Anyone driving in or around Atlanta is likely to be familiar with the feeling of seeing a large semi truck looming in your rearview mirror. These massive machines are intimidating to most drivers, and rightly so. Commercial trucks often weigh as much as 80,000 pounds and in the event of a truck accident, it is automobile drivers who tend to suffer the most severe injuries. Accidents in which drivers are rear-ended by semi-trucks are unfortunately common, resulting in injuries that may be severe and life threatening. In these cases, you need an experienced truck accident attorney to help you get the most out of a truck settlement claim.
Accidents Where Drivers Are Rear-Ended by Semi Truck
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reports that roughly 400,000 truck accidents occur each year in the United States. Nearly 20 percent involve drivers rear-ended by a semi-truck. These accidents can occur on major interstates as well as on local roads and highways. Common reasons why they occur include:
- Truck maintenance issues, such as brake failure or tire blowouts;
- Speeding, tailgating, or other types of aggressive driving behaviors on the part of the truck driver;
- Truck drivers who are distracted or under the influence of alcohol or other substances;
- Drowsy driving, which may cause a truck driver to fall asleep behind the wheel.
Large semi-trucks also have large blind spots known as ‘no zones’, which may prevent truck drivers from seeing other vehicles immediately around them on the road.
This FMCSA infographic shows that the blind spot in front of a truck is often as much as 20 feet, putting drivers in this space at greater risk for being rear-ended by a semi-truck.
Tips to Receive Fair and Just Compensation after Being Hit by a Truck
If you were rear-ended by a semi-truck, these tips can help you get fair and just compensation:
- Make sure you get the name of the truck driver, the company they work for, and their insurer;
- Follow all your doctor’s instructions regarding follow up care for your injuries and activity restrictions;
- Document all of your costs, collecting receipts for medications, pay stubs for lost wages, and any other expenses;
- Consider the lasting impact your injuries are likely to have on your ability to work or perform tasks on your job, along with the ongoing medical costs you may incur.
Our Legal Team is Here to Help You Today
While the trucking company and their insurer may pressure you to accept an immediate settlement, contact Apolinsky & Associates, LLC at 404-377-9191 or writing the founder of the firm Steve Apolinsky at steve@aa-legal.com first before making any statements or signing any documents. Request a consultation with our experienced Atlanta truck accident attorney to discuss your case and how we can assist you in getting the compensation you need to recover.
