Truck accident cases are usually handled differently than car wrecks. Therefore, if you were involved in a truck crash, you should contact a seasoned lawyer who understands the unique aspects of Chattanooga truck accident cases. Our experienced truck accident lawyers could help you recover the compensation you deserve. Call today and set up a free consultation.
Common Causes of Truck Collisions in Chattanooga
Truck accidents typically happen due to the negligence of one or more parties. The most common causes of truck crashes in Chattanooga include:
- Driver being distracted
- Driver following another vehicle too closely
- Failure to properly maintain the truck or trailer
- Inadequate truck driver training
- Failure to monitor trucking equipment
- The driver committed a traffic violation
- Failure to inspect the truck and trailers
Investigating Truck Accidents
Due to the seriousness of truck accidents, the insurance companies and the trucking companies will usually initiate an investigation into the case immediately after the collision. This investigation will involve taking pictures of the scene, hiring experts to inspect the site, and conduct a crash reconstruction. It is crucial for the injured victim to contact an attorney right away so that they can begin his or her own investigation, take pictures, and hire an accident reconstructionist.
Injuries in Truck Crashes
People involved in trucking accidents can have a wide spectrum of injuries, minor or catastrophic. Victims of truck collisions can suffer severe back and neck injuries. People can also suffer from broken bones, brain injuries, sprains, lacerations, and loss of limbs. Truck accidents are more life-threatening than car wrecks and are more likely to cause fatalities.
After being in a truck collision, victims also may have emotional stress such as PTSD or anxiety and may fear to be around trucks in the future.
Establishing Negligence in Chattanooga Truck Accidents
One of the unique aspects of Chattanooga truck accident cases is that they are complex when it comes to establishing negligence. A truck crash claim may not just be against the truck driver or the owner of the truck, as there might also be claims against:
- The terminal
- Different entities who were involved in the maintenance of the truck
- Logistics involved with the truck
- Scheduling of the truck
An experienced lawyer will be familiar with how to track down all the potential defendants who might be involved and all of their different insurance companies.
Modified Comparative Fault
Tennessee is a modified comparative fault state, which means that the defendant is liable for the defendant’s fault and the amount of the defendant’s liability is reduced by the percentage of fault apportioned to a plaintiff. For instance, if a plaintiff is awarded $50,000 in compensation but is determined to be 20% of fault, he or she will recover $40,000. However, if the plaintiff is at least 50% at fault, he or she is not eligible for recovery.
Importance of Contact an Attorney as Soon as Possible
One of the advantages of hiring an attorney early in the case is that an attorney can begin the investigation into the facts of the crash immediately. Gathering evidence is crucial to a successful claim. An attorney could take pictures, look for any video evidence, talk to witnesses, and hire experts.
If you were injured in a truck crash, you could be entitled to compensation. Call a lawyer today who is knowledgeable about the unique aspects of Chattanooga truck accident cases.
