Tough Advocacy for Sevierville Truck Accident Victims

Holding truck companies and drivers responsible for injury and death in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Seymour

Truck accidents are more dangerous and deadly than car accidents for many reasons. The heavy weight of trucks mean that accidents will create a large amount of physical force will can kill the drivers and passengers involved. The size and dimensions of trucks make them harder to control than other vehicles. The pressure to deliver goods on time means many drivers drive recklessly and fail to get the rest they need. Survivors of truck accidents often suffer permanent or catastrophic injuries. Drivers of commercial trucks such as semi-trucks are required to have a special license because of the major difficulties in truck driving.

The Sevierville semi-truck accident attorneys at Delius & McKenzie, PLLC understand the complexities of these cases. Our legal team first works to determine how the accident happened, who is responsible, and what could have been done to prevent the collision. Our experience and skillful, aggressive persuasion combined with our resources are why our lawyers have obtained large jury verdicts and settlements for many of our Tennessee clients.

Common causes of Tennessee truck accidents

Most truck accidents are due to some type of driver error. When drivers cause accidents, the companies that owned the truck or hired the drivers may also be responsible. Our Sevierville semi-tractor accident lawyers represent victims in accidents involving:

• Driver fatigue. Truck operators drive for long hours, often across state lines or cross-country. Because they are able to make more money the faster they make deliveries, many drivers fail to get the rest they need. While there are federal laws on how long drivers can travel without taking a rest, many disregard the laws or push the limits to the maximum. Tired drivers cause accidents because they fail to anticipate and react to most traffic conditions.
• Distracted driving. For each second a driver traveling at 60 mph is focused on a radio, eating while driving, texting while driving, operating their cell phone, or lighting a cigarette, they are not looking at the road for about 90 feet. During these 90 feet, the driver can fail to see oncoming traffic, react to changing traffic patterns, run red lights, or fail other tasks needed to prevent accidents. Tennessee has laws meant to regulate texting while driving, using cellphones, or looking at videos.
• Driving while under the influence. Tennessee has strict DUI laws meant to protect the public from drivers who do not have the ability to focus on the road because of their chemical condition. Drunk drivers and drivers who used uppers or other narcotics should pay in civil court as well as criminal court for their misconduct. The trucking companies that hire these drivers may be liable too.
• Reckless behavior. Reckless driving includes speeding, constantly changing lanes, tailgating, and other forms of dangerous driving. These are more serious traffic violations because they show a complete disregard for the safety of others.
• Overloaded trucks. Tractor-trailers are required by federal and state law to meet appropriate load limits. Excess or unsecured loads can spill onto the highway, causing multi-vehicle collisions. Overloaded trucks are harder to steer and increase the likelihood of a truck rollover. All caution should be used to make certain trucks are not overfilled.
• Poor maintenance and failure to inspect trucks. All trucks should be examined before they are driven. This is not just good common sense, but a part of federal and Tennessee law. Poorly maintained trucks can cause the driver to lose control if the tires fail to have the proper tread, the axles are not secure, or for a host of other reasons.
• Poor training. Truck driving is much different than driving a car. The sight lines, the equipment, and the dimensions of the vehicle are all different. Poorly trained drivers can cause severe or fatal accidents.
• Federal regulations for driving. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has created many laws that are designed to protect drivers, passengers, and the public. These laws regulate how and when trucks should be inspected, the hours of service for trucks, weight limits, and many other safe driving factors. Truck drivers and companies have a duty to obey these laws.
• Defective truck parts. Manufacturers, distributors, and sellers of trucks and truck parts have a duty to make sure the vehicles and parts they make work properly. Every brake, steering mechanism, fuel system, and every other sold part should be designed properly, made the correct way, and should have the right instructions.
• Uninsured/underinsured drivers. Drivers without enough insurance, or without any insurance at all, often cause accidents because if they are careless about their insurance coverage, they are likely to be careless about how they drive. We hold trucking companies liable when their drivers are not properly insured, or we work to have our client’s own insurance company pay for damages if the responsible parties did not have coverage to pay the claim.

Our Sevierville truck collision attorneys investigate the cause of the accident by speaking with witness, examining reports, and, when needed, working with professional engineers and traffic reconstruction experts.

Hire an experienced Sevierville truck accident attorney today

If you or a loved one was injured in a truck accident, turn to Delius & McKenzie, PLLC. We have built a reputation for fighting for the injured and the families of deceased victims. Please call 865-428-8780 or fill out our contact form for a free appointment with an experienced Sevierville truck accident lawyer to find out how we can help you on the road to recovery. We represent clients in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Seymour, and throughout Tennessee.