Category: Truck Accidents

For professional drivers, driving is a job and requires constant vigilance. Truck drivers must take extra precautions when driving because the size of the vehicle makes it more difficult to control. In fact, factors like distracted driving among truckers can lead to truck accidents that can be far more deadly and dangerous than typical car accidents. 

A truck driver has been sentenced to a one-year revocation of his driver’s license and a $500 fine after a court determined his negligence caused a fatal Tennessee truck accident. Although the driver was proven not to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, a three-hour hearing convinced a judge that the driver failed to yield and did not exercise due care. Ultimately, his inattentiveness caused the deaths of two victims.

The driver reportedly changed his account of what happened regarding the accident after it took place, initially claiming he was distracted and then later telling police that cars pulled out in front of him and stopped. Officials worked diligently to identify what had happened to cause the Tennessee wreck and concluded that the driver had lied to make it seem as though other driver’s actions contributed to the truck accident. The only negligence identified was that of the trucker. He failed to notice the slowed or stopped traffic and crashed because of his distracted driving that night.

In the case of this truck driver, he was convicted of a criminal misdemeanor. That conviction and the loss of the driver’s license won’t always provide surviving family with a true sense of justice. If you are involved in a truck-related accident, understand that you can take legal action against the trucking company and driver for failing to exercise due care. Commercial drivers should be the most careful drivers on the road; when they fail to live up to that expectation people get hurt or killed. Victims of those failures deserve a chance to be compensated.

Source: The Murfreesboro Post, “Truck driver who caused deadly crash apologizes to family,” Sam Stockard, March 28, 2014

Trucks are a common sight on the roads of Tennessee, as they are throughout the United States. And like all vehicles, they can run into trouble. This is especially true if they are traveling overnight or in the early hours of the morning, when visibility is often poor and drivers are tired. Furthermore, the size and sturdy nature of these vehicles can spell trouble for anything caught in an impact with them.

A recent truck accident in Tennessee resulted in the deaths of two young men. The fatal collision occurred in the early morning last Thursday. Two vehicles were involved in the crash at an intersection. The semi truck driver was waiting to turn when the second vehicle reportedly rear-ended the trailer. The impact of that rear-end collision, as might be expected, proved most dangerous for the inhabitants of the smaller vehicle. Two people from that car died. The truck driver and another involved passenger survived the wreck.

According to the initial investigation of the motor vehicle accident, this wreck was likely not the trucker’s fault. He was, according to reports, simply waiting to turn when his vehicle got hit. Authorities claim that the vehicle that rear-ended the truck was speeding at the time, which increases the likelihood not only of a crash but also of people suffering severe injuries. This Tennessee accident, through tragedy, highlights the potential extent of injuries that can result from a traffic collision. 

Determining the cause of an accident, such as driver fatigue or distraction, can be an important step to achieving justice. If one of the vehicles involved is a commercial truck, it can also be helpful to determine whether it has been correctly maintained. For example, were a truck’s brake lights or turn signals working? Establishing these facts with the help of a personal injury attorney is a vital step toward accident victims seeking proper compensation.

Source: News Democrat Leader, “Two Logan Countians killed in Thursday car accident,” Chris Cooper, March 13, 2014

When truck accidents occur, the effects can be widespread and severe. Such accidents can be caused by any number of situations, from driver fatigue to distractions, to intoxication. Whatever the cause, the damage is often extensive. One such truck accident occurred recently in Tennessee.

The incident closed both lanes of traffic for a time. It occurred near exit 74A on Interstate 81, just outside Bristol. The crash involved two vehicles, one of which was reported to be a tractor-trailer. This accident resulted in the closure of that section of the interstate while emergency services attended the scene.

Of the individuals involved in the crash, one died, while two sustained very serious injuries. Members of Bristol Fire Rescue and Bristol Police Department were first to attend, while officers from the Tennessee Highway Patrol arrived later.

As was the case with this accident in Tennessee, collisions involving large vehicles often result in fatalities. Even without such dire consequences, the damage caused can be immense. If you are involved in a truck accident, you have the right to protect yourself and to seek compensation.

In turn, truck companies are required to ensure that their vehicles are in good condition. They are also obliged to monitor its drivers and make sure that they are well rested and responsible. This is why determining causation is so important after a truck accident. It is also helpful to be aware of state legislation, so you know where you stand and can seek the best possible resolution for your particular case.

Source: Johnson City Press, “UPDATE: One dead, two suffer ‘extremely serious injuries’ in I-81 wreck,” Feb. 22, 2014

Whether you are a pedestrian, a passenger or a driver, letting your attention stray even for a moment when you are on the road can result in an accident. The volume of vehicles on the roads, especially at busy times of day, means that you need to be alert and aware at all times. Nevertheless, an automobile accident can happen at any time, and one person’s mistake can create a domino effect with repercussions for anyone else in the vicinity.

