Truck Accidents and Drowsy Driving: How to Stay Safe

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Staying alert and focused as a driver may seem like a no brainer, but anyone is susceptible to feeling drowsy behind the while. After long days on the road, it’s important to get rest instead of pushing through your exhaustion to finish the trip. It’s time to wake up to the dangers of drowsy driving, so keep reading to learn more about how to stay safe on the road.

Staying Awake for Your Safety

When you drive for a living, a good night’s rest is important, so it’s necessary to understand the warning signs of drowsy driving to help keep yourself safe. Not sleeping for 24 hours can resemble the effects of a 0.10% blood alcohol content level, which is above the legal limit.

Warning signs of drowsy driving can be frequent blinking, yawning, struggling to keep your head upright, nodding off, missing road or exit signs, hitting rumble strips, or “zoning out” for miles at a time. 

So, how can truck drivers properly address the correlation between truck accidents & drowsy driving. Well, first ensure you’re feeling your best on the road and simply follow these few tips:

  • Get seven to nine hours of sleep
  • Optimize your sleeping environment and schedule for your best sleep
  • Avoid alcohol, painkillers, or sleeping aids
  • Try to avoid peak drowsiness times for other drivers

Truck Accidents & Drowsy Driving: What to Do If You Start Falling Asleep 

If you begin to experience any of the warning signs of drowsy driving, it’s important to know what to do.

First: For your safety, stop driving as soon as possible. Pushing through the last leg of your trip isn’t worth compromising your safety.

Two: Pull into the next rest stop for a power nap or as long as you need to rest. Having a cup of coffee or other caffeinated drink may seem like a good idea, but it is just a quick fix.

Taking a break and getting some sleep is the best way to handle drowsy driving and reduce the safety risks on the road. 

Contact Ross Moore Law Today! 

Drowsy driving behind the wheel of a commercial motor vehicle can potentially cause a serious accident. If you or someone you know has been injured due to a drowsy driver, Ross Moore Law is here to help. 

Looking for a local personal injury attorney to handle your case? Our team at Ross Moore Law is eager to put our experience to work for you. Call us today or book a free consultation online! 

Conveniently located in the heart of Atlanta, GA, we are proud to serve clients throughout the surrounding areas of Athens, Alpharetta, Peachtree Corners, Marietta and more! In addition to Georgia clients, we welcome Tennessee clients as well! Get in touch today.

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Determining Fault in Lane Change Accident 

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When an accident occurs during a lane change, it’s easy for both parties to point fingers at each other. But how do you know who is truly at fault? One of the first things that happens after a car wreck happens is establishing fault, which can be difficult to determine in the event of a lane change. 

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Who is at Fault? 

There are several aspects that will be taken into account when determining fault of a lane change accident. Speed, blinker use, distractions, and distance are among some of the details that will be considered when insurance companies are deciding which driver is at fault.

When the proper authorities are establishing negligence at a scene, they will first decide if either driver failed to meet their duty as a responsible driver by being reckless, distracted, or negligent. Next, they will conclude if your injuries are a result of the other driver’s carelessness. Then, your insurance company will make sure your injuries from the accident are documented through medical records or with a medical professional’s testimony.

Sideswipe Accident 

It’s a driver’s duty to maintain their lane while driving, but if that fails to happen, a sideswipe accident can occur. Sometimes, the damage present and the location of the involved vehicles after a collision can help the authorities get an idea of which driver is at fault. Like other accidents, witness statements will be taken into account, as well as the drivers’ accounts of the collision. If these accounts differ from one another, it can make establishing fault more difficult.

H4: Proving Lane Change Accident Fault 

To prove fault in a lane change accident, there are a few things you and your attorney will gather to send to the insurance company to file your claim and back up your account of the collision. The evidence collected from the accident can include:

–       Police report

–       Driver and witness testimonies

–       Medical records

–       Traffic camera footage or surveillance footage

–       Any photos or videos taken at the scene of the accident

–       Cell phone records

–       Dashcam footage

–       Accident reconstruction expert findings

Once all of the evidence has been collected and the claim has been submitted, your insurance company will review your claim to determine your compensation. With the help of an attorney, you should be able to get the amount you deserve.

Need a Good Atlanta Car Accident Lawyer Near Me, Choose Ross Moore Law Today!

If you have been injured in an improper lane change accident, you have rights. Attorney Ross Moore is just a phone call away. 

Looking for a local personal injury attorney to handle your case? Our legal team at Ross Moore Law is eager to put our experience to work for you. Call us today or book a free consultation online! 

Conveniently located in the heart of Atlanta, GA, we are proud to serve clients throughout the surrounding areas of Athens, Alpharetta, Peachtree Corners, Marietta and more! In addition to Georgia clients, we welcome Tennessee clients as well! Get in touch today.

