Trucks are not an uncommon sight on Tennessee’s roads. As a result, it is easy to forget the amount of damage that can be caused when one of these vehicles runs into trouble. Drivers have often traveled great distances and may not know the area well. Add to that the possibility of distractions, or simple carelessness, and it quickly becomes apparent how easy it is for a truck accident to occur on the busy roads of Tennessee.
One such incident occurred recently when a semi-truck ran into the back of a tractor-trailer on the Interstate. Tennessee Highway Patrol was called to the late-afternoon crash, which had rapidly become an alarming scene. The semi-truck had caught fire during the accident and the driver had to be transported to a local medical center to be treated for minor injuries.
The driver of the tractor-trailer that was struck from behind appeared to be unharmed. However, the scale of the accident meant that the southbound lanes of the Interstate had to be closed for a number of hours to allow the devastation to be cleared. The semi driver has since been accused of failing to execute due care. He is also thought to have been texting when the accident occurred.
When truck drivers are found to be responsible for an accident, the company employing them can sometimes be liable as well. It is important to establish whether drivers have been adequately trained and if they have been allowed enough time to rest.
This crash in Tennessee could have had far more serious repercussions. Fortunately, neither driver was killed. If you are involved in a truck accident, particularly if you feel the truck driver was negligent or irresponsible, you may wish to claim compensation. An attorney may be able to help you with this, by ensuring a full investigation into the circumstances of the accident.
Source: WCYB, “Driver cited after tractor trailer crash on Interstate 81,” May 3, 2014