As a major transportation hub, Tennessee has one of the highest occurrences of tractor-trailer accidents resulting in fatalities and serious injuries. In order to decrease such occurrences nationwide, the federal government has enacted truck safety laws known as the Federal Motor Carrier Regulations. In addition to federal regulations, Tennessee has also designed its own set of laws governing the safe operation of tractor-trailer trucks. These regulations are voluminous and can be difficult to understand. Larry R. Williams, Jonathan Williams and their staff are experienced in tractor-trailer wrecks, semi-truck accidents and collisions and can explain these regulations and how they may apply to your case.

What Are Some Of The Most Common Causes of Trucking Accidents?

Tractor-trailer accidents can occur at any time and place and under a variety of conditions and events. However, some of the most common causes of trucking accidents include:

• Lack of training of the driver;
• Overloaded or oversized trucks;
• Poorly maintained brakes;
• Fatigued, sleepy or tired drivers violating time requirements for stopping and resting;
• Speed limit violations;
• Aggressive behavior; and
• Unsafe safety systems, reflectors, mirrors, lights and warning devices.

Are Tractor-Trailer Wrecks Similar to Automobile Wrecks?

Tractor-trailer collisions are more complicated than automobile accidents. Individuals injured in a tractor-trailer accident need the counsel of an attorney with experience in this field. Larry R. Williams, PLLC will immediately begin investigating your Nashville tractor-trailer accident. Federal and State regulations require trucking companies and drivers to keep detailed documentation regarding any transportation a truck makes. This documentation includes the weight of each load, invoices for services performed on the truck, routine truck maintenance such as oil changes, logs on the amount of hours driven, logs on the time sleeping, etc. Trucking companies and drivers are also required to keep a log of every trucking accident, including the time and place of the accident and the events and conditions causing the accident. Trucking companies and drivers do not have to keeps these documents forever; therefore, it is important that you contact Larry R. Williams, PLLC immediately after being injured in a semi-truck wreck.

Are Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Required to Have a Special License and/or Training?

Operators and drivers of tractor-trailer and semi-trucks are required to have a commercial driver's license ("CDL"). Before a CDL will be issued, the individual applying for the license must take and pass the CDL general knowledge written test as well as a driving test. The Federal Motor Carrier Regulations require documentation of these tests be kept in the driver's personnel file.

Just because a driver has a CDL does not mean that they should be operating a tractor-trailer on public roadways. This is especially true when the truck driver has a record of prior "preventable" accidents. According to Tennessee law, if a commercial truck driver is involved in an accident resulting in bodily injuries, fatalities and/or property damage over $400, the driver is required to submit a written report to the Department of Safety. These reports are public knowledge and should be reviewed by trucking companies before hiring a truck driver. Despite access to these records, trucking companies still employee drivers with prior preventable accidents on their records. Examples of preventable accidents include:

• Driver was not operating at a speed suitable for the existing conditions of road, weather, and traffic;
• Driver failed to control speed so that he/she could stop within assured clear distance;
• Driver misjudged available clearance;
• Driver failed to yield right-of-way to avoid accident;
• Driver failed to accurately observe existing conditions; and
• Driver was in violation of company operating rules or special instructions, the regulations
• of any Federal or State regulatory agency, or any applicable traffic laws or ordinances.

How Will Your Firm Handle My Tractor-Trailer Wreck Case?

Larry R. Williams, Jonathan Williams and their staff have built a reputation for success in representing individuals and their families who have suffered serious injuries and fatalities in trailer accidents in Tennessee. Our firm will handle your tractor-trailer wreck instantly and aggressively, making sure to secure all necessary evidence. We will consult experts in trucking accidents who are knowledgeable in state and federal motor safety regulations including the Federal Motor Carrier Regulations to see if there have been any violations in your case. If needed, an accident reconstruction expert will be consulted. Our firm will also consult medical experts regarding your injuries, if necessary.

If you have been seriously injured or have lost a loved one in an accident with a tractor-trailer truck, please contact the experienced tractor-trailer accident attorneys at Larry R. Williams, PLLC today by calling (615) 256-8880.