Georgia Truck & Bus Accident Statistics

The Georgia Department of Transportation collects and reports on safety, collision data, accident statistics and accident causation in the state of Georgia and has compiled an overwhelming amount of information about trucking and bus accident stats. In an effort to assist the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), Georgia has set a state-wide goal of reducing fatalities by 41 each year. Regardless of the goal, materials transportation remains the #1 most dangerous job in the state. In fact, materials transportation (heavy load trucking) accounted for 55 work related deaths in Georgia between 2015 to 2016 which was 32% of all fatal work accidents.

The Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety reports on the causation and types of motor vehicle accidents throughout the state of Georgia. A recent report showed how fatalities involving “large” trucks has grown from 2011 to 2015:

• 2011: 174
• 2012: 153
• 2013: 163
• 2014: 155
• 2015: 182

While there was a dip in fatal accidents from 2012 to 2014, fatalities seemed to spike beyond pre-2012 numbers recently.

Unfortunately, there will likely always be truck accidents involving serious or fatal injuries as long as there are trucks on the road. In fact, The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) found that Georgia is currently one of the top 10 states in the country that represented over 50% of fatal crashes involving a large truck or bus in a report published in November of 2017. This same FMCSA report concluded that speeding was a factor in 17% of fatal truck accidents and that 6% of fatal accidents were attributed to driver distraction (16% of those involved distraction were caused by a mobile device).

There will always be significant dangers associated with trucking and catastrophic injuries resulting from collisions. The size & weight differences of a semi truck or bus versus a light weight passenger vehicle, motorcycle or even an SUV usually means that injuries are often very serious or fatal. If you or a family member was seriously injured in a trucking collision, you need to talk to a truck accident lawyer in Georgia with the experience and reputation to secure the compensation your family needs to cover medical expenses and move forward.

Statute of Limitations for Truck Accidents in Georgia

A “statute of limitation” is defined as the reasonable length of time that a plaintiff has to bring an action against a defendant. This varies based on state, and the type of incident: civil or criminal. Generally, the statute of limitations for truck accident injury lawsuits in Georgia is 2 years, this is inclusive of nearly all personal injury claims involving drivers, passengers, pedestrians, etc. This is known as Georgia Code 9-3-33. The Georgia statute of limitations for personal injury can be shorter, (6 months), if the incident & resulting claim involves a City or County; yet claims against the State of Georgia remain at 2 years. In cases involving a truck accident wrongful death, Georgia has a 2 year statute of limitations.

If the claim is not filed within the time limits as set above a personal injury claim will almost surely be forfeited and lost. However, the State of Georgia recognizes certain exceptions to the statute of limitations, which “pauses the clock” on a claim. This can involve the proceedings of a criminal case or probate matter. If you have questions about how you or your family’s claim will be impacted by a Statute of limitations, you should consult with a truck accident lawyer in Georgia today for the most accurate information.

Pursuing a Truck Accident Injury or Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Georgia

If you or a family member was seriously injured, or if a family member was killed in a truck accident you should seek the advice and representation of a skilled and experienced Georgia truck accident attorney. TruckAccidentAttorneyNetwork.org has organized a database of law firms who focus their practice on Motor Vehicle collisions, with significant experience litigating trucking accidents.