Georgia Truck Accident Statistics in 2022

December 19, 2022

Commercial trucks, due to their massive size, weight, and high operating speeds, remain one of the most dangerous vehicles on Georgia roadways. Accidents that might result in minor injuries in standard car collisions can become catastrophic or fatal when a semi-truck is involved.

If you’re one of the thousands of victims who have been hurt by trucks on Georgia roadways, you’re entitled to compensation. At Henningsen Injury Attorneys, P.C., we hold negligent truck drivers and trucking companies accountable for unsafe practices. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Why Semi-Truck Accidents are More Dangerous

Commercial trucks are much heavier than even the largest personal vehicles. Commercial vehicles are given a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). A large truck with a class 7 or 8 rating can weigh 33,000 pounds or more.

By comparison, an average SUV weighs 4,000 to 6,000 pounds, meaning a truck can be 10–20 times heavier than a passenger vehicle. This extreme weight difference results in:

• Greater impact force during collisions
• Higher likelihood of severe or fatal injuries
• Increased stopping distances and reduced maneuverability

Additionally, many trucks carry hazardous materials or unsecured cargo, which can create secondary dangers such as fires, explosions, or roadway debris.

By law, the total weight of a vehicle cannot exceed 80,000 pounds or 40 tons. Naturally, any additional weight that the truck is hauling adds to the above-described energy. That means a car could potentially experience an impact with a vehicle nearly 20 times heavier.

Common Types of Truck Accidents in Georgia

Large trucks can be involved in standard collisions, but they also present unique accident risks, including:

• Jackknife Accidents: When the trailer swings outward and folds toward the cab
• Cargo Spills: Improperly secured loads can fall onto the roadway
• Rollover Accidents: Often caused by sharp turns or uneven cargo distribution
• Underride Accidents: Smaller vehicles slide beneath the truck trailer
• Rear-End Collisions: Due to longer stopping distances

These accident types often result in more severe injuries compared to typical car accidents.

The following accident statistics are reported by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) data. The FMCSA is a division of the U.S. Department of Transportation. These are national statistics from 2020 (2021 and 2022 are not available at the time of this writing) that demonstrate the severity of large truck accident injuries and traffic fatalities, and property damage.

Truck Accident Statistics (U.S. Data)

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), truck accidents continue to cause significant injuries and fatalities nationwide.

Property Damage-Only Crashes (2020)

• 310,000 total crashes with no injuries or fatalities
• 3% involved collisions with moving vehicles
• 8% involved fixed objects
• 4% involved parked vehicles

Injury Crashes (2020)

• 101,000 crashes involving injuries
• 6% involved collisions with other vehicles
• 1% involved fixed objects
• 9% were rollover accidents

Fatal Truck Accidents (2020)

• 4,444 fatal crashes nationwide
• 6% involved collisions with other vehicles
• 6% involved pedestrians
• 6% involved rollovers

These statistics highlight the severe risks associated with large truck accidents.

Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accidents in Georgia

Our law firm represents individuals who have been injured by negligent truck drivers. Truck accident fatalities and injuries are unacceptably high. We do our part to keep the Georgia truck accident highway statistics down by holding trucking companies and drivers accountable for their actions.

The following questions are frequently asked by our clients who have reported injuries in truck accidents or whose family members or loved ones were killed in fatal crashes.

What Percentage Of Georgia Traffic Deaths Are Caused By Trucks?

Using NHTSA data from 2016 to 2020, 13.8 percent of our roadway deaths involved a commercial truck.

 How Truck Accidents Differ From Car Accidents?

In addition to the dangers presented by the massive size of the trucks, truckers driving semis must go through extensive training. In addition, there are laws, rules, and agency regulations that affect the hours and operating conditions of a truck driver.

For example, a truck driver must take a 30-minute break if they’ve been driving more than eight cumulative hours without a 30-minute interruption. Additionally, they must keep a logbook that documents their hours of driving.

Truck accidents involve additional legal complexities due to federal and state regulations governing the trucking industry. For example:

• Drivers must comply with hours-of-service regulations to prevent fatigue
• Truckers are required to maintain driving logs and inspection records
• Companies must follow strict maintenance and safety standards

Violations of these regulations can play a critical role in determining liability.

 What If the Truck Driver Was Negligent or Impaired?

Commercial drivers are held to stricter safety standards, especially regarding alcohol use. If a truck driver was under the influence or violated safety regulations, it can significantly strengthen your claim and may lead to additional damages, including punitive damages in some cases.

Why Should I Hire a Truck Accident Attorney?

Truck accident cases often involve multiple liable parties, including:

• The truck driver
• The trucking company
• Cargo loaders or maintenance providers

An experienced attorney can investigate all potential sources of liability and pursue maximum compensation.

What Compensation Can I Recover After a Truck Accident?

You may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage

Why You Need an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer?

Truck accident claims are often aggressively defended by large insurance companies and corporate legal teams. An experienced attorney can:

• Gather critical evidence, including driver logs and black box data
• Identify regulatory violations
• Negotiate for maximum compensation or take your case to trial

At Henningsen Injury Attorneys, P.C., we are committed to helping victims of serious truck accidents in Atlanta and across Georgia recover the compensation they deserve.

Get Help After a Truck Accident in Georgia

If you or a loved one has been injured in a semi-truck accident, contact Henningsen Injury Attorneys, P.C. today for a free consultation.

Let our Atlanta personal injury attorneys fight for your rights!