The state of Georgia is planning on building a $1.8 billion highway which will be for commercial trucks only. The highway would run from Atlanta to Macon and provide 40 miles of toll-free road, with its own entrances and exits.
Georgia transportation officials predict that truck traffic in the state will double by 2040 and are looking for ways to address truck congestion for other vehicle drivers. Proponents of the project say it will reduce congestion by more than 40 percent. Critics of the project, however, have raised concerns over the high price tag.
Tractor-Trailer Accidents
There are more than 500,000 truck accidents in the U.S. each year, claiming the lives of more than 4,000 people. The majority of victims killed – more than 65 percent – are occupants of other vehicles. Fifteen percent are pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists. Approximately 15 percent of victims are truck occupants.
LEARN MORE
- The Hazards of Garbage Trucks & Dump Trucks
- Overweight Trucks: A Menace on Our Roads
- When Poor Maintenance Leads to a Commercial Trucking Accident
The number of truck accident fatalities each year keeps increasing. There were almost 30 percent more people killed 2016 than 2009. For those victims fortunate enough to survive, the injuries they suffer are often catastrophic, leaving victims and their families both physically and financially devastated. Truck accident injuries include amputation, brain injuries, disfigurement, and paralysis.
Truck Accident Causes
There are several common causes of truck accidents that a Virginia accident attorney sees repeatedly. One major study, conducted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), cited the following factors as the top causes of truck accidents:
- Driver fatigue;
- Driving off the edge of the road;
- Driving too fast for road or weather conditions;
- Encroachment of another vehicle into the truck’s lane;
- Improper truck maneuvering during normal operation;
- Lane drifting;
- Loss of control due to a mechanical failure of a critical event, such as a blowout;
- Poor road conditions;
- Shifting cargo; and
- Vehicle failure.
Contact a Virginia Personal Injury Attorney
If you or a loved one has been injured in a tractor-trailer crash, contact a skilled Virginia truck accident attorney to find out what your legal options may be against the at-fault party or parties responsible for the accident. Truck accidents often involve claims against multiple parties and can be more complex than other types of vehicle accident claims. The legal team from Shapiro & Appleton has successfully represented many clients who were truck accident victims and will aggressively fight to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Call us today at (833) 997-1774 for a free case evaluation.