Why Are Semi Truck Accidents Increasing in Memphis, TN

A semi-trailer truck refers to a tractor unit and one or more semi-trailers in combination that transport cargo. The tractor and trailer are united through the use of a hitch. A semi-trailer is a trailer that doesn’t have a front axle. Semi-trailers are also called tractor-trailers, big rigs, 18-wheelers, and many other names (the English refer to them as articulated lorries and juggernauts).

Drivers of semi-trailers need a commercial driver’s license (CDL) to operate them. The weight that semi-trailers can carry depends on the number of axles. Generally, the maximum weight limit for semi-trailers is 80,000 pounds.

When semi-trailers cause accidents, the consequences can be frightening. Cars and smaller trucks are simply no match for the size, weight, and dimensions of semis. Many victims die or suffer catastrophic or serious injuries; such as spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, loss of limb, burn injuries, broken bones, organ damage, and other serious injuries.

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security reports that between January 1, 2025, and June 16, 2025, there have been:

• 1,513 accidents involving large trucks in Tennessee; 982 on urban roads and 531 on rural roads.
• 1,185 accidents involving large trucks at intersections.
• 5,857 total accidents in Tennessee; slightly more than 4,000 of these accidents occurred on urban roads, and the rest on rural roads.

Improper driver actions included:

• Lane departures. 10.72 percent.
• Following improperly. 7.46 percent.
• Improper lane changes. 6.15 percent.
• Failure to yield. 4.35 percent.

Other causes of truck accidents include improper turns, improper backup, swerving, carelessness, speeding, ignoring traffic controls, overcorrecting, ignoring instructions, and inexperience.

Most truck accidents occur during the workweek between 6 am and 3 pm. 716 truck crashes have occurred in Memphis’s home county, Shelby County in 2025 – through June 16.

According to ABC Channel 9 News, (an August 7, 2024 report), even though there is a national shortage of truck drivers, Tennessee and Georgia have seen an increase in the number of truck accidents. The report states that the presence of younger and less experienced drivers may be contributing to the rise in truck-related crashes in Tennessee and Georgia.

The news report references a Truck Safety Coalition report that states that “CMV drivers between the ages of 19-20 are six times more likely to be involved in fatal crashes.” Another cause of the increase is likely job turnover, which causes truck companies to need more drivers, potentially leading to the hiring individuals with less experience or qualifications.

The data for truck accidents for 2013-2022 shows more fatal truck accidents in 2020-2022 than in any prior year (2013-2019). There were 154 fatal truck accidents in 2022 and 179 fatalities in 2021. The fatalities for the prior years ranged from a low of 110 to a high of 151.

Your right to file a personal injury or wrongful death claim after an accident

Anyone who suffers injuries in a semi-trailer accident has the right to hold the responsible parties liable for their injuries. At Greer Injury Lawyers, PLLC, we file personal injury claims on behalf of drivers, passengers, and anyone outside of a vehicle who is injured in a truck accident. We file wrongful death actions on behalf of families when a loved one dies in a truck accident. In cases where a manufacturer is liable for a defective product, such as a defective hitch, we also file product liability claims on behalf of the drivers.

We demand compensation for all of the victims’ financial and personal damages. Our record of success in truck accident cases includes:

• $5 million truck accident settlement for traumatic brain injury victim
• $4.1 million truck accident settlement for a paralyzed Memphis client
• $3.7 million jury verdict for our clients who were rear-ended by a semi-trailer/18-wheeler

How our Memphis injury lawyers fight for accident victims

At Greer Injury Lawyers, PLLC, we understand the unique challenges involved in semi-trailer accident cases. We understand the applicable federal and Tennessee laws that regulate truck operation in Tennessee. Our Memphis semi-truck accident lawyers work with law enforcement officers, truck industry safety professionals, traffic reconstruction experts, and other trucking professionals to show how truck accidents happen and who is responsible. Some of these regulations include the FMCSA Hours of Service rules, OSHA loading requirements, and weight limits for Tennessee trucks.

Our investigation includes obtaining critical evidence, including black boxes, electronic logging device information (ELDs), inspection records, maintenance records, and repair records. ELDs record the hours a driver is operating their truck, which helps determine if they violated the hours-of-service rules and if driver fatigue caused a semi-truck accident. Black boxes, the truck’s cameras, and software can also provide useful information that can help show how fast the driver was traveling, the driver’s route, if the driver was using the brakes, and other critical evidence. We may also review phone records to determine if the semi-truck driver drove while distracted.

We also hire investigators who examine the accident site, speak with witnesses, and inquire about any surveillance video. There may also be information that can show if a driver drove while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Our Memphis truck accident lawyers thoroughly question, in writing and in person, everyone who has knowledge about your truck accident.

Our team also reviews all aspects of your injuries with your doctors, including diagnosing what injuries you have, what medical care you need, and how your injuries are impacting every part of your life (including all your pain and suffering). Additionally, we work with your employers and financial experts to determine all of your income losses.

Who is liable for a semi-truck accident?

Many different people and businesses may be liable when a semi-truck accident happens. We file claims against everyone responsible. The defendants may include one or more of the following:

• The driver of the truck
• The truck driver’s employer
• The owner of the truck, if different from the driver or employer
• The companies involved in the shipment
• Any inspection, maintenance, or repair companies
• A manufacturer of defective truck parts
• Other drivers
• Any other responsible parties

Contact our Memphis truck crash lawyers

Our Memphis truck accident lawyers have 20 years of experience and the working relationships to effectively investigate these crashes. Common causes include driver distraction, speeding and other traffic violations, driver fatigue, improper truck inspections and maintenance, defective truck parts, faulty loading procedures, failure to conduct background checks, and many other causes.

If you were injured in an accident with a semi-truck or a loved one was killed in a semi-truck accident, call us today or complete our contact form to schedule a free consultation. Greer Injury Lawyers, PLLC, handles truck accident claims on a contingency fee basis. Our success depends directly on your success. We have offices in Memphis, TN, Jackson, TN, and Little Rock, AR.