Large Truck Accidents – Protect Yourself

We’ve all experienced that feeling deep in our stomachs while holding our breath. You can feel
your hands tighten on your steering wheel as a semi-truck hurtles past you in the opposite lane
just feet away. Tractor-trailers can make even the most experienced drivers nervous on our
Georgia highways. Weighing in at as much as 80,000 pounds, including cab, trailer, and load,
and moving at high rates of speed, these giants on the road pose a safety risk if not operated
properly. According to Trucksmart, a fully loaded semi-truck driven at 65 miles per will take
approximately 525 feet to reach a complete stop, almost the length of two entire football fields.

According to the National Safety Council, in 2020, over 107,000 large trucks were involved in
crashes resulting in an injury. The reasons for these truck accidents vary and may include some
of the following:

• Internal and external driver distractions
• Falling asleep at the wheel
• Driving too fast for road conditions
• Following too closely to other vehicles on the road
• Poor driving skills, including aggressive driving
• Improper driver training
• Trucking company negligence

Protect Yourself – 5 Defensive Driving Tips Around Large Trucks

Have you ever heard the term “The best offense is a good defense”? Keep these five things in
mind when driving around big rigs.

1. Be aware of a truck’s blind spots.
   This is an area beside the vehicle a driver can’t see while looking in a mirror. If you
   cannot see the driver, there’s a good chance the driver can’t see you.
2. Allow enough space between your vehicle and the truck.
   Build space between your car and the other vehicle. A truck that has to navigate
   challenging weather conditions like high winds or that has to brake suddenly are two
   examples that may cause a truck to tip over and trap you and your vehicle.
3. Be smart – pass trucks safely.
   Maintain safe speeds and use proper turn signals to allow the truck driver to
   adjust to your vehicle. Use extreme caution when passing a large truck on hills,
   particularly when they are speeding up or slowing down to navigate the terrain.
4. Go the appropriate speed – not the posted speed.
   Always adjust your speed to the specific road conditions. Weather and road
   conditions are significant factors in determining how fast you should be driving.
   Your priority should always be safety.
5. Don’t be distracted when driving.
   Texting and driving is just one form of distracted driving. Changing radio stations, talking
   on your cell phone, self-grooming, and plain old daydreaming are just a few more
   examples that many drivers abuse – focus on the road!

Have you been injured due to the negligence of a semi-truck driver or trucking company?
Don’t wait – call Akin & Tate.

Contact us for a free consultation if you were injured in an accident involving a large truck. The
moments after a truck accident are critical and can be overwhelming. Gathering the facts and
conducting a thorough investigation to determine if there is negligence by the driver or the
trucking company is an important step to helping you build your claim so we can fight for the
compensation you deserve. Time is of the essence since their insurance provider very likely has
a legal team working on the details of your accident. Don’t wait and be pressured to settle for
less than you deserve.

Contact us immediately.

Our team of experienced personal injury lawyers at Akin & Tate specializes in the laws and the
regulations that govern the trucking industry. We have the knowledge and expertise to navigate
important negotiations with insurance companies, so you don’t settle for less than you deserve.
We can advise you on the best path to recover maximum compensation for injuries and losses
related to a truck accident. As Georgia’s oldest continuing law practice, we understand the
greater Atlanta area, and we take pride in protecting the rights of accident victims and fighting
for the justice they deserve.