A serious early morning traffic collision in Upson County sent one man to the hospital after he became trapped inside his vehicle following an accident involving a semi-truck trailer that was positioned on the wrong side of the roadway, according to the Georgia State Patrol. The crash occurred Tuesday morning on State Route 36 near the intersection of Willis Road, just outside the city of Thomaston.
Authorities say the incident happened around 6:20 a.m., a time when visibility can be limited due to low light conditions and when many drivers are traveling to work. The collision involved a Ford F-150 pickup truck and a tractor-trailer that was attempting to maneuver on the roadway to complete a delivery.
According to the Georgia State Patrol’s preliminary investigation, the tractor-trailer was facing west while positioned in the right eastbound travel lane of State Route 36. Troopers said the driver of the semi was attempting to back onto the roadway in order to make a delivery located at the top of a hill near the intersection. Investigators noted that this positioning placed the commercial vehicle in an active lane of travel in the wrong direction.
As the semi-truck was in the process of backing, a Ford F-150 pickup truck approached from the opposite direction. Troopers explained that the pickup truck was traveling eastbound and crested the hill shortly before encountering the tractor-trailer occupying its lane. Due to the elevation of the roadway, the pickup driver had limited time to react after first seeing the semi-truck blocking the lane ahead.
In an effort to avoid a direct collision, the driver of the Ford F-150 steered into the right turn lane. Despite this evasive maneuver, the pickup truck struck the side of the semi-truck’s trailer. The impact occurred at the left front bumper area of the pickup, causing significant damage and trapping the driver inside the vehicle.
First responders were dispatched to the scene shortly after the crash was reported. Firefighters and emergency medical personnel worked to stabilize the vehicles and safely extricate the trapped driver from the pickup truck. The rescue effort required specialized equipment to free the driver due to the extent of the damage caused by the collision.
Once extricated, the driver was evaluated by emergency medical services at the scene before being transported to Atrium Navicent Medical Center in Macon for further treatment. Authorities have not released details regarding the severity of the injuries, but confirmed that hospitalization was required.
The driver of the tractor-trailer was identified by the Georgia State Patrol as a 32-year-old man from Monroe, Georgia. Following the investigation, troopers charged the semi-truck driver with driving on the wrong side of the roadway and improper backing. These charges reflect the determination that the positioning and movement of the tractor-trailer contributed to the crash.
Law enforcement officials have not stated whether additional charges may be filed. Troopers noted that the investigation remains ongoing, and additional findings could be released if further information becomes available.
Traffic along State Route 36 was temporarily disrupted while emergency crews worked to assist the injured driver, clear debris from the roadway, and conduct the crash investigation. Motorists traveling through the area experienced delays as traffic was slowed and, at times, rerouted to allow responders to safely perform their duties.
The crash highlights the dangers associated with large commercial vehicles maneuvering on roadways, particularly in areas with hills, curves, or limited sight distance. Investigators often examine factors such as vehicle positioning, visibility, roadway design, and driver decision-making when determining how a collision occurred.
Commercial trucks require significantly more space to turn, back, or reposition, and errors during these maneuvers can create hazardous conditions for approaching motorists. When a large truck occupies a travel lane unexpectedly, drivers may have little time to react, especially at higher speeds or in low-visibility conditions.
Authorities did not indicate whether signage, spotters, or warning devices were in place at the time the semi-truck was backing onto the roadway. Such details are typically reviewed as part of a broader investigation into crashes involving commercial vehicles.
The Georgia State Patrol continues to remind commercial drivers and motorists alike to exercise caution, particularly on rural highways and roads with elevation changes. Drivers are encouraged to remain alert and prepared for unexpected hazards, especially during early morning hours.
Officials have not released the name of the injured pickup truck driver. No additional injuries were reported in connection with the crash.
As the investigation continues, troopers will review all available evidence, including vehicle positions, roadway conditions, and statements from those involved. Any further updates will be released once the investigation reaches its next stage.
The incident serves as a reminder of how quickly routine travel can turn into a serious emergency when road conditions and vehicle movements intersect unexpectedly.
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At Ted Law Firm, understands how serious tractor trailer crashes can affect individuals and families, even when injuries appear minor. We serve families across Aiken, Anderson, Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, Myrtle Beach, North Augusta and Orangeburg. Incidents like rollover crashes often bring unexpected stress, disruption, and financial concerns. Contact us today for a free consultation.
