Driving along I-75 can be stressful enough with heavy traffic, fast-moving vehicles, and constant construction zones. Add large commercial trucks into the mix, and the risk of a serious accident rises dramatically. For Atlanta-area drivers, truck accidents are unfortunately all too common on I-75 and other major interstates. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, having an experienced truck accident lawyer by your side can make all the difference in protecting your rights and securing fair compensation.
In this article, we’ll explore why truck accidents are so common in Georgia, the dangers they present, and why working with a trusted attorney like the Law Offices of P. Kent Eichelzer III can give you a critical advantage in your case.
Why Are Truck Accidents So Common on I-75?
Atlanta is known as the transportation hub of the South. With interstates 20, 75, 85, and Georgia 400 converging in the metro area, heavy truck traffic is unavoidable. Add in Atlanta’s dense population and steady stream of commuters, and you get a recipe for increased collisions.
Several factors contribute to the high number of truck accidents in Georgia, including:
- High Truck Volume – Over 15.5 million trucks operate nationwide, with thousands crossing through Georgia daily.
- Driver Fatigue – Long hours behind the wheel can cause truck drivers to lose focus or fall asleep, leading to devastating crashes.
- Distracted Driving – Like all motorists, truck drivers face distractions from phones, GPS systems, and in-cab devices.
- Heavier Loads – A fully loaded tractor-trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, making it 20-30 times heavier than the average car. This size difference makes collisions catastrophic.
- Challenging Interchanges – Atlanta’s complex interstates, tight merges, and constant construction zones make navigating safely more difficult for large trucks.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, there are more than 500,000 truck accidents annually in the United States. Georgia consistently ranks among the top five states for fatal large truck crashes, highlighting the seriousness of the problem.
The Severe Impact of Truck Accidents
When a passenger vehicle collides with a semi-truck, the smaller car usually suffers the worst damage. Victims often face life-changing injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken bones
- Internal organ damage
- Severe burns
- Wrongful death
Beyond physical harm, truck accident victims often face overwhelming medical bills, lost income, property damage, and emotional trauma. This is why pursuing a legal claim with the help of an experienced truck accident lawyer is so important—you need someone fighting for your recovery while you focus on healing.
Do You Need a Truck Accident Lawyer in Georgia?
The short answer: yes. Truck accidents are far more complicated than standard car crashes. Commercial trucking companies and their insurers have teams of lawyers working to minimize payouts after an accident. They may try to shift blame, deny claims, or pressure victims into settling for less than they deserve.
An experienced truck accident attorney can help by:
- Investigating the Accident – Gathering evidence like black box data, driver logs, maintenance records, and witness statements.
- Determining Liability – Identifying whether the driver, trucking company, manufacturer, or another party is responsible.
- Negotiating with Insurers – P. Kent Eichelzer’s background in insurance defense means he knows exactly how insurers operate and how to counter their tactics.
- Pursuing Full Compensation – Seeking damages for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term care needs.
Truck accident lawsuits often involve multiple parties and complex regulations, making it critical to have a lawyer with specific expertise in this area.
How Georgia Law Impacts Truck Accident Cases
Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means that if you are less than 50% at fault for the accident, you may still recover damages. However, your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% responsible for a crash, your compensation will be reduced by 20%.
This makes it essential to work with a skilled attorney who can prove the negligence of the trucking company or driver. Without strong legal representation, insurers may attempt to unfairly place blame on you and reduce or deny your claim altogether.
Why Choose the Law Offices of P. Kent Eichelzer III
When you’ve been injured in a truck accident, you don’t just need any lawyer—you need one with proven experience, deep knowledge of insurance practices, and a commitment to fighting for your best interests.
At the Law Offices of P. Kent Eichelzer III, we bring:
- Over 20 years of experience in personal injury and accident law.
- Specialized expertise in truck accidents, auto accidents, medical malpractice, wrongful death, and more.
- Unique insurance insight—Attorney Kent Eichelzer began his career working for an insurance defense firm, giving him insider knowledge of how insurers operate.
- Personalized service—Our team guides you through every step of your case with compassion and care.
We proudly serve clients throughout the greater Atlanta metro area, including Woodstock and surrounding communities.
Protect Your Future with Attorney P. Kent Eichelzer III
Truck accidents can change lives in an instant, but you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. At the Law Offices of P. Kent Eichelzer III, we know the ins and outs of insurance companies, and we use that knowledge to your advantage. Whether your case involves serious injury, wrongful death, or ongoing medical care, our team will fight to ensure you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.