18-Wheeler Accidents

Victims of any truck accident face a serious risk to their life and well-being. With 18-wheeler accidents, there is an ongoing risk of serious injury and the loss of life due to the size, force, and speed at which these trucks travel. In Tennessee, victims have the right to receive fair compensation for any losses they incur. A truck accident lawyer in Nashville, TN from Selvidge Injury Law can be of assistance.

How Common Are 18-Wheeler Accidents in Tennessee?

Data shows that Tennessee is one of the most dangerous states for truck accidents. Approximately 7% of all fatal crashes in Tennessee are caused by heavy trucks, such as 18-wheelers. In 2024, 195 fatalities occurred across the state from these accidents, especially along routes like I-40 and I-24. As a major thoroughfare throughout the country, the number of 18-wheelers on the roads is very high.

Why 18-Wheeler Accidents Happen

An 18-wheeler accident may occur due to the mistakes of drivers, poor road conditions, or a combination of factors. Some of the most common causes of these truck accidents include:

• Fatigued drivers: Companies must adhere to the Hours-of-Service requirements for their drivers operating these trucks. If they do not, the driver is at a high risk of being too tired to control the vehicle safely.  Additionally, some drivers ignore the hours-of-service restrictions and drive beyond the allowed amount of time.
• Unstable loads: 18-wheelers can weigh as much as 25 times that of an average passenger car. Much of that comes from their large loads, which, if unstable or not secured, can create a serious risk of the driver losing control.
• Distracted drivers: Like any driver, especially those on the road for a long period, distraction is a common factor in being able to monitor changing conditions.
• Equipment failure or manufacturer defect: Trucks may break down due to manufacturer defects in design or construction. They may also lack maintenance to keep them in good working order.
• Intoxication: An intoxicated truck driver is unlikely to be able to operate the vehicle safely, and that can lead to significant injury.

The cause of 18-wheeler truck accidents is a critical factor to consider. Often, more than one party could be at fault for the injuries you suffered. This could include the truck driver, the trucking company, the cargo loading provider, or third-party providers. Reach out to our Nashville accident lawyer for a free consultation today.

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The Importance of Hiring an 18-Wheeler Truck Accident Lawyer

For victims of truck accidents, having an experienced attorney becomes critical. Your attorney will be there to help you navigate your rights and mitigate the risk of not getting fair treatment and compensation for your losses. This can prove to be critical for several reasons:

• 18-wheeler accidents may lead to regulatory action against the company. That means the truck company will do all it can to shift the blame for the accident to you.
• Your losses may be serious and catastrophic. Victims of serious truck accidents face a long road to recovery and need fair compensation to help them meet their future needs.
• Insurance companies may not treat you fairly. You may find they want you to settle for too little or deny your valid claims.

For all of these reasons, it is critical to hire a trusted and experienced personal injury attorney in Nashville to guide you through the legal process of filing a claim. If you lost a loved one in a fatal 18-wheeler accident, reach out to our Nashville wrongful death lawyer today.

Turn to Our Nashville 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer

At Selvidge Injury Law, our 18-wheeler accident attorney can help you file a claim and hold those who hurt you accountable for your losses. Turn to our team for a free consultation today.