Posted in Personal Injury,Truck Wreck on September 23, 2016
Fatal Injuries Reported after Semi-Truck Accident in Robertson County
One fatality was reported after a semi-truck accident occurred in the westbound lanes of Interstate 24 in Robertson County Thursday morning.
According to a report by WKRN.com, the accident occurred just before noon near the Montgomery County line, State Route 49, and Maxey Road.
Emergency responders closed all westbound lanes and weren’t able to reopen them for traffic until around 3 p.m. Westbound traffic was diverted to an alternate route as crews worked to investigate the crash and clear the scene.
The cause of the crash is unknown at this time, and police haven’t released information about the victim’s identity or whether anyone else was injured in the accident.
An additional crash was also reported in the westbound lanes of Interstate 24 Thursday morning between Maxey Road and State Route 76. Police say the scene of that accident will be cleared at around 1 p.m. Thursday afternoon.
What Are the Major Risk Factors for Truck Accidents?
Although all auto accidents have the potential to cause serious and life-threatening injuries, collisions involving semi-trucks and tractor-trailers are exceptionally dangerous for people in passenger vehicles.
While ordinary cars and SUVs weigh between 4,000 and 5,000 pounds, semi-trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. When accidents involving the two types of vehicles occur, the occupants of passenger vehicles—including the largest SUVs—are at serious risk.
Some of the most common risk factors for big truck accidents include the following:
Just as many car accidents are caused by driver error, so too are truck accidents. Driving any vehicle requires undivided attention and focus, but driving a big truck is even more demanding than driving a car or SUV. That’s why drivers must never get behind the wheel when they’re intoxicated, sleepy, fatigued, or poorly trained. Unfortunately, some truck drivers fail to adhere to the strict guidelines established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), putting themselves and others at risk in the process.
While truck cabins are large and heavy, the bulk of a truck’s weight comes from its trailer, which can weigh tens of thousands of pounds due to heavy cargo. In addition to having maximum weight limits, trucks must also be loaded evenly and correctly to prevent cargo from suddenly shifting or truck drivers having to constantly compensate for uneven loads. Some trucking companies overload their trucks or fail to properly train their warehouse workers on safe loading practices, resulting in trucks hitting the road that are dangerous for drivers and for other motorists.
Just as cars need regular oil changes, brake replacement, and tire rotation, big trucks also need frequent maintenance to stay safe to drive on highways and interstates. Big trucks can rack up hundreds of thousands of miles in a single year, which puts extreme stress and wear and tear on their components. Truck owners and companies should schedule frequent and regular maintenance to keep their vehicles in safe condition, but some delay or neglect this responsibility in an effort to save money and maximize profits.
Certain road types and conditions can increase the risk of truck accidents. Roadways that are wet or slick due to recent rain, snow, and ice can significantly increase the risk of all types of automobile accidents, including truck crashes. In addition, winding roads, steep inclines and declines, and roadway defects like potholes, broken and chipped pavement, and loose pavement are all risk factors for truck accidents. While truck drivers should always prepare for these types of risk factors, it’s not always possible for drivers to avoid them.
The Nashville truck accident attorneys at Matt Hardin Law know the ins and outs of truck accidents in Middle Tennessee. The victims of truck accidents often suffer debilitating injuries, but it can be difficult for them to pursue compensation due to big trucking companies having big law firms on their side. We aren’t afraid to fight for the rights of injured victims like you—especially when truck drivers and truck companies are negligent in their duty to abide by FMCSA regulations.
If you or someone you know was injured in a truck accident, you may be eligible to file a claim for accident-related expenses such as medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Let us put our two decades of combined experience to work for your family. Just dial (615) 200-1111 or complete a free online consultation form.
