In Tennessee, large trucks were involved in 496 accidents resulting in serious injuries or fatalities between January and mid-July 2024, according to the state’s Department of Safety and Homeland Security.
Trucks are among the most dangerous vehicles on Tennessee’s roads because their large size means the force and impact of a crash can cause serious or even fatal injuries. Victims of these truck crashes should make certain they understand their legal rights and should reach out to an Oak Ridge truck accident lawyer as soon as possible after an accident so they can maximize their chances of recovering the compensation they deserve.
The Lawyers of Brown and Roberto focus on truck accident claims and, with our 10 out of 10 Justia rating and position among America’s Top 100 Attorneys, our experience and skills should give you the peace of mind of knowing you have a tough advocate in your corner. To find out more about the ways in which our firm can help after your accident, give us a call at (865) 691-2777 today to schedule your free consultation.
Are Truck Drivers Responsible for Oak Ridge Truck Accidents?
Truck drivers can be held responsible for collisions in Oak Ridge if those drivers were negligent and their careless behavior was the direct cause of a crash. Negligence can include behaving below the level of care that would be expected from a reasonable motorist under the circumstances, or violating a safety regulation.
There are many kinds of driver behavior that can be classified as negligence or that is a violation of regulations set forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Examples include:
- Intoxicated driving. Truckers are not allowed to have a BAC above 0.04, which is below the standard 0.08 limit
- Drowsy driving. Federal motor carrier safety regulations limit the number of hours a trucker can be on the road before taking a rest break. Violating these regulations creates the presumption of negligence
- Speeding. Trucks are often subject to lower speed limits.
These are just some of many examples of ways in which truckers can behave carelessly and increase the risk of a crash occurring. Your Oak ridge car crash lawyer can help you to demonstrate that the driver who harmed you failed to fulfill their obligations and should thus be liable for your losses.
Taking Legal Action in a Truck Accident Claim
You can file a lawsuit against a trucker after proving negligence, but in many cases can also sue their employer as well. This is true even if the employer was not negligent, thanks to Tennessee’s vicarious liability laws.
These laws require you to “show that the operator of a vehicle was acting as a servant or employee of the owner and in the course and scope of the employment at the time of the accident,” according to Hamrick v. Spring City Motor Co., 708 S.W.2d 383, 386
An experienced Oak ridge personal injury attorney can help you to identify all possible defendants so you can maximize the chances of there being enough insurance coverage to allow you to fully recover compensation for all losses.
Get Help Today from The Truck Accident Lawyers of Brown and Roberto
An Oak Ridge truck accident attorney at The Lawyers of Brown and Roberto can help you with every step of your case as you navigate these complex claims. Contact us today at (865) 691-2777 to schedule your free consultation and learn more about how we can fight for you.