Nashville Truck Accident Lawyer

Fighting For Truck Accident Victims in Tennessee

The massive size and weight of trucks mean that when they collide with another vehicle, the other vehicle—and its occupants—loses. Truck accidents can cause serious injuries requiring intensive and long-term medical care.

Witherington Injury Law has been assisting clients with motor vehicle accident cases since 2014. Our truck accident attorneys in Nashville seek maximum compensation for those injured in such accidents, and we have the experience and drive to get you the compensation you deserve if you’ve been involved in a collision with a truck. Call our Nashville trucking accident attorney, Patrick D. Witherington, to take advantage of our settlement evaluation and negotiation experience. We’re here to help.

Big Rigs Can Cause Big Damage. We Get Big Results.

If you’ve been hit by a big rig, we aim to help you win big. Contact our truck accident attorney in Nashville today for your free consultation. 

Types of Truck Accidents

Trucking accidents can happen in a variety of ways. Some of the most common types of truck accidents include:

• Rear End Accidents
• Head-On Accidents
• Rollover Accidents
• Jackknife Accidents
• Underride Accidents
• Lost Load Accidents
• Blind Spot Accidents

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

While semi-truck drivers are trained to be professional, there are numerous ways truck accidents can happen. Truck drivers are under pressure to deliver their goods and, because of this, sometimes drive while sleep-deprived, lowering their reaction time and awareness. Mechanical failure on the truck itself can also lead to a crash, as can driving in adverse weather conditions.

Some common causes of truck accidents include:

• Distracted Drivers
• Tired Drivers
• Driving Under the Influence
• Poor Training
• Unsecured Loads
• Poor Truck Maintenance
• Poor Road Conditions

For many truck drivers, the unfortunate reality is that it’s not if an accident happens, but when. In light of this, if you are injured in a truck accident, it important that you protect your rights to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

Common Nashville Routes & Accident Hotspots

Nashville's bustling roads, including major highways like I-40, I-24, and I-65, can become hotspots for truck accidents due to high traffic volumes and construction activities. These highways not only serve as critical routes for commercial trucks transporting goods across the region but also present unique challenges like merging lanes and frequent stops that increase the likelihood of accidents.

Understanding the local traffic patterns and accident data helps to paint a clearer picture of how and where accidents are most likely to occur in Nashville. This localized knowledge can be instrumental when building a strategy for legal claims, as it enables us to prepare better evidence and anticipate potential arguments that insurance companies might use concerning area-specific traffic issues.

What Are Common Injuries Caused by Semi-Truck Accidents?

Semi-truck accidents often result in serious, and sometimes fatal, injuries. Some of the most common semi-truck injury claims involve:

• Head/Brain Injuries
• Spinal Cord Injuries
• Amputations/Loss of Limbs
• Broken Bones
• Facial Disfigurement/Scarring
• Internal Bleeding/Organ Damage
• Soft Tissue Injuries
• Loss of Consort/Companionship
• Death

After suffering a semi truck accident, victims are often left to bear the physical and financial burdens of their injuries. These can include medical expenses, lost wages due to time away from work, physical pain, emotional distress, and more. With these things in mind, injury victims should seek legal help from a semi truck accident law firm that can assist them in fighting for the compensation they need and deserve.

Who Is Liable for a Tennessee Truck Accident?

The nature of who is liable for a truck accident depends on the specific circumstances of the crash. Generally speaking, if a truck driver or trucking company was negligent—for example, by failing to properly maintain the vehicle, driving while under the influence, or not following state and federal regulations—they can be held liable for your injuries.

In some cases, another motorist may also be at fault; in this situation, multiple parties can be named in a lawsuit. It’s important to speak with an experienced Nashville trucking accident attorney about your case so that you understand all the potential sources of compensation available to you.

