Aggressive Drivers Can Cause Truck Accidents

A growing number of truck accidents are proving to be the result of drivers being unnecessarily aggressive while out on the road. Careless and aggressive behaviors including unsafe lane changes, wide turns, and refusal to yield to other traffic can result in accidents causing severe injury and even death.

Why is This Such a Big Problem?

When hearing that aggressive driving causes such a high number of truck accidents, the first question most people ask is why is this such a prevalent problem with truck drivers. The answer is somewhat simple. Since trucks are so large, drivers often feel superior to other road users and may not feel as though the rules of the road apply to them. While truck drivers are highly trained professional drivers who have had additional driving training, they are not immune to making mistakes on the road. Statistics suggest that truck drivers are the most aggressive drivers in the country. However, only 14 states have legislation that addresses aggressive driving by commercial drivers and 11 of those states have passed an aggressive truck driving law in an attempt to reduce the number of truck accidents that take place.

Spotting an Aggressive Driver

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the definition of aggressive driving is ‘a combination of moving traffic offenses so as to endanger other persons or property.’  It is usually the case that rather than just being a careless driver, aggressive drivers are reckless and may even be intentionally behaving in this manner to intimidate other road users. Thousands of lives are claimed annually in truck accidents that involve aggressive driving, and with such large vehicles in the mix, the results are truly devastating.

If you know the hallmarks of an aggressive driver, you can do what is necessary to avoid them and reduce your chances of being involved in a truck accident. Some of the most common aggressive driving behaviors that are responsible for truck accidents include:

• Driver Failing to be Attentive
• No Signal Before Changing Lanes
• Refusing to Yield the Right of Way to Other Vehicles
• Failure to Come to a Complete Stop at Stop Signs
• Excessive Speeding
• Repetitive Braking and Accelerating

If you do spot an aggressive truck driver on the road, the best possible advice that we can offer is to keep your distance as much as possible. Change lanes or pull over to allow them to pass you. It is also advisable to contact police, giving them as much detail as possible to identify the truck in question.

What to do in The Event of a Truck Accident

Unfortunately, even if you know the signs to look for and do your best to stay out of harm's way, it is simply not possible to avoid all truck accidents. Even taking aggressive drivers out of the equation, accidents do happen. If you are involved in a truck accident and believe that the driver was aggressive or negligent, then you could have grounds for a lawsuit. However, various things need to be proven. There must be evidence to suggest that the driver neglected his or her duty of care towards other drivers. It must also be possible to prove there were no other contributing factors that may have caused the truck accident, including things like adverse weather conditions or truck malfunction.

If you are injured in a truck accident, then it is best to contact an experienced truck accident lawyer for advice.

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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.butlervinesbabblaw.com or call 866-701-9631.

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Poor Maintenance Causes Over One-Third of Truck Accidents

It might surprise you to learn that a significant percentage of truck accidents are deemed to be a direct result of poor maintenance, especially those involving commercial vehicles. Mechanical failures and poorly maintained tires are among the most common. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration states the reasons for as many as 35% of truck accidents involving semi-trucks and tractor-trailers are poorly maintained tires and brakes despite routine maintenance and checks being a federal regulation. It seems that many drivers and the companies they work for are guilty of ignoring these requirements.

The Most Common Mechanical Failures Present in Truck Accidents

One of the most common causes of truck accidents is the poor maintenance of the vehicle's brakes. In a recent report, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) suggests that 19% of 18 wheelers have brake defect, which could be very detrimental in the event of an emergency in which the driver must brake suddenly to avoid an obstruction or another hazard on the road.

Tires are another recurring cause of truck accidents. When driving a vehicle on tires that have not been well maintained they become more susceptible to a blowout and other issues. A blowout can be dangerous in a car, but with these larger vehicles, there is a significant weight increase which means that a tire blowout can be catastrophic. It is crucial that drivers maintain their tires regularly and ensure the right tread and air pressure are present. It is also important to check tires regularly for wear and tear. Many commercial drivers have equipment on board to assist with monitoring their tires, but many of them are apparently neglecting this responsibility.

