Trucks are a common sight on the roads of Tennessee, as they are throughout the United States. And like all vehicles, they can run into trouble. This is especially true if they are traveling overnight or in the early hours of the morning, when visibility is often poor and drivers are tired. Furthermore, the size and sturdy nature of these vehicles can spell trouble for anything caught in an impact with them.

A recent truck accident in Tennessee resulted in the deaths of two young men. The fatal collision occurred in the early morning last Thursday. Two vehicles were involved in the crash at an intersection. The semi truck driver was waiting to turn when the second vehicle reportedly rear-ended the trailer. The impact of that rear-end collision, as might be expected, proved most dangerous for the inhabitants of the smaller vehicle. Two people from that car died. The truck driver and another involved passenger survived the wreck.

According to the initial investigation of the motor vehicle accident, this wreck was likely not the trucker’s fault. He was, according to reports, simply waiting to turn when his vehicle got hit. Authorities claim that the vehicle that rear-ended the truck was speeding at the time, which increases the likelihood not only of a crash but also of people suffering severe injuries. This Tennessee accident, through tragedy, highlights the potential extent of injuries that can result from a traffic collision. 

Determining the cause of an accident, such as driver fatigue or distraction, can be an important step to achieving justice. If one of the vehicles involved is a commercial truck, it can also be helpful to determine whether it has been correctly maintained. For example, were a truck’s brake lights or turn signals working? Establishing these facts with the help of a personal injury attorney is a vital step toward accident victims seeking proper compensation.

Source: News Democrat Leader, “Two Logan Countians killed in Thursday car accident,” Chris Cooper, March 13, 2014

When truck accidents occur, the effects can be widespread and severe. Such accidents can be caused by any number of situations, from driver fatigue to distractions, to intoxication. Whatever the cause, the damage is often extensive. One such truck accident occurred recently in Tennessee.

The incident closed both lanes of traffic for a time. It occurred near exit 74A on Interstate 81, just outside Bristol. The crash involved two vehicles, one of which was reported to be a tractor-trailer. This accident resulted in the closure of that section of the interstate while emergency services attended the scene.

Of the individuals involved in the crash, one died, while two sustained very serious injuries. Members of Bristol Fire Rescue and Bristol Police Department were first to attend, while officers from the Tennessee Highway Patrol arrived later.

As was the case with this accident in Tennessee, collisions involving large vehicles often result in fatalities. Even without such dire consequences, the damage caused can be immense. If you are involved in a truck accident, you have the right to protect yourself and to seek compensation.

In turn, truck companies are required to ensure that their vehicles are in good condition. They are also obliged to monitor its drivers and make sure that they are well rested and responsible. This is why determining causation is so important after a truck accident. It is also helpful to be aware of state legislation, so you know where you stand and can seek the best possible resolution for your particular case.

Source: Johnson City Press, “UPDATE: One dead, two suffer ‘extremely serious injuries’ in I-81 wreck,” Feb. 22, 2014

Whether you are a pedestrian, a passenger or a driver, letting your attention stray even for a moment when you are on the road can result in an accident. The volume of vehicles on the roads, especially at busy times of day, means that you need to be alert and aware at all times. Nevertheless, an automobile accident can happen at any time, and one person’s mistake can create a domino effect with repercussions for anyone else in the vicinity.

Knoxville’s Interstate 75 saw a large-scale accident involving half a dozen vehicles. The pileup resulted in the closure of two lanes of the road. Half of the vehicles involved were big trucks, a fact that may have contributed to the scale of the accident, as the sheer size of such vehicles results in much greater damage during a crash.

On some level, the drivers and passengers involved in the accident were fortunate. There were no fatalities, and only one individual was taken into medical care, having sustained minor injuries. Unfortunately, this is not always the case with such accidents, and this crash could easily have resulted in significant injuries.

When people are injured as a result of a car accident, worries about broken bones and brain trauma often supersede financial concerns initially. However, the cost of dealing with medical bills and any damage to vehicles can soon mount up.

Residents of Tennessee may find it helpful to familiarize themselves with the state’s legislation surrounding such accidents. This will enable them to understand what they are entitled to in the event of an automobile-related injury. Such matters should be considered carefully so that all parties receive the care and compensation that they deserve. 

Source: wate.com, “One sent to the hospital after I-75 pileup in Knoxville,” Feb. 14, 2014