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Every day, thousands of large commercial trucks travel through Georgia’s highways and city roads. From I-285 in Atlanta to I-16 in Macon and I-75 through South Georgia, our roadways see heavy truck traffic. While most truck drivers operate safely, improper merging is one of the most common causes of serious truck accidents — and victims are often left with life-altering injuries.
At Kevin Patrick Law, we’ve represented many individuals and families impacted by merging-related truck crashes. In this post, we’ll break down how these accidents happen, who may be legally responsible, and what steps you can take if you’ve been hurt.
An improper merge occurs when a truck driver fails to safely enter a lane of traffic. This might include:
Failing to yield when merging onto an interstate
Changing lanes without signaling or checking blind spots
Forcing a smaller vehicle off the road
Drifting across multiple lanes at once
Misjudging the speed or position of surrounding vehicles
In Georgia, truck drivers are required to follow both state traffic laws and federal trucking regulations. That includes using mirrors, turn signals, and ensuring the lane is clear before changing positions. When a driver or trucking company violates these duties, it can result in a catastrophic crash — especially when a passenger vehicle gets trapped between lanes or sideswiped by a trailer.
Under OCGA § 40-6-48, all vehicles must remain within a single lane until it is safe to move. The law further requires that a lane change must not be made until the driver has determined it can be done safely.
This is especially important for commercial trucks, which have large blind spots and limited maneuverability. If a truck merges into a lane and causes a collision — even without direct contact — it can still be considered negligence.
Truck merging accidents in Georgia can be caused by a variety of negligent behaviors, including:
Driver fatigue: Long hours and inadequate rest are a major issue in the trucking industry.
Distracted driving: Using a GPS, phone, or logbook can divert a driver’s attention.
Inadequate training: Some companies fail to train drivers properly for urban merges or highway conditions.
Poor mirror adjustment or lack of technology: If the truck isn’t properly equipped or maintained, visibility suffers.
Aggressive or rushed driving: Tight delivery deadlines may push drivers to make dangerous moves.
These types of accidents are especially common in:
Atlanta’s I-285 Perimeter Loop – where multiple interstates converge and traffic is dense
I-75 and I-85 – major north-south corridors that carry a heavy load of freight
Construction zones – where lanes may be narrowed or shifted suddenly
High-volume urban exits and on-ramps – particularly during peak traffic hours
At Kevin Patrick Law, we’ve investigated accidents that occurred in these very areas, often uncovering evidence that a truck failed to yield or check blind spots before making a lane maneuver.
One of the reasons trucking accident cases are more complex than typical car crashes is that liability may extend beyond the driver. Depending on the circumstances, responsible parties may include:
The truck driver – for failing to merge or change lanes properly
The trucking company – for hiring unqualified drivers or encouraging unsafe delivery schedules
A freight broker or contractor – depending on who owned or operated the vehicle
The vehicle maintenance provider – if poor mirror adjustment or faulty lights played a role
Kevin Patrick Law thoroughly investigates each accident, reviewing black box data, dash cams, driver logs, and hiring records to determine exactly who should be held accountable.
If you were injured in a collision involving a merging truck, here are key steps to protect your legal rights:
Call 911 and request police and medical assistance.
Take photos of the crash scene, truck, your vehicle, and any visible injuries.
Get witness information and note any nearby traffic cameras or businesses.
Seek medical treatment immediately, even if injuries seem minor.
Contact a Georgia truck accident attorney — before speaking with insurance companies.
Truck accident claims are often aggressively defended by insurance carriers, who may deny fault or shift blame. At Kevin Patrick Law, we step in early to handle all communications, preserve critical evidence, and protect you from lowball offers.
In Georgia, victims of truck accidents may be eligible for compensation including:
Medical bills (current and future)
Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Vehicle repairs or replacement
Wrongful death damages (in fatal cases)
Every case is unique. The attorneys at Kevin Patrick Law evaluate each situation to build a claim that fully reflects the short- and long-term impact of your injuries.
Improper merging accidents often leave victims overwhelmed — physically, emotionally, and financially. That’s where we come in. At Kevin Patrick Law, we have years of experience handling serious truck accident cases across Georgia, and we treat every client with the compassion and personal attention they deserve.
We conduct independent investigations, consult with industry experts, and take on trucking companies head-on — so you can focus on healing.
If you or a loved one were injured in a truck accident involving improper merging, don’t wait to get legal advice. Evidence disappears quickly, and insurance companies move fast to protect their bottom line.
Contact Kevin Patrick Law today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’re here to help you get answers — and the justice you deserve.
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