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