Tennessee Truck Accident Causes
Determining the cause of a large truck accident can be the key to building a successful claim for financial compensation. At Terry, Terry & Stapleton, our truck accident attorneys have the skills necessary to investigate truck accidents. We also understand the regulations that govern the trucking industry and the tactics that truck companies use to get around these regulations and to avoid paying compensation to deserving accident victims.
Our firm has almost five decades of experience successfully representing accident victims in Tennessee. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, contact the Morristown, Tennessee truck accident lawyers today. Our proximity to Interstates I-81, I-40, I-26, I-75 and Highways 11-E and 25-E centers Terry, Terry & Stapleton at or near some of the major thoroughfares in Tennessee for tractor trailer accidents. Call Terry, Terry & Stapleton at 1-800-518-3779 or use our online contact form to arrange a free consultation. We represent clients throughout Tennessee, including Rogersville, Newport, Morristown, Knoxville, Kingsport, Johnson City, Jefferson City and Greeneville.
In Tennessee, 92 large trucks were involved in fatal accidents in 2008. The causes of these accidents run the gamut from driver fatigue to brake failure. But a three-year study by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration found that drivers were 10 times more likely to be the cause of a large vehicle crash than other factors, such as weather, road conditions, or vehicle performance. Federal researchers identified these factors in their study of large truck crash causes:
- Use of prescription and over-the-counter drugs;
- Speeding;
- Fatigue;
- Inattention;
- Distractions;
- Work environment;
- Unfamiliarity with the road.
In analyzing truck accidents in Tennessee, federal researchers recorded these factors among the most common causes attributed to large truck crashes:
- Cell phone use;
- Drowsiness/sleeping;
- Speeding;
- Failure to stay in the proper lane;
- Over-correcting;
- Erratic or reckless driving.
Because of the destruction tractor trailers can produce, determining the cause of a large truck accident can be difficult and time-consuming and requires special knowledge and tools. Even when the semi-truck driver is clearly at fault, truck companies and their insurers will often argue that an accident was caused by the other driver in order to avoid responsibility. Qualified attorneys are necessary to determine the actual cause of accidents and defend the interest of their clients.
An essential part of effectively representing truck accident victims is understanding how different accident causes can be pursued as avenues for client compensation. If we determine an accident was caused by faulty brakes, for example, we may advise you to pursue a product liability case. If it is determined that the accident was caused by driver error, a claim based on negligence may be pursued.
At Terry, Terry & Stapleton, we have worked hard to develop a reputation for success. If you have been injured in a trucking accident, we will perform a thorough investigation of your case that can serve as a foundation for your claim. We know how to represent your interests against the tactics of trucking companies and their insurers. We understand that you likely face expensive medical bills and we know why you need financial compensation. With our team of truck accident attorneys on your side, you can rest assured that you are represented by talented, dedicated professionals. Don’t delay. Contact our Tennessee truck accident lawyers today. Call Terry, Terry & Stapleton at 1-800-518-3779 or use our online contact form to arrange a free consultation.
Sources:
NHTSA – Traffic Safety Facts, Overview – 2008
http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Pubs/811162.PDF
NHTSA – Traffic Safety Facts, Large Trucks, - 2008
http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Pubs/811158.PDF
U.S. Department of Transportation – Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, “The Large Truck Causation Study,” July 2007
http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/facts-research/research-technology/analysis/FMCSA-RRA-07-017.htm
U.S. Department of Transportation – Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration – State Profile Reports, 2008
http://ai.fmcsa.dot.gov/CrashProfile/pdfCompleteHistory.ASP?state=TN&rt=1
