Truck accidents are among the most devastating collisions on Georgia’s roads. With tractor-trailers weighing up to 80,000 pounds, crashes often leave drivers and passengers in smaller vehicles facing catastrophic injuries or worse. In Augusta, Athens, and across Georgia, these accidents are sadly common — and most could have been prevented.
At Burnside Law Firm LLP, our attorneys have more than 50 years of combined experience representing victims of truck crashes. Recognized by Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers in America, and the National Trial Lawyers Top 100, we understand the unique challenges of these cases. From the I-20 corridor through Augusta to busy freight routes near Atlanta, our team has seen firsthand the patterns behind serious truck accidents.
Here are the five leading causes — and what every Georgia driver should know.
1. Driver Fatigue
Truck drivers often work grueling schedules. Even with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) limits on hours-of-service, fatigue remains a leading factor. A tired driver has slower reaction times, reduced focus, and impaired judgment.
In Georgia, fatigue is especially concerning on long-haul routes like I-20 and Highway 25, where drivers push through overnight runs. The FMCSA estimates fatigue contributes to 13% of all truck accidents nationally, underscoring just how dangerous it is.
Prevention Tip: Electronic logging devices (ELDs) are now required, but violations still occur. Victims may have a claim if a trucking company pressured a driver to exceed legal limits.
2. Improper Cargo Loading
Cargo that shifts during transport can destabilize a truck, causing rollovers or jackknife crashes. Improperly secured loads are a frequent issue in multi-vehicle accidents — which account for 92% of serious truck crash injuries in Georgia.
For example, in Richmond and Columbia Counties, truck accidents on Bobby Jones Expressway (I-520) often involve debris spilling onto the road, creating secondary collisions.
Prevention Tip: Federal and state regulations require loads to be secured, and failure to comply can make cargo loaders or trucking companies liable.
3. Mechanical Failures
Worn brakes, defective tires, and poor maintenance can all cause deadly accidents. Trucks travel thousands of miles each week, and neglecting regular inspections can lead to catastrophic failures.
In Georgia, 244 people were killed in large-truck crashes in 2021, many linked to vehicle malfunctions. Nationwide, mechanical defects contribute to about 10% of all truck-related crashes.
Prevention Tip: Maintenance records can reveal whether a trucking company skipped required inspections. Attorneys at Burnside Law Firm often uncover these records to prove negligence.
4. Reckless or Aggressive Driving
Speeding, tailgating, and unsafe lane changes are especially dangerous when performed by an 80,000-pound vehicle. In 2021, multi-vehicle fatal crashes involving trucks in Georgia rose to 190, a 6% increase from 2017. Many of these involved reckless maneuvers.
Case Example: On I-20 near Augusta, Burnside Law Firm has handled cases where a trucker’s aggressive lane change forced a passenger car into a barrier, leading to severe injuries.
Prevention Tip: Trucking companies can be held accountable if they fail to discipline drivers with histories of reckless behavior.
5. Distracted Driving
Just like passenger vehicle drivers, truckers can be distracted by phones, GPS devices, or even in-cab systems. But the consequences are far greater when a distracted driver is behind the wheel of a semi.
Nationally, distraction contributes to thousands of large-truck crashes annually, and in Georgia, the risk is heightened on congested routes in Augusta and Atlanta.
Prevention Tip: Cell phone use while driving is restricted under both Georgia law and FMCSA regulations. Violations often provide powerful evidence in injury claims.
Why Burnside Law Firm LLP is Trusted in Georgia Truck Accident Cases
Truck accident cases require trial-ready attorneys with a deep understanding of both local roads and federal trucking regulations. Our team offers exactly that:
- Thomas R. Burnside III has decades of courtroom experience and leadership roles, including serving on the State Bar Board of Governors and earning honors such as Georgia Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers in America.
- Garon Muller, past president of the Augusta Bar Association, has earned recognition from Super Lawyers (2021–2023) and the Avvo Client’s Choice Award.
- Robert MacGregor, admitted in both Georgia and South Carolina, brings insight from his years as a Public Defender in the Augusta Judicial Circuit.
- Ashton Revollo, a graduate of Emory University School of Law, is active in the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association LEAD program and focuses on cases across the Aiken–Augusta region.
With offices in Augusta and Athens, Burnside Law Firm represents clients throughout Georgia, including Evans, Martinez, Waynesboro, and Atlanta.
FAQs: Causes of Truck Accidents in Georgia
Q: What is the most common cause of truck accidents?
A: Driver fatigue is a leading factor, but mechanical failures and reckless driving are also frequent contributors.
Q: How can improper loading cause accidents?
A: Shifting cargo can cause trucks to tip or spill loads, leading to rollovers and multi-vehicle crashes.
Q: Who can be held liable in a truck accident?
A: Liability may rest with the driver, trucking company, cargo loader, maintenance provider, or even a manufacturer.
Q: What should I do if I suspect fatigue or distracted driving played a role?
A: Speak with an attorney immediately. Burnside Law Firm can investigate driver logs, electronic records, and phone data.
Takeaway: Protect Yourself After a Truck Accident
The leading causes of truck crashes in Georgia — fatigue, improper loading, mechanical failures, reckless driving, and distraction — all point to one fact: most of these tragedies are preventable. When they occur, victims deserve accountability and compensation.
At Burnside Law Firm LLP, our trial-tested attorneys bring 50+ years of combined experience, respected legal credentials, and a reputation for excellence in Georgia’s courts. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Augusta or anywhere in Georgia, contact Burnside Law Firm LLP today for a free consultation.
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