Here is a list of parties who could be held responsible if you've been hit by a truck:

• Truck Driver: If the truck driver was negligent in operating the vehicle (speeding, driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, failing to adhere to safety regulations, etc.), they can be held liable for any damages that occurred as a result.
• Trucking Company: The company responsible for hiring and overseeing the truck driver’s conduct can also be held liable if they were negligent in their responsibility to maintain and monitor their drivers or trucks.
• Other Motorists: In some cases, other motorists may also have contributed to causing an accident; under these circumstances multiple parties can be named in a lawsuit brought against them for negligence or recklessness on the roadways.
• Manufacturers & Maintenance Providers: Defective parts or poor maintenance practices by manufacturers and/or providers of truck maintenance services could lead to accidents which may make them liable for resulting damages as well.
• Government Agencies & Municipalities: Poorly maintained roads and infrastructure caused by government agencies or municipalities could be found at fault if an accident has been determined due to this type of negligence.

What Kind of Compensation Can I Seek After a Truck Accident?

The damages you recover after a truck accident depend on the severity of your injuries and the specifics of your case. Generally speaking, compensation is available for medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering.

If you’re seeking compensation after a truck accident in Tennessee, you need an advocate by your side who knows how to negotiate with insurance companies. Witherington Injury Law is here to fight for you every step of the way to ensure that you recover the maximum amount in damages. Contact us today for more information or to schedule a free consultation with our Nashville truck accident attorney.

Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accidents

What Should I Do Immediately After a Truck Accident?

Immediately after a truck accident, ensuring your safety and that of others around you is crucial. If possible, move to a safe location away from traffic. Call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance if needed. Documenting details at the accident scene can be invaluable. Take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and visible injuries, and collect contact information from witnesses. Refrain from discussing fault until all the facts are clear.

Contacting a Nashville truck accident lawyer as soon as possible is highly advisable. Early legal intervention can help safeguard your rights and preserve critical evidence. Our team at Witherington Injury Law is available to provide guidance and support in the tumultuous moments following a collision, helping you navigate your legal options going forward.

How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Claim in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim following a truck accident is typically one year from the accident date. This deadline underscores the importance of promptly securing your right to seek compensation. Missing this critical deadline could bar you from pursuing a claim, regardless of the merits of your case.

There might be exceptions extending this period, such as in cases involving minors or other exceptional circumstances, but these are limited. To avoid jeopardizing your ability to recover damages, it's crucial to consult with a knowledgeable Nashville truck accident attorney who can ensure all legal documentation is timely and accurately filed.

What Types of Evidence Are Important for My Truck Accident Case?

Several types of evidence can significantly impact the outcome of your truck accident claim. Key pieces include the truck driver’s logbooks, in-truck electronic data, maintenance records, and any violation tickets issued to the truck driver. Witness statements, accident scene photos, and police reports are critical to substantiate your claim.

Additionally, expert testimonies such as accident reconstructionists can provide insights into the incident's dynamics. Gathering as much information as possible is essential to build a compelling storyline illustrating liability and damages. Our team at Witherington Injury Law works diligently to identify and procure these critical pieces of evidence to strengthen your case.

How Is Fault Determined in a Truck Accident?

Fault determination in a truck accident can involve a detailed analysis of multiple factors, including the truck driver’s actions, adherence to trucking regulations, and the truck's mechanical condition. These determinations often require a thorough examination of evidence, such as accident reconstruction reports, digital logs from the truck, and eyewitness accounts.

The primary objective is to establish negligence or recklessness that led to the accident, and factors like speeding, improper lane changes, or illegal maneuvers can all contribute to finding fault. Due to the complexity of pinpointing fault in truck accidents, having skilled legal representation is vital in piecing together all necessary evidence to support your claims and hold the responsible parties accountable.

Should I Hire a Lawyer After a Truck Accident?

There may be more compensation available to you after a truck accident than you realize. Don't make the mistake of leaving money on the table.

Our experienced Nashville truck accident lawyer can ensure you receive fair representation and we will work to investigate the trucking company or insurer to secure the compensation you need for recovery. Our attorneys are knowledgeable about trucking regulations, logistics, truck maintenance, and other information which can greatly benefit your case.

Depending on the cause of the accident, there could be multiple entities deemed to be responsible for the accident, including the trucking company and the truck manufacturer. Our firm knows how to seek maximum compensation to ensure that you have the resources you need now and in the future.

To schedule your free initial consultation with our Nashville truck accident lawyer, call (615) 697-6503 or contact us online to get in touch.