It is not only tires and brakes that can lead to accidents. Another maintenance issue that has been the cause of many accidents is trailer maintenance. If the trailer is not properly secured, it can have an adverse impact on the tire alignment putting additional pressure on the tires and can increase the amount of wear and tear on the tires. This extra wear and tear may, in turn, can affect steering thus raising the risk of a truck accident. Regular maintenance is required to ensure all trailer couplings and the trailer itself are in good working order.

Who is Responsible for Maintenance?

Pinpointing who is to blame for the lack of care and attention that has resulted in truck accidents can be difficult. In some situations, it is the driver who is ultimately responsible for ensuring safety checks are carried out, and it is common for them to deliberately unhook the front brakes to minimize wear and tear on the brakes and tires. These actions are negligent on the driver’s part, and any resulting accident would be the driver's fault. However, ultimately it is also the responsibility of the company employing them to make sure all their vehicles meet regulations, and that drivers are adhering to the appropriate Federal regulations.

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.butlervinesbabblaw.com or call 866-701-9631.

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Poor Maintenance Causes Over One-Third of Truck Accidents

How to Handle the Aftermath of a Truck Accident

Accidents of any kind aren’t exactly a fun topic to discuss. It is, however, extraordinarily important to be prepared for unforeseen circumstances that can occur on the road. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reported in 2015 that more than 4,000 large trucks and buses were involved in crashes causing a fatality and more than 90,000 accidents causing injury.

If those numbers don’t grab your attention, the financial statistics might. According to the US Department of Transportation, the average cost of a fatal truck-involved accident is over $7 million. Every case is different in its way, and hopefully, it is something you never have to experience, but being educated on a few simple steps and procedures can help your case immensely and get you the compensation deserved.

Put yourself in these shoes: You’ve just been involved in a truck accident. Do you know how to handle the situation? The first step is to check (if possible) to see if anyone involved, including yourself, might need immediate medical assistance. Next, you should contact the police by dialing 911 immediately for a quick and timely preservation of the accident scene.

NOTE: After calling the police, we recommend contacting us, Butler, Vines and Babb, as quickly as possible. We have a Rapid Response Team in Knoxville Tennessee and surrounding region to assist in the immediate investigation of an accident.

If you are able, before emergency services arriving at the accident scene, you should document as much as possible of the site from your perspective. This includes taking pictures of everything from the road conditions (skid marks, ice, rain, construction zone, etc.) to multiple angles of all vehicles involved. Also, gather the names of anyone involved in the accident and their insurance information. A good piece of advice is to ask for contact information of any bystanders or motorists that were witness to the accident take place.

Once emergency services arrive, they will assess the situation further and provide medical service if needed. They will conduct a medical evaluation on anyone involved. It is important to be honest during this and to not over-exaggerate any injuries, but also be sure to disclose any minuscule differences such as a sore neck that wasn’t sore before the accident. Once evaluations are finished, the police will conduct quick interviews with all parties involved and if possible, any witnesses. It is critical that when interviewed, you stick to the facts only and do not admit fault. Once the accident report is finished, request a copy.

While you are still at the scene, you should contact your insurance provider. Insurance companies occasionally send an adjuster to a scene to acquire information directly. Once again, it is important to not admit fault of any kind to your insurance company.

Another tip that often goes forgotten following a truck accident is to seek medical attention after the fact. Regardless of whether you are injured or not, find a medical professional to provide you with a full evaluation. Many vehicle injuries do not show signs immediately.

If you or a someone you know has been involved in a truck accident in the Knoxville Tennessee region, or anywhere, contact Butler, Vines and Babb. At Butler, Vines and Babb, we have represented clients in negotiations and the courtroom for more than 35 years with car and truck accidents. We are your Knoxville Tennessee attorney for the tough times, so if you come face to face with an unfortunate situation, contact us to make an appointment.

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.butlervinesbabblaw.com or call 866-701-9631.

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How to Handle the Aftermath of a Truck Accident

Multi-Vehicle Accidents

The damages caused by passenger vehicle and truck accidents every year is in the billions. These damages are made up by the damage to vehicles, roads, and individuals. While there can be many contributing factors, it is often the fault of a driver involved. The human factor in these accidents could be due to alcohol or drug use, drowsy driving, distractions, construction areas, or other situations. 

