Truck accidents are some of the most devestating traffic accidents around, thanks to the massive size and weight of the vehicles involved. A truck accident can result in severe injuries, death, and significant property damage, so it is common for a truck accident injury lawyer in Knoxville to be consulted. However, determining liability can be challenging. Most people would probably assume that the larger vehicle is to blame for the accident, but according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety(IIHS), an estimated 81% of truck accidents are caused by other drivers! However, when the accident is caused by the truck, a number of different people or entities can be responsible, including the driver, the truck manufacturer, and the trucking company. A truck injury lawyer in Knoxville will work with the available evidence to show to what extent each party involved in the accident is liable.

With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at some of the situations in which a trucking accident is liable for the accident.

Negligent Hiring or Training

Commercial trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, so it is essential that the people driving them are qualified. Trucking companies are responsible for ensuring they are using competent drivers with the appropriate training and qualifications. If the trucking company is found to have failed to conduct background checks or verify driving records or if they have not provided the proper training to drivers in their employ, they could be held liable for accidents caused by their drivers. A truck accident injury lawyer in Knoxville would seek to prove these negligent hiring and training practices in order to secure compensation for those injured in the accident.

Hours of Service Violations

There are regulations established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regarding how many consecutive hours a truck driver can be on the road before they must take a break. There are also regulations regarding how long that break must be. These regulations, known as ‘Hours of Service,’ are in place to ensure truck drivers do not get fatigued, which could increase the risk of them having an accident as it can impair their judgment. Unfortunately, some trucking companies are guilty of pushing their drivers to violate these regulations to meet delivery deadlines. If a truck accident injury lawyer in Knoxville is able to demonstrate that the trucking company actively encouraged or allowed drivers to violate their hours of service, then the company can be held responsible for the resulting accident.

Neglect of Maintenance

Like any other vehicle or piece of machinery, regular maintenance and servicing is vital to make sure that trucks are safe and roadworthy. Trucking companies are responsible for making sure all vehicles in their fleet are regularly inspected and properly maintained. Neglecting maintenance could lead to mechanical failures with the potential to cause accidents. If a truck accident injury lawyer in Knoxville can prove that a trucking company neglected the maintenance of a vehicle that was involved in an accident and that this was a contributing factor, they will pursue the trucking company for damages on behalf of the injured party.

Improper Loading or Securing of Cargo

If you have never worked in the trucking industry before, you may not understand the importance of how cargo is loaded and secured. However, if it is not handled correctly, a truck can become unstable, resulting in an accident. Trucking companies are responsible for ensuring that all cargo is properly loaded and adequately secured inside the trailer; otherwise, they can be held liable for any damages caused by a resulting accident.

Failure to Adhere to Safety Regulations

We have already touched on a couple of the regulations the trucking industry must abide by, but there are many more. As you might expect, it is a highly regulated industry with various requirements relating to driver training, health and safety, weight limits, equipment requirements, and more. Trucking companies have a duty of care to ensure they remain compliant with all of these regulations. If they fail to do so and one of their trucks is involved in an accident, a truck accident injury lawyer can seek to recover damages from the company to compensate their client.

Choosing a Truck Accident Injury Lawyer

Every year in the US, there are around 50,000 truck-related accidents, with around 1% of those resulting in a fatality. When a truck accident happens, there is often a substantial amount of property damage and severe injuries to sort through. Determining fault and liability in these cases can be difficult. That’s why it is important to work with an experienced truck accident injury lawyer in Knoxville. Butler, Vines & Babb has been representing clients in truck accident lawsuits for over 50 years. Whether you are a truck driver, a trucking company, or someone injured in a truck accident, our team of experienced attorneys have experience in investigation and litigation and can represent you during negotiations or in the courtroom.

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Butler, Vines and Babb is a leading law firm in Knoxville, TN, with extensive litigation experience in Medical Malpractice Law, Birth Injury Law, Trucking Accident Law, Personal Injury Law, and Business Law. Contact us today at www.bvblaw.com or call 865-637-3531.

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