When an 80,000-pound truck collides with a passenger vehicle, victims face life-altering injuries, overwhelming medical expenses, and complex legal challenges that threaten their future. The road to recovery requires experienced guidance and clear answers. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about truck accidents in Tennessee.
A Knoxville truck accident attorney understands the unique challenges of these devastating crashes and can help you pursue justice.
Who Pays for a Commercial Truck Accident in Tennessee?
Multiple parties may bear financial responsibility for a truck accident in Tennessee. Depending on what actually caused the crash, the trucking company, truck driver, cargo loading company, vehicle manufacturer, or maintenance provider could share liability. An attorney can help you conduct an in-depth investigation to identify the at-fault parties and all potential sources of compensation.
What Makes Truck Accidents Different from Car Accidents?
Truck accidents involve unique factors. The severity of injuries typically exceeds those in passenger vehicle accidents due to the massive size difference. Federal regulations govern commercial trucking operations, including strict rules about driver hours, maintenance schedules, and load securing.
These regulations create additional avenues for establishing negligence and liability. Additionally, commercial trucks carry black box data recorders and maintenance logs, but this evidence can disappear quickly without an attorney’s intervention.
How Much Is My Truck Accident Claim Worth?
The value of a truck accident claim varies based on factors like injury severity, long-term medical needs, and your ability to work. Your settlement may cover current and future medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, emotional distress, and permanent disability.
The only way to accurately value your claim is to work with a lawyer who knows how to calculate these complex damages and negotiate with insurance companies.
How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Lawsuit?
Tennessee law establishes a one-year statute of limitations for filing truck accident lawsuits. This deadline starts from the date of the accident. If you miss this deadline, the court will most likely bar you from recovering compensation.
It is important to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible; not only can they file your claim before the statute of limitations expires, but they can also preserve critical evidence like driver logs and black box data before it disappears.
Should I Hire a Lawyer to Represent My Truck Accident Claim?
After a truck accident, hiring a lawyer can make a major difference in your recovery. You will likely face aggressive corporate defense teams and insurance companies with vast resources. Without experienced legal representation, you risk accepting a settlement that fails to cover your long-term needs or missing critical evidence that could strengthen your case.
An attorney who focuses on car accidents will thoroughly investigate your crash, secure essential evidence, and handle all communications with insurance adjusters while you focus on healing. Your lawyer will also identify all potential sources of compensation, calculate the true value of your claim, and protect your rights throughout the legal process.
Get Help with Your Truck Accident Claim Today
When you’re facing the aftermath of a truck accident, you need answers from attorneys who truly understand these complex claims. The Lawyers of Brown & Roberto hold decades of experience in truck accident cases.
Let us help you navigate this challenging time. Contact us at (865) 691-2777 for a free consultation with our attorneys.