I-75 Truck Accident Attorneys

Common Causes of Truck Accidents on the I-75

Many types of trucks routinely travel the I-75, from box trucks to tow trucks to garbage trucks to cement trucks. Due to the immense size and weight of these commercial vehicles, truck drivers are expected to abide by certain highway rules that do not necessarily apply to other motorists. For example, in Tennessee, trucks may not use the left lane if the vehicle is traveling slower than the speed of traffic (except when passing in permitted areas). Truck drivers must be professionally trained and licensed, meaning they should be aware of the risks their vehicles pose and what steps they can take to minimize the likelihood of collisions. The reality is that accidents can and do occur for a variety of reasons, many of them linked to negligence. 

Our I-75 truck accident attorneys are prepared to fight for you if the wreck in your case was caused by:

• Fatigued driving. Truckers work brutally long hours and can lose focus and alertness when they drive too long without resting. An unfocused, exhausted driver is far more likely to make critical errors. Truck drivers must consequently follow all applicable hours of service regulations that govern the maximum number of hours they can work consecutively as well as when and for how long they must take rest breaks. 
• Intoxicated driving. When a truck driver operates a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, their ability to make sound decisions and react quickly to changing road conditions is impaired. This can lead to reckless driving behaviors such as swerving, speeding, and failing to yield the right-of-way.
• Distracted driving. When a truck driver is distracted by their phone, GPS, or any other device, they are not fully focused on the road ahead. This can lead to delayed reaction times and poor decision-making. Additionally, distracted truck drivers may fail to notice important warning signs and signals that could prevent an accident from occurring. It is essential for all truckers to eliminate distractions while behind the wheel to ensure their safety and the safety of others on the road.
• An inexperienced or unqualified driver. Trucking companies have a duty to screen the drivers they hire to ensure they are qualified and capable of operating commercial vehicles. When an inexperienced or unqualified driver gets behind the wheel, they are likely to be unfamiliar with the differences in how trucks handle compared to traditional cars, potentially raising the odds of a jackknifing or rollover incident. 
• Excessive speeding. Trucks generally take considerably longer to come to a stop when traveling at high speeds, especially when they are fully loaded with cargo, which is why they are often expected to drive far slower than other cars traveling the I-75. If a truck driver is excessively speeding on a highway, they are far more likely to collide with a vehicle ahead of them if there is an unexpected traffic backup. Maneuvers intended to avoid such a collision could also trigger a rollover or cause the vehicle to jackknife. 
• Equipment failure. Trucks are complex machines that require frequent, thorough inspections to remain safe to drive. The responsibility of conducting these inspections and any necessary maintenance typically falls to the trucking company. A failure to conduct routine maintenance can lead to tire blowouts, brake system failures, and other problems that can prove disastrous when a truck is on the highway. 
• Improperly loaded cargo. When cargo is not loaded and secured properly, it can shift during transit and cause the truck to become unbalanced or tip over. This can be especially dangerous when traveling at high speeds on the interstate.
• Any other failure to follow traffic laws. Trucks must signal when changing lanes and comply with all other traffic rules. A truck driver’s failure to observe these laws can quickly lead to a collision, especially keeping in mind the large blind spots many commercial vehicles have.

Who Is Liable for an I-75 Truck Accident?

Liability will often not be obvious in the immediate aftermath of any truck accident, including those that occur on the I-75. Determining liability requires a complete understanding of what caused the accident, the intricacies of the law, and the multiple layers of ownership and insurance coverage that can come into play. Our I-75 truck accident lawyers can clarify liability through an exhaustive yet efficient investigation of the wreck. This will include taking steps to gather and preserve all accident data, records, and evidence. We will also conduct interviews with emergency response personnel, witnesses, and police officers when necessary. 

One or more of the following parties may be liable for an I-75 corridor truck accident:

• The truck driver
• The trucking company or broker
• The owner of the truck
• The shipper or warehouse involved in the cargo loading
• The truck or vehicle component manufacturer
• Parties responsible for vehicle maintenance, repairs, and inspections
• Insurance companies for various parties

What Is the Deadline for Filing an I-75 Truck Accident Lawsuit?

The I-75 traverses several states, including Tennessee and Georgia. The state where the accident takes place will determine how much time you have to take legal action against liable parties. Missing the applicable deadline will prevent you from recovering any compensation.

When an I-75 truck accident occurs in Tennessee, injured victims have only one year to start the legal process. Victims injured in Georgia have two years to bring claims.

If someone perishes due to injuries sustained in a Tennessee I-75 truck accident, parties with standing have one year from the date of their passing to bring a wrongful death lawsuit. In Georgia, parties with standing have two years from the date of the victim’s passing to take legal action. 

Do not wait to get legal advice after sustaining injuries in an I-75 corridor truck accident. If you cannot come to us, we will come to you, so call (423) 454-3288 or contact us online today.