Common Georgia Truck Accident Myths Debunked

A fair number of major truck accidents occur on the interstates around Atlanta. Georgia drivers aren’t strangers to the destruction and devastation that semi trucks and other large commercial trucks can cause. Everyone knows that large truck wrecks can be deadly, but what you may not know is that many Georgia residents do not understand the facts about these accidents and how they can be avoided.

When we collectively understand the facts and can decipher fact from fiction, we can begin to learn how to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe when driving next to semi trucks on busy streets and interstates. Here are 4 common Georgia truck accident myths debunked:

Myth 1: A truck wreck is just as dangerous for the truck driver as it is for the occupants of passenger vehicles.

This is false. When a commercial truck is involved in a collision, the truck driver is inevitably better protected than the occupants of any other smaller vehicles involved. This is due the fact that large trucks are more sturdy, higher up, and have a more supportive framework. Semi truck drivers are usually able to escape from an accident without suffering from major injuries. The same cannot generally be said for passenger vehicle occupants.

Myth 2: Truck drivers are less likely to cause accidents than non-commercial motorists due to the extra training they receive.

Commercial truck drivers must sustain a commercial driver’s license and partake in some extra training, but this training is not as extensive as many individuals believe. Commercial truck drivers make mistakes just as often as passenger vehicle drivers but with one notable difference—their mistakes are inherently deadlier. The fact that truck drivers are behind the wheel for long hours and for multiple days at a time may contribute to more mistakes made, in fact.

Myth 3: Jackknife truck accidents are the deadliest type of truck crash.

Jackknife accidents, which occur when a semi truck stops suddenly and its carriage swings out widely creating a “V” shape, can absolutely be deadly. Underride accidents and rollover accidents are both inherently deadlier, however, since the passenger vehicle occupants almost stand no chance of escaping.

Rollover accidents occur when a vehicle loses control and ends up rolling over on its side. Any passenger vehicles next to a commercial truck will generally instantly become crushed as a result of a collision of this type. Underride accidents occur when a passenger vehicle collides with the side of a semi truck. The bottom edge of the truck’s carriage will often shear off the top of the passenger vehicle, giving the occupants no time to escape.

Myth 4: Insurance companies aim to fully provide for victims after a truck accident.

This is also false. Insurance companies of all types prioritize their own profits over the needs of their clients. This is even more true for victims of truck crashes because insurers realize that trucking corporations are legally powerful and will almost always try and claim that the accident wasn’t caused by the trucking company or the driver. In short, most insurers will do whatever they can to settle quickly. This means you’ll likely get offered less money than you are legally entitled to.

To avoid subjecting yourself and your family to the above myths, you need to be prepared to take legal action after being involved in a truck wreck in Georgia. To learn how an Atlanta truck accident lawyer from Bey & Associates can help you take the necessary steps to getting back on your feet again, get in touch today.