Semi-Truck Crossed Center Median on Interstate 75 Before Colliding With Several Other Vehicles in Deadly Collision
GORDON COUNTY, GEORGIA (May 14, 2025) – Three people have tragically died and two others were hospitalized in a Gordon County semi-truck accident on Interstate 75.
Gordon County officials are saying that the accident took place on Tuesday morning. A tractor-trailer was in the northbound lanes of Interstate 75 when it collided with a car.
That impact led the truck to cross the center median, where it collided with two other tractor-trailer trucks and two passenger vehicles. Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene in order to help all of the victims.
Photographs of the accident site showed a scene in complete chaos. At least one vehicle was on fire, and multiple vehicles sustained heavy damage.
Tragically, three people died due to the severe nature of their injuries. Two other people were transported to the hospital in order to receive treatment.
A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability for Georgia Semi-Truck Accidents
Semi trucks account for a relatively small portion of the total vehicles on the roadway. According to the National Safety Council, “in 2023, 114,552 large trucks were involved in crashes resulting in an injury, a 4.7% decrease from 2022. Since 2016, the number of trucks involved in injury crashes has increased 12%, while the involvement rate per 100 million large truck miles driven has remained the same at 35.” Several factors could influence the likelihood of a truck accident.
- Weight: Semi-trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds and can take the length of two football fields to come to a complete stop at freeway speeds.
- Weather Conditions: Operating a semi-truck can be extremely difficult in the best of weather conditions. Rain, snow, and fog can dramatically increase the likelihood that a semi-truck driver loses control of their vehicle.
- Fatigue: Truck drivers are often asked to work long hours and at all times of the day. Many truck accidents involve drivers who become naturally fatigued after a long shift.
Truck drivers must exercise a great deal of care in order to avoid colliding with other vehicles. At a minimum, they must maintain a safe speed and follow distance with the vehicles ahead of them. Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 40-6-180, no person shall operate a motor vehicle at a speed greater than would be reasonable or safe given the prevailing traffic conditions and potential hazards that exist on a roadway. If a truck driver fails to slow down to avoid colliding with another vehicle in their own lane of travel, this could form the basis of a negligence claim.
Several parties could be liable for a truck accident in addition to any truck driver that failed to exercise due care. For example, the company that loaded a truck could potentially bear some liability. Overloading could cause the brakes on a truck to fail or perform worse than intended. The company that a truck driver worked for could also bear some level of responsibility. Companies are typically liable for the wrongful actions of their workers operating within their job duties. It is important that evidence is properly preserved after any truck accident.
- Accident Report: The police should be called so that they can begin an immediate investigation of the circumstances surrounding any truck accident.
- Surveillance: Many truck accidents are captured by surveillance cameras. These could be traffic cameras or cameras at local businesses.
- Event Data Recorder: Commercial trucks may be equipped with an event data recorder. The data stored on these devices can be critical in determining what a truck driver was doing prior to a collision.
- Medical Records: All medical records related to injuries should be preserved. The injuries associated with a truck accident can help paint a clear picture of what happened, regardless of what any one person may claim.
Truck accidents are often highly preventable. They are much more likely to occur during heavy traffic conditions. In many cases, truck drivers will simply fail to take into account the time it takes for them to come to a complete stop. Unfortunately, truck companies will often do everything in their power to avoid responsibility in the event of an accident involving their driver. This is why so many drivers get hired as independent contractors as opposed to employees. It is critical that truck accident victims understand that they do have legal options. The family of any person that died in a truck accident may be able to seek some measure of accountability through a wrongful death claim.
Investigating Gordon County Semi-Truck Accidents
We at Butler Kahn extend our deepest condolences to the families of those who lost loved ones in this Gordon County truck accident. It is our sincere hope that all the other victims will be able to make a full recovery. This was a preventable tragedy that should not have taken place. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to the authorities. Many questions remain unanswered at this time.
Do you need more information about a Gordon County semi-truck accident? Our team of roadway safety advocates is here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you have legal questions or need any type of support after a collision, we may be able to assist you. You can reach out to us anytime at 678-940-1444.
