Although commercial trucks are a common sight in Nashville, Tennessee, few people take into consideration the potential for these large vehicles to be involved in highway accidents, and the serious, life-altering harm trucking accidents can inflict on other drivers. It is particularly important to understand that when commercial trucks like 18-wheelers are traveling on major highways at high speeds in Tennessee, driving errors that may seem insignificant where small vehicles are concerned can have devastating consequences when a commercial truck is involved. By being aware of the common causes of and injuries resulting from trucking accidents in Nashville, as well as the importance of determining driver liability, Tennessee accident victims can pursue fair compensation for their injuries and medical expenses following a TN trucking accident. If you have been involved in a trucking accident in Tennessee, contact a Nashville accident attorney for legal help.
One of the most common causes of commercial trucking accidents is driver fatigue, brought on by working long hours on the road with not enough sleep. In fact, studies indicate that driver fatigue is a factor in 30-40% of all truck accidents, with drowsiness preventing truck drivers from reacting quickly enough while on the road. Despite the fact that the commercial trucking industry is regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, which establishes safety guidelines such as how many hours truck drivers are permitted to operate their vehicles on a daily and weekly basis, competition among trucking companies may contribute to truck drivers bending or breaking these rules.
Driving tired is dangerous in any situation, but when the driver is behind the wheel of a large truck, the potential for serious injuries or deaths to occur is multiplied. Other factors which may contribute to Tennessee trucking accidents include:
According to the National Transportation Safety Board, injuries caused by trucking accidents sometimes affect commercial truck drivers, but are most often sustained by the drivers and passengers in other cars on the road. In fact, in 2008, 69% of the people who died in trucking accidents were driving or riding in a passenger car or truck. In addition to the potential for Nashville, Tennessee trucking accidents to cause wrongful death, accident victims may sustain severe injuries accompanied by long-term medical complications. Among the most serious injuries caused by commercial trucking accidents are:
Injuries sustained by victims of Tennessee trucking accidents have the potential to inflict serious physical harm, although the consequences don’t stop there. The medical expenses associated with treating truck accident injuries are likely to result in a significant financial burden for victims, especially for those injuries that persist for months or even years. If you have been involved in a Tennessee trucking accident, contact a Nashville accident attorney for legal guidance. You may be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries, current and future medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering, which you can collect by establishing truck driver negligence. The physical, emotional and financial difficulties associated with Tennessee trucking accidents can haunt for you the rest of your life. With the help of an experienced Nashville truck accident attorney, you can protect your legal rights and hold the negligent party liable for your injuries.
