlanta. Most of the time, these large trucks get into fatal accidents due to traffic congestion in Atlanta. It is one of the main reasons for truck crashes in Atlanta. Mostly, these truck accidents are caused by the negligence of someone involved in the operation, regulation, or maintenance of trucks. If you have been involved in such a crash, then it is important to file an accident claim. However, since the Atlanta truck accident claim process is complex, you must get the help of an experienced lawyer.
Here are the common types of negligence that can cause truck accidents:
Speeding
Generally, speeding increases the risk of colliding, jackknifing with other vehicles, or losing control of the truck, which can contribute to major accidents. Moreover, braking distances increase at higher speeds, making it challenging for truck drivers to stop in time to avoid accidents. You should keep in mind that speed limits protect both drivers and yourself on busy roads. It is important to obey all traffic laws and drive within the appropriate speed limits.
Fatigue
Usually, truck drivers work overtime, which contributes to fatigue. Fatigue makes truck drivers lose alertness, slow reaction times, and impair judgment. All these things lead to unsafe driving. When the truck driver gets tired, they lose their ability to concentrate on the road, which leads to accidents. In detail, most of the time, truck drivers who experience fatigue may fall asleep while driving, be unable to respond to traffic rules, or drive through lanes, which may cause an unpleasant truck crash.
Distracted Driving
Another major cause of truck accidents is distracted driving. Distractions such as eating, using mobile phones, and listening to songs can divert the attention of a truck driver from the road. Nearly 60% of fatal truck accidents occur due to distracted driving. Distracted driving is extremely dangerous for truck drivers who drive heavy and large trucks, which require more space and time to maneuver or stop. You should remember one thing: even a small distraction can often contribute to life-threatening accidents.
Read More: https://www.actwitty.com/blog/texting-and-driving-facts-and-startling-statistics/
Lack of Maintenance
Usually, poor maintenance of trucks can often cause major hazardous accidents, such as poor steering and instability. Moreover, poorly maintained trucks can be harder to drive. That makes the drivers mostly distracted. Tire blowouts, brake failures, and other equipment malfunctions can also contribute to truck accidents. Neglecting regular inspections and failing to address mechanical issues or repairs may also lead to fatal truck crashes.
Improperly Loaded Cargo
If the cargo is not loaded appropriately, it can lead to an overweight or unbalanced truck, making it tougher and more unstable to maneuver. It also increases the risk of jackknife or rollover accidents, posing a threat to other vehicles and truck drivers on the road. Moreover, unsecured cargo has the potential to shift in transit, leading the driver to collide with other vehicles and lose control. The truck driver should be familiar with loading requirements and procedures, and truckers should check the load before driving on highways and roads.
Aggressive Driving
Aggressive driving, such as frequent lane changes, tailgating, excessive flashing lights or honking, weaving in and out of traffic, running red lights, blocking cars attempting to change lanes or pass, changing lanes without signaling, and using brakes or headlights to punish other drivers can create dangerous circumstances on busy roads and increase the risk of truck crashes. Truck drivers also put others in risky situations.
Wrapping Up
All the above negligence factors can cause serious truck crashes for the truck driver, other road users, and the trucking company. So, it is necessary to follow all traffic rules and safety regulations to prevent truck accidents. We hope our article will help you understand these forms of negligence and take the right measures to resolve them.
Suppose you have been injured in a truck accident. You must consult an experienced truck accident attorney to check your legal options and get compensation for your injuries and damages.
