Top Causes of Truck Accidents in Georgia and How to Avoid Them

• June 13, 2025
• Attorney David Mann
• Truck Accidents

Trucks are a part of the highway experience, especially in Georgia. We’ve all witnessed crumpled cars that have been hit by speeding big rigs on the interstate. Trucks accidents are more severe than car accidents because of their sheer size and weight, and injuries sustained in these collisions are often catastrophic.

This blog post will discuss the top causes of truck accidents in Georgia and how to avoid them.

Leading Causes of Truck Accidents in Georgia

While there can be numerous causes of truck accidents in Georgia, there are four leading causes:

• Driver Fatigue – The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has specific regulations on how long a truck driver can be behind the wheel. A truck driver may not be behind the wheel for more than 14 consecutive hours. Once the truck driver has driven 14 consecutive hours, they can’t drive again for another 10 hours. Fatigued truck drivers have slower reaction times and judgment can be impaired, increasing the possibility of causing an accident. In fact, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), being awake for 17 hours straight is estimated to be equivalent to having a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .05.
• Driver Negligence – Driver negligence can come in many forms, including speeding, distracted driving, and improper lane changes. And, with the increased use of cell phones, more drivers are being distracted from the road when they should be concentrating on driving. In addition, aggressive driving has also become an issue in recent years. Drivers in large trucks who drive aggressively are especially dangerous because of the size and weight of their trucks.
• Improper Truck Maintenance – While any vehicle on the road can have mechanical issues like brake failure, tire blowouts, or faulty lights, accidents involving trucks can be devastating. Trucking companies have the responsibility to maintain their fleets. There are also federal regulations in place that involve routine safety inspections and load amounts. Before a truck goes out on an assignment, it is important to have a complete inspection so that any mechanical issues are found. This can include thinning brake lines, tires low on tread, or lights that are not working.
• Improper Loading and Cargo Securement – Unbalanced and unsecured cargo can cause a truck to roll over or jackknife, creating accidents with severe injuries. The FMCSA has specific regulations on how cargo needs to be secured, including the number of tiedowns that should be used. In short, the rules state that cargo must be secured on a truck with structures and supports so that the loads do not shift or fall off the truck. An overloaded truck that rolls over can cause a major accident.

How to Avoid Truck Accidents in Georgia

Accidents do happen, and sometimes they are unavoidable. However, there are some ways to reduce the probability of being involved in a truck accident, both for passenger vehicle drivers and truck drivers:

• For Passenger Vehicle Drivers – If you are a passenger vehicle driver, it is always important to maintain a safe following distance, avoid blind spots, and pass trucks safely and efficiently. You should also be aware of wide turns and try to anticipate truck movements. Last, try to be patient around large trucks. We understand that trucks on the road can be frustrating, but following these steps may make the road a safer place to drive.
• For Truck Drivers and Trucking Companies – If you are a truck driver or the owner of a trucking company, it is important to adhere to FMCSA regulations regarding hours of service and the security of the cargo on board the truck. Also, a pre-trip and post-trip inspection should be completed and strict maintenance schedules should be adhered to. Last, truck drivers should avoid distractions at all times.

How a Georgia Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help

There are so many complex factors present when a truck accident occurs. If you think the driver or the truck company should be held liable for your injuries, you should contact a Georgia truck attorney to discuss your case. A truck accident lawyer can help you in many ways, such as by . . .

• Looking over your injuries, the police reports, pictures of the scene, and eyewitness reports to determine whether you have a claim for compensation
• Filing important paperwork with the insurance company or the courts
• Negotiating with the insurance companies to come to a fair settlement for your injuries
• Filing a lawsuit in court if a fair settlement can’t be reached
• Trying your case in front of a jury.

We hope that this blog post helped you understand the top causes of truck accidents in Georgia and how to avoid them. While there is no magic wand to avoid accidents, these steps can help lessen the probability of being injured in one.

Call The Georgia Truck Accident Attorneys At The Mann Law Firm

If you have been injured in a truck accident, you may not know what to do first. After being treated for your injuries, you should call the Mann Law Firm for a free consultation. We have been helping clients with truck accident claims for over 30 years. We also know how to deal with unreasonable insurance companies to help you get a fair settlement for your injuries. Call us today at (478) 742-3381. We truly care. At the Mann Law Firm, you always come first.