Large trucks like semis and dump trucks rule the road. Due to their size, these trucks will cause massive damage whenever they crash into a pedestrian or another motor vehicle on the road. Unfortunately, the number of accidents remains uncomfortably high in Tennessee. Too many people are admitted to the emergency room with life-changing injuries after a collision with an 18-wheeler, and they need financial help. Call Dennis & Winningham to speak with a Chattanooga, TN truck accident lawyer about your accident and injuries. We can review whether you have a strong basis to make an injury claim.
What Are Common Causes of Truck Accidents?
Truck accidents should be rare. After all, truck drivers must obtain specialized training before they receive a commercial driver’s license. Transportation companies also have an incentive to properly train and supervise their employees, since they will need to pay compensation if a trucker causes a wreck.
Nonetheless, many accidents take place on Tennessee roads. Here are some of the top causes of truck accidents.
Distracted Driving
Truckers face many distractions inside the cab, which can cause them to overlook a vehicle. Driving a truck requires more attention than smaller vehicles because the blind spots are so big.
Some common distractions include:
- Cell phones. The federal government prohibits truckers from using hand-held devices when a truck is in motion, but it’s tempting to reach for a phone to make a call or answer a text.
- Other electronic devices. Truckers also use electronic devices to correspond with their employers or enter information about the hours worked.
- Passengers. Some truckers will pick up a passenger. Conversation can make the time pass quickly, but it can also be distracting.
- Food and drink. Eating is also a source of distraction, especially if a trucker spills something on their lap and looks down or rummages around for napkins.
Any distraction increases the odds of a collision. Work with an experienced law firm to uncover whether the trucker was on a cell phone at the time of the crash. We can use that evidence to establish liability.
Drug or Alcohol Use
Drug use is a serious problem. According to some statistics, about 50,000 truckers fail a drug test each year and are suspended. Federal regulations require testing truckers, but too many are either drunk or chemically impaired by drugs. Impaired truckers are more likely to take unnecessary risks, or they may lack coordination.
Speeding
Driving too fast is a major cause of truck accidents. The faster a vehicle travels, the more distance it needs to travel to come to a full stop. Truckers might misjudge the amount of space needed, especially on the highway, where the temptation to speed is greatest.
A speeding vehicle is more likely to get into an override accident, where the truck rides up over a smaller vehicle. This type of accident is often deadly.
Overloading the Truck
Trucks have weight limits based on their size and applicable law. These rules exist for the safety of the public. However, trucking companies have an incentive to overload their trucks. The more freight they haul each trip, the more money the company can make.
Overloading is one of the main causes of semi-truck accidents. The extra weight can cause a jackknife because the trailer takes longer to stop, forcing it out at an angle. Overloaded trucks can also result in overrides, because the truck takes too long to come to a complete stop.
Unfamiliar Environment
A trucker pulling into an unfamiliar environment is at greater risk of getting into an accident. The trucker is looking around for signs, so they do not see a car crossing their path or a pedestrian.
Brake Failure
Mechanical failures are common causes of truck accidents. When trucks break down, even careful truckers can crash. Brake failure can lead to a “runaway” truck, which is especially dangerous on the highway. Some dramatic video emerges every month of a truck smashing into dozens of vehicles on the highway because the brakes failed.
You should hire an experienced lawyer quickly to investigate the accident, which usually includes inspecting the truck involved. We might find brake problems or other mechanical issues that the trucking company left unaddressed.
Lane Change Accidents
Trucks get into many accidents on multi-lane highways, often because the trucker cannot see where other vehicles are located. Big rigs like semi trucks have blind spots on all four sides, and some of these spots are huge. A vehicle might be trapped in a blind spot when the trucker makes a lane change.
Call to Speak with a Chattanooga Truck Accident Lawyer
Dennis & Winningham is an established law firm dedicated to the rights of accident victims. If you were hurt in a truck crash, reach out to our firm. We can discuss what happened, including how your injuries have impacted your life. Based on what we hear, we can offer a summary of your rights and a preliminary estimate of the strength of your case.
Contact us at 423-719-7564 to schedule a free consultation at a convenient time. We can help anyone in the 37411 zip code or surrounding areas.
