Commercial vehicles are a common fixture on many Tennessee roads. While you might rely on these vehicles to transport essential goods and services, you may also count on their operators to remain vigilant and alert to reduce the likelihood of a potentially dangerous collision.
With the significant increase in size and weight of commercial vehicles, accidents involving a semi can be devastating incidents that could pose a threat to your safety. While using caution when driving near such a vehicle is advisable, unfortunately, you can only control so much of what happens on the road.
How commercial vehicle accidents occur
There are a multitude of scenarios in which a motor vehicle accident may take place. However, drivers of tractor-trailers may face circumstances that are unique to this method of transportation, and some of the more prevalent causes of accidents involving commercial vehicles might include the following:
- Lack of experience or training: Commercial vehicles are heavier and more difficult to maneuver than other motor vehicles, and any lack of experience could leave a driver unprepared to handle certain scenarios.
- Distraction or impairment: Drunk and distracted driving are two common causes of accidents, and when such negligence is present within a commercial vehicle, the threat to your well-being can be significant.
- Driver fatigue: In some cases, truck drivers may spend long hours on the road and could thus be more prone to fatigue. Bouts with drowsiness can be dangerous.
- Mechanical failure: Commercial vehicles require frequent maintenance, and any failure to keep such a vehicle in proper working order could create a hazardous situation.
In some cases, it may take little more than a moment of poor driving judgment for a collision to take place. When commercial vehicles are involved, a similar incident could cause you to suffer serious or permanent harm to your health.
What comes next?
Collisions involving commercial vehicles can cause serious injuries and create a need for long-term or permanent medical treatment. With the ever-increasing costs of medical care and the likelihood of a lengthy period of recovery, the accident could lead to financial hardship.
While you may wish to exercise your right to pursue restitution through the civil justice system, the process can be complex. However, by obtaining guidance early in the process, you could become better prepared to pursue the full amount of restitution to which you’re entitled to receive.