Dump truck accidents in Nashville happen more often than many people realize. As dedicated Nashville truck accident lawyers, we understand the profound impact these accidents can have on individuals and their families. Truck accident cases are quite serious. Because of this, we focus on the prevalent issue of dump truck accidents, shedding light on their common causes, the unique legal complexities that arise, and the steps individuals can take to protect their rights and seek justice following such incidents. At Meyers Injury Law, you will find knowledgeable legal counsel for truck collisions in Nashville who are able to navigate the intricate world of dump truck accidents, offering insights into the challenges faced and the avenues available for recourse for truck accident victims.
Tennessee Laws Applicable to a Nashville Truck Accident
Dump truck accidents in Tennessee are subject to various state laws and regulations, as well as federal regulations that govern commercial vehicles. Here are some Tennessee laws and regulations that may apply to dump truck accidents:
Tennessee Traffic Laws: Dump truck accidents, like other motor vehicle accidents, are subject to Tennessee’s traffic laws. These laws cover various issues in who’s at fault for the trucking accident, such as speeding, reckless driving, following too closely, and failure to yield the right of way.
Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Requirements: Dump truck drivers are typically required to have a CDL to operate these commercial vehicles legally. Tennessee law and regulations set forth the requirements for obtaining and maintaining a CDL, including testing and training standards. You may find your truck crash was the fault of the trucking company for not following proper testing and training procedures.
Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance: Truck crashes can result from brake failure. Dump trucks are subject to regular inspection and maintenance requirements to ensure they are safe to operate on the road, like all commercial trucks. Failure to properly maintain a dump truck can result in accidents due to mechanical failures.
Load Securement: Dump trucks often carry heavy loads, and Tennessee has regulations governing load securement to prevent accidents caused by shifting or falling cargo. An experienced truck accident attorney will look into this potential cause for your truck wreck.
Hours of Service (HOS): It may be that the truck driver was simply very tired. Commercial drivers, including dump truck drivers, must comply with federal HOS regulations. These regulations dictate how long a driver can be on the road before taking mandatory rest breaks to prevent driver fatigue, which can contribute to accidents. Some trucking companies don’t follow this.
Insurance Requirements: Dump truck operators must carry insurance coverage that meets the state’s minimum requirements. This insurance is essential for compensating accident victims in the event of injuries or property damage, but it also means you’ll be going up against an insurance company, not the driver or the trucking company. Don’t worry though, a truck accident lawyer at Meyers Injury Law won’t be intimidated.
Tennessee Comparative Fault Law: Tennessee follows a modified comparative fault system, meaning that if you are involved in a dump truck accident and are found partially at fault for the accident, your compensation may be reduced proportionally. Understanding how comparative fault works is crucial for pursuing truck accident claims.
Statute of Limitations: As mentioned previously, Tennessee has specific time limits, or statutes of limitations, for filing personal injury or property damage claims after a dump truck accident. Typically, you have one year from the date of the accident to initiate legal action. This is why you should retain the services of a Nashville truck accident lawyer as soon as you are able to.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs): Dump trucks that engage in interstate commerce must also adhere to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. These federal regulations cover various aspects of dump truck operation, including driver qualifications, vehicle maintenance, and safety standards.
Navigating the legal landscape following a dump truck accident can be complex due to the interplay of state and federal laws. If you’ve been involved in a dump truck accident, consulting with an experienced Nashville truck accident attorney is essential. The Nashville truck accident lawyers at Meyers Injury Law can help you understand which specific laws and regulations apply to your case and guide you through the legal process to seek compensation for your injuries or property damage.
Common Injuries in Crashes Involving a Dump Truck
Dump truck accidents can result in a wide range of serious injuries due to the size and weight of these vehicles. Some of the serious injuries that can result from a dump truck accident include:
Spinal Cord Injuries: Sadly, back injuries are not uncommon. These back and neck injuries can result in paralysis or partial loss of function below the point of injury, leading to permanent disabilities.
Broken Bones and Fractures: The most common broken bones are often related to the areas of impact or the way occupants brace themselves. Common fractures include:
Fractured Ribs
Rib fractures are frequent, especially in side-impact collisions, as the force is transmitted to the chest area.
Fractured Collarbone (Clavicle)
Collarbone fractures can occur when the upper body absorbs the impact, such as in frontal crashes when the seatbelt restrains the passenger.
Arm and Leg Fractures
Depending on the positioning during impact, fractures of the arms (humerus, radius, ulna) and legs (femur, tibia, fibula) can occur.
Wrist and Hand Fractures
These often result from bracing against the steering wheel or dashboard during a collision.
Pelvic Fractures
High-impact crashes can lead to pelvic fractures, which can be particularly painful and require extensive treatment.
Vertebral Fractures
Spinal injuries, including vertebral fractures, can occur, leading to serious complications, such as paralysis, depending on the location and severity of the fracture.
Internal Injuries: Internal injuries refer to damage to the body’s internal organs and structures, such as a ruptured spleen or a punctured lung. High-impact collisions from large trucks can cause damage to internal organs, leading to internal bleeding, organ failure, or other life-threatening conditions.
Crush Injuries: Being trapped under or between the vehicle and other objects can lead to crush injuries, often causing significant damage to muscles, bones, and internal organs.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Not all truck accident injuries are physical. Survivors of dump truck accidents, as well as witnesses and first responders, may suffer from PTSD, experiencing emotional and psychological trauma.
Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries: Even at low speeds, the sudden impact of a collision with a dump truck can cause whiplash and other soft tissue injuries, resulting in chronic pain and discomfort.
Facial and Dental Injuries: Impact with the steering wheel, dashboard, or airbag can lead to facial fractures, dental injuries, and disfigurement.
Psychological Trauma: The emotional toll of tractor trailer accidents can be substantial, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. The truck accident attorneys at Meyers Injury Law will include this in the compensation we seek.
Dump Truck Accident Attorney Nashville
The severity of injuries can vary widely depending on the circumstances of the accident, including the speed of the collision, the point of impact, and the safety measures in place. If you or a loved one has been involved in a dump truck accident caused by someone else’s negligence, consulting with a personal injury attorney can help you pursue the compensation needed to cover the damages resulting from the accident.
Some Nashville personal injury lawyers list practice areas for cases they have never handled. The objective is to get you to commit to their law firm, but then they will bring in outside personal injury lawyers to do the legal work. That won’t be your experience when you hire a trucking accident lawyer from Meyers Injury Law.
After a serious truck accident, contact our team. We can help you pursue a truck accident lawsuit that gets you compensation for your medical bills. Beyond medical expenses, we can recover compensation for lost wages, physical therapy, pain and suffering, and more. Contact our legal team at (615) 560-7278 to move your case forward.
