Tragedy struck Interstate 75 near Calhoun, Georgia, when a semi-truck crossed the median and triggered a multi-vehicle pileup that killed three people and injured two more. The wreck involved six vehicles – three semi-trailers, two cars, and a pickup truck that caught fire.
Sadly, crashes like this are not isolated events. Every year, thousands of people are killed or seriously injured in truck-related accidents on our highways. When these incidents involve multiple vehicles, the consequences can be even more severe.
In this article, the truck accident attorneys at Kherkher Garcia explore why these accidents are so dangerous, how multi-vehicle and chain-reaction crashes occur, what injuries can result, and what victims can do to protect their rights with the help of a qualified attorney.
Multi-Vehicle Crash Causes Devastation
The devastating multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 75 in Georgia resulted in the deaths of three people and left two others injured, according to local authorities. The crash occurred Tuesday morning on the busy stretch of highway that connects Atlanta to Chattanooga, Tennessee.
According to the Georgia State Patrol, the chain-reaction collision began when a northbound semi-truck struck a car and then veered across the median into the southbound lanes. This led to additional collisions involving two other semi-trailers, another car, and a pickup truck, which caught fire.
In total, six vehicles were involved in the wreck. The southbound lanes of I-75 were shut down as emergency crews responded to the scene. Two injured individuals were transported to local hospitals, but their conditions have not been released. The names of the victims have not been disclosed pending notification of families.
This tragic incident highlights the severe risks associated with highway travel and the potential for catastrophic outcomes in crashes involving commercial trucks.
Why Truck Accidents Are So Dangerous
Semi-trucks, 18-wheelers, and tractor-trailers are vital to the U.S. economy, transporting goods across the country every day. But their massive size and weight – up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded – make them inherently dangerous in crashes. A collision involving a commercial truck often results in catastrophic damage, especially to occupants of smaller vehicles.
Key Risk Factors in Truck Accidents:
- Size and Weight: Trucks can easily crush or override smaller vehicles.
- Braking Distance: A loaded truck requires 20–40% more distance to stop than a car.
- Blind Spots: Trucks have large blind spots on all four sides, increasing the risk of collisions during lane changes or turns.
- Fatigue: Truck drivers often work long hours. Even with federal regulations limiting drive time, fatigue is a major factor in many crashes.
- Cargo Shifts: Improperly loaded cargo can cause trucks to tip, jackknife, or become unstable.
In the I-75 crash, the initial impact and the truck’s movement across the median may have been caused or worsened by any of these factors.
The Unique Hazards of Multi-Vehicle and Chain-Reaction Collisions
Multi-vehicle crashes are some of the most dangerous and complex accidents. When a truck is involved, the risks skyrocket.
What Makes These Accidents So Hazardous?
- High Impact Forces: The force of a truck slamming into a car can propel vehicles into others, leading to a domino effect.
- Secondary Collisions: Even vehicles that weren’t directly hit in the first crash can be involved due to sudden stops or loss of control.
- Vehicle Fires and Explosions: As seen in the Calhoun crash, fires are common when fuel tanks or cargo ignite after a collision.
- Limited Escape Routes: On highways, drivers often have nowhere to go to avoid a crash in progress, especially in congested traffic.
- Emergency Response Delays: When many vehicles are involved, rescue efforts may be delayed due to debris, fire, or limited access to victims.
Common Causes of Chain-Reaction Collisions
Chain-reaction crashes often start with a single triggering event – like a truck losing control or rear-ending a vehicle – that quickly escalates. The most common causes include:
Driver Error
- Speeding
- Following too closely
- Distracted or impaired driving
- Overcorrecting or making unsafe maneuvers
Weather and Road Conditions
- Rain, fog, or ice can reduce visibility and traction, increasing the likelihood of pileups.
- Construction zones or poor road maintenance can also contribute to accidents.
Mechanical Failures
- Brake failure, tire blowouts, or steering problems can cause a truck to lose control.
- When trucks are not properly maintained, the risk of mechanical failure increases significantly.
Improper Loading
- Unbalanced or unsecured cargo can cause trucks to tip, jackknife, or become unmanageable, especially at highway speeds.
Cross-Median Incidents
As in the Calhoun crash, a truck that crosses the median can collide head-on with oncoming traffic, causing widespread devastation.
Common Injuries in Truck and Multi-Vehicle Accidents
In multi-vehicle crashes involving trucks, the injuries are often severe or fatal. Survivors may suffer long-term physical, emotional, and financial consequences.
Common Injuries Include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Caused by a blow to the head or sudden deceleration.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: These can lead to partial or full paralysis.
- Burns: Fires in collisions can cause serious burns requiring extensive treatment.
- Broken Bones: High-force impacts often cause multiple fractures.
- Internal Injuries: Damage to organs and internal bleeding can be life-threatening.
- Psychological Trauma: PTSD, anxiety, and depression are common after traumatic crashes.
What Should Victims Do After a Truck Accident?
If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck or multi-vehicle crash, taking the right steps early on is crucial for your physical recovery and your legal case. Steps to take after an accident:
- Call 911 and Get Medical Help: Your health is the priority. Even if injuries seem minor, get checked out. Some conditions like internal bleeding or concussions may not show symptoms right away.
- Document the Scene: If you’re able, take photos or videos of the vehicles, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Get contact information for witnesses.
- Do Not Admit Fault: Anything you say can be used against you later. It’s best to stick to the facts and avoid speculation or apologies.
- Request a Copy of the Police Report: This will be an essential document when pursuing a legal claim.
- Contact an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney: Truck accident cases are complicated. You’ll need a lawyer who understands how to investigate and litigate multi-vehicle crashes involving commercial carriers.
How a Truck Accident Attorney Can Help
Accidents involving semi-trucks and multiple vehicles are among the most challenging types of personal injury cases. Victims often face serious injuries, extensive property damage, lost wages, and emotional trauma. An experienced attorney can be a powerful ally during this difficult time. Here’s how Kherkher Garcia can help:
Conduct a Thorough Investigation
We work with accident reconstruction experts, review truck driver logs, inspect maintenance records, and examine black box data to determine exactly what happened and who was at fault.
Identify All Liable Parties
In truck accident cases, multiple parties may share responsibility, including:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- The cargo loading company
- Vehicle manufacturers
- Government entities (for unsafe road conditions)
We work to hold every responsible party accountable.
Deal with Insurance Companies
Trucking companies have powerful insurance providers with legal teams working to minimize payouts. We level the playing field by negotiating aggressively on your behalf.
Pursue Full Compensation
We fight to recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
- Wrongful death (for families who’ve lost a loved one)
File a Lawsuit If Necessary
If a fair settlement isn’t offered, we won’t hesitate to take your case to court. Our trial attorneys are ready to fight for justice.
Final Thoughts: You Don’t Have to Face This Alone
The I-75 crash is a painful reminder of how quickly lives can be shattered in a truck-related accident. For the families of the victims, the road to healing will be long and difficult. At Kherkher Garcia, we believe that no victim should have to navigate that road alone.
If you or someone you love has been injured or killed in a truck or multi-vehicle accident, you have legal rights. Time is critical, and trucking companies and insurers move quickly to protect themselves. You need someone on your side doing the same for you.
Contact Kherkher Garcia today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We will listen to your story, explain your options, and help you take the next step toward recovery and justice. Get started now by calling 713-333-1030. You can also request additional information by completing our online contact form.
Image by aleksandarlittlewolf on Freepik