Multi-vehicle accidents can be the most damaging in terms of financial and human damages. When multi-vehicle accidents occur on highways, it often leads to truck accidents as well, which can further the amount of property damage and personal injury, even leading to multiple fatalities. Additionally, multi-vehicle accidents can lead to complex legal cases.

An Explanation of Multi-Vehicle Collisions

A collision is considered multi-vehicle whenever it involves two or more vehicles.  Often, these are caused by the continued inertia after a vehicle has been struck, causing it to steer into the path of other vehicles. In high-speed situations, when weather creates poor visibility, multi-vehicle crashes can be caused by the limited visibility not providing adequate stopping time. These conditions often lead to truck accidents, due to the increased amount of stopping distance required for a truck to come to a complete stop. Congested traffic or poor road conditions can also contribute to multi-vehicle accidents. 

In the event of multi-vehicle accidents, vehicle passengers often sustain repeated trauma. The initial collision and each subsequent collision create an additional opportunity for sustaining injuries. When a multi-vehicle collision involves a truck accident, the injuries sustained often become more traumatic.

Statistics Surrounding Multi-Vehicle Collisions

Multi-vehicle accidents and truck accidents have very high mortality rates. Over 10,000 people have died due to multiple vehicle accidents since 2014. What is even more enlightening is that 7,000 of those fatalities were the drivers of vehicles involved. In total, it is estimated that 2 million collisions involving multiple vehicle crashes occur every year. Compared to all vehicle accidents taking place in a single year, multi-vehicle collisions make up almost one-third of the total. The more cars and trucks involved in a single accident the higher the probability of injuries or fatalities occurring.

Serious Injuries in Multi-Vehicle Accidents

Multi-vehicle and truck accidents are unfortunately common in the US. Additionally, these often lead to at least one fatality. For those who survive, both the physical injuries and the emotional trauma associated with these accidents can remain for years. The psychological trauma from being involved in multiple successive collisions can leave people with devastating emotional damage. Anyone involved in a multi-vehicle accident who has not been physically injured should still seek the assistance of a mental health professional to assess any psychological trauma sustained.

Seeking Legal Assistance

These kinds of collisions often require an in-depth investigation to determine fault and liability. This is primarily because of the number of vehicles involved and because there are many potentially contributing factors such as weather, visibility, driver condition, and road condition. The longer you wait to obtain legal help the more complex your case may become. If you are involved in a multi-vehicle or truck accident, it is imperative that you seek legal assistance as soon as possible. 

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.butlervinesbabblaw.com or 

call 866-701-9631.

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Multi-Vehicle Accidents - Truck Accident Lawyer Knoxville

Construction Zones and the Increased Risk of Truck Accidents

Construction zones create an environment of additional risk for both the construction crews and drivers of all types. The zones are full of hazards and require additional attention while traversing through in order to ensure safety. Within construction zones, there have been an increased percentage of motor vehicle fatalities. Approximately 25% of construction zone related fatalities involved a truck accident, which is more than double the average of all other highway fatalities involving a truck accident. So, it is specifically important for semi-truck drivers to be cautious when passing through work zones.

The Warning Signs 

Predominately, construction zones have multiple signs and additional indicators advising both of the work zone and appropriate action to take. There are generally multiple restrictions that accompany work zones, such as specified speed limits and lane restrictions that provide law enforcement the opportunity to take steeper preventative measures. Additionally, there may be restrictions specifically in place for semi-trucks. These restrictions are indicated in advance and may go as far as a mandatory detour in order to prevent an incident. Failure to adhere to the posted restrictions can lead to an increased risk of being involved in a truck accident or stricter police action to prevent such a situation.

High Risk Seasons 

Late spring through summer is typically the most dangerous season for construction zone related accidents for several reasons. Primarily, there is an increase in the number of drivers on the road due to school being out of session. This increase is both due to family vacationing and younger, less experienced drivers not being in class. Any influx in the number of drivers on the road will create an increased probability for passenger vehicle and truck accidents. Add in the additional risk factors of a work zone and it becomes clear why there is an increase in the number of work zone related accidents as well.

