On highways and city streets nationwide, commercial vehicles are a constant risk to other drivers and passengers. Every day, large trucks are involved in crashes that result in increased medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering—consequences that usually fall on the occupants of smaller cars. When these accidents occur, victims have a right to hold trucking companies liable for injuries caused by inadequate training, poor vehicle maintenance, and other forms of negligence.
Types of Truck Accidents Our Tennessee Injury Attorneys Handle
As experienced truck wreck attorneys, we understand that no two truck accidents are alike. Injuries in these cases can range from soft tissue damage to life-altering complications that prevent victims from returning to their everyday lives. Since proving liability in these cases can be a highly complex and difficult process, we perform a thorough investigation of the vehicles and accident scene, using our knowledge of commercial vehicle laws to get you the compensation you deserve.
Some of the vehicles that can cause serious accident injuries include:
- Oversized trucks. Semi-trucks can carry several trailers behind them, each one loaded to the ceiling with heavy cargo. These 18-wheelers are already several times larger and heavier than a typical passenger vehicle, and drivers should exercise extreme caution when maneuvering down the highway.
- Dump trucks. Heavy construction equipment carries a much harder impact than passenger cars, but dump trucks are especially perilous due to their ability to carry large loads of heavy cargo. If a dump truck is involved in an accident, it has the potential to spill gravel, rocks, or debris onto the roadway—enough to bury a small car under its weight.
- Delivery trucks. Delivery trucks may be smaller than 18-wheelers, but even box trucks can be deadly if they are speeding or weaving in and out of traffic in order to meet deadlines. Even if these drivers are operating their trucks safely, the vehicle itself may cause a collision if it is overdue for maintenance or repairs.
- Logging trucks. Tennessee’s booming logging industry has made trucks loaded with lumber a common sight on interstate highways. Drivers who operate logging trucks must receive extensive training, especially when it comes to making wide turns or reversing the truck for loading or unloading. A tight turn or evasive action could cause the truck to roll, dumping thousands of pounds of wood onto nearby vehicles.
- Garbage trucks. Municipal sanitation workers serve all areas of Tennessee, from residential areas to businesses and down long stretches of rural roads. Unfortunately, the size of these vehicles often leads to poor visibility and increased stopping distances—and accidentally dropping garbage into the roadway further increases accident risks.
- Cement mixers. Cement mixers are vital for the construction of new homes and building complexes, but they require delicate handling and ongoing maintenance—something not all drivers may be willing to perform. An attorney can investigate the safety record and licensing of drivers in these accidents, as well as determine if the company that owns the cement mixer violated safety regulations.
- Tanker trucks. Tanker trucks are not only larger and heavier than other vehicles, their cargo can be flammable or toxic if the tank is ruptured. A gasoline or chemical spill from one of these trucks can lead to burns, scarring, and health complications for victims involved in a collision. For this reason, the operation of tanker trucks is heavily regulated, and companies and drivers can be held liable if their negligence led to a crash.
- Flatbed trucks. Flatbeds are used to carry heavy or oversized cargo, and can be loaded to the brim with disabled vehicles, industrial materials, or even pre-fabricated homes. If these materials are not properly secured to the bed, there is nothing to prevent cargo from spilling onto the roadway and into the path of oncoming drivers.
Our injury lawyers serve truck accident clients on a contingent fee basis, meaning we do not collect anything unless we secure a recovery for you. To set up a free initial consultation, simply fill out the short contact form on this page. For more information, you can also request a free copy of our book, The 10 Worst Mistakes You Can Make With Your Tennessee Injury Case.
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