Knoxville’s Interstate 75 saw a large-scale accident involving half a dozen vehicles. The pileup resulted in the closure of two lanes of the road. Half of the vehicles involved were big trucks, a fact that may have contributed to the scale of the accident, as the sheer size of such vehicles results in much greater damage during a crash.

On some level, the drivers and passengers involved in the accident were fortunate. There were no fatalities, and only one individual was taken into medical care, having sustained minor injuries. Unfortunately, this is not always the case with such accidents, and this crash could easily have resulted in significant injuries.

When people are injured as a result of a car accident, worries about broken bones and brain trauma often supersede financial concerns initially. However, the cost of dealing with medical bills and any damage to vehicles can soon mount up.

Residents of Tennessee may find it helpful to familiarize themselves with the state’s legislation surrounding such accidents. This will enable them to understand what they are entitled to in the event of an automobile-related injury. Such matters should be considered carefully so that all parties receive the care and compensation that they deserve. 

Source: wate.com, “One sent to the hospital after I-75 pileup in Knoxville,” Feb. 14, 2014

Semi trucks are just as common on the roads of Tennessee as they are throughout the country. It is easy to take them for granted, and many of us drive alongside them without ever questioning their drivers or the safety and performance of the vehicles. However, it only takes a moment for a semi truck accident to occur, and many fatal accidents in the U.S. involve these large vehicles.

Trucks travel in every state and navigate across the nation’s roadways daily. In Kentucky, a pileup accident involving five semi-trailers has resulted in heavy damage to the trucks as well as injuries to the drivers. Four semi trucks collided, blocking the interstate to oncoming traffic around 5:30 in the morning. A fifth truck approached the wreck and was unable to stop. The driver of that truck swerved to avoid the pileup, and instead crashed into an entrance ramp just past the initial accident.

Police say icy road conditions primarily caused the accident, though the incident demonstrates the damage large trucks are capable of inflicting. Unfortunately, drivers of these vehicles traveling great distances may be more likely than other drivers to commit an error of judgment or fall asleep at the wheel. Although there are laws in place to prevent it, many trucking companies and their drivers push themselves to work extended hours without a break. In addition, some trucking companies may attempt to cut corners on vehicle maintenance in order to reduce costs and save themselves money.

If you are the victim of an accident involving negligence or carelessness, you may be entitled to financial compensation to help cover vehicle repair and medical bills along with other damages. Understanding your rights and the laws governing vehicle accidents can help you find the best resolution for your specific situation.

Source: WBKO, “UPDATED: I-65 Accident Involving 5 Semi-Trucks,” Melissa Warren, Feb. 4, 2014

Passing semi-trucks on the highway can make one nervous for good reason. A 52-year-old Tennessee man found this out when he was traveling down Interstate 40 recently, and a tractor-trailer collided with his car. Often times, a semi-truck accident can cause serious injury. Luckily in this instance, the man is expected to recover.

Shortly after 7am, a Shark Lines 2007 Freightliner pushed a 2003 Toyota Camry into a concrete median barrier. The Camry was under the semi-truck when it came to a rest against the barrier. The driver of the Camry was trapped in the car for over an hour while emergency workers tried to free him. While being cut out of his car, the driver was able to communicate with the rescue personnel.

After he was extracted from the Camry, the motorist was taken to a nearby hospital with non-life threatening injures. The accident remains under investigation. The driver of the semi-truck, a 49-year-old male, was cited for failure to exercise due care. He was transporting lawnmowers at the time of the accident. All paperwork and equipment checked out after an inspection of the rig by the Highway Patrol Officer.

Although the exact cause of the semi-truck accident remains unclear, the driver of the Camry still has rights under Tennessee law. The price of hospital bills can be steep even with non-life threatening injuries. Having the right legal advice will help determine if compensation can be received to lessen the costs associated with the truck accident. The driver may be able to receive help, not only with his medical bills, but also for lost wages.

Source: Knoxville News Sentinel, Motorist survives after being pinned in I-40 wreckage, Don Jacobs, Jan. 30, 2014

The local Middle Tennessee State University student who was recently killed in a truck accident has been identified. The college student was killed as he was crossing the street in his wheelchair. The student suffered from the impact and was taken to a local hospital. He was later declared dead from the injuries sustained in the tragic truck accident.

The Tennessee student was crossing the street when he was struck, but it is not clear if the student or the dump truck had the right of way at the moment of impact. The student was paralyzed in a previous car accident. There was no report of any criminal charges filed against the trucker, although the official investigation was said to be ongoing.

The student had previously lost his parents and his grandfather. Depending upon what evidence and documentation can be provided from accident, a wrongful death lawsuit against the driver and/or the driver’s employer may be appropriate. It is important to know all options before pursuing claims for financial recompense, but a case evaluation is the best way to determine these options.

