Statistics provided by the Tennessee Department of Safety demonstrate that there were 691 heavy and medium truck accidents throughout Knox County, Tennessee in 2008.
In many instances, these accidents are not the truck drivers fault; instead they are caused by a passenger vehicle driver error. This is caused by drivers failing to recognize the lack of capabilities large trucks possess, thus resulting in damages, injuries, and possible death to the drivers of these passenger vehicles.
If you or a loved one was driving a truck and has been injured by the negligent actions of a passenger vehicle, the victim may be entitled to compensation for their losses and damages including pain and suffering, medical expenses, loss of wages, property damage, or funeral expenses.
To learn more about how our law firm can help, simply complete the Free Case Review form to the right of this page, its completely free and confidential.
Types of Passenger Vehicle Driving Errors
Drivers across the state of Tennessee are initially taught about the dangers of driving near large trucks, however as time progresses people tend to forget these dangers, thus resulting in accidents. Due to the large size of these trucks, it is much more difficult for drivers to make quick maneuvers to avoid accidents, so when a passenger vehicle driving error occurs near a large truck, the results can be devastating.
Some common types of passenger vehicle errors include:
Driving in No Zones
No zones, or blind spots, are the areas around a truck where a driver cannot see. Often times these areas are to the right of the truck, however due to the large size and different shapes of trucks, there may be many different no zones. Thus, when a passenger vehicle is driving in one of these zones, a truck may fail to recognize where they are, causing an accident.
Braking Too Hard
Many times, passenger vehicles will pull in front of trucks and slam on their brakes. The problem with this is that large trucks take longer to stop than a passenger vehicle, so when something unexpected like this happens, it leaves little time for a truck driver to come to a complete stop, often times resulting in an collision.
Driving in No Zones
No zones, or blind spots, are the areas around a truck where a driver cannot see. Often times these areas are to the right of the truck, however due to the large size and different shapes of trucks, there may be many different no zones. Thus, when a passenger vehicle is driving in one of these zones, a truck may fail to recognize where they are, causing an accident.
Improper Lane Change
On average, it takes about 30 seconds to pass a large truck while driving on the highway. Therefore, passenger vehicles must allow enough time to pass a truck without causing a side-impact or rear-end collision with these vehicles. In many instances, passenger vehicle drivers believe they are able to pass a truck at any moment because they are not as fast, however these drivers often become the cause of the accident.
Reckless Driving in Adverse Weather
Many drivers may believe that truck drivers have an increased visibility in adverse weather conditions; however they actually have a decreased visibility. Given their elevation of driving position, it makes it increasingly difficult to see the lines on the road and other markers, not to mention the reduced time it takes to stop. So when drivers perform negligent behaviors around trucks in adverse conditions, it dramatically increases the chance of an accident to occur.
Right Turns
As large trucks have a larger turning radius, it is necessary for them to swing to the left in order to make a tight right turn. However, some drivers who may be in a hurry fail to recognize this maneuver and try to pass these trucks on the right side while they attempt to turn. This passenger vehicle maneuver is the cause of many truck accidents throughout our roadways today.
Tailgating
Tailgating is one of the leading causes of automobile accidents throughout the country. This is also true for passenger vehicles tailgating large trucks. When a large truck is forced to make a quick decision and a vehicle is following too closely, it may cause a rear-end collision or under-ride collision, which can have many adverse effects on the passenger vehicle and driver.
If you have been injured due to the negligent actions of a passenger vehicle, our attorneys advice seeking medical attention immediately. This medical attention will not only ensure all injuries have been properly cared for, but also provide you with medical documents necessary to develop a case against these negligent and injury causing drivers.
Contact an Experienced Knoxville Truck Accident Attorney Today
With many years of experienced representing injured victims throughout Knoxville, the attorneys at Greg Coleman Law are able to seek the maximum compensation benefits available to our clients in the court of law. Our attorneys have achieved hundreds of millions of dollars in successful verdicts and settlements and will work relentlessly to win a favorable verdict or settlement for each individual client.
With our primary headquarter in Knoxville, Tennessee our attorneys are able to serve throughout the entire state and wherever we are needed. Some locations our attorneys serve include:
- Powell
- Ridge
- Farragut
- Seymour
- Strawberry Plains
- Kodak
To learn more about our personal injury attorneys in our Knoxville office, or to schedule your free no-obligation case evaluation, we invite you to call us today at (865) 247-0080. At this time a member of our intake team will collect information about your accident, and then quickly connect you with one of our attorneys ready to take your specific case.
Begin on this page by completing the 100% Free Case Review form at the upper right. All entered information will remain completely confidential and our law firm will contact you shortly.
