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