Harlene Labrum | August 28, 2025 | Truck Accidents
The Most Common Causes of Semi-Truck Crashes in Nashville
Semi-truck crashes are among the most devastating collisions on Tennessee highways. Because of their massive size and weight, an impact involving a semi-truck and any other vehicle can result in catastrophic injuries, lasting disabilities, or even fatalities.
Unfortunately, these crashes (and fatalities resulting from accidents) are far too common in and around Nashville.
As Nashville truck accident lawyers, we’ve seen first-hand how overwhelming these cases can be. Understanding the most common causes of semi-truck accidents not only sheds light on why they occur but also helps victims and their families recognize their rights and build stronger legal claims.
1: Driver-Related Causes
Driver-related factors are among the leading causes of semi-truck crashes, often stemming from fatigue, distraction, impairment, or unsafe driving behavior.
Fatigue and Hours-of-Service Violations
Truck drivers often spend long hours on the road, covering hundreds of miles in a single shift. Federal regulations set strict hours-of-service rules designed to limit how long drivers can operate without rest.
However, some trucking companies and drivers violate these rules to meet delivery deadlines. Fatigue dulls reaction times and decision-making, making a drowsy truck driver as dangerous as a drunk one. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), fatigue remains one of the leading causes of serious truck crashes.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a risk for all motorists, but when the distracted driver is behind the wheel of an 80,000-pound vehicle, the consequences can be devastating. Common distractions include texting, checking GPS, eating, or adjusting in-cab technology.
Even a brief glance away from the road can cause a truck driver to drift across lanes or fail to brake in time, leading to multi-vehicle collisions.
Impaired Driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, or even prescription medications can severely impair judgment, coordination, and reaction times. While truck drivers are held to stricter legal limits for blood alcohol concentration, violations still occur.
Impaired driving with a semi-truck is especially dangerous because it makes it nearly impossible to handle the vehicle’s wide turns, long stopping distances, and blind spots safely.
Speeding and Aggressive Driving
Truck drivers are often under pressure to meet strict schedules. This pressure can lead to speeding, tailgating, or aggressive lane changes. A fully loaded semi-truck requires much more distance to stop than a passenger car.
When drivers speed or follow too closely, they leave little margin for error, often resulting in catastrophic rear-end or rollover crashes.
2: Vehicle-Related Causes
Mechanical issues and improper cargo handling are also major contributors to semi-truck accidents, often caused by equipment failures or unsafe loading practices.
Mechanical Failures
A poorly maintained truck is a danger to everyone on the road. Common mechanical failures include brake malfunctions, tire blowouts, and steering issues. Federal law requires trucking companies to perform regular inspections and maintenance, but some companies cut corners to save money.
When a mechanical failure causes a crash, the trucking company—or in some cases, the parts manufacturer—may be held liable.
Improperly Loaded Cargo
The way a trailer is loaded can significantly affect how a truck handles. Overloaded trailers put excessive strain on brakes and tires, while improperly balanced cargo can cause a truck to tip over or jack-knife.
Shifting cargo is another danger—it can suddenly change the vehicle’s center of gravity, leading to rollovers. Responsibility for loading often falls on third-party shippers, which adds another layer of potential liability in these cases.
3: Environmental and Road Conditions
Not every crash is caused solely by driver error or vehicle failure. Road conditions and the environment often play a role.
• Poor weather such as rain, fog, or ice can make highways slick and reduce visibility. Trucks require more distance to stop, and wet or icy roads increase that need significantly.
• Construction zones and poor road design are also high-risk areas. Narrow lanes, sudden merges, and unclear signage can create confusion and accidents.
• Limited visibility at night or in rural areas can make it harder for truck drivers to anticipate hazards in time to avoid a collision.
While drivers cannot control the weather, they are expected to adjust their driving to conditions. Failing to do so may still be considered negligence.
4: Negligence by Trucking Companies
In many truck accident cases, negligence traces back to the trucking company itself. Some of the most common examples include:
• Failing to properly train drivers – Operating a semi-truck requires specialized skills. Companies that cut corners on training put everyone at risk.
• Hiring unqualified or unsafe drivers – A history of traffic violations, substance abuse, or inadequate licensing should disqualify a driver. Sadly, not all companies perform thorough background checks.
• Cutting corners on maintenance – Skipping scheduled inspections or delaying repairs can lead to catastrophic equipment failures.
• Encouraging unsafe schedules – Some companies pressure drivers to meet delivery goals even if it means breaking rest rules or driving while fatigued.
When companies prioritize profits over safety, they can be held liable for the semi-truck crashes that result.
How These Causes Impact Liability
One of the complexities of truck accident cases is determining who is legally responsible. Liability may rest with:
• The driver, for negligence such as speeding, impairment, or distraction.
• The trucking company, for failing to train, supervise, or maintain vehicles.
• A manufacturer, if defective parts contributed to the crash.
• A shipper or cargo loader, if improperly secured freight caused the accident.
Evidence such as driver logs, black box data, inspection records, and eyewitness accounts is crucial in proving fault. In many cases, multiple parties share liability, making these cases more complex than standard car accident claims.
Steps to Take After a Semi-Truck Crash
If you or a loved one is involved in a semi-truck crash in Nashville, the steps you take immediately afterward can significantly impact your case:
- Call emergency services and seek medical care right away. Even if there are no apparent injuries or the visible injuries seem minor, you should note symptoms of serious trauma may not appear immediately.
- Document the scene. The easiest way to do this is to photograph the accident scene, taking special interest of the vehicles involved, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Beyond taking photos of the scene, collect witness contact information if you can.
- Do not speak with the trucking company’s insurer before talking to a lawyer. Insurance adjusters often try to minimize pay-outs by shifting blame.
- Contact an experienced truck accident lawyer who can begin preserving evidence and protecting your rights.
For more guidance on injuries and more following semi-truck crashes, see our resources page or our article on when to hire a car accident lawyer in Nashville.
How an Attorney Can Help
Truck accident claims are rarely straightforward. An attorney can:
• Investigate violations of federal and state trucking regulations.
• Work with accident reconstruction experts to determine exactly how the crash occurred.
• Handle negotiations with powerful insurance and trucking companies that often try to intimidate victims into settling for less.
• Pursue maximum compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care needs.
By having a skilled advocate on your side, you level the playing field against the trucking industry’s legal teams.
Understanding the Causes of Semi-Truck Crashes Helps You Protect Your Rights
Semi-truck accidents in Nashville can leave victims facing overwhelming medical expenses, long recoveries, and uncertainty about the future. Knowing the most common causes of these crashes can help you better understand your rights and hold negligent parties accountable.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a truck accident, Labrum Law Firm is here to help. Our team will investigate your case, fight for your rights, and pursue the full compensation you deserve.
If you’ve been in a semi-truck crash, Labrum Law Firm is here to help—call [phone] to discuss your options.
