Nashville Speeding Truck Accidents

Whether they occur on a two lane road or busy interstate, speeding accidents can cause harm to others. Speeding is a common contributing factor to auto accidents in Davidson County. The Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security reported that between 2007 and 2017, “speed too fast for conditions” was a contributing factor in more than 13,000 car wrecks in Davidson County.

Tennessee law requires drivers to remain at the accident scene after a collision. This is to prevent hit and run accidents and allow the police to arrive and begin investigating the crash in a timely manner. The Nashville Police Department is headquartered at 3055 Lebanon Pike, Nashville, Tennessee 37214, and can be reached at 615-862-7400. If the responding officer cited the defendant truck driver for speeding or a violation of another safety law, your case may be able to proceed under a theory of negligence per se, which means negligence as a matter of law. In addition to state laws and local driving ordinances, interstate truck drivers must follow regulations promulgated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

Trucking accident damages encompass many forms under Tennessee law. To learn which elements of compensation may apply to your case, you should speak with an experienced car wreck attorney. Under Tennessee tort law, compensatory damages serve to make the victim whole, and they may include medical bills, lost wages, property damage, emotional distress, and pain and suffering caused by the crash. Punitive damages can come into play if the defendant’s conduct was particularly egregious or reckless. An example could be a trucker, under the influence of alcohol, speeding down Broadway at 75 miles per hour during peak rush hour traffic. Punitive damages are not designed to make a victim whole; rather, they are meant to punish the defendant and prevent that person and others from engaging in similar conduct in the future.