Semi-truck versus passenger vehicle accidents

At the high speeds on highways, Tennessee drivers of passenger vehicles can be at risk when even minor driving errors occur around semi-trucks because the larger vehicles are difficult to control. Likewise, truck drivers need to be extra cautious, as an inattentive truck driver can cause serious injuries to the occupants of smaller vehicles in a crash.

It may be beneficial for drivers to understand the capabilities and limitations of 18-wheelers. For example, trucks accelerate slowly, which may lead impatient drivers to pass improperly. Pulling in too close after passing, quickly changing lanes, turning left too close to an oncoming truck and driving between large trucks can increase a person’s risk of becoming involved in a crash. Driving in a truck’s no visibility zones or failure to get up to speed when merging may cause a truck accident as well.

Many truck accidents are caused by professional commercial truck drivers. The size and weight of commercial trucks present inherent dangers in traffic accidents. In addition, some truck company practices, such as inadequate training in defensive driving, may lead to accidents on the road. Truck drivers’ pay structure encourages speeding and long hours on the road, leading to truck driver fatigue. Sometimes truck drivers are faced with schedules that are unrealistic for the realities of traffic conditions.

A lawyer could help individuals involved in a truck accident. In the case of allegedly negligent truck maintenance, possible defective auto parts, or a drunk or unqualified truck driver, a lawyer might be able to establish negligence and seek compensation for medical care and loss of wages on an injured victim’s behalf.