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Last Modified on Jan 04, 2026
When the sixty-four-mile I-285 loop was constructed, the idea was to help drivers avoid the congestion of I-85 and I-75 as they looped around the city. Over the years, the highway expanded and became more congested, and now catastrophic truck accidents on I-285 in Atlanta are an all-too-familiar sight. If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident on this dangerous highway, consult an attorney.
Attorney Stephen LaBriola, LLP has been helping clients who have suffered catastrophic injuries for decades. He is the attorney you can turn to when you want someone who will work hard to obtain a positive result and will give you their full attention. If you need a skilled advocate to speak up for your rights, turn to Stephen LaBriola.
The Dangers of I-285 in Atlanta
The first section of I-285 opened in 1969. Today, the highway in Atlanta has the distinction of being one of the most dangerous highways in the United States. Some areas of the highway see more than 400,000 vehicles every day, and it’s estimated that the entire stretch sees over two million vehicles every day, many of which are commercial trucks trying to make their way around the city instead of driving through it.
Common Causes of Catastrophic Truck Accidents
Some of the common causes of accidents on I-285 include:
- Daily gridlock
- Short exit and entrance ramps
- Sharp curves
- Poor signage
- Busy conjunctions
In addition to these challenges specific to I-285, truck accidents are often caused by:
- Distracted driving. Truck drivers may use their phones, eat, or perform other actions while driving that take their attention away from the road.
- Fatigue. Drivers are often required to spend long hours on the road and drive overnight, which can lead to fatigue.
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Some truck drivers cause accidents due to impaired driving.
- Speeding or reckless driving. Tight schedules and heavy workloads may cause drivers to speed or perform reckless maneuvers behind the wheel.
- Negligent hiring practices. A truck company may hire drivers who have a history of reckless driving.
- Failing to properly train drivers. A trucking company may put drivers behind the wheel before training them properly to keep loads moving.
- Failing to maintain trucks. Mechanical failures due to improper maintenance may contribute to accidents.
What To Do After a Truck Accident
If you are involved in an accident with a truck, there are some steps you should take immediately after the crash. You should:
- Move to a safe place if possible
- Call 911 to request emergency services
- Document the scene with photos and videos. Include the vehicles, skid marks if there are any, and the road conditions.
- Collect the names and contact information of witnesses
- Seek medical care
- Contact an Atlanta truck accident attorney
Proving Negligence in a Truck Accident
Proving negligence after a truck accident can get complicated. The four basic elements needed to prove negligence include:
- Duty of care. The truck driver or trucking company had a duty to operate the truck safely and in a reasonable manner.
- Breach of duty. The truck driver or the company breached their duty by conducting business in a way that was not safe.
- Causation. The breach of duty directly caused injury.
- Damages. The victim suffered financial or emotional damages as a result of the accident.
A trucking company may be held liable for its drivers while they are on the clock. Even if the trucking company was not directly negligent, it can be held responsible for the actions of its employees while they are performing their work duties.
Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer
The I-285 highway is known for being dangerous. If you were involved in an accident on this piece of Atlanta roadway and suffered catastrophic injuries, don’t wait to hire a truck accident lawyer. After this type of traumatic incident, you don’t want to have to worry about how you will recover damages that could help pay for your recovery.
An experienced attorney can investigate the accident, gather the information and evidence needed to establish liability, and serve as your advocate during negotiations and in court.
FAQs
How Do I Look Up an Accident Report in Georgia?
To look up an accident report in Georgia, you can go to the Georgia Department of Transportation. The crash data dashboard has records of crashes that occurred on public roads in the state. The site allows you to filter your search by city, county, or region, along with crash type.
Is Georgia a No-Fault State for Auto Accidents?
Georgia is not a no-fault state for auto accidents. It is an at-fault state with a modified contributory negligence system. This means that if anyone is involved in an accident, liability can be distributed to all the parties found negligent. A victim who suffers injury can seek compensation for damages from the liable parties.
What Is the Average Settlement in a Catastrophic Truck Accident Case?
There is no average settlement in a catastrophic truck accident case. Settlements vary depending on the severity of the accident, the party or parties responsible for the crash, and the severity of the injuries. Life-altering injuries may bring higher settlements than less severe injuries. The truck company’s insurance policy may also affect settlement amounts.
Can I Get Compensation for Anxiety After a Truck Accident in Georgia?
Georgia law allows for compensation for anxiety and other emotional distress after a truck accident. Some accident victims are eligible to seek damages, but only under certain circumstances. O.C.G.A. § 51-12-6 allows a person to recover damages for emotional distress if it results from a physical injury due to a negligent act.
Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer
Unlike car accidents, truck accidents involve a number of complex issues that require an attorney familiar with truck accident laws. Attorney Stephen LaBriola, LLP, has helped countless clients recover damages, and he is ready to get to work on your truck accident case. If you have been in an accident on I-285 in Atlanta or on any other roadway in the area, contact his office today for a review of your case.
