Nashville’s busy roadways see countless semi-trucks every day, usually without incident. But when these massive vehicles do collide with smaller cars, the results are often devastating.
Nashville’s dense urban traffic has brought a troubling rise in trucking accidents, which mirrors national trends. Drivers must be aware of the causes of these accidents, how to avoid them, and what legal ramifications there are if they are a victim.
Read along to learn how to protect yourself and see why Bart Durham is your best option for legal representation if you are involved in a semi-truck accident.
Bart Durham Injury Law stands out as one of the best options for legal representation in personal injury, medical malpractice, and auto accident cases in Kentucky and Tennessee. Since 1975, our experienced lawyers have championed the rights of victims, leading to millions in compensation.
Our contingency-fee basis also gives our clients peace of mind, as they know they don’t pay unless we win.
From thorough investigations to aggressive courtroom advocacy, Bart Durham Injury Law is the firm you want on your side when facing a serious accident claim.
Trucking Accidents in Nashville: An Overview
Nashville's strategic location at the intersection of key interstates makes it a hub for freight, but it also raises the likelihood of semi-truck accidents. When wrecks involving semi-trucks do occur, they often result in severe injuries or fatalities for occupants of smaller vehicles, as well as pedestrians and motorcyclists who share the roadway.
Beyond the acute physical trauma, semi-truck collisions have significant economic consequences. Medical expenses, missed pay, and property damage are routinely in the six-figure range, but protracted insurance discussions and liability disputes can delay essential reimbursement.
Those affected by a trucker collision in Nashville require immediate legal assistance to safeguard their rights and achieve complete recovery. Protect yourself after a devastating accident.
Analyzing Crash Data Since 2023
According to the TN Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Davidson County has seen more than 4,500 accidents involving semi-trucks since January 1, 2023. This adds up to about five accidents per day, every day of the calendar year.
With 2,261 incidents, interstates were the most common roadway to experience a semi-truck accident. Using this data, we can determine what are the most dangerous areas and most common causes for trucking accidents.
According to this data, the majority of semi-truck accidents occur during the work week: Monday through Friday. The most common driver action that led to an accident was improper lane changes (8.9%), with the second most common action being following improperly (8.7%).
Common Causes of Trucking Collisions
Several factors contribute to Nashville’s semi-truck accidents:
- Driver Fatigue: Federal “Hours-of-Service” regulations aim to limit trucker work hours, but deadlines and route pressures often lead to dangerous drowsy driving. This drowsy driving can lead to driver error and can even cause drivers to fall asleep at the wheel.
- Distracted Driving: This includes cell phone usage and GPS adjustments. A significant number of accidents are caused when drivers take their eyes off the road, even for a second.
- Speeding and Aggressive Maneuvers: Oversized rigs require longer stopping distances. If drivers are not paying attention to their speed and the distance of the car in front of them, they can brake too aggressively, causing the vehicle to swerve and possibly tip over.
- Impaired Operation: Alcohol and drug involvement, though less common with commercial drivers, remains a critical concern. Certain medications can also cause a driver’s reflexes and sight to be impaired.
- Mechanical Failures: Brake malfunctions, tire blowouts, and other maintenance issues can lead to devastation. Burnt-out lights or turn signals can lead to miscommunication with other drivers, which can lead to accidents.
Reach out to Bart Durham Injury Law and partner with a firm that will hold negligent parties responsible and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Legal Implications for Victims in Nashville
Trucking accidents aren’t just violent collisions, they also launch complex legal cases. Potential defendants may include the truck driver, the trucking company, the vehicle manufacturer, and the loading contractors.
Each one of these defendants can be held liable for your accident, depending on whether they were negligent in any step of the freight process.
Pursuing a trucking injury claim in Nashville often involves:
- Comprehensive Investigation: Trucking companies, insurance companies, and your lawyer will aggressively scramble to investigate the crash. They will collect any relevant information like the truck’s black box, photographs of the scene, maintenance records, and witness testimony.
- Expert Analysis and Testimony: Bart Durham Injury Law will partner with accident reconstruction specialists, medical professionals, and industry insiders to identify causation and calculate damages. These experts can also testify on your behalf.
- Negotiation and Litigation: Insurance companies often resist high-value claims. Hire a lawyer with years of experience to pressure settlement offers or to take cases to a jury if a compromise cannot be met.
- Compensation: After dragging through the legal process, Bart Durham Injury Law will deliver the compensation you deserve.
Trust Bart Durham When You’re In a Serious Accident
Bart Durham Injury Law has been a pillar of support for injury victims for decades, and we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a truck wreck can take. We truly believe justice is your right, and we demand it!
Our team’s proven litigation strategies and deep understanding of Kentucky and Tennessee’s trucking regulations ensure that victims secure the compensation they deserve for medical care, lost income, pain and suffering, and wrongful death.
Don’t face the aftermath of a collision alone! Reach out today to protect your future and hold negligent parties accountable. Our experienced attorneys at Bart Durham Injury Law can help you understand your rights, build your case, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact us 24/7/365 for your FREE consultation.
