Atlanta, Georgia, is an important transportation center in the Southeast. It has a large network of interstates, including I-285, I-75, I-85, and I-20, that come together in and around the city. This heavy commercial traffic increases the risk of truck accidents. In recent years, serious truck accidents in Atlanta have worried residents, police, and lawmakers.
Atlanta Truck Accidents: Legal Help from McArthur Law Firm
For those injured in these devastating crashes, the road to recovery can be long, complex, and expensive. That’s why securing experienced legal representation from a trusted firm like McArthur Law Firm is critical. The McArthur Law Firm is dedicated to helping truck accident victims in Atlanta get fair compensation.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an Atlanta truck accident, call 404-565-1621 for a free consultation today. Our experienced Atlanta truck accident lawyers can help you get maximum compensation for your injuries.
Truck Accidents in Atlanta: A Growing Concern
The high number of trucks, along with commuter traffic and road problems throughout Atlanta has led to more commercial vehicle accidents in recent years. Atlanta has some of the deadliest highways for truck accidents in the entire state of Georgia.
Atlanta’s Role in the Trucking Industry
Atlanta is a key transportation and logistics center. This makes it one of the busiest freight routes in the United States. The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) says that over 27,000 trucks pass through the Atlanta metro area daily. This is especially true at the “Spaghetti Junction,” which is the busiest interchange in the country.
Truck Wreck Statistics in Atlanta and Georgia
According to the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety and GDOT:
- In 2022, there were over 16,000 crashes involving large trucks across the state of Georgia.
- Of those, approximately 3,700 truck crashes occurred in the Metro Atlanta area, including Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, and Gwinnett counties.
- Truck accidents contributed to 234 fatalities in Georgia in 2022—a significant increase from 179 in 2019.
- Fulton County alone accounted for the highest number of truck-related crash fatalities in the state over the last five years.
Source: Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety & Georgia DOT Crash Data Portal
Types of Trucks Involved in Accidents
The majority of truck wrecks involve:
- 18-wheelers / semi-trucks
- Dump trucks
- Tanker trucks
- Box trucks and delivery vehicles (e.g., FedEx, UPS, Amazon vans)
These vehicles are very big and heavy. They often weigh over 80,000 pounds when loaded. Because of this, they can cause catastrophic injuries or even deaths. This is especially true when they hit smaller cars.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Atlanta
Understanding why truck accidents occur is critical to identifying liability and maximizing your compensation. The most common causes of truck accidents in the Atlanta metro area include:
1. Driver Fatigue
Truck drivers often work long hours, and despite federal Hours of Service (HOS) regulations, fatigue remains a leading cause of crashes.
2. Distracted Driving
Texting, GPS use, and other distractions contribute significantly to crashes on I-285, I-75, and downtown interstates.
3. Speeding and Aggressive Driving
Tight delivery deadlines can push drivers to speed, especially in Atlanta’s fast-moving traffic lanes.
4. Improper Loading
Cargo that is improperly secured or overloaded can lead to rollover accidents or jackknife incidents.
5. Mechanical Failures
Brake failures, worn tires, and other mechanical problems are common issues in trucking cases around Atlanta. This is especially true when someone skips truck maintenance.
6. Poor Training or Negligent Hiring
Some companies fail to properly vet drivers, contributing to increased accidents due to inexperience or past violations.
Why Truck Accident Cases Are More Complex Than Car Wrecks
Truck accident cases involve more than just the driver. Multiple parties may share responsibility, including:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company (carrier)
- Maintenance providers
- Loading or shipping companies
- Truck manufacturers (in defective vehicle cases)
Additionally, trucking companies are backed by large insurance providers who aggressively defend against claims. These insurers often attempt to shift blame to the victim or offer quick settlements far below what the case is truly worth.
That’s where McArthur Law Firm steps in to level the playing field.
