MCDONOUGH, Henry County, Ga., Sept. 18, 2026 — Three people suffered serious injuries Friday afternoon, September 18, when a car crossed into oncoming traffic and hit a garbage truck on Highway 155 in Henry County, according to the Georgia State Patrol.
Authorities said a sedan was heading north on GA-155 near Old Griffin Road around 3 p.m. when the driver reportedly failed to stay in its lane. The car crossed into the southbound lane and struck the front of a southbound Republic Services garbage truck.
Both vehicles sustained heavy damage. Debris and skid marks were reported across the roadway near Jonesboro Road and the Henry Parkway Connector, east of I-75.
Emergency crews took the driver and passenger of the car to Grady Hospital with serious injuries. The driver of the garbage truck was taken to Piedmont Henry Hospital, also with serious injuries, authorities said. A helicopter was reportedly staged near the scene along with McDonough Fire Department units and ambulances.
State troopers closed Highway 155 in both directions to clear the wreckage and investigate, causing a standstill in the area.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation, according to the Georgia State Patrol. We wish those injured a full recovery.
Why Blind Spots Around Large Trucks Lead to Serious Crashes
Large trucks carry wide blind spots, often called "no-zones," along both sides, behind the cab and directly in front of the trailer. A driver who drifts out of a lane, misjudges distance, or overcorrects can end up in one of these zones with little warning to the truck driver, and by the time either driver reacts, there may not be room left to avoid a collision.
Lane departures like a vehicle crossing the center line are especially dangerous around trucks because of their size and weight. A truck cannot swerve or stop as quickly as a passenger car, so when a smaller vehicle suddenly enters its path, the truck driver often has few options beyond braking hard.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an estimated 528,177 large trucks were involved in police-reported traffic crashes in 2023. Many of these crashes involve passenger vehicles that entered a truck's blind spot or crossed into its lane, instead of any action by the truck itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are a truck's blind spots and why do they matter?
Trucks have large blind spots along the sides, behind the trailer and directly in front of the cab. Drivers in these areas may not be visible to the truck driver, which raises the risk of a collision during lane changes or when a vehicle drifts too close.
What is an underride crash?
An underride crash happens when a smaller vehicle slides partially or fully under a truck's trailer during a collision. These crashes can cause severe injuries because the truck's frame sits higher than a car's protective structure.
What are common causes of large-truck accidents?
Lane departures, following too closely, fatigue, poor weather, and mechanical failure are frequent factors. Crashes can also result from a passenger vehicle driver losing control and entering the truck's path.
How can drivers share the road with trucks safely?
Give trucks extra following distance, avoid lingering beside their trailers, and pass with enough room to see the driver's mirrors before merging back in.
What to Do After a Truck Accident in McDonough, Georgia
If you're involved in a crash with a large truck, call 911 right away and move to a safe location if possible. Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a medical professional, since some injuries from a serious impact don't show symptoms immediately.
Stay at the scene until law enforcement arrives and get a copy of the police report once it's available. If you're able, take photos of the vehicles, the roadway, and any visible damage. Reach out to your insurance company promptly and keep records of any medical visits or missed work tied to the crash.
