Truck Accident Fatality Statistics in Tennessee

Semi-trucks are about four and a half times longer and 25 times heavier than a typical family sedan, which means they can impart severe, even fatal, injuries in a collision. But just how common are fatal truck accidents in Tennessee, and how many lives do they affect yearly? In this article, The Terry Law Firm explores the numbers in detail.

Don’t hesitate to contact us today if you need to discuss your unique case with a truck accident attorney in Tennessee. The consultation is free and comes with no further obligations on your part.

Why Are Tractor-Trailers So Dangerous?

Tractor trailers are dangerous because of their size and weight. The average 18-wheeler weighs around 80,000 pounds, while the average sedan weighs only about 3,000 pounds. When a fully loaded semi-truck collides with a smaller and lighter vehicle, the result is usually disastrous for that vehicle’s occupants. Three thousand pounds of metal, rubber, glass, and plastic cannot withstand the sheer force of an impact with something 25 times heavier.

A truck’s weight also means it requires more time and space to bring to a safe stop. Sometimes, by the time a truck driver realizes they need to slow down or take evasive maneuvers to avoid an accident, it’s already too late.

Another factor that makes semi-trucks dangerous is the cargo they carry. Although safety regulations govern how cargo must be loaded, secured, and transported, careless companies sometimes cut corners, creating hazards for anyone sharing the road with the improperly loaded semi-truck. Falling cargo can hit other cars on the road or litter the highway with debris. Shifting loads can make a truck unsteady, leading to jackknife or rollover crashes. Some tractor-trailers even carry hazardous and explosive materials. An accident with one of these trucks can lead to significant burns and chemical exposure, the effects of which can be fatal.

Given these factors, it’s unsurprising that passenger vehicle occupants make up an outsized portion of truck-accident fatalities. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 71 percent of people killed in large-truck accidents are the occupants of other vehicles.

Truck Accident Deaths in Tennessee

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) estimates 415,000 police-reported accidents involving large trucks in the U.S. occurred in one recent year. Of those crashes, 4,444 were fatal. According to the FMCSA, large trucks were involved in 4,001 crashes causing 1,851 injuries and 197 fatalities in Tennessee that year.

NHTSA also estimates that, in another recent year, about 9.6 percent of all vehicles involved in fatal accidents in Tennessee were large trucks.

Causes of Fatal Truck Accidents in Tennessee

The FMCSA estimates at least 87 percent of tractor-trailer collisions are caused by carelessness and driver error. Only about 10 percent of semi-truck accidents are related to vehicle or mechanical issues, while 3 percent are due to environmental conditions.

Common driver errors that can lead to fatal Tennessee truck accidents include:

• Distracted driving
• Drowsy driving
• Drunk driving
• Speeding
• Tailgating
• Unsafe lane changes
• Aggressive driving behavior

Mistakes and carelessness on the part of other entities may also lead to fatal truck accidents. Other causes of catastrophic truck accidents can involve:

• Failure to load cargo properly
• Failure to properly screen truck drivers
• Failure to properly train truck drivers
• Failure to inspect and maintain truck safety standards
• Mechanical or equipment defects 

How Common Are Truck Accidents in Tennessee?

Data from the Tennessee Highway Patrol indicates that 1 in 14 motor vehicle crashes in one recent year involved a large truck. Unfortunately, significant truck accidents in Tennessee are common. The FMCSA reports there were 4,001 crashes on state roadways involving large trucks that year, which ballooned to 4,555 the following year.

Truck accidents became such an area of concern across the United States that the federal government created the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration with the passage of the Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act of 1999. The purpose of this federal agency is to reduce the number of truck-related collisions and fatalities by instituting national safety regulations and oversight of the interstate trucking and transportation industry.

Today, the FMCSA has broad oversight power, including by limiting how long and how much drivers can work through hours-of-service regulations. The agency also oversees safety regulations and the transportation of hazardous materials. In recent years, it has also required most motor carriers to install electronic logging devices on 18-wheelers. The information recorded on these devices helps identify when drivers are operating their vehicles and if they are doing so beyond the hours-of-service limits and may potentially be driving while fatigued. The agency also enacted mobile phone use restrictions to reduce the number of truck accidents caused by distracted driving.

About Wrongful Death Lawsuits After Fatal Truck Crashes

Losing a family member to an avoidable truck accident is painful and traumatic. Beyond the heartache of the preventable tragedy, you could also be left with significant financial strain. Although no amount of money can bring back your family member, a skilled wrongful death lawsuit attorney can provide you with a stable financial foothold while seeking a measure of justice for the loss of your loved one.

Depending on the specific losses you have suffered, an attorney can help you seek compensation for the following:

• Funeral costs
• Burial expenses
• Medical expenses
• Lost income and benefits
• Loss of companionship
• Pain and suffering

In Tennessee, only certain family members can pursue legal action after a family member dies in an unfortunate accident. The right to file a wrongful death case proceeds in the following order:

• Surviving spouse
• Surviving children or next of kin
• The personal representative of the deceased individual’s estate
• The natural parents of the deceased if the deceased was a minor or dependent
• Legally adoptive parents

An experienced Tennessee attorney can answer your questions and evaluate your potential wrongful death case.

Talk to Our Experienced Tennessee Fatal Truck Accident Lawyers Today

A truck accident can instantly change the course of your life. The Tennessee truck accident lawyers at The Terry Law Firm can help you get yours back on track.

Too much is at stake to let a trucking company or its insurer take advantage of you during this vulnerable time. Let us help you pursue the full and fair compensation you need. We look forward to meeting you and learning more about your case when you reach out to us for a free, no-obligation consultation.