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Chattanooga, TN 37405-3339
There is a truck driver shortage in the United States. This is impacting things from delivery of items to retail stores, the accessibility of gasoline, and everything else truckers haul both intra and inter-state. Due to this shortage, there has been a heavy push for new drivers to join the workforce, a push that could easily result in several novice truck drivers on the road at the same time.
Truck accidents are much more deadly than accidents involving only passenger vehicles. Due to the size and weight differential between semi-trucks and passenger vehicles like cars, SUVs, and pickup trucks, the fatalities in these accidents are almost always the drivers or passengers of the smaller vehicles. If you have lost a loved one in a truck accident, it is a good idea to consult with an attorney who can explain your rights and help you choose the best path forward.
Accidents with commercial trucks can be much more complex than accidents with passenger cars. When you are involved in an accident with a commercial truck, injury may be much more serious. What’s more, there may be multiple parties involved – some of whom are not even on the scene of the accident.
In the state of Tennessee, a semi-truck can be in the left lane when it is passing another vehicle or when turning left. Trucks going slower than the pace of traffic must stay in the right lane or right lanes when multiple lanes are present. In some areas or at certain times, trucks may be barred from entering the left lane at all. In these instances, highway signage will be present to indicate that trucks are only allowed in the left lane to pass.
The typical semi truck weighs around 80,000 pounds. At this weight, traveling at a speed of 65 miles per hour, it takes about 525 feet to come to a safe and complete stop - and this is under ideal driving conditions.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, more than 118 lives are taken in car accidents on the Fourth of July every year, making it the most dangerous day for driving. Fatal motorcycle accidents also increase on July 4th, rising to an average of 26, more than double the daily average.
With their massive size, high center of gravity and weighty cargo, semi-trucks require a longer stopping distance than passenger vehicles. Because it can be difficult to stop a tractor-trailer in a matter of seconds, many truck drivers choose to risk the lives of innocent drivers by running yellow or red traffic lights.
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