There are more than 4000 truck accidents in Tennessee annually- many of which cause fatal injuries. In one recent year, just under 200 people were killed in a truck accident in the state alone- and over 4000 others died in truck crashes across the US.
Large trucks, tractor-trailers, and other commercial vehicles are much bigger and heavier than the average passenger vehicle, so the results of a crash involving one are often disastrous. Unfortunately, the number is incidents has seen an increase in recent years- and Tennessee is one of the leading states in the statistics.
Knowing where and why truck accidents happen can help avoid unnecessary devastation for victims and their families. Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys can answer questions like, "What is a jackknife accident?"
Quick Answer: Where Do Tennessee Truck Accidents Happen Most Often?
The most common Tennessee location geographically for large truck crashes is Nashville and the surrounding area. It is not uncommon to see large truck wrecks on the highways around the city- or to get caught in the ensuing traffic jams. Davidson County saw 2058 large truck crashes in 2022 alone- more than half of which occurred on interstate highways.
A Breakdown of Statistics
Rural VS Urban Areas
There are more truck accident cases in rural areas than anywhere else in Tennessee. More than half (around 57%) of large trucks involved in fatal accidents crashed in rural zones. Very few major incidents happened on city streets- since there are generally far fewer commercial trucks in these areas.
Highways VS Smaller Roads
27% of fatal truck accidents in Tennessee in 2017 happened on interstate highway routes- most often in the Nashville and Davidson County area. The percentage of Nashville truck accidents that took place on a highway in 2022 is higher- at 53.4%. In non-highway areas, intersections had the highest number of large truck accidents.
Other Truck Crash Locations
Worksite crashes involve a large truck once out of every three times. Although it is not the most common place for Tennessee accidents to happen, when they do, there is very often a truck involved- especially in fatal crashes.
What Are the Leading Causes of Fatal Truck Accidents in Tennessee?
Most truck accident deaths are not the drivers of the trucks themselves- but the people in the other passenger vehicles involved in the crash. In general, driver error on the part of the truck driver is the number one cause of accidents and the fatalities that occur.
Tired Truck Drivers
A shocking number of truck accident fatalities could be avoided with proper rest for drivers. Many truckers have deadlines and schedules to stick to. To do so, they need to drive for many hours at a time. This leads to fatigued people behind the wheel trying to get to somewhere on time- a deadly combination, as the statistics show.
There are laws in place that limit how many consecutive hours a trucking company can ask their staff to drive- but rules are often broken. Sadly, these violations directly cause severe injuries and even death to other road users.
Distracted Driving or Impaired Driving
Many truck drivers involved in fatal crashes were distracted or under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the accident. Taking on the phone or eating while driving were leading distractions- and are against the law in Tennessee.
Speeding
The leading cause of fatal crashes in all types of motor vehicles is speeding. Speed limits exist for a reason- going above them poses significant risks to everyone on the roads.
A driver in a small passenger vehicle who is hit by a large truck even below the speed limit has a high chance of suffering catastrophic injuries- but those hit by a speeding truck have almost no chance of survival.
Poorly Maintained or Defective Equipment
Some fatal accidents- although only a small percentage- are caused due to poor maintenance on commercial vehicles. Defects in the truck's system may go unnoticed for too long- which can lead to malfunctions.
Cargo coming loose is a huge risk factor. It can make it difficult for drivers to retain control of their vehicles- or it could fall off- hitting cars or causing people to swerve suddenly.
Lack of Training for Drivers
If a truck driver has not received sufficient training for operating a large vehicle, there is more chance of them causing- or failing to prevent- an accident.
Negligence in the screening and hiring process also contributes- with too many people behind put behind the wheels of dangerous vehicles that simply do not have the qualifications or reliability to be there.
Weather Conditions
Tennessee weather can be unpredictable. Many truck crashes happen when roads are wet- or visibility is low.
The Law and Fatal Truck Crashes
The law holds the drivers of large trucks accountable if their actions lead to an accident. In some cases, the trucking company may be liable rather than the individuals- especially if there is an issue with truck maintenance or licensing.
Victims and their families can claim damages from the negligent party's insurance company- including property damage, medical bills, and funeral costs if the victim dies from their injuries. Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys can also advise on questions like, "Who's at fault in truck tire blowouts?"
It is also possible to pursue compensation for the pain and suffering caused by the accident- and the long-term impact it has on the victim and their loved ones. Surviving victims can claim- and the families of deceased members can claim on their behalf. According to Tennessee law, only certain family members can make a claim- starting with the surviving spouse.
When to Talk To a Lawyer
Tennessee truck accident lawyers are here to help seek justice for those harmed in truck accidents. Truck accident victims should contact a truck accident attorney as soon as possible following the incident- to ensure no time or opportunities are wasted.
Trucking companies usually have excellent legal representation- and their insurance adjusters do not want to pay damages if they can help it. Having an elite team of law professionals to take legal action on the victim's behalf is essential to strive for the maximum settlement with minimum stress.
At Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys, the team goes to war for you- fighting for the compensation and justice every person deserves.
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