Author: Anthony Proffitt

After a number or high-profile truck accidents, one news source highlighted different safety issues in the trucking industry. According to the report, the National Transportation Safety Board claims that trucks that failed to adjust to slowing traffic conditions caused accidents in Tennessee, Maryland, Illinois and Kentucky. These accidents highlight an increasing trend in truck-related fatalities.

According to data following recent trends, truck accidents decreased and hit a low in 2009. However, more accidents involving the large vehicles are being reported in the years following that dip, and 3,921 truck accident fatalities were reported in 2012. Some have claimed that trucking companies are pushing workers to physical limits and are trying to limit scrutiny on driver fatigue allegations. In addition, while some trucks are outfitted with state-of-the-art safety technology that is supposed to help a driver avoid collisions, these vehicles still become involved in fatal crashes due to a driver’s condition. For example, the truck that apparently injured Tracy Morgan and killed another person in a New Jersey crash was equipped with collision avoidance systems and speed limiters, but the driver behind the wheel had apparently not slept for 24 hours.

However, the American Trucking Association, a trade group, suggests that any increase in accidents are related to the continued growth of the economy and blames the high number of accidents on an increase in demand for the transport of goods. A spokesperson for the group argued that a jump in miles driven by truckers leads to additional exposure to danger on the roads, which results in an increase in accidents.

Strict federal regulations control how long a truck driver can be behind the wheel, and failure to adhere to those standards may be considered negligence in court. Individuals who have been negatively affected by an accident caused by the negligence of a truck driver might be entitled to compensation that can be claimed through a civil action filed in court.

Source: NJ.com, “In wake of Tracy Morgan crash, rising truck fatalities lead to new scrutiny“, Ted Sherman, June 15, 2014

The investigation into the cause of the accident that left comedian Tracy Morgan hospitalized and killed a close friend of Morgan’s as they rode in a chauffeur-driven limo bus has focused on a truck driver’s lack of sleep. Media coverage of the semi-truck accident has brought attention to the dangers posed by truck driver fatigue on highways in Tennessee and throughout the United States.

Officials allege that the truck driver did not notice that vehicles ahead of him had reduced their speed on the New Jersey Turnpike. The driver’s last-minute swerve in an attempt to avoid a crash caused his vehicle to crash into the limo bus, injuring Morgan and three other occupants and killing the comedian’s close friend. The injured comedian is expected to remain in the hospital as he recovers from multiple fractures.

Police charged the truck driver with death by auto and assault by auto in a criminal complaint that claims that the driver had not slept for 24 hours. Officials did not elaborate on the source of any information concerning the driver’s inadequate sleep. Federal regulations require drivers to maintain records about the hours they spend behind the wheel each day. Federal regulations limit commercial drivers to a total of 11 hours behind the wheel each day with at least 10 hours off for sleep.

In similar situations, investigators might determine if any of the vehicles involved were equipped with safety systems that automatically reduce vehicles’ speeds and alert the drivers to the traffic ahead, as this truck apparently was. If a truck accident occurs because one of these systems was not working properly, then any injured parties might try to hold both the driver and whoever was responsible for maintaining the equipment accountable via a civil lawsuit.

Source: Yahoo! News, “Authorities: Trucker in Morgan crash hadn’t slept“, David Porter, June 10, 2014

On May 30, a fatal accident occurred on Interstate 40 at the eastbound exit to the Asheville Highway. When traffic apparently came to a standstill, the driver of a tractor-trailer collided into the back of a car, pushing it into an SUV. Both the 44-year-old male driver and 64-year-old female passenger in the middle vehicle died in the accident.

Knoxville police believe another vehicle collision took place in the same area because of the first set of collisions. Reports suggest that a different truck plowed into the back of a Dodge Charger, and the car careened into a wall, sideswiping another vehicle. One person from this second crash was transported to the University of Tennessee Medical Center.

The driver of the first tractor-trailer was taken to the hospital for emotional anguish, and police indicated that no charges had been filed at the time of reporting. Speaking to news outlets after the incident, a Knoxville police sergeant indicated this section of road experiences the heaviest traffic in the city. The crash reportedly backed up traffic for several hours until the scene was cleared at around 5 p.m.

When a fatal semi-truck accident occurs, there may be underlying factors involved such as driver fatigue or faulty brakes. The driver or the trucking company may be considered liable depending on the outcome of the police investigation even if police do not cite the at-fault parties. Family members of the deceased could choose to pursue a wrongful death claim. A personal injury lawyer might assist them with building a case and could help the plaintiffs throughout settlement negotiations and litigation.

Source: WBIR, “Fatal 6-vehicle crash snarls I-40 traffic for hours“, May 30, 2014

Tractor-trailer wrecks are among the most dangerous and serious of any collisions on the road. Unfortunately, many people are injured and killed in these accidents each year across Tennessee roads. Victims of semi truck accidents may face long-term pain and suffering in addition to expensive medical and physical therapy bills. There may also be funeral expenses to consider for families of a deceased person.

An accident involving multiple vehicles closed down a stretch of I-24 in Montgomery County. The accident occurred near Clarksville, and it included three tractor trailers. 

The potential for catastrophic injury in an accident like this is often quite high, especially for motorists in smaller commercial and passenger vehicles. Whether a vehicle is struck directly by the semi truck, hit by cargo that was carried on the trailer, or involved in a collision that stems from the initial collision, drivers on the road are at risk when a semi truck loses control. This is especially true when more than one truck is involved, as in the accident on I-24.

There are many questions involved with an accident like this one. Who is at fault? Could the accident have been avoided? In some cases, a semi truck driver may have inadequate sleep, causing him to lose focus or even fall asleep behind the wheel. Mechanical failures and complications also contribute to the frequency of semi truck accidents. Understanding the cause of a collision and the legal recourse available to you can help you pursue the settlement you deserve for your case. 

Source: WKRN- TV Nashville, “I-24 reopens in Montgomery County after serious crash,” May 20, 2014