Dallas, 08/12/2016 /SubmitPressRelease123/
Atlanta, GA — Every time you turn on the television, open a newspaper, or scroll through the trending stories online, it seems like the media is reporting another serious truck accident. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reports that almost 4,000 American lives are lost every year due to 18-wheeler crashes. That translates to 11 fatal truck crashes every single day.
Most drivers know all too well the harrowing feeling of white-knuckling it past a swaying tractor-trailer. These trucks are the largest vehicles on the road. Weighing up to 80,000 pounds, each truck is a potential weapon in a crash.
As Atlanta truck accident lawyers at 1800 Truck Wreck, we handle all types of tractor-trailer accident cases. Although these horrific crashes can be caused by all kinds of factors, certain cases tend to show up over and over again.
Truck Driver Fatigue
Drowsy driving is a problem for all motorists. As a nation, Americans are chronically tired. Simply put, few of us get enough sleep to truly be safe on the road. According to the National Sleep Foundation, about 168 million Americans admit to driving when they’re drowsy. Most drivers have nodded off at the wheel at least once or twice. When you’re driving a semi-truck, however, it’s especially important to be well-rested.
It’s also the law. Federal regulations place rigid restrictions on how many hours truck drivers are allowed to drive before they are required to take a break to sleep. More than that, truck drivers are now also required to switch from paper logbooks to electronic log books to cut down on inaccurate hours of service reporting.
Unbalanced Loads and Defective Equipment
When you’re passing a semi and its trailer, you probably don’t give much thought to what’s inside it. After you’ve seen one silver rectangular trailer you’ve seen them all. On the inside, however, these trailers carry everything from computers and furniture to toys and livestock. To maximize productivity, trucks are usually filled to the brim.
It is critical for a truck’s load to be properly balanced. The trailer’s contents will invariably shift as the truck moves down the road. Because a trailer’s center of gravity is so high, even a small shift in its cargo can pull it off course. In the worst case scenario, a trailer tips, resulting in a jackknife.
Inclement Weather
It doesn’t take snow and ice to make for hazardous driving conditions. Anyone who has driven in an Atlanta rainstorm knows how dangerous the roads can be, especially after a dry spell. Accumulations of oil and debris can make the roads incredibly slick. Truck drivers operate under strict deadlines, which can sometimes cause them to push the boundaries of safety. Just like any motorist, it’s important for them to adjust their speed and maneuvering when the weather turns bad.
Operator Error
Driving is an activity that requires your full attention. It may not feel like it, but maneuvering a car is one of the more complex tasks the average person undertakes. It requires concentration, quick decision-making, and fine motor skills. Even a moment’s lapse in concentration can mean disaster. If you have ever drifted into another lane, you know how easy it is to overcorrect and cause your vehicle to swerve violently as you struggle to bring your car under control.
In a semi, this type of overcorrection is magnified. Trucks are much taller and heavier than the typical car. Therefore, it’s much easier for them to careen out of control, causing a serious accident.
How an Atlanta Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help You
Tractor-trailer accident cases usually result in devastating injuries. If you are dealing with the aftermath of a truck accident, don’t do it alone. Our Atlanta truck accident lawyers are here to help. Call 24/7 to speak with an experienced truck accident attorney about your case. We offer free consultations. Call 1-800-878-2597 to get yours now.
Media Contact
Lucy Tiseo – 1-800-878-2597
http://www.1800truckwreck.com/
source: http://www.1800truckwreck.com/top-causes-atlanta-truck-accidents-reports-1800-truck-wreck.html
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