Rear-End Collisions

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has found that a sizeable percentage of commercial vehicle crashes are rear-end collisions. Although the trucking industry is heavily regulated, some truck drivers do not follow the rules. In some cases, trucking companies may look the other way, even if they know that their drivers are violating the FMCSA regulations. Often, rear-end collisions in East Tennessee are preventable. It is important to retain Knoxville truck accident attorney Mark Hartsoe after a crash. He has substantial experience litigating motor vehicle collision cases, and he can help you assert your rights with the vigor and tenacity that you deserve.

Commercial vehicles are far larger and heavier than other vehicles on the road in Tennessee. When a rear-end collision happens, catastrophic injuries may occur. Sometimes rear-end collisions result from a truck rear-ending a passenger vehicle. According to FMCSA studies, these are often caused by faulty brakes. However, they may also result from fatigue or distracted driving. Sometimes a driver who has been traveling for a long distance, especially on an interstate highway, may not be sufficiently vigilant about the possibility of stopped or slowed traffic. Due to the immense weight of a commercial vehicle, it may take longer for a truck driver who has braked to come to a complete stop, which may result in a rear-end collision.

Rear-end collisions are particularly dangerous if a passenger car or motorcycle strikes the rear or side of an inadequately lit truck. Trucks are required to have “conspicuity” tape on their sides, which makes them easier to see. When the car or motorcycle hits the back of the truck, it may go partially or completely under the truck or trailer in what is called an under-ride crash. This may result in catastrophic or fatal injuries. Sometimes these accidents are caused by a trucking company not being in compliance with FMCSA regulations regarding lights on the truck. When a truck is not properly lit, and a road is also not well lit, it may be harder for the driver of a smaller vehicle to see the truck and brake appropriately.


When a truck driver is at fault for an accident, as is generally the case if the driver is fatigued or distracted while driving, they may be held liable under a theory of negligence. When claiming negligence, you will need to show that the driver did not drive safely under the circumstances, and the failure to drive safely was the cause of the wreck and your injuries. Moreover, in many cases, a trucking company is also responsible for a plaintiff's injuries. A trucking company that fails to abide by the rules related to lighting on a truck, fails to make sure that rear-guards are appropriately installed on the back of the truck, or fails to supervise a driver to make sure that they are following the hours of service rules may be directly responsible for a crash.

The Hartsoe Law Firm is ready to seek compensation for your injuries or the death of a loved one as a result of a rear-end collision. If you suspect that negligence by a truck driver or trucking company caused the crash, you should consult Knoxville truck accident lawyer Mark Hartsoe, who is familiar with the complexities of these cases. Call the Hartsoe Law Firm at 865-804-1011 or contact us via our online form to set up your free appointment. Hartsoe assists people who need a motor vehicle collision attorney throughout East Tennessee, including in Knox, Blount, Anderson, Campbell, Claiborne, Cocke, Cumberland, Fentress, Grainger, Greene, Hamblen, Hamilton, and Jefferson Counties.