Attorney Ross Moore and our personal injury team handle a wide range of personal injury cases, including:

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4 Leading Causes of Semi-Truck Accidents in Georgia

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Truck accidents are often terrifying, leaving significant damage in their wake. From vehicle repairs to medical bills, these collisions come at a high cost. Commercial vehicles are used to transport freight across the country, and while they keep the supply chain moving, they are also the cause of far too many accidents. In fact, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), there are more than 100,000 injury-causing truck crashes each year – with about 5,000 resulting in fatalities. So, what us the cause of truck accidents and why can be done for better safety?

Let’s examine!

Given the prevalence of commercial truck accidents, it comes as no surprise that trucking companies keep a team of skilled attorneys at the ready. They are trained to respond immediately, doing all they can to divert the blame and protect the trucking company’s reputation.

That’s why, if you are involved in a truck crash, it is crucial to have a semi-truck accident lawyer on your side. Here at Ross Moore Law, our team is equipped to handle complex cases like yours – and to take on the trucking company. We will fight tirelessly for the compensation you deserve, handling every aspect of your personal injury case so schedule your free consultation today!

Top Causes of Semi-Truck Accidents

Here are the leading causes of semi-truck accidents (also known as commercial trucks or large trucks):

Driver Error 

The leading cause of truck accidents is driver error. Top cause of truck accidents are related to the driver’s actions, a truck operator’s negligence is often to blame. Furthermore, one of the following factors lead to them creating an unfortunate accident:

  • Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol 
  • Driving while distracted
  • Aggressive driving
  • Speeding
  • Misjudging other vehicles’ speed 
  • Driving while drowsy or falling asleep behind the wheel 
  • Following passenger vehicles too closely
  • Drifting off the road or into other lanes

Brake Failure or Vehicle Malfunction 

Another cause of truck accidents is simply malfunctions and failed parts, this is why proper tractor trailer maintenance is key. But – many trucking companies sacrifice routine maintenance to keep their fleet on the road. With profit as their priority, they may fail to keep their commercial vehicles road-ready, often resulting in brake failure, tire blowouts, broken taillights and more. These preventable issues can have catastrophic impacts, especially because, due to their size and weight, trucks require longer stopping distances and are more prone to rolling over. This not only puts the truck driver at risk, but everyone else who shares the roadways.

Weather and Road Conditions 

Inclement weather and low visibility increase the risk of a wreck. Unfortunately, many truck drivers stay on the road during dangerous conditions to avoid missing a drop-off deadline. Driving too quickly in a storm or on slippery roads can result in a serious truck crash.

Improper Loading 

Trucks laden with cargo face a higher risk of accidents, especially if the freight is not loaded properly. If the weight of the truck is not distributed evenly, semi-trucks can roll over if they speed or take a turn too quickly. Plus, cargo can fall out, causing rear-end collisions.

Common Types of Semi-Truck Accidents in Georgia

Our personal injury law firm has handled a wide variety of truck accident cases. We are familiar with the different types of semi-truck accidents, and we’re eager to put our extensive experience to work for you!

Research shows that the most common types of truck crashes are:

  • Rear-end accidents
  • Head-on collisions
  • Unsecured cargo accidents 
  • Tire blowouts 
  • Multi-vehicle accidents   
  • Side impact crashes
  • Rollovers 
  • Underride accidents (vehicle pushed underneath a truck) 
  • Jackknife accidents (cab and truck form a 90-degree angle)

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Semi-Truck Accident?

There are often multiple parties involved in semi-truck accident cases, which is just one reason why they are so complex. Proving fault can be very difficult, so we recommend seeking trusted legal advice from a reputable law office. 

Several different parties can be liable, including:

  • Driver
  • Truck company
  • Cargo/shipping company that loaded the truck 
  • Defective vehicle or part manufacturer
  • Truck maintenance company

Our Atlanta personal injury lawyers can help gather the evidence needed to hold the at-fault party accountable. We will investigate your accident, communicate with the trucking company’s insurance company, and work to recover the damages you deserve – including compensation for medical expenses, car repairs, pain and suffering, and more. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we’ll file a personal injury lawsuit and prepare for trial.

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Call Your Trusted Atlanta Semi-Truck Accident Attorney and We Will Fight for You!

If you or a loved one have been impacted by a semi- truck accident, call Attorney Ross Moore today! Our team of trusted accident lawyers is here to help, starting with your free consultation. 

Here at Ross Moore Law, we work on a contingency fee basis. That means that you will not be required to pay any of our legal fees unless we can make a recovery on your behalf! To learn more, contact Ross Moore Law today!

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