Car Falls Off of Auto Hauler Truck on I-40 in Knoxville Causing Fiery Crash
A dramatic and dangerous incident on I-40 West near Farragut in Knoxville has ignited a conversation about the dangers of falling vehicles from commercial auto haulers trucks, and Knoxville drivers and residents are wondering what their rights and options are if they fall victim to a falling car on the road. According to local reports, earlier this month on Thursday, September 18, a car fell off a tractor-trailer auto hauler truck and caused a fiery crash that shut down the I-40 for hours. The crash occurred around midnight, and the vehicle that fell from the auto hauler caught fire upon impact. Fortunately, no one was reported dead or injured at the scene, and emergency crews worked for an extended period to extinguish the blaze and clear the wreckage.
Details after the fact from the Tennessee Highway Patrol reveal how the frightening accident occurred. Reports indicate that two tractor-trailers, a Volvo and a Freightliner, were traveling westbound near mile marker 372 just before midnight. The Freightliner slowed down, and the Volvo behind it swerved to avoid collision, striking the left rear of the Freightliner. That impact jarred a Tesla that was being carried on the Freightliner’s trailer. The Tesla fell off the trailer and ended up underneath the axles of the Volvo, which then became engulfed in flames. The accident, which could have resulted in serious injury or even fatality, is a stark reminder of how one wrong move or delayed reaction can cause a chain-reaction of potentially dangerous and deadly proportions.
Who is Liable When a Car Falls From an Auto Hauler Truck in Knoxville?
The dangerous incident on I-40 raises important questions in the minds of some Knoxville drivers: who is liable when a car falls off of an auto hauler onto another car or the road, causing a serious accident? When a vehicle falls off a moving auto hauler and causes injury to another party, liability often centers on whether the truck operator or the carrier acted negligently in securing the load. The trucking company or hauler may be responsible if they failed to properly fasten the vehicle, inspect tie-downs, or follow industry safety standards. The owner of the auto hauler could be liable for improper maintenance, failure to follow loading protocols, or negligent inspection of equipment. In some cases, multiple parties may share responsibility, including the truck owner, the driver, and any third-party loading services. It is also possible that another driver who was on the road and caused the accident may share in the blame as well. Speaking with an experienced Knoxville truck accident lawyer about your case is the best way to determine who is liable in your case and if compensation may be due to you.
Finding an Experienced Knoxville Truck Accident Lawyer
If you were injured in a truck accident in Knoxville, it is important to speak with an experienced Knoxville truck accident lawyer about your case as soon as possible. The experienced Knoxville truck accident lawyers at the law firm Fox Farley Willis & Burnette PLLC are here to help victims of serious truck accidents get compensation for their injuries and losses. There is a limited time to file a case for compensation under Tennessee personal injury laws, so do not hesitate to speak with an experienced lawyer about your case today. Contact Fox Farley Willis & Burnette PLLC and chat with a lawyer now.
Source:
wvlt.tv/2025/09/18/crash-fire-closes-i-40-w-near-farragut-hours/