Although many believe that commercial truck drivers are among the safest drivers on the road, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reports they were involved in nearly eight percent of all non-fatal vehicle crashes and almost 12 percent of all fatal crashes between 2015 and 2016. Given that commercial trucks only make up five percent of all vehicles in the United States, crashes involving these drivers are actually disproportionately common—especially fatal ones.
Because of its geographic location, not to mention its myriad interstate highways, Tennessee sees a great deal of commercial truck activity within its borders, and subsequently a significant number of truck accidents. If you suffer an injury in a crash involving a tractor-trailer or other commercial vehicle, get in touch with a Clarksville truck accident lawyer to see what options you may have for compensation. Work with a qualified truck accident attorney that could advocate for you.
Common Causes of Truck Crashes
More than half of crashes involving commercial trucks involve some type of error, mistake, or negligence on the part of the driver. The most commonly cited factors include:
Accidents involving commercial trucks often entail issues and questions that are generally not raised in other traffic accidents. A Clarksville truck accident lawyer familiar with the commercial trucking industry’s complex regulations could determine whether an accident victim may be eligible for compensation, and if so, how much they could potentially receive.
Company Liability in Tractor-Trailer Accidents
In addition to potential liability on the part of the driver, commercial truck accidents in Clarksville often involve potential liability for one or more business entities. This may be because of their failure to keep the vehicle properly maintained, conduct a proper background check or drug test on the driver, properly train and monitor the driver, or properly load the truck.
Accidents involving commercial trucks often result in multiple investigations by local law enforcement authorities, state law enforcement authorities, and federal investigators, as well as by insurance companies for multiple parties. The primary responsibility of insurance carriers is to protect the rights of their owners and shareholders, but an experienced Clarksville commercial truck accident attorney could advocate on their client’s behalf and negotiate with insurance representatives for a fair settlement.
Contacting a Clarksville Truck Accident Attorney
Commercial trucks are involved in thousands of accidents each year, many of which result in fatalities or serious lifelong injuries. If you are involved in a vehicle accident with a commercial truck, call a Clarksville truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. They can help to protect your rights – and to ensure that you receive full compensation for your injuries and losses.
There are strict time frames within which you must file any claims for a commercial truck accident in Clarksville: within one year of the accident for personal injuries, within one year for a wrongful death claim related to someone killed in a truck accident, and within three years for property damage. To ensure you abide by these deadlines, schedule a consultation with an attorney today to get started on your case.
The insurance company has a legal team. You should too.
