Common causes of 18-wheeler accidents in Tennessee

The economy of Tennessee, and our country as a whole, is spurred by the volume of 18-wheelers on the road. The more trucks you see, the better the economy is performing. As important as these trucks are, they can also be quite dangerous if not operated properly. Here are some common causes of 18-wheeler accidents.

Distracted driving can affect truck drivers just as much as it can drivers of cars and SUVs. Truck drivers can get distracted using a cellphone behind the wheel, talking on their dispatch system, using a GPS, eating, reading a map and more.

Speed is another common cause of 18-wheeler accidents in Tennessee. These trucks, once they get moving, can be very difficult to stop, especially at the last second because of their size.

Tailgating is a problem that is seen all over the state and is caused by both 18-wheelers and smaller vehicles. Trucks that tailgate might not have enough room to stop should the vehicle in front them apply the brakes suddenly. Trucks that tailgate might also lose control of their rig when driving too closely to vehicles in front of them.

Driving under the influence is not a problem only found in drivers of cars or SUVs. Truck drivers can also make the poor decision to drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, which can lead to very tragic accidents.

Unsafe passing can also cause an accident with a truck in Tennessee. This occurs when a truck passes another vehicle without enough room to maneuver in between lanes.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Knoxville 18-wheeler accident, contact our firm to discuss the accident and how you can go about recovering damages for the injuries suffered.