What Causes Large Trucking Accidents in Tennessee?

By Thomas Greer | September 9, 2013

As with all other types of motorists, drivers of large trusts (i.e. 18-wheelers) can, for a number of reasons, cause serious accidents involving other vehicles.  For instance, truck drivers can fall prey to the same types of distractions and other issues that cause all types of non-truck related accidents, such as those involving motorcycles and cars.  Accordingly, if you or a loved one has been involved in a trucking accident and sustained serious injuries as a result, you should immediately contact a qualified Memphis trucking accident attorney. Specifically, it is crucial to work with an attorney who understands the complexities of these types of cases, which often involve challenging issues such as proving liability, determining the underlying cause of the accident, and understanding the complicated rubric of the local, state and federal laws that regulate the trucking industry.

While an experienced Tennessee truck accident attorney is in the best position to provide you with a detailed analysis of your legal options, it is still recommended that you educate yourself in the process.  As such, here is a list of the most common causes of trucking accidents in Tennessee:

  • Driver Errors.  Did you know that commercial trucks are ten times more likely to cause an accident than other any other factors, such as hazardous weather, damaged roads, and vehicle performance?  This is according to a recent study conducted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).  Tragically, truck drivers often make mistakes that lead to serious collisions, which can leave victims and their families both physically and emotionally devastated.
  • Fatigue.  An overly tired truck driver may fall asleep, fail to pay attention, misjudge a situation, ignore an obvious sign of danger, or overreact to a situation. Keep in mind that many truckers are paid to transport cargo to a given destination within a limited time frame, making it easy for them to push themselves faster and farther at the expense of their rest.  Also, they may receive pressure from their employer to do so.  Either way, these can result in life-threatening accidents, since it takes diligence, skill and concentration to maneuver a large truck.
  • Violation of the “Hours of Service” Rules.  There are federal regulations designed to make sure truck drivers do not drive beyond their physical limitations.  Truck drivers can work a maximum of 14 hours in a given day.  Out of that 14 hours, they may only drive a maximum of 11 hours.  Truck drivers also have to be off duty for 10 consecutive hours before the start of his or her next shift.  This is when they are supposed to rest.   In addition, truck drivers cannot drive after they have been on duty for 60 hours in seven consecutive days.  The same applies if the truck driver has been on duty for 70 hours in eight consecutive days.  When truck drivers violate these rules and push themselves further than they should, this could result in serious and sometimes fatal accidents.
  • Dangerous Blind Spots.  Truck drivers are supposed to watch out for other vehicles that enter what truck drivers call their “no zone.”  This term refers to those spots where other vehicles can disappear, essentially, from the truck driver’s view.  These “no zones” are typically located in the front, sides, and rear of a large truck.   In fact, about 60% of trucking accidents occur with cars and motorcycles that enter one of a truck’s no-zones.  If a driver is unaware a vehicle has entered the no-zone, or does not take proper precautions when a vehicle enters therein, severe accidents can occur.

For a thorough investigation of your trucking accident, please call the law office of Bailey & Greer, PLLC in Memphis, either toll-free at 901-680-9777.  We have the knowledge, experience, and integrity to help maximize your chances of prevailing in your case and, obtaining the compensation you deserve for your injuries.  We look forward to providing you with stellar personal injury representation.

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