Every year, motor vehicle accidents take the lives of thousands of people and injure millions across the United States. In 2017 alone, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimated that 2,746,000 injuries and more than 37,000 fatalities resulted from vehicle collisions in the U.S. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), about 4,761 of those fatalities and about 148,000 of those injuries occurred in accidents involving large trucks.
Despite increased awareness about distracted driving and improved trucking system technologies, the number of truck accident fatalities and injuries is still far too high. If you or a loved one suffered serious or fatal injuries as the result of a truck collision, a Nashville truck accident lawyer may be able to help you seek compensation from the at-fault driver. Contact us today at (844) 430-1030 to speak with our legal team about your case.
Truck Accidents in Tennessee
According to the NHTSA, fatal large truck accidents in the state of Tennessee continued to increase from 2014 through 2017 before declining slightly in 2018. However, more than 530 victims lost their lives to truck accidents on Tennessee roads over the course of those five years.
Davidson County has particularly concerning accident rates among all types of motor vehicle accidents. The Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security found that, between 2015 and 2019, Davidson County came in first for injury crash rates, speeding crash rates, and overall crash rates. The most recent information available on large truck accidents by county in Tennessee also reveals that Davidson County had the most truck collisions in its district every year from 2006 to 2008 and even surpassed Shelby County in 2007, which typically has the highest rate of truck accidents in the state.
If a negligent driver caused the collision that led to your injuries or the loss of your loved one, a Nashville truck accident attorney may be able to help you pursue compensation in your case.
For a free legal consultation with a truck accidents lawyer serving Nashville, call (844) 430-1030
The Dangers of Large Trucks on the Road
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), passenger vehicle occupants account for the majority of fatalities in accidents involving large trucks. Because trucks can weigh up to 30 times more than cars and SUVs, their impact carries a higher risk of injury for those in other, lighter vehicles.
Trucks also take much longer to come to a complete stop due to their size and weight, especially when carrying heavy loads or traveling on wet roads. This presents a danger to drivers in front of the truck, and the potential for underride accidents, in which cars can slip underneath trailers, makes driving behind trucks dangerous, as well.
Nashville Truck Accident Lawyer Near Me (844) 430-1030
Causes of Large Truck Accidents
Many factors can contribute to large truck accidents, so the FMCSA and NHTSA set out to find the reasons for their occurrence. Their Large Truck Crash Causation Study (LTCCS) reports the elements involved in each step of the accidents studied, such as the action that made the accident inevitable, the immediate cause for the accident, and associated factors that may have played a role. Some of the prevalent critical reasons the study found for at-fault truck accidents include:
- Driving too fast for conditions
- Misjudging another driver’s speed
- Tailgating
- Inattention or distraction
- Inadequate surveillance
- Overcompensation
- Poor directional control
Driver fatigue also results in many truck accidents, as many truck drivers work long hours on the road, and some do not stop for breaks when necessary.
If you or a loved one suffered severe or fatal injuries in a Nashville truck accident, the lawyers at Ben Crump Law, PLLC may be able to help you pursue financial awards. Contact our legal team at any time, and we will respond as soon as possible to discuss your options with you.
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Compensation in Truck Accident Cases
Financial awards in truck accident cases vary based on your circumstances, such as the extent of your injuries and how much the at-fault party’s insurance company covers. In Tennessee, the liable driver must provide compensation for the victims’ injuries, but their policy limits may exceed your damages. A Nashville truck accident lawyer may be able to help you seek adequate compensation, which may include:
- Lost wages if you had to take time off work to recover from your injuries
- Loss of earning capacity if you cannot return to work because of your injury or lost a loved one in the accident who provided you with financial support
- Medical bills and injury-related medical expenses, such as equipment and transportation
- Loss of consortium if you lost a spouse in the accident
- Mental anguish, permanent disfigurement, or other forms of pain and suffering for your physical and emotional trauma
- Funeral and burial expenses if a loved one suffered fatal injuries in the accident
A lawyer cannot guarantee a certain amount of recovery, but they can assess your damages and help you seek fair compensation.
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Tennessee Statutes of Limitations on Truck Accident Claims
Each state has a time limit, known as a statute of limitations, during which victims of truck accidents and their loved ones can file personal injury or wrongful death claims against the liable party. The Tennessee statute of limitations (TN Code § 28-3-104) allows victims and certain family members only one year from the date of the accident or the date of their loved one’s passing to file their claims for financial awards. An attorney can determine how much time you have left to file a claim and get started on your case right away.
Contact Ben Crump Law, PLLC Today
If you suffered injuries or lost a loved one as the result of a Nashville truck accident that a negligent driver caused, we understand the long-term effects it can have on you and your family. At Ben Crump Law, PLLC, we believe in holding the driver accountable for the harm they caused, and a Nashville truck accident lawyer from our team will fight for just compensation in your case. Contact us today at (844) 430-1030 to discuss your free case evaluation with our legal team.
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