According to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, large truck accidents happen more frequently in our state along urban stretches of interstates and at crowded intersections. Few roadways are as dangerous as I-40, and if it's part of your regular commute, you know how challenging it is to travel sometimes. Other deadly highways include I-240 in Memphis and I-24 in various parts throughout the Volunteer State.
Unfortunately, commercial vehicle collisions often result in catastrophic injuries and extensive property damage. If you’re hurt in a crash that wasn’t your fault, turn to Pete Olson Injury Law. Our skilled truck accident attorneys are ready to help you fight trucking companies and their insurers for the compensation you deserve. The primary goal? Secure the medical care and compensation you need to work through your recovery and begin rebuilding your life.
5 Main Causes of Truck Accidents in Tennessee
The National Safety Council (NSC) defines large trucks as “any medium or heavy truck, not including buses and motor homes, with a gross vehicle weight rating greater than 10,000 pounds.” A fully loaded semi can weigh 80,000 pounds—it’s no wonder a driver of a 4,000-pound passenger vehicle suffers more in these collisions.
What are the main reasons for truck accidents? At Pete Olson Injury Law, our investigations into these crashes reveal common causes such as:
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Driver fatigue. Long hours on the road without adequate rest lead to impaired judgment and slower reaction times.
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Distracted driving. An operator’s use of mobile devices, eating, adjusting multimedia, and other behaviors contribute to a lack of focus and failure to react safely to road conditions.
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Speeding. Exceeding speed limits, particularly on highways, increases the likelihood of accidents. Not only is there a loss of stable maneuvering, but also the lack of proper distancing: even a tractor-trailer weighing 80,000 pounds traveling under ideal conditions at 65 mph still needs approximately 525 feet—almost the length of two football fields—to stop safely.
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Improper loading. Unsecured or overloaded cargo causes weight shifts, making big trucks harder to control and more prone to tipping.
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Poor weather conditions. Rain, fog, or icy roads significantly reduce visibility and traction, posing another challenge to truck operator’s ability to stop or navigate safely.
Another top cause of truck accidents is due to the industry’s demanding schedules. Although the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has strict stop-and-rest regulations for truck operators, some often ignore them and push through. The subsequent rush to fulfill certain delivery requirements contributes to many of the risk factors listed above.
When to Hire a Clarksville Truck Accident Attorney
There’s a lot to handle after you’ve been in a crash with a large commercial vehicle. To ensure you have a detailed claim covering injury-related expenses such as medical bills, extended treatment, reconstructive surgery, lost wages, and counseling, schedule a free consultation with us right away. At Pete Olson Injury Law, we know how important it is to have a solid recovery strategy based on concrete proof.
Truck accident claims are often more complicated because there might be numerous parties at fault. But no matter where you live in Tennessee, it’s our job to do a thorough investigation, preserve critical evidence such as dashcam footage, and fully evaluate your economic and non-economic damages. This helps you pursue a settlement that meets all your needs.
Contact Our Truck Accident Lawyer in Clarksville
Our legal team also knows why you must act swiftly in such cases, as your statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim in only one year. Please take a moment to review our testimonials to understand why we’ll have your back every step of the way.