How McArthur Law Firm Helps Atlanta Truck Accident Victims
At McArthur Law Firm, our experienced Georgia truck accident attorneys know how to handle these high-stakes cases. We are committed to getting you the maximum compensation possible under Georgia law.
1. Immediate Investigation and Evidence Preservation
Truck companies are required to maintain certain records, such as:
- Driver logs
- Black box (ELD) data
- Maintenance records
- GPS tracking
- Dashcam footage
These records can disappear quickly if not preserved. Our team sends legal spoliation letters immediately to prevent anyone from destroying evidence.
2. Proving Negligence and Liability
We work with experts in accident reconstruction, forensic engineering, and the trucking industry. They help us learn what happened and who is responsible.
This includes analyzing:
- Truck speed and braking data
- Traffic camera footage
- Hiring and training practices
- Hours of service violations
- FMCSA safety history
3. Filing Claims Against All Liable Parties
Our legal team will find and go after everyone at fault. This includes the driver, their employer, a contractor, or even the maker of a faulty truck part.
4. Maximizing Compensation for Your Damages
We aggressively pursue full compensation for:
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Disability or disfigurement
- Wrongful death (in fatal truck accident cases)
In serious injury cases, like brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, or amputations, we also plan for future care needs.
5. Taking Your Case to Trial If Needed
McArthur Law Firm is ready to take a case to trial if the insurance company won’t give a fair settlement. Our reputation as skilled litigators helps pressure insurance carriers to pay what your case is truly worth.
Atlanta Truck Accident Settlements and Verdicts
Truck accident compensation can be substantial, particularly when victims suffer permanent injuries or lose a loved one. While each case is unique, here are general settlement ranges for truck accident claims in Georgia:
Injury Type | Average Settlement Range |
---|---|
Soft Tissue Injuries | $25,000 – $75,000 |
Fractures | $75,000 – $200,000 |
Traumatic Brain Injuries | $250,000 – $1,000,000+ |
Spinal Cord Injuries | $500,000 – $2,000,000+ |
Wrongful Death (Trucking Case) | $1,000,000 – $5,000,000+ |
Note: These are general estimates and not guarantees. Settlements vary based on the facts of your case, available insurance coverage, and extent of damages.
Why Choose McArthur Law Firm?
For over 40 years, McArthur Law Firm has assisted people in Atlanta. We have helped families in Georgia receive millions of dollars.
We provide this support throughout the entire duration of serious trucking accident case. Here’s what sets our firm apart:
- We’re Georgia-based, with deep knowledge of local trucking routes and regulations.
- We’ve recovered multi-million-dollar verdicts in complex injury cases.
- We offer free consultations, and you pay nothing unless we win.
- We handle every case with compassion, urgency, and integrity.
Our lead attorney, Kathy McArthur, is well-known across the country. She has built an experienced legal team that fights for justice and wins.
What To Do After a Truck Accident in Atlanta
Truck accidents are traumatic and disorienting. In the aftermath, it can be difficult to know what to do after a truck accident. If you or a loved one has been hit by a truck in Atlanta, take these steps immediately:
- Call 911 – Ensure police respond and document the accident.
- Seek Medical Attention – Even if you feel fine, internal injuries may take time to show.
- Gather Evidence – Take photos, collect witness information, and note company logos on the truck.
- Do Not Talk to the Insurance Company – They may try to minimize your injuries or shift blame.
- Call McArthur Law Firm – Call 404-565-1621 and let us deal with the legal battle while you focus on healing.
Truck Accident Lawsuits in Georgia: Statute of Limitations
In Georgia, you typically have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit, per O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33.
However, truck accident cases require prompt action to preserve evidence. The sooner you contact an attorney, the stronger your case will be.
Schedule Your Free Consultation with McArthur Law Firm Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Atlanta, don’t navigate the aftermath alone. Let the experienced truck accident team at McArthur Law Firm stand up to the trucking companies and fight for the justice you deserve.
Call the number above or use our online contact form to get in touch anytime for a free consultation, day or night.