Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Nashville

Truck accidents are some of the deadliest accidents in the U.S. No matter where they occur, they often cause serious risk of injury and fatalities, and in many situations, they are fully preventable. Understanding the common causes of truck accidents in Nashville enables victims to determine who is at fault for their accident. Speak with a Nashville truck accident lawyer today about your case.

The Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Nashville truck accidents often occur along the highways, including I-24, I-40, and I-65. These routes are critical to supplying the region with necessary materials and goods. Yet, truck drivers owe a sense of duty to everyone on the road with them to avoid mistakes that cause personal injury.

Some of the most common causes of truck accidents involve mistakes such as the following due to the truck driver’s negligence:

• Driver fatigue: Fatigue is a critical factor when it comes to accidents. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration created very specific rules about how many hours at a time a driver can be behind the wheel. Since drivers are often on the road for hours at a time, they can easily drift off or become less responsive to changing road conditions.
• Impaired driving: Impairment occurs when a driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs or impaired due to the use of prescription or over-the-counter medications. This impairment makes it challenging for drivers to react properly to changing road conditions. Call a drunk driving accident lawyer for legal help today.
• Distraction: Driver distraction can occur in various ways. Texting or the use of navigational systems is the most common. Others include eating or drinking while driving, having a heated argument, dealing with pets behind the wheel, or even watching or listening to a podcast, all activities some drivers engage in.
• Reckless driving: A truck driver who is speeding, switching lanes without warning, or tailgating is recklessly putting the safety of others on the line.

Some drivers are at fault, but the trucking company that hires them may also be to blame. Examples of instances where truck drivers and companies may be the cause of the accident include:

• Poor vehicle maintenance: Vehicles that do not receive routine inspections and repairs are at a higher risk of failing and causing serious damage.
• Poor cargo loading: If the cargo on a truck is not properly secured, this can lead to shifts that cause a loss of control over the vehicle.
• Poor driver training: Truck companies that hire an inexperienced driver or one with limited training in the specific type of vehicle could also be held accountable.

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Other Causes of Truck Accidents

There are other types of vehicle accident causes that may be related to external factors, not directly to the truck driver. Examples include:

• Weather conditions: Note that if the weather is poor and it is unsafe to drive, the trucking company and driver may still be held liable.
• Poor road conditions: Unmaintained roads approved for truck use could be the cause of an accident, putting the city at risk of fault.
• Manufacturer defects: If the design or manufacturing of the truck causes an accident, the manufacturer could be held accountable.

Investigating all causes of a truck accident is critical to pursuing all parties responsible. If you were hurt in such an accident, contact a Nashville truck accident attorney at Selvidge Injury Law for a free consultation. Learn what your rights are.