Candler Co., GA (June 3, 2025) — A fatal crash involving two tractor-trailers brought traffic to a standstill on Interstate 16 in Candler County Friday morning, leaving one driver dead and another with minor injuries.
The collision occurred around 9:15 a.m. near mile marker 101 on the westbound side of I-16. According to Georgia State Patrol, a semi-truck was attempting to merge from the emergency lane into the right travel lane when it was struck from behind by another westbound big rig.
The driver of the rear vehicle sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The operator of the merging truck was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
In the aftermath of the crash, westbound lanes of I-16 were shut down for nearly seven hours as authorities conducted their investigation and cleared the wreckage. All lanes were reopened by approximately 4:00 p.m. An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash remains ongoing.
We extend our heartfelt sympathies to the family of the deceased individual.
Truck Accidents in Georgia
Each year, Georgia faces a troubling number of fatal truck accidents, many of which occur on major interstates and heavily traveled corridors. These devastating crashes often leave families in shock, struggling to cope with the sudden and tragic loss of a loved one. Given the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks, accidents involving 18-wheelers tend to result in far more severe injuries and a higher likelihood of fatalities than typical passenger vehicle collisions.
In many of these fatal trucking accidents, driver negligence plays a central role. Across the U.S., it’s estimated that more than 90% of deadly crashes are linked to human error. In the trucking industry, some of the most common and dangerous behaviors include:
- Driving while fatigued or falling asleep at the wheel
- Speeding to meet tight delivery schedules
- Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or stimulants
- Distracted driving, including the use of GPS or mobile devices
- Improperly secured loads or mechanical failures due to poor maintenance
According to national data, speed-related crashes claim over 12,000 lives annually, and distracted driving is a factor in hundreds of thousands of wrecks each year. When these risks are amplified by the momentum of a fully loaded semi-truck, the outcome can be catastrophic, especially for drivers and passengers in smaller vehicles.
If your loved one was killed in a truck accident caused by a careless or reckless driver or company, you may be entitled to pursue a wrongful death claim. These legal actions can help surviving family members recover compensation for funeral costs, lost income, medical expenses, and the emotional toll of losing someone too soon, while holding negligent parties, including trucking companies, accountable.
At Karma Injury Law, we understand how overwhelming this time can be. Our compassionate legal team is here to provide strong, experienced guidance through every step of the legal process. With a focus on justice and support, we’ll help protect your family’s future and ensure your loved one’s story is heard.
Contact Karma Injury Law at (678) 607-8312 for a complimentary consultation with a wrongful death attorney who understands the specific challenges of fatal truck accident cases in Georgia. Let us fight for answers—and the justice your family deserves.
Notes: Our writers rely on multiple external sources to create this accident news post, including local and national news reports, police accident reports, and, sometimes, eyewitness accounts of injury accidents in Georgia. If you find any inaccuracies in this post, please contact Karma Injury Law promptly so we can make corrections. We will also remove the post upon request.
Disclaimer: This post is not intended as a business solicitation. Please be aware that the information provided does not constitute legal advice, nor does it create an attorney-client relationship. Legal outcomes can vary based on individual circumstances. We encourage you to contact Karma Injury Law directly for personalized legal guidance. The featured image in this post is not related to the actual accident scene.
