According to the United States Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety, at least 77,000 of the approximately 141,000 truck crashes in 2011 could be blamed on driver error. Truck accident injuries are often severe due to a truck's size and weight and are difficult to avoid because of the long stopping distances required by tractor trailers. If you are the victim of a truck accident it is important to have an experienced truck accident attorney in Clayton County.
A recent tractor-trailer accident outside Atlanta was caused by a speeding truck driver who was following too closely and was unable to stop when traffic slowed. A pickup truck driven by a 44-year-old slowed to get around a lawn mower that had fallen into the road. Another truck followed behind and slowed when he saw the truck's brake lights. However, a big rig behind the second truck was following too closely and sandwiched the second truck between the first pickup and the tractor-trailer. The chain reaction crash caused the tractor-trailer to overturn and slide into a guardrail, spilling its diesel fuel. The middle truck was crushed, killing the driver inside.
According to the police report, the tractor-trailer driver was arrested for following too closely and for second-degree homicide.
If you or someone you know has been hurt by a truck driver, meet with a truck accident lawyer at Shane Smith Law. We can assist you in every stage of your case including obtaining the available evidence.