When 18-wheelers weighing as much as 80,000 pounds hit the roads in Tennessee, safety is a concern for all. Passenger vehicles weighing approximately 3,000 pounds are simply no match for these semis on the open road. Neither are pedestrians or motorcyclists.
In addition to negligent conduct that is sometimes associated with the operation of big rigs, occasionally truck drivers can recklessly operate their vehicles while under the influence. In 2008, an estimated 2 percent of large truck-type accidents in Tennessee reportedly involved truckers with BAC levels of .08 or higher, meaning that the CDL drivers in these accidentswere legally drunk.
Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is not the only type of conduct that leads to truck wrecks and trucking accident lawsuits. Negligent conduct on the part of truck drivers can include:
- Fatigued driving or falling asleep at the wheel
- Distracted driving
- Driving too fast for conditions
- Speeding
- Road rage and other hyper-aggressive tactics
The Driver is not Always the Only
Party at Fault
Trucking firms and the companies that inspect and maintain tractor-trailers may also negligent in certain cases, by:
- Failing to replace failing parts, including damaged tires and worn brakes
- Hiring ill-trained or unqualified drivers
- Pressuring drivers to remain on the road for longer times than are permitted
- Postponing vital vehicle inspections
- Committing to unrealistic delivery schedules that severely stress drivers
Finally, third parties may be negligent through:
- Providing incompetent maintenance work
- Manufacturing and/or delivering defective parts that are not up to spec
- Installing defective computer systems or creating defective software
Any of these types of negligent conduct can lead to trucking accident lawsuits.
An investigation following a Tennessee truck accident may be complex. Negligence can take many forms in large truck collisions. It is wise to seek legal counsel because an attorney knowledgeable in this area of the law may increase your chances of recovering damages.
Once negligent is established, Tennessee trucking accident lawsuits can be filed in civil court that seek compensation for things like medical costs, lost wages, emotional distress, long-term care and other losses. In fatal accidentss, trucking accident lawsuits may assert wrongful death. Such suits may seek monetary damages for burial expenses, pain and suffering and survivors’ loss of companionship.
Injured in Accident Involving a Big Rig? Call Us Today.
Contact us at the Tennessee Injury Attorney Group with any questions that you may have about a truck accident that may have brought harm to you or a loved one. If you have a claim, we can arrange for one of our affiliated attorneys to discuss your case with you. The consultation is free and without obligation.
