A semi-truck accident can cause severe injuries or even death. While these vehicles are designed to move heavy goods, drivers often fail to follow federal regulations. This can lead to multiple vehicle accidents in Atlanta. Listed below are the types of accidents that may be caused by these trucks. All types of trucking accidents may have multiple causes, including defective equipment or driver negligence. Truck accidents may also be the result of improper lane-changing, driver fatigue, or other factors. While the federal government regulates trucking heavily, many states also regulate the weight limits of big rigs to protect drivers and passengers. In Georgia, for example, the maximum gross weight is 70,000 pounds for a four-axle vehicle and 80,000 pounds for a five-axle vehicle. This weight limit is based on the federal bridge formula. Trucks carrying more than 80,000 pounds are subject to special weight permits. Because of the massive size of 18 wheelers, accidents involving these large trucks can cause severe injuries. When an accident involving a large truck occurs, a 4,000-pound car is crushed by an 80,000-pound truck. Moreover, the weight of an 18-wheeler compared to a typical car is twenty times greater than that of a car. Consequently, the massive size of the truck creates tremendous impact forces. Smaller cars are not built to absorb this much energy.