Trucking accidents generally have outcomes that are more catastrophic in nature than other types of car wrecks. The tremendous size and weight of many commercial trucks, in particular, 18 wheeler semi-rigs, can leave passengers of standard sized sedans and even SUVs and smaller lightweight trucks at a tremendous disadvantage upon impact.
A large truck can weigh 20 to 30 times as much as a regular passenger vehicle. Accidents involving large trucks have been known to result in severe injuries that include spinal injuries, paralysis, brain injuries, broken bones, severe burns, and death. If negligence was the cause of your injuries in a tractor-trailer wreck, you may have the right to hold one or more liable parties responsible, including the driver, the trucking company, or a manufacturer.
Truck crash causation study determination
Every year throughout the nation, thousands of people lose their lives in truck accidents. The seriousness of the problem has prompted studies to determine the causes of these crashes. One such study – the Large Truck Crash Causation Study produced by the Federal Motor Terror Safety Administration (FMSCA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) – pinpointed the top 10 factors associated with truck accidents. They are as follows:
- Brake problems
- Traffic interruption
- Prescription drug use
- Road problems
- Traveling too fast for conditions
- Over-the-counter drug use
- Roadway unfamiliarity
- Inadequate surveillance
- Required traffic stop
- Driver fatigue
Liability in truck accident cases
The truck driver who drives in a reckless manner may bear responsibility for any accident and associated injuries that occur to another person as a result. A trucker who operates a rig while distracted due to texting or some other distracting activity is in direct violation of federal law which bans this activity for truckers and bus drivers. Such a driver may be held liable for any truck accident and injuries that occur due to this activity.
Truck drivers are sometimes under significant pressure to reach their route’s destination as quickly as possible. Trucking carriers may at times expect drivers to meet a particular schedule an unreasonable amount of time. In addition, trucking companies may exhibit negligence when they fail to properly maintain one of their commercial trucks. In these cases, the trucking company may bear partial or fully liability for any resulting accident.
Holding the negligent party to your accident accountable
Depending on the circumstances and cause of your severe tractor-trailer crash, your case may range from the simple and straightforward to the very complex in terms of determining liability. For this reason, it is important to have experienced legal counsel on hand that understands the relevant state and federal laws regarding truck accidents, how to effectively investigate your crash, and the best options moving forward to recover any and all compensation you deserve greater injuries.
If you have suffered injuries in a truck accident due to the negligence of a truck driver, the trucking company, or an equipment manufacturer, our Nashville truck accident attorneys at McElhaney Law Firm have the know-how and experience to investigate your accident and determine who is responsible. We can fight for the compensation to which you are entitled for your losses. We represent clients from our law offices in Nashville, Hendersonville, and Knoxville. To set up a free, initial consultation about your case, call us today at 615.246.5549 or fill out our contact form.