Beyond the increased number of drivers present on the road, there are generally more road work projects occurring during these months as well. Initially, this creates a greater availability for accidents to occur in work zones; however, the increase in work zones creates additional contributing risk factors as well. With the increase in the number of work zones, there is a greater chance for traffic jams. Delayed travel is generally a contributing factor to road rage and other erratic driving behaviors intended to make up for lost time. Such driving behaviors greatly increase the risk of vehicle and truck accidents. 

Reducing Accident Risk 

In order to reduce the risk of vehicle and truck accidents in work zones, and injuries to road crews, there have been multiple proposed safety regulations. Speed restrictions are one of the most prevalent safety standards, as a slower speed will provide a greater amount of response time and reduce the overall damage if an accident were to occur. Drivers traveling too quickly before and through work zones has been recorded as one of the main contributing factors to construction zone accidents. Semi-truck specific speed restrictions may also be set in place in order to decrease the risk of a truck accident since the larger vehicles need additional time to stop or make driving adjustments. Inclement weather further complicates driving through work zones and requires drivers to adjust further in order to prevent the risk of an incident. Observing the posted speed restrictions only reduces risk as long as a safe following distance is additionally adhered to. As a motivating factor to deter vehicle and truck accidents, there are increased fines attached to violating work zone driving restrictions.

The Increased Risk of Cell Phone Usage 

As a general rule, cellular devices should not be used while driving as they take the attention of the driver off the road and can quickly become a contributing factor to vehicle and truck accidents. However, in a work zone, both the risk of being involved in an accident and the physical consequences of an accident are increased by cell phone use. It has been estimated that sending a text takes five seconds on average. While traveling at 55 mph those five seconds translate to traveling the distance of a football field. Covering that kind of distance while not paying attention can contribute to a vehicle or truck accident in any road condition, but in a work zone, the chances of an incident are only increased. Any activity that would take a driver's mental or physical attention away from driving creates and increased risk of being involved in a vehicle or truck accident, and should always be avoided.

Proceed with Caution 

Construction zone accidents put the lives of both drivers and road workers at risk and carry a greater probability of resulting in an injury. It is always recommended to practice safe driving habits when on the road to prevent vehicle and truck accidents. However, when one is traveling through a construction zone additional precaution is highly recommended. At the end of the day, everyone wants to make it home safely and by staying alert and attentive to restrictions and road conditions we can reduce our risk of being involved in an accident.

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.butlervinesbabblaw.com or call 866-701-9631.

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Construction Zones and the Increased Risk of Truck Accidents

3 Types Of Distracted Driving that Cause Accidents - Personal Injury Lawyer Needed!

Multitasking is an unavoidable part of life sometimes, but others multitasking while driving may cause you to need Personal Injury Accident Lawyer. 

Since technology has evolved and continues to revolutionize daily life, people are distracted all the time. Yes, unfortunately, even while driving, people are frequently distracted, attempting to complete more than one thing at a time, unaware of the danger they are creating.

Distracted driving accidents have proved to be one of the major causes of collisions. They happen because the driver was distracted by either the phone call or text they have just received or the cup of coffee that they want to finish before reaching work. According to the National Highway Safety department, distracted driving caused roughly 424,000 recorded accident related injuries in 2013 alone! This is just a rough figure; the actual figure may be much higher.

Distracted Driving: 3 Different Kinds:

·         Cognitive Distraction

Cognitive or mental distraction occurs when the driver’s mind is occupied with either a personal or work related issue. Talking to another passenger or arguing as well as fighting in the car are examples of cognitive distraction. Listening to a podcast or being preoccupied with your favorite radio station can even be cognitive distractors too!

·         Visual Distraction

Visual distraction occurs when the driver’s focus is shifted from the road to their surroundings. This includes attending to kids or pets in the car or trying to fix their GPS device, or looking at anything other than the road in front of them.

·         Manual Distraction

It is when the driver takes both his hands off of the wheel for mostly eating or drinking in the car, adjusting the radio or trying to get something from their bag or wallet.

Texting and driving is the most dangerous as it involves all three types.

Keeping your focus on the road is easier said than done because of the lifestyle we follow. Here are some tips to help you improve your life and save it too:

• Switch off your cell phone while driving, even if you are expecting an important phone call. After all, nothing is more important than your life.
• Use a hands-free device if it is extremely important for you to stay in touch. These can be just as dangerous as receiving a normal phone call. We suggest you keep it for emergencies only.
• Eat before you drive or wait till you pull over some place nearby.
• Do not drive when sleepy or tired
• Do not drive without wearing a seatbelt. If you are traveling with kids or pets make sure they are wearing a seatbelt. If at any point you must attend to their needs, pull over on the side before you do so.

