Semi-trucks play an important role in Tennessee. In Nashville alone, we have three major interstates including I-40, I-65, and I-24. In accidents, the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks make them potential hazards on the road when safety regulations are ignored. As attorneys with almost 20 years of experience handling trucking cases, we’ve seen firsthand how violations in the industry can lead to devastating accidents. Understanding these common violations can help victims protect their rights and hold negligent parties accountable.
1. **Hours of Service Violations**
Truck drivers are subject to strict federal regulations regarding the hours they can drive. These rules, set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), aim to prevent fatigue—a leading cause of truck accidents. Despite these regulations, many drivers or companies push the limits to meet tight deadlines. Violations such as exceeding driving hour limits or falsifying logbooks are alarmingly common in Tennessee.
2. **Overloading or Improperly Secured Cargo**
Improperly loaded cargo poses serious risks. Overloaded trucks can cause tire blowouts, reduced braking ability, and rollovers, while improperly secured cargo can shift during transit, making the truck unstable. Tennessee highways, including I-40 and I-65, see frequent accidents caused by such violations, putting other drivers at significant risk.
3. **Poor Vehicle Maintenance**
Federal and state laws require trucking companies to maintain their fleets properly. Regular inspections and repairs are essential for ensuring a truck’s brakes, tires, lights, and other components function correctly. Unfortunately, some companies cut corners to save money, leading to equipment failures that cause accidents. Brake failure and tire blowouts are particularly common issues in these cases.
4. **Drug and Alcohol Violations**
Truck drivers operate heavy machinery that requires full focus and coordination. Despite strict FMCSA rules on drug and alcohol testing, violations still occur. Impaired driving among truck operators poses a severe danger to everyone on the road, and Tennessee law enforcement takes such violations seriously. Nevertheless, they remain a persistent problem.
5. **Speeding and Reckless Driving**
Commercial trucks have longer stopping distances and less maneuverability than passenger vehicles, making speeding and reckless driving especially dangerous. Whether due to tight schedules, employer pressure, or negligence, speeding is a frequent violation that contributes to severe crashes on Tennessee roads.
6. **Failure to Follow Licensing and Training Requirements**
Truck drivers must hold a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and undergo rigorous training to operate large vehicles safely. However, some companies fail to ensure their drivers are adequately trained or licensed. When unqualified drivers are behind the wheel, the likelihood of an accident increases significantly.
**What to Do if You’ve Been Involved in a Truck Accident**
If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident caused by a trucking violation, it’s crucial to act quickly. Trucking companies and their insurance companies often have legal teams ready to minimize their liability. Working with an experienced trucking accident attorney can help level the playing field. Evidence such as black box data, maintenance records, and driver logs can be critical in proving your case and they must be preserved as soon as possible after an accident.
**Protecting Your Rights**
As a truck accident lawyer, I understand the complexities of these claims. My team is dedicated to investigating violations, holding negligent parties accountable, and fighting for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case.
By staying informed about common violations in the trucking industry, you can better protect yourself and your loved ones on Tennessee roads. If you need guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to help.