Tennessee Injury Lawyer BlogAccording to the National Highways Traffic Safety Administration, large truck deaths have been on the rise all across the U.S. Between 2009 and 2013, for example, the total number of people killed in large truck accidents increased by 591 to reach 3,802. Within the same time, people who died as a result of truck collisions within Tennessee increased from 86 to 107.
Those who are not killed in the accidents usually escape with varying degrees of injuries. It is estimated that more than 104,000 people are injured in truck accidents every year across the country. In short, every 16 minutes, someone is either injured or killed in a truck accident in the U.S.
Truck Collision Cases Are Complex- Several Factors To Consider
Some elements contributing to a truck accident may occur a long time before the truck even gets on the road. These include poor vehicle design and poorly maintained highways. Other factors may occur just before the accident such a driver losing concentration or a tire bursting. Your attorney will conduct a thorough investigation to determine how the negligence of the driver, his employer, the truck manufacturer, and any other factors may have combined to cause the accident.
- Accidents On The interstate
The other factor that makes truck accidents so complex is the fact that they tend to occur on the interstate. When arguing the case, there are likely to be several federal trucking laws that need to be addressed alongside the local Nashville, Tennessee laws.
You will need to find a Nashville truck accident lawyer experienced in working with both federal and state trucking laws.
- Compliance With Trucking Laws
The “hours of service” law requires all truck drivers to take mandatory rests in between working periods. However, sometimes drivers break this law if they are on a tight deadline. If you’re involved in an accident where you believe that the driver might have been tired as a result of not taking the mandatory rest, then you may have a valid claim against the driver, their employer, or both. Since the “hours of service” rule is a federal law, it will be tried in a federal court rather than a state court. More importantly, you will need to prove that the driver did indeed violate the law.