| Tennessee places second in the nation for truck safety inspections, but the state still has a truck accident fatality rate that is 30 percent more than the national average. A truck accident can damage lives and property; what's more, these accidents are complex to investigate and litigate due to large numbers of involved parties and complicated laws.
Who Is At Fault?
Why are truck accidents so complicated? Liability can be clouded in a trucking accident. The truck's driver, the driver's employer, the truck's manufacturer, and even the manufacturers of truck brakes, tires, and headlights can be involved. And there's more. Weather conditions, drug or alcohol use, driver fatigue, and time of day can all influence who is to blame for a Tennessee truck accident.
Trucker fatigue is a huge contributing factor in truck accidents, and Tennessee truck accidents are no exception. Studies have found that accidents caused due to trucker fatigue cost over $2 billion per year, and legislative battles have failed to reduce the number of allowable trucker hours, doubtless contributing to the high number of truck accidents each year.
Tennessee Insurance and Licensing Regulations
Regardless of who is at fault in a truck accident, Tennessee truck drivers are bound to federal and state regulations. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) both oversee trucking and interstate commerce on the national level, while Tennessee laws also apply. Federal rules state that truck drivers must carry at least $750,000 in liability insurance, and this number may rise depending on a truck's cargo and other factors.
If You Are in a Trucking Accident
Truck drivers aren't the only ones at risk in trucking accidents. Drivers of vehicles that crash into or collide with trucks seldom get away from a truck accident without serious injuries. If you have been injured in a trucking accident in Tennessee, collect as much information as possible and contact a lawyer experienced with Tennessee's truck accident laws. Your Tennessee truck accident lawyer can help you determine where to file a claim and what kind of damages to seek. An experienced attorney can help you get compensation for your injuries and expenses such as future medical care and attorney's fees.
To have your case evaluated by an experienced Tennessee truck accident attorney, fill out our case evaluation form. There is no cost and no obligation. | 
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