Top Causes of Tennessee Commercial Truck Accidents

Being involved in a Tennessee accident with a commercial truck can be one of the most frightening and damaging experiences a person will ever have. When a 3000-pound passenger vehicle is in a crash with a loaded 80,000-pound tractor-trailer, the smaller vehicle has no advantages.

Such accidents frequently make the daily news headlines, and the news is rarely good. Even though the trucking industry must abide by many federal regulations, including truck weight, driver rest time, and many other sensible precautions, the regulations are not always followed, and horrific accidents like these can occur.

These commercial truck accidents have some common causes:

Driver Error

Mistakes made by drivers of commercial trucks are the most common cause of accidents – some say up to 88% of accidents are caused by driver error. The errors drivers make include drug usage, fatigue, and speeding.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration cited the following statistics about accidents directly caused by a driver’s mistakes:

• 44% were caused by the use of prescription or other drugs.
• 23% happened because the truck was traveling at a speed unsafe for the conditions.
• 18% involved drivers who were fatigued.

Equipment Failure

After driver error, failure of the truck’s equipment is the next most common cause of big rig accidents. Although some equipment failure is due to defects in manufacturing, the majority happen because the equipment is not properly maintained. When this is the cause, the following problems can occur and cause accidents:

• The truck jackknifes because the front brakes have been removed or depowered.
• The brakes are improperly adjusted, causing them to fail.
• The truck rolls over when the load is not secured or balanced.
• The steering system is not maintained, and the truck loses control.
• The trailer is attached improperly and causes the truck to jackknife …or worse.
• The transmission fails due to lack of service.
• The lights do not function.
• Worn tires blow out.

No matter what the cause, a commercial truck accident is generally serious, and many result in legal actions. The trucking industry and the federal regulations that govern it can be confusing and complicated to understand. That is why it is important to find a law firm with commercial truck accident experience to give you advice.

Bailey & Greer in Memphis, Tennessee understands the trucking industry. Because we are a smaller firm, we can give you the personal attention you deserve. We are not afraid to go to trial for our clients. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a truck accident, please call us today toll-free at 901-680-9777 to schedule a free consultation.