Tennessee Commercial Vehicle Accidents
Commercial vehicle accidents are often more dangerous and devastating than those involving only passenger cars. Commercial vehicles are often larger, heavier and more difficult to maneuver – and their drivers may be tired from long hours behind the wheel or undertrained for the responsibility of driving important cargo on the roads of East Tennessee. The attorneys at Terry, Terry & Stapleton have represented many victims of commercial vehicle accidents, and we know the unique hazards posed by the trucks and buses that share our roadways. We are ready to help accident victims in our communities, including Morristown, Knoxville, Knox County, Rogersville, Hamblen County, Greeneville, Jefferson City, Newport, Johnson City and Kingsport.
Nearly a half-million large trucks are involved in accidents annually – and one of every eight traffic deaths results from a collision with a large truck. In 2007, 4,808 U.S. deaths and 101,000 injuries were caused by tractor trailer accidents. There were also 75,000 injuries among the occupants of vehicles other than the 18-wheelers.
Tractor Trailers
Tractor trailers are almost twice as likely to be involved in a fatal accident as a passenger car – and studies show that 40% of tractor trailer accidents are caused by driver fatigue. There are many state and federal regulations that trucking companies are required to follow, but the laws are often ignored or overlooked. Trucking companies know this – and they have substantial legal representation and insurance to protect their interests when accidents occur.
School Buses
Injuries from school bus accidents are all too common and happen for a number of reasons, including instances where school districts cut costs by keeping older vehicles and hiring inexperienced drivers. Children are at the greatest risk when getting on or off the bus; 80% of children killed in school bus accidents were in the process of boarding or departing the bus when hurt. Determining responsibility through legal action is vital to protecting the safety of Tennessee's children.
Coal Trucks
Coal truck accidents are frequently caused by improper loading of the vehicle. Trucks that are overloaded beyond their capacity and exceed weight limits are dangerous and difficult to operate. The lawyers of Terry, Terry & Stapleton are familiar with coal truck and mine claims and can make all the difference to victims who have suffered severe injuries.
Dump Trucks
Dump trucks are more prone to involvement in serious automobile accidents because these vehicles easily outweigh smaller passenger cars. In fact, a 5-axle dump truck when fully loaded can weigh nearly 60,000 pounds. Dump truck drivers have less visibility and maneuverability when operating dump trucks, and an inexperienced driver can make common mistakes such as driving too closely to other vehicles, failing to check key blind spots, overloading the truck cargo, and pulling out from a side road or intersection into the path of an oncoming car.
Construction Vehicles
East Tennessee roads are subject to heavy traffic and virtually constant road work. creating dangerous driving conditions on a daily basis. Construction vehicles operated by inexperienced drivers compound the danger and pose a serious risk to other drivers on the road.
The Morristown, Tennessee commercial vehicle accident attorneys of Terry, Terry & Stapleton understand the legal complexities and challenges of commercial vehicle accident cases. Our experience in winning settlements has helped our clients obtain medical treatment and payment for their injuries, allowing them to rebuild their lives. If you need legal assistance with a commercial vehicle accident claim, or to schedule an evaluation of your case, contact us by calling 1-800-518-3779.
