Semi-trucks are the kings of the road around Nashville, and the drivers and company owners responsible for these 18-wheelers have a duty to operate them safely to protect the motorists they share the road with. Unfortunately, this doesn’t always happen, and far too many innocent people are seriously injured and killed on Tennessee roads. These victims and their family members can have a difficult time trying to hold the trucking company liable for the harm they have caused because truckers are represented by a small army of lawyers and insurance adjusters who are paid to make sure victims recover as little as possible. At Weir & Kestner Injury Lawyers, we are not afraid of this army, and we will fight on your behalf to get you the compensation you deserve.

Causes of Middle Tennessee Semi-Truck Crashes

Trucking company lawyers are skilled at deflecting blame to save their clients money, but when driver or trucking company negligence led to the crash that left you injured, our attorneys are just as skilled at proving it. Common negligent causes of semi-truck crashes include the following:

Driver Distraction 

Truckers have a lot going on in their cabs and can easily be distracted from the task of driving. GPS devices, electronic logging systems, cell phones, passengers, pets, and even televisions can take a driver’s eyes and attention off the road and prevent him from seeing a merging or slow-moving vehicle, construction zone, or traffic hazard. Distracted driving is a major cause of highway semi-truck crashes.

Fatigue

Truck drivers are required by federal law to follow strict hours-of-service guidelines and must take periodic rest breaks. Drivers trying to make it to a destination in a certain amount of time and drivers who do not sleep during mandatory rest breaks put other motorists at risk when they doze off behind the wheel.

Drugs And Alcohol 

Drinking alcohol or taking recreational drugs clearly affects a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle properly, and truck drivers are guilty of DUI just like other drivers. However, many more truck drivers take prescription medications that can cause drowsiness and inattention and lead to an accident. Our experienced attorneys will check for this possible cause.

Driver Incompetence 

Truckers must meet certain federal requirements in order to drive a commercial truck, including passing a vehicle operating test, health exam, and criminal background check. If a trucking company hires someone who is not qualified to drive and the driver causes an accident, both the driver and the company who hired him can be held liable.

Poor Maintenance 

It is the responsibility of the trucker and his employer to conduct regular safety inspections and repairs of the truck and its various systems. When a tire, trailer coupling, or steering failure causes a crash, the driver and the trucking company can be held liable. 

You Don't Pay Unless We WinImproper Loading 

When cargo is improperly loaded, it can cause the truck to be imbalanced and difficult to control around corners. The driver could lose control and roll the truck over, causing a major collision.

When truck accident lawyer Tony Kestner takes your case, he will demand all documents related to the driver and the truck and will also secure the truck’s black box to determine the cause of the crash.

Possible Liable Parties in a Nashville Big Rig Crash

When a commercial truck is involved in a catastrophic collision, multiple parties could be held liable for the damages suffered by victims, including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and wrongful death. Depending on what is determined to be the cause of the crash, the following parties may be forced to compensate the victim or his family:

  • Driver
  • Trucking company
  • Truck owner
  • Truck or component manufacturer
  • Cargo loaders

Our attorneys will make sure that all liable parties are held accountable.

Have You Been Injured In A Tennessee Truck Accident?

If you've been injured in a truck accident you need to speak with an experienced truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. Contact us online or call our office directly at 615.220.4180 to schedule your free consultation. We will schedule a time to meet with you at one of our offices in Smyrna, Nashville, Murfreesboro or Chattanooga, by telephone, video chat, or another location most convenient to you (including an in-home consultation).