Driving and Multi-Tasking are Not Recommended in Any Case:

It might be important to receive that phone call or reprogram your GPS for the fourth or fifth time. But if you are able to resist the temptation and focus on the road ahead, you will be able to react to the unexpected and will be able to avoid accidents.

Butler Vines and Babb is a leading law firm in Knoxville TN, providing a multi-disciplined practice including business and defense law. Butler Vines and Babb is also skilled and has significant experience in Medical Malpractice Law, Birth Injury, and other Personal Injury Law, including Trucking Accident Law. Contact us today at www.bvblaw.com or call 866-701-9631.

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3 Types Of Distracted Driving that Cause Accidents - Personal Injury Lawyer Needed!

The 6 Most Dangerous Things Drivers Do

According to National Highway safety data, numerous accident fatalities in the U.S have decreased but the number of deaths due to traffic accidents is still high. Many people involved in accidents refuse to take responsibility.

Here are a few things that you can do to avoid #TruckAccidents or accidents in general.

1.  Don’t Drink and Drive

We all know when a person is drunk their ability to drive is impaired as well as the ability to react quickly and accurately. If you are planning to drink at a party or otherwise, please refrain from driving, drunk driving is not only illegal but could lead to #accidents. Make sure you have arrangements made for someone to drive should the need arise.

2.  Don’t Drive When Tired

When you are driving while tired, it is as dangerous as driving drunk. When your body is tired it will try and get the sleep needed one way or another. If you get 6 hours of sleep or less a night it triples your chance of crashing due to drowsiness. If you must drive and have no other options at least try stopping to rest a while before resuming to drive. Drivers who are sleepy have a higher tendency of crashing specifically when traveling on high-speed roads. These types of high-speed crashes can lead to serious injuries.

See here some stats from www.drowseydriving.org that might surprise you!

Who is at risk?

• Sleep-related crashes are most common in young people, especially men, adults with children and shift workers
• Adults between 18-29 are much more likely to drive while drowsy compared to other age groups (71% vs. 30-64, 52% vs. 65+, 19%).
• Men are more likely than women to drive while drowsy (56% vs. 45%) and are almost twice as likely as women to fall asleep while driving (22% vs. 12%).
• Adults with children in the household are more likely to drive drowsy than those without children (59% vs. 45%).
• Shift workers are more likely than those who work a regular daytime schedule to drive to or from work drowsy at least a few days a month (36% vs. 25%).

3.  Speed

Speeding on the road is the highest leading cause of accidents next to drunk driving. If you are driving at a higher speed, chances of crashing into another vehicle become increased. Speed limits are there for a reason. When a driver is driving above or below the recommended speed limit, there are high chances of accidents as opposed to driving within a given speed limit.

4.  Distracted Driving

When you are distracted by other things, such as talking on the phone or searching for items in your vehicle, you increase your chances of being in an accident. Talking and texting while driving or eating and drinking while driving is not recommended because it takes the eyes and mind away from the road and what’s going on around him.

5. Reckless Driving

When people are driving carelessly and recklessly they increase their chances of crashes. Reckless driving includes passing on the right, accelerating and braking suddenly, swerving and weaving in and out of lanes. Many states consider speeding 20 mph over the posted limit as reckless driving. If your actions on the road are different and more drastic than those of other drivers, you are more likely to cause and be in an accident.

6. Wear a Seat Belt

During high-speed crashes and rollovers, seatbelts and airbags that work in conjunction help prevent passenger ejection. This is a no brainer and wearing a seat belt is not only necessary for your own safety but the law!

Butler Vines and Babb is a leading law firm in Knoxville TN, providing a multi-disciplined practice including business and defense law. Butler Vines and Babb is also skilled and has significant experience in Medical Malpractice Law, Birth Injury, and other Personal Injury Law, including Trucking Accident Law. Contact us today at www.bvblaw.com or call 866-701-9631.

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The 6 Most Dangerous Things Drivers Do