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Trucking Accidents in the Knoxville Area

Knoxville Lawyer Serving Victims of Big Rig Crashes Throughout East Tennessee

Knoxville is located near the intersection of three very busy interstate highways: I-40, I-75, and I-81. Notably, I-40 was ranked 3rd on most dangerous highways in 2015, with 183 deaths based on a survey conducted by Auto Insurance Center. Also, I-40 is the third longest highway in the country. In 2016, according to Tennessee Department of Safety, there were 172 wreck fatalities in the Knoxville District and 963 total wreck fatalities in Tennessee alone.

If you were hurt in a trucking accident in the Knoxville area, Mark Hartsoe and the Hartsoe Law Firm may be able to help. We have an accident reconstruction team on 24/7 standby that we may be able to dispatch to the site. Knoxville truck accident attorney Mark Hartsoe is experienced in these cases and knows how to prove the liability of a careless truck driver or trucking company.

Average Daily Traffic Count and Accidents in the Knoxville Area

The heavy traffic flow on these interstates increases the risk of crashes. Specifically, in 2015, according to the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) average annual daily traffic (ADT) count maps, the ADT count on I-75 in Knoxville was approximately 44,000. In 2013, I-81 in Knoxville had an ADT count of 33,000. In 2012, I-40 (near mile marker 380) had an ADT count of approximately 178,000. This traffic flow, reported by TDOT, attributed to 487 wrecks listed at mile maker 382. The largest number of accidents totaled 555 at the West Hills exit (mile marker 380).

Unfortunately, there were more than 12,000 wrecks on I-40 from Harriman to North Carolina between 2005 and late 2013. Of these wrecks, 555 were in Knoxville. In 2014, there were 29 fatal accidents in Knoxville, with 52 vehicles involved and two of them involved drunk drivers. In 2013, there were 38 fatal accidents in the city with 57 vehicles involved and 12 of them involved drunk drivers.

Trucking Accidents in the Knoxville Area

Many of the vehicles on the interstate highways in the Knoxville region are tractor trailers, big rigs, and other commercial vehicles. If you are injured in a trucking accident in the Knoxville area, you may be able to file a lawsuit for compensation. In most cases, you will need to show that the truck driver was negligent to get paid for your damages. If a truck driver fails to follow the safety rules promulgated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), for example, they may be held liable under a theory of negligence per se (negligence as a matter of law).

When a truck driver was in the course and scope of employment, the driver's employer may be held vicariously or indirectly liable under a theory of respondeat superior. Moreover, a trucking company may also be held directly accountable under a theory of negligent hiring or negligent supervision. Trucking companies must follow FMCSA safety regulations that require them to conduct background checks into prospective drivers and inspect their drivers' logbooks for accuracy. A trucking company that turns a blind eye to a driver's negligent or reckless driving may be held responsible for putting that driver in charge of a heavy truck.

In certain cases, a mechanical failure may be to blame for an accident. When there is a defective brake or another defective part that causes a truck crash, it may be possible to bring a product liability lawsuit against the manufacturer.

Contact Knoxville Attorney Mark Hartsoe Following a Truck Crash

Truck accidents may result in catastrophic injuries or deaths, particularly when the vehicles are moving at high speeds down an interstate highway. Often, the only way to cover these medical expenses is by bringing a personal injury lawsuit. If you are hurt or have lost a loved one in a trucking accident in the Knoxville area, you should consult experienced attorney Mark Hartsoe. Call the Hartsoe Law Firm at 865-804-1011 or contact us via our online form to set up a free consultation with a motor vehicle collision lawyer. We represent people throughout East Tennessee, including in Knox, Blount, Monroe, Loudon, Jefferson, Grainger, Cocke, Campbell, Hamblen, Greene, Anderson, Cumberland, and Fentress Counties.


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I was on my way to Atlanta and a huge truck rear-ended me and knocked me off the side of the road. I was scared. Didn’t know what to do. I tried working with the insurance company. They are just difficult to work with. I had to call somebody to take care of me. So, My brother told me to call Mark Hartsoe. As soon as I called Mark Hartsoe, he let me know real quick that everything was going to be okay and that he would take care of everything. And, he did. He got me a great settlement. He took the worry off of me. Mickey Anderson
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I was hit coming home late at night by a drunk driver who took off. And the next day I was able to track down his vehicle and get the state police involved. At that point, a family friend recommended that I talk to Mark Hartsoe. Pretty much at that point, Mark handled the police, the insurance company and the guy who hit me. Settled with the actual person that hit me. Outside of that, everything came out great. Did not have to go to court. Got a great settlement. Got my car replaced. Got a check. Mark Hartsoe is my lawyer. Nate Holder
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I was involved in a motorcycle accident. It was a head-on collision. I broke my arm, injured by knee. I was out of work for a long time and had medical bills, other expenses. A personal friend handed me a card for Mark Hartsoe. I called Mark Hartsoe from the side of the road and he took care of everything. My case was settled out of court. I received a great settlement. Bike was totaled, motorcycle was replaced. It was easy, painless. About as painless as something like this can be. This is why my lawyer is Mark Hartsoe. John Lusinger
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I wanted to thank you for the excellent representation and your ability to handle the situation so well with such compassion and strength. We appreciate all of your help, concern and for answering my many questions. It has been a difficult road to travel but when we come across people like you, it really helps to lighten the load. We just wanted you to know how much we appreciate what you’ve done and your ability to handle the situation so well. S. Carter
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Thank you so much for all the work you did on our case. We received more than we expected. You were great through the whole time from the first meeting until the last. Thank you so very much. Sam & Judy Kachar
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