Chattanooga Truck Accident Attorneys
Large commercial trucks are in a class of their own. They are many times the size and weight of passenger vehicles, which already weigh multiple tons, they are regulated by strict state and federal rules, and they have more potential to cause catastrophic injury or death in a crash than any other vehicle on the road. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 296,000 accidents involving large trucks nationwide in 2009. Of these, 239,000 resulted in property damage, 53,000 resulted in injuries, and 3,215 resulted in fatalities. An additional 17,902 fatal accidents were caused by light trucks.
Types of Tractor Trailer Accidents
Because large trucks are a very specific type of vehicle, they are involved in more specific types of accidents. It is rare that a person is involved in a simple rear-end collision with a big rig. Common types of commercial truck accidents include:
- Overloaded Truck Accidents;
- Runaway Trailer Crashes;
- Rollover Accidents;
- Underride Collisions; and
- Jackknife Accidents.
Causes of Big Rig Crashes
These types of accidents, though very different from passenger car accidents, often have the same causes:
- Speeding;
- Distraction/Inattention;
- Following Improperly;
- Alcohol Impairment;
- Driver Negligence/Error;
- Manufacturing Defects;
- Equipment Defects/Failure;
- Tire Defects/Failure;
- Overloading; and
- Driver Fatigue/Failure to Comply with Hours of Service Regulations.
Commercial truck drivers have even more responsibility to drive safely on the road than drivers of passenger vehicles because the vehicles they drive are much more deadly. Likewise, large truck manufacturers and trucking companies must do their part in producing fully safety tested trucks and properly maintaining their trucks so as to prevent any type of equipment failure. Trucking companies, loading companies and truck drivers are also responsible for ensuring that the truck is loaded properly and according to legal limits. When any of these responsible parties forgoes their duty to safety, it places all other motorists on the road in danger.
Tennessee Large Truck Collision Statistics
In 2009, there were 986 traffic fatalities in Tennessee, according to the Tennessee Department of Safety. In 2010, this number increased to 1,031. Large trucks were responsible for 93 and 92 of these fatalities respectfully. More specific statistics provide the following information for Tennessee big rig crashes in 2007:
- 1,288 were caused by alcohol or drug impaired drivers, led by Davidson county which accounted for 179 of these crashes;
- 1,048 were caused by failure to stay in the lane and/or running off the road;
- 1,695 were caused by cell phone or two-way radio distraction;
- 829 were caused by following improperly;
- 623 were caused by failure to yield right of way;
- 202 were caused by inattention;
- 215 were caused by erratic or careless driving; and
- 1,724 were caused by vehicle defects.
Protecting Your Legal Rights
Commercial trucks are big, heavy, and dangerous. Trucking companies who want to make a profit and truck drivers who are under a lot of pressure to do their job often make mistakes that cost other motorists their lives. Our knowledgeable Chattanooga traffic accident lawyers at Massey & Associates have a thorough understanding of all federal and Tennessee trucking laws and regulations, providing our clients with the information and help they need after suffering an injury as the result of a negligent truck driver or trucking company. Just because tractor trailers are the biggest vehicle on the road, does not mean they have more rights to it than other vehicles. If you have been injured in a Tennessee commercial truck crash, we can help you hold the at-fault parties responsible for your losses and advise you on your legal options.
