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Last Modified on Dec 09, 2025
Semi-trucks play a critical role in America’s economy, making them prevalent on roadways across the country. Unfortunately, with the large number of trucks sharing highways and rural roads with the average car each day, truck accidents are a common occurrence. To stay safe in Georgia and protect your rights if you’re involved in an accident, it’s crucial to understand potential hazards and common types of semi-truck accidents in Georgia.
Georgia Semi-Truck Accident Statistics
The state of Georgia sees a significant number of truck accidents each year. In fact, in 2023 alone, there were 172 fatal accidents involving trucks throughout the state. These numbers account for 12% of all fatal auto accidents in Georgia in 2023.
Georgia is also a diverse state with populated urban and rural areas. While many drivers assume that truck accidents occur on busy highways, they can also occur on small, rural roads. About one-fifth of Georgia’s people live in rural areas, and in 2023, one-third of all traffic fatalities occurred in rural areas. Regardless of where your accident occurred, it’s important that you consult a truck accident lawyer who can help you identify your legal options moving forward.
Common Types of Semi-Truck Accidents in Georgia
The sheer size and weight of the average semi-truck is enough to cause devastating accidents and injuries when small automobiles are involved. The most common types of semi-truck accidents seen in Georgia include:
- Sideswipe Crashes: A sideswipe same-direction crash involves vehicles that hit each other’s sides while traveling in the same direction. This type of crash accounted for 30% of semi-truck accidents in Georgia between 2017 and 2021. Distracted driving and weather could easily contribute to sideswipe crashes, with vehicles slipping on ice or drifting over while a driver isn’t fully paying attention.
- Rear-End Crashes: A rear-end collision involves a truck hitting the back of the vehicle in front of it. Brake failure or loss of traction due to ice on the road could be contributing factors for such accidents. Drivers who cut off trucks may also cause accidents, as trucks cannot slow down or maneuver as quickly as the average car.
- Angle Crashes: An angle crash happens when the front end of a vehicle hits the side of another vehicle. For semi-trucks, angle crashes commonly occur when the truck driver is trying to make a turn. Because of their size, trucks must make relatively wide turns. Sometimes, it may look like the truck is going straight when it is in fact turning, and a distracted driver may keep going straight in the inside lane, leading to a collision.
Factors Contributing to Semi-Truck Accidents in Georgia
As with any other motor vehicle, there are many possible contributing factors to semi-truck crashes. Human error, severe weather, and poor maintenance can all lead to devastating accidents. The following are some of the most common factors that contribute to Georgia truck accidents:
- Weather: While the winters in Georgia aren’t particularly harsh, the state still deals with severe rain and temperatures that can drop below freezing on winter nights. From untreated ice patches to severe rain and wind, harsh weather can quickly reduce visibility for drivers as well as traction on a truck’s wheels. Rain can make roadways extremely slick, especially in the first few minutes of a downpour.
- Distracted Driving: Distracted driving is a constant danger. Whether a driver is texting, talking to a passenger, eating, or trying to do some other activity, taking their eyes off the road for even a moment can cause disaster.
- Equipment Failure: Sometimes, equipment does not work as it should. Speedometers can be faulty and give false numbers, leading to inadvertent speeding. Brakes can fail, making it difficult or impossible to stop safely. Tires can blow, leading to loss of control and possibly a crash. Like people, machines are fallible, and sometimes they simply break or experience technical issues.
Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer You Can Trust
Truck accidents in Georgia are complex and can come with devastating injuries and damages. When you or someone you love is harmed due to a truck accident in Georgia, it’s imperative that you hire a truck accident lawyer who can advocate for your rights and secure justice on your behalf. An experienced personal injury lawyer from Trammell Injury Law can assess your situation, help you build a strong claim, and fight to secure the compensation you need to heal.
FAQs
What Is the Least Common Type of Semi-Truck Accident in Georgia?
According to data collected from 2017 to 2021, the least common type of semi-truck accident in Georgia was the head-on collision. 2,063 of semi-truck accidents in this period were head-on collisions, accounting for only 2% of semi-truck collisions in that time. While these types of accidents are rare, they are some of the most severe, as they can come with permanent injuries and even result in death.
When Should You Hire a Georgia Truck Accident Lawyer?
You should hire a Georgia truck accident lawyer as soon as you or someone you love is hurt in a truck accident somewhere in the state. An experienced truck accident attorney can immediately begin evaluating your case and building a personal injury claim on your behalf. They can use their knowledge, negotiation skills, and litigation experience to fight insurers and secure the compensation you deserve.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Georgia Truck Accident Lawyer?
The cost of hiring a Georgia truck accident lawyer is heavily dependent on the unique details of your case. Generally, most truck accident lawyers in Georgia use contingency fees to charge their clients. This means they will only take an agreed-upon percentage of your settlement if they help you win your claim. To better understand the pricing structure your lawyer uses, you should discuss all fees during your initial consultation.
How Many People Die in Semi-Truck Crashes in Georgia Each Year?
The most recent data showing how many people die each year in semi-truck crashes in Georgia is from 2023. That year, 210 people died in semi-truck accidents on Georgia roadways. Of those fatalities, 94 took place in rural areas, possibly due to the tendency for collisions in rural areas to occur at higher rates of speed.
Hire a Trusted Truck Accident Lawyer From Trammell Injury Law
If you have been injured in a Georgia semi-truck accident, you need to hire a truck accident lawyer who can advocate for your rights and your future. Contact Trammell Injury Law today to schedule a consultation and learn what we can do for you.
