The driver of an SUV died after rear-ending a semi on I-285 in Clayton County Saturday afternoon, setting off a multi-vehicle crash in which eight other people were injured. According to a report from 11 Alive, the accident occurred near exit 58, just under Loop Bridge Road. The truck became disabled as a result of the collision.
Semi-trucks have significant blind spots on all four sides of the vehicle as a result of their massive size, known as “no-zones.” Because truck drivers have no rear-view mirrors to see traffic behind them, they must rely on their side-view mirrors. However, they are essentially unable to see an area behind their truck of almost 200 feet without the use of additional cameras, as noted by the Sharing the Road with Large Trucks Program from the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute. A rule of thumb for driving in proximity to a semi-truck is to look for the reflection of the truck driver in their mirror. If you can’t see the driver, they likely cannot see you either.
Rear-end accidents are commonly the result of following another vehicle too closely, and not having enough room to come to a complete stop if the lead vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Nearly 18 percent of the fatal accidents occurring on US roadways are rear-end collisions, the National Safety Council notes, accounting for 3,600 deaths a year.
If you were injured or have lost a loved one in an accident caused by another driver’s negligence, an experienced car accident lawyer from Cambre & Associates can help you understand your legal options for seeking compensation for the expenses and emotional costs you have incurred. We can also tell you about the services we can offer to help you navigate the claims process. Contact us for your free case evaluation.