Nashville Interstate Truck Accidents
Interstate truck accidents are bound to happen in the Nashville area. With a multitude of commercial carriers traveling through the city each day along crowded interstates like I-65, I-40, I-24, and I-440, it seems like it is only a matter of time before the next wreck occurs. Trucking accidents are particularly hazardous because semi-trucks and 18-wheelers are considerably bigger than other vehicles and motorcycles on the road. Moreover, interstate trucking accident cases can be more complicated than the average motor vehicle wreck case due to the detailed Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations that govern interstate commercial drivers. If you have been injured by another driver’s negligence, the Nashville truck accident lawyers at Nahon, Saharovich & Trotz are available to speak with you today to discuss your rights and how our firm may be able to assist you in your time of need.
Theories of Liability in a Trucking Accident Case
Many interstate truck accidents occur in Davidson County as a result of driver error or negligence. It is common to see accidents on Nashville interstates caused truck drivers speeding, failing to maintain a safe lookout, following too closely, and failing to yield correctly. Moreover, many truckers are paid by the load or mile driven. This incentivizes certain individuals to speed and drive as many consecutive hours as physically possible, even if it means violating FMCSA hours of service regulations. Driving without enough rest often leads to truck driver fatigue. Research has shown that drowsy drivers exhibit many of the same side effects as drunk or intoxicated drivers.
Following an interstate truck accident, the employer of the big rig driver may be held liable in addition to the driver. First, the employer may be held indirectly liable under the theory of respondeat superior – literally meaning “let the master answer.” This can be established if the truck driver was acting in the course and scope of employment when the accident occurred. For example, if a truck driver is traveling on an authorized delivery route along I-40 East and he rear-ends a car in traffic, he most likely will be viewed as acting within the course and scope of employment. However, if the semi-truck driver had taken a detour to run a personal errand when the wreck occurred, the truck driver may not be viewed as acting within the course and scope of employment.
The trucking company can also be held directly liable for your injuries following a collision. Under the FMCSA regulations, commercial trucking companies are required to monitor log books of drivers to prevent driver fatigue, conduct thorough background checks on drivers, and properly train employees regarding how to maintain and operate their equipment. Failure to act appropriately can place the trucking company directly liable for a driver’s mistake or error. Common causes of action against commercial carriers include negligent hiring, negligent supervision, negligent training, and negligent maintenance of the vehicle. A lawyer with experience handling truck accident cases in the Nashville area can explain which theories may apply to your particular situation.
Call Our Nashville Lawyers Today
Serious injuries often result after a trucking accident. The attorneys at Nahon, Saharovich & Trotz have handled interstate truck accident cases for over 30 years and have a team of attorneys ready to fight for your legal rights. Contact our office toll-free by calling 800-529-4004 or by completing our online form to set up a free consultation with a truck crash attorney. NST is the way to go.
2323 21st Avenue South
Suite 500
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: 615-235-0766
Fax: 615-257-6797