Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Georgia

The most common causes of truck accidents in Georgia highlight how easily a routine drive can turn tragic. Millions of tons of freight pass through Georgia byways and highways each year. Commercial trucking is critical for the Peach State economy, but tractor-trailers’ size and heft can result in tragic consequences if even a split-second lapse in judgment is made.

The devastation a tractor-trailer collision leaves behind can engulf the lives of whole families, especially when a victim sustains catastrophic injuries, incurs long-term property damage, and struggles with financial burdens. Learn the leading reasons behind accidents, and you, as a driver, will have the foresight to watch for those hazards and pinpoint when preventable negligence is a contributing factor.

Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer

Our mission at Barnes Law Group is simple: Making It Right for those injured due to the carelessness of others. We represent Georgians who sustain injuries in serious truck accidents and other catastrophic events from our Marietta office.

Our experienced truck accident attorneys have spent decades investigating collisions, carrier practices, and pursuing accountability from trucking companies and their insurers. Known for our attention to detail, clear communication, and strategic advocacy, our team works on a contingency fee basis so you only pay if we secure a successful result for you.

Drivers of Passenger Vehicles or Bicycles

Driver inattention or fatigue, speeding, mechanical problems, and cargo shifts are some of the most common issues contributing to truck accidents throughout Georgia. A lot of the time, the increased risk associated with driving tractor-trailers can often be attributed to the truck’s sheer size and weight and the high-pressure environment in the trucking industry.

Distracted or Fatigued Truck Drivers

Driver inattention or fatigue is one of the leading causes of truck accidents in Georgia. Extended work hours make truck drivers more susceptible to slow reaction times, drifting out of their lane, and making poor judgments on the road.

In 2023, there were 5,472 fatalities in traffic crashes involving large trucks in the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 633 people were killed in crashes where fatigue was reported as a contributing factor. Georgia’s major freight corridors, including I-85 and I-75, lead to truck accidents due to driver fatigue, which is an ongoing safety concern. Other issues include:

• Extended shifts
• Pressure to deliver on time
• Inconsistent or missed rest breaks

Speeding and Unsafe Driving Behaviors

Speeding is another contributor to serious truck collisions in the state. Large commercial vehicles take much longer to come to a stop when compared to smaller passenger cars, meaning even a modest increase in speed can turn an avoidable traffic incident into a fatal truck crash. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports speeding was a contributing factor in 29% of all traffic fatalities in the U.S. in 2023. Speeding leads to:

• Aggressive passing
• Tailgating smaller vehicles
• Failure to adjust speed to weather or traffic

When truck drivers exceed safe speed limits, the size and mass of the vehicle amplify the force of the impact and often lead to more severe injuries in a collision.

Mechanical Failures and Poor Fleet Maintenance

Mechanical failures are another contributing cause of truck accidents across the state. Brake failures, tire blowouts, and steering problems become much more likely when trucking companies do not maintain scheduled maintenance and fail to take unsafe trucks out of service.

In 2025’s Roadcheck, inspectors placed 18.1% of commercial vehicles out of service. Mechanical failures can lead to hazards that are sudden and unavoidable for nearby motorists, so often a truck’s maintenance records become critical evidence in determining liability after a crash. Other issues include:

• Worn brakes
• Damaged tires
• Improperly secured cargo
• Malfunctioning lights or signals

Federal and State Regulations in Truck Accident Cases

Truck crashes are often the result of systemic issues and not simply a driver’s momentary mistake. Liability for a Georgia truck accident often turns on whether the trucking company and its drivers violated state traffic laws and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration safety rules.

These areas may expand the scope of legal responsibility for an accident and support an injured person’s claim. A meticulous investigation can uncover:

• Hours of service violations or falsified logbooks
• Vehicle maintenance problems or neglected inspections
• Cargo securement issues or trailer overloading
• Drug and alcohol testing infractions or lax compliance standards

FAQs About Causes of Truck Accidents in GA

Do Georgia Roads Pose Unique Risks for Commercial Trucks?

Georgia roads present particular hazards for commercial trucks because the high volume of freight, fast-moving commuter traffic, and quick lane switching can lead to mistakes. The question of whether Georgia is riskier often breaks down to traffic density and high-speed mixing of trucks and cars. Busy corridors such as I-85, I-75, and I-285 become riskier with heavy delivery activity during peak hours.

How Do I Establish Proof Of A Truck’s Reckless Driving Behavior?

Establishing proof of a truck’s reckless driving behavior after a crash involves gathering evidence that forms a detailed picture of events. Dash-cam footage, ECM black box data, records of hard braking, or witness observations all can help.

The question of how to show careless conduct includes looking for objective markers soon after an accident so your attorney can review possibilities like tailgating, erratic lane changes, or uneven speeds.

Why Do Truck Accidents Appear to Have So Many Mechanical Failures?

Truck accidents appear to have so many mechanical failures because large trucks rely on well-functioning brakes, tires, and suspension to stay stable with heavy-weight loads. The question of why mechanical failures are so common breaks down to how one issue can lead to other failures that snowball into a catastrophic crash.

How Long Does a Georgia Truck Accident Lawsuit Typically Take?

Georgia truck accident claims vary in duration because they involve complex and unique circumstances. A single insurance claim can be resolved very quickly if fault is obvious, or it can take much longer if liability, injuries, or federal regulations are contested. The timeline is also impacted by professional witness reviews, medical recovery, and negotiations with large commercial carriers.

Contact a Georgia Truck Accident Lawyer

Georgia truck accidents cause long-term physical, financial, and emotional harm for so many. Knowing what causes them can be a first step in helping you to protect your rights and pursue accountability. Barnes Law Group serves injured Georgians on a contingency fee basis, and we are dedicated to Making It Right. Call our team to discuss your options and next steps.