Every state has different restrictions when it comes to large trucks driving in the left lane -- known as the fast lane -- of a highway. Tennessee is one of the many states that does not allow trucks to drive in the left lane except when necessary. Trucks are restricted from the left lane to avoid collisions truck accidents with other vehicles that may be traveling a faster speed. Smaller cars also tend to get lost in a truck’s blind spots, and therefore, truck drivers must yield to other vehicles before safely moving into the left lane. In the event you are involved in a semi-truck accident, it is important to understand Tennessee’s traffic laws regarding trucks.

When Can a Truck Use the Left Lane?

Tennessee law states that, when traveling on a three-lane highway, trucks are allowed to be in the left lane only if they are passing slower traffic or if they are preparing to make a left turn. This rule is enforced with signs that are posted along the highway, reminding truck drivers to stay in the right two lanes. Other guidelines for this law include:

Truck drivers tend to carry a lot of goods on their vehicles when making deliveries. In Tennessee, trucks cannot weigh over 80,000 pounds, and drivers must make sure all cargo is secured before beginning their routes. While most trucking accidents occur due to distracted driving or other forms of driver negligence, crashes can still happen if cargo has not been properly tied down when traveling on roadways. If cargo shifts too much, the truck can become unbalanced, which may lead to a rollover accident. Truck drivers or trucking companies who do not properly secure cargo and cause an accident may be responsible for compensating any victims involved in the crash who suffer personal injuries.

The Reality of Trucking Accident Injuries

Accidents involving a truck account for 1 in 10 collisions on U.S. highways. In 2017, approximately 5,000 people were killed and many more were injured due to truck accidents, according to a report by Consumer Notice.

Some people may like to ride in the back of a pickup truck for fun, but this can lead to injuries if a person is thrown or ejected from the truck bed. Each state has its own rules when it comes to truck bed passengers. In Tennessee, no child under the age of six years old may ride in the back of a pickup truck. Tennessee law also states that no minor under 12 years old is allowed to ride in a truck bed when the vehicle is traveling on an interstate or a highway. Those passengers who are older than the age of 12 are able to legally ride in the truck bed. However, if they are ejected and injured in a car accident, they can seek compensation from the at-fault driver.

What Can Cause a Passenger to Be Ejected From a Truck Bed?

Since there are no seat belts installed in pickup truck beds, it is more dangerous to ride in this area of the truck, especially in certain road conditions. A collision does not need to happen in order for someone to be thrown from a truck bed.

Driving a truck requires an individual to take special classes for a commercial driver's license (CDL) before he or she is allowed to get behind the wheel of a big rig. Each operator of a truck must know not only how to drive the large vehicle, but also how to stay safe on the road to avoid collisions. A truck accident can occur as a result of negligence by the truck driver on the road. Unfortunately, most truck crashes also lead to serious injuries, including, but not limited to:

• Whiplash

  ...

With approximately 2 million tractor-trailers on the road, truck drivers and motor vehicle drivers should be aware of ways to avoid truck accidents. Truck drivers are responsible for earning a commercial driver’s license (CDL) before operating a commercial vehicle and motorists are responsible for being extra vigilant when in the presence of big rigs.

Truck Driver Safety

After earning a CDL, the best way to stay safe on the road is also the most basic: know how to operate and keep control of your vehicle. According to the commercial driver’s license manual, all trucks should be inspected before, during, and after each trip. These inspections must be logged in case a truck needs to be repaired.

In order to operate commercial vehicles, truck drivers are required to carry their commercial driver’s license (CDL). Despite the fact that all drivers are forced to go through rigorous training prior to operating their vehicle, commercial truck accidents are far more common than most people would like to assume. Due to the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks, collisions with standard motor vehicles can cause severe and often fatal injuries. In the vast majority of commercial truck accidents, the most damage is done to the other vehicles involved and their drivers and passengers. If you have been injured in a commercial truck accident, it is likely that either the driver or truck company was at fault. 

Commercial Truck Accidents Nationwide

Despite the vetting process of drivers and the high number of regulatory measures put in place to ensure that trucks are as safe as possible, commercial truck accidents are incredibly common throughout the United States. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), there were approximately 4,213 commercial trucks involved in fatal accidents in 2016 alone. This marked a 3% increase over the total number of commercial truck fatalities in 2015. In addition, studies conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that more than 119,000 Americans suffered injuries in accidents involving commercial trucks throughout 2016. 

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

While not all commercial truck accidents are caused by negligence, a large number of them are. Common forms of driver negligence include drowsy driving, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and aggressive driving (such as speeding or tailgating). In other cases, the trucking company may be liable for the accident. If the driver was not properly certified or trained to be operating the commercial vehicle, the company may be responsible for the injuries and damages suffered. Other common reasons for trucking company liability include failure to properly secure cargo and improper or incomplete maintenance on the vehicle.