Nashville Interstate Truck Accidents

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.