According to statistics published by the Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security, there were over 900 traffic fatalities in 2019. So far this year, that number is up 4.4 percent. Traffic accidents can involve many different types of vehicles, ranging from small compact cars to motorcyclists to semi-trucks. Those crashes with trucks or tractor trailers often cause the most damage due to the massive size and weight of the vehicles compared to other smaller ones.
The reasons for a truck accident may vary, including driver error, mechanical failure, or hazardous road and weather conditions. Regardless of the causes, victims of these types of collisions often sustain significant injuries. That is why it is important to seek legal representation by a skilled personal injury attorney in order to protect your rights to compensation if you or someone you know was hurt in this type of accident.
Establishing Negligence in a Truck Crash
There are several issues that may affect the likelihood of a truck accident, including safety violations. Besides obeying the rules of the road that car drivers must follow, truckers must adhere to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)’s specific truck driving regulations. These rules include obtaining a commercial driver’s license and only have a certain number of consecutive driving hours. This is partially due to the fact that studies have shown fatigued driving can be just as dangerous as drunk driving. When a truck driver fails to follow these regulations, he or she will have breached the duty of care to other motorists on the road, which can constitute negligence.
Gathering information on the below issues that shows a clear violation of standards can help prove negligence in a truck collision whether it was the truck driver’s or the trucking company’s reckless actions. This evidence can be in the form of company records, driver timesheets, security video camera footage, photographs, or eyewitness testimony on the following:
- Reckless driving (distracted, drowsy, or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol)
- Disobeying traffic laws (speeding, failing to yield)
- Oversized cargo loads
- Failure to properly train drivers
- Improper vehicle inspections and maintenance
- Defective or faulty truck parts
- Failure to adhere to or enforce driving hour limits or restrictions
Contact a Chattanooga Personal Injury Lawyer
Being involved in a truck crash can be traumatic, resulting in serious to life-threatening injuries. In some cases, it can even lead to wrongful death of your loved one. The qualified Tennessee truck accident attorneys at Warren & Griffin, P.C. will help you determine the at-fault parties that may have caused your collision to establish liability. You may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills and lost wages if a driver or trucking company acted negligently. Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation.
Sources:
https://www.tn.gov/safety/stats/dashboards/trafficfatality.html
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/tennessee-school-bus-crash-kills-least-2-killed-injures-7-n1245067