The truck accident that claimed the life of the young student was tragic and seemingly senseless. For the surviving family members to be successful in filing a wrongful death claim, they will need to establish the trucker was negligent in a manner that caused or contributed to the accident and death that resulted. While a monetary award for financial losses cannot undo the grief of a family, it may help offset the cost of unexpected medical and end of life expenses.

Source: dnj.com, MTSU student killed in dump truck wreck identified, No author, Jan. 24, 2014

The president of East Tennessee State University was reported to be in stable condition at an area hospital after a crash between his 2010 Acura MDX and a rollback. The truck accident occurred when the flatbed wrecker allegedly ran a red light and collided with Brian Noland’s SUV at an intersection. A spokesman for ETSU said that Noland was expected to make a full recovery. Both vehicles in the wreck were severely damaged and had to be towed away, according to a police source.

Although Noland needed to be taken to the hospital, the 34-year-old driver of the rollback needed only minor treatment, which was provided at the crash scene. The truck driver was ticketed for a failure to update the address on his driver’s license as well as for running the red light. Police said that there would be no further charges filed in the accident. ETSU said that the university’s COO and vice president of health affairs would take on Noland’s job responsibilities while the president was recovering from his injuries.

ETSU is located in Johnson City, on a 340-acre campus consisting of more the 80 buildings. The university’s facilities include a library, athletic facilities and residence halls. In addition to teaching and other academic resources, the school also boasts an outdoor amphitheater and an observatory.

In some cases, a trucking company holds liability insurance that may be used to compensate victims after a truck crash. An accident claim settlement may be more conveniently pursued with the assistance of a legal professional. A lawyer might be able to analyze an accident investigation to help ferret out details that could shed light on the cause of a truck accident. Some such incidents may be caused by driver fatigue due to inadequate sleep.

Source: East Tennessee State University, “Discover ETSU,” November 25, 2013

Source: tricities.com, “ETSU president injured in car accident“, James Shea, November 19, 2013

A man being charged with reckless homicide took the stand in his own defense at his jury trial in Knoxville. The defendant, also charged with aggravated assault and reckless endangerment, could be fined up to $10,000 and faces a prison sentence of three to 15 years if he is found guilty.

The accident that claimed a woman’s life took place in 2012. Police say the defendant recklessly caused a truck accident; they say that the defendant was driving his semi-truck reckless, causing a tire blowout which lead to the collision. The defendant’s truck then landed on the car of the 42-year-old victim. Attorneys for the defense say that the blown tire caused to the accident.

Witnesses of the collision also testified in court; Tennessee Highway Patrol took the stand on behalf of the state. The victim’s family attended the court proceedings. The victim’s mother says that many people are mourning for her daughter, who was a special education teaching assistant in Lenoir City. The mother and brother of the decedent hope that the driver will be held responsible for the accident, and the brother issued a statement warning others to be more cautious when driving to avoid similar accidents.

The closing arguments in the trial were set for Sept. 24. The family of the decedent could choose to file a lawsuit against the driver for wrongful death. A wrongful death attorney may help the family recover monetary damages for pain and suffering and loss of companionship. If the defendant were to be found guilty in criminal court, a finding of guilt could potentially contribute to a case against the defendant in civil court; however, civil court has a lower burden of proof than criminal court, and a guilty verdict is not necessary for bringing a civil case.

Source: WATE, “Trial starts for truck driver charged in deadly Knoxville crash“, Stephanie Beecken, September 23, 2013

Tennessee motorists traveling I-40 near Nashville were delayed for a few hours because of a semi-truck accident Aug. 8. The accident happened in the eastbound lanes near exit 218 where the freeway joins traffic headed east on Interstate 24.

The truck was eastbound on I-24 when it crossed both lanes, hit a guardrail and then went down the bank. The semi was pulling an empty flat-bed trailer. The semi hit another car in the process. Though an ambulance responded to the crash site, it wasn’t known immediately if anyone was injured. The cause of the truck accident was not immediately available.

Only one lane of eastbound I-40 was open to traffic after the accident, with vehicles backed up for several blocks. Eastbound freeway traffic resumed an hour and 20 minutes after the accident. Only one lane could be used by westbound motorists until two hours and 40 minutes after the accident. Nashville Metro Police Department and Tennessee Highway Patrol investigated the truck crash, which required three wreckers to clean up.

There are many reasons for truck accidents, including a tired driver and a semi-truck that isn’t in peak operating condition. Though injuries in this truck accidentweren’t immediately known, it is quite possible occupants of the passenger car sustained at least some injuries due to their vehicle being hit by a truck that was significantly larger than their own car. Rarely do passenger cars and their occupants escape injury when they’re hit by a truck. Any injured occupants of the car may be eligible for compensation under Tennessee’s personal injury laws. A personal injury lawyer may advise them if they have claims and seek appropriate financial damages for the victims from the responsible parties.

Source: News Channel 5, “Eastbound I-40/I-24 Merge Blocked Near Downtown“, August 08, 2013