Tailgating Truck Accident Attorneys in Morristown

When another motorist tailgates you in moving traffic, the experience can sometimes feel annoying or intimidating. However, the outcome can be catastrophic when the tailgating vehicle is a large commercial truck.

The size disparity between a truck and a passenger vehicle makes collisions particularly dangerous and possibly fatal for the occupants of the smaller car. Survivors may face life-altering injuries, costly medical bills, and lifelong emotional trauma.

If you have suffered injuries in a tailgating truck accident, the experienced Morristown truck accident attorneys at The Terry Law Firm want to help you seek financial recovery for these losses and more. With us on your side, you can hold the at-fault driver accountable for their wrongdoing and give yourself an opportunity to rebuild your life.

Call us today or contact us online for a free initial consultation with a truck accident attorney for wrecks caused by tailgating.

Why You Need Our Lawyers After a Crash with a Tailgating Trucker

If injuries from a tailgating truck accident have turned your life upside-down, your choice of attorney can be one of the most significant factors in determining the outcome of your compensation claim.

The Terry Law Firm has been helping injured individuals in Tennessee fight for the justice they deserve since 1960. We are a small-town firm with big-city know-how. We value the opportunity to provide individualized attention to our clients and make a difference in our community. We also offer the resources and skills that help our clients win even the most challenging personal injury cases.

When you enlist the services of The Terry Law Firm, you can rest assured that our compassionate attorneys understand the pain and stress you are experiencing. We will stand by your side throughout the claims process, always responding swiftly to any questions or concerns you might have. Furthermore, we only charge you once we recover money for you because you deserve high-quality legal representation regardless of whether you can afford to pay for it upfront.

Dangers of Tailgating Trucks on Morristown Roads

Tailgating is dangerous in any situation, but when a large commercial truck follows too closely, the risks increase exponentially. On Morristown roads, truck tailgating poses several severe dangers:

• Reduced reaction times – Truck drivers need more time and distance to stop their vehicles safely. Tailgating eliminates this crucial buffer, making it nearly impossible to avoid a collision if the leading vehicle suddenly slows or stops.
• Blind spots – When a truck follows too closely, the driver may lose sight of the vehicle in front, especially if it is a smaller car. The lack of visibility increases the likelihood of rear-end collisions.
• Increased severity of impacts – Due to their massive size and weight, trucks generate tremendous force in collisions. A tailgating truck that rear-ends a passenger vehicle can cause catastrophic damage and injuries.
• Intimidation of other drivers – The presence of a large truck closely following can cause stress and anxiety for other motorists, potentially leading to erratic driving behaviors or panic-induced mistakes.

Tennessee Laws on Truck Following Distances

Tennessee Code § 55-8-124 outlines specific rules against tailgating. All motorists must leave a “reasonable and prudent” amount of space between the front of their vehicle and the rear of the vehicle they are following. They must take into account the vehicles’ speed, the amount of traffic, and the road conditions.

The statute also has specific provisions for large trucks. When traveling outside a business or residential area, a truck driver following another truck must leave enough room between the vehicles to permit an overtaking vehicle to enter and occupy the space safely. Furthermore, when traveling outside city limits, truckers must leave a distance of at least 300 feet between the front of their vehicle and the rear of another truck. It is worth noting, however, that these rules do not apply when a truck is overtaking another vehicle.

Truck drivers who operate their vehicles in violation of these rules may face traffic penalties and be held liable for resulting accidents.

Common Injuries in Truck Tailgating Accidents

The injuries resulting from truck tailgating accidents are often severe due to the size disparity between trucks and passenger vehicles. Some common injuries include:

• Whiplash and neck injuries – The sudden, forceful impact can cause soft tissue damage in the neck and upper back.
• Traumatic brain injuries – Violent collisions may result in concussions or more severe brain trauma.
• Spinal cord injuries – The force of the collision can damage the spine, potentially leading to partial or complete paralysis.
• Broken bones – Fractures are common in truck accidents, particularly in the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis.
• Internal injuries – Damage to vital internal organs might not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening.

Proving Liability for Truck Tailgating Cases

Establishing liability in a truck tailgating accident requires thorough investigation and plentiful evidence. To prove the truck driver’s negligence, you will need to demonstrate:

• The truck driver failed to maintain a safe following distance.
• The failure directly led to the accident.
• You suffered injuries and losses as a result.

Evidence that can help support your claim includes:

• Police report documenting the accident
• Eyewitness testimony
• Photos and videos from the accident scene
• Data from the truck’s black box or electronic logging device (ELD)
• The truck driver’s logbooks and driving records
• Expert testimony from accident reconstruction specialists

At The Terry Law Firm, we have the experience and resources to gather this crucial evidence and build a strong case for you.

How Our Morristown Truck Accident Lawyers Can Help Your Case

Filing a successful truck accident claim can be challenging without legal assistance. Trucking companies and their insurers might use intimidation tactics to shirk their responsibility to provide the fair compensation you deserve. At The Terry Law Firm, our attorneys know how to build a solid case to maximize your compensation. We can:

• Thoroughly investigate the accident to gather evidence
• Calculate the total value of your claim so you do not inadvertently settle for less than you deserve
• Negotiate assertively with the insurance company to secure a just settlement package
• Take the at-fault parties to court if they refuse to offer a reasonable settlement

We will handle every aspect of your claim to pursue compensation, leaving you free to focus on the healing process. Contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced Morristown truck accident lawyer for wrecks caused by tailgating.