Truck accidents on Tennessee highways like Interstate 81 and I-40 near Morristown are far more complex than typical car crashes. The sheer size and weight of commercial trucks make collisions with passenger vehicles potentially catastrophic.
Trucking companies, multiple insurers and strict industry regulations add layers of complexity to these cases. Understanding the key differences between car and truck accidents is crucial for anyone involved in such an incident.
Let’s explore three primary factors that set truck accidents apart.
1. Injuries are likely to be more extensive
Semi trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, dwarfing the average 4,000-pound passenger car. This massive size disparity often leads to severe injuries or fatalities for occupants of smaller vehicles. Common causes of truck accidents include driver fatigue, improper loading and mechanical failures.
If you’re in a truck accident, prioritize your safety and health. Call 911, seek medical attention even if you feel fine, and document the scene if possible. Gather contact information from witnesses and the truck driver but avoid discussing fault or making statements to insurance companies without legal counsel.
2. Establishing fault may be tricky
Determining liability in a truck accident is often complex. Truckers must follow federal regulations governing hours of service, vehicle maintenance and cargo loading. Trucking companies are responsible for properly hiring, training and supervising drivers. Third-party mechanics or loading crews may also share blame for accidents caused by equipment failure or shifting cargo.
Pressure to meet tight deadlines sometimes leads truckers to violate safety rules. However, passenger car drivers can contribute to accidents by lingering in a truck’s blind spots or cutting off large vehicles that need more time to stop. Investigators must consider all these factors when assigning fault.
3. Calculating compensation is challenging
Truck accident victims may be eligible for compensation, including current and future medical costs, lost income, emotional stress and property damage. In fatal accidents, families may pursue wrongful death claims for funeral costs and loss of financial support.
Tennessee follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which reduces compensation by the victim’s percentage of fault. If you’re found more than 50% responsible, you can’t recover damages. This makes building a strong case demonstrating the truck driver’s or company’s liability crucial.
Multiple parties and insurance companies are often involved in truck accident settlements. The trucking company, the driver, cargo owners and vehicle manufacturers may all play a role. Each entity typically has its own insurance and legal team looking to minimize payouts.
Given these complex factors, working with attorneys with experience handling truck accident cases is vital. A skilled truck accident lawyer can navigate the web of regulations, identify all liable parties and negotiate effectively to pursue fair compensation for victims.