Truck accidents differ significantly from car accidents. Not only are truck accidents much more dangerous, but pursuing compensation is also more complicated.
Injured In a Truck Accident in Chattanooga?
Victims of these potentially life-altering collisions need experienced legal representation, so they know their case is in capable hands. The Chattanooga truck accident lawyers at Gary Massey Injury Lawyers have the resources and experience to manage every aspect of your truck accident case.
Our firm has obtained millions for victims of motor vehicle collisions. We have in-depth knowledge of the unique aspects of truck accident cases. Our focus is on securing your future. We aggressively pursue full compensation for accident victims at no upfront cost.
Chattanooga is a Trucking Collision Hot Spot
Chattanooga sits at key freight crossroads on I‑75, I‑24, and U.S. 27, earning it one of the highest regional truck volumes in the U.S. Hundreds of tractor-trailers, 18-wheelers, and other large commercial trucks pass through this exchange every day. The 75/24 Split is notorious for heavy truck traffic and elevated accident rates, reinforcing why experienced legal support is essential.
For example, in May 2025, a tractor-trailer traveling on I‑75 just south of Chattanooga plowed into traffic near the Tennessee welcome center. Two drivers were killed, and others were critically injured. Investigators say the truck was traveling at high speed and failed to brake.
Am I Eligible to Pursue Compensation?
You may be eligible for compensation if another party was negligent and caused the truck accident. For example, truck drivers are often responsible for a significant number of accidents due to negligence. Other parties, such as trucking companies or those responsible for maintaining the truck, may also have been negligent in the lead-up to a crash.
Negligence refers to a failure to exercise the level of care that a reasonably prudent person would under similar circumstances. Negligence has four elements:
- Duty of Care: An obligation to take reasonable steps to prevent harm to others, such as the duty to follow traffic laws
- Breach of Duty of Care: The party in question’s failure to uphold a duty of care
- Causation: The direct link between the breach and the injury caused
- Damages: The actual harm or injury suffered by the affected party
If you believe negligence was involved, you should contact an attorney to discuss legal action. Other parties may be liable for your damages, like medical costs, pain and suffering, and more. In fact, most truck crashes are caused by negligence, so it makes sense for an attorney to review your potential next steps.
These are some common examples of negligence in truck accident cases:
- Reckless Driving: Examples include speeding, failure to yield, tailgating, and negligent lane changes.
- Distracted Driving: Texting, eating, or using in-cab technology takes the driver’s attention away from the road.
- Driver Fatigue: Federal regulations limit the number of hours truckers can drive, but pressure to meet deadlines can result in fatigued driving.
- Driver Impairment: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is especially dangerous for truck drivers.
- Mechanical Failures or Defects: Faulty brakes, tire blowouts, or other mechanical issues can lead to catastrophic accidents.
- Negligently Loaded Cargo: Improperly loaded, overweight, or unsecured cargo can shift, causing loss of control.
According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, the top three truck driver actions that caused crashes across the state in 2022 were failure to keep in the proper lane, following too closely, and improper lane changing.
What Types of Truck Accident Cases Do We Take On?
Negligence can cause several types of dangerous truck accidents. Our Chattanooga truck accident attorneys may be able to assist you if you were injured in any of these crashes:
- Jackknife Accidents: When a truck’s trailer swings out at a 90-degree angle, potentially involving multiple vehicles
- Rollover Accidents: Trucks tipping over due to high speeds, improper loading, or sudden maneuvers
- Rear-End Accidents: A truck crashing into the vehicle in front, often due to speeding or failing brakes
- Underride Crashes: Smaller vehicles sliding under the rear or side of a truck’s trailer
- T-Bone Collisions: When a truck strikes the side of another vehicle, common at intersections
What Are the Benefits of Hiring an Experienced Lawyer?
Trucking companies and their insurance providers typically have a team of attorneys working to protect their interests from the moment a crash occurs. Their goal is to limit liability and minimize payouts. That’s why it’s critical to have an experienced truck accident lawyer on your side who understands the tactics used by these companies and knows how to fight back.
Our Chattanooga truck accident lawyers handle every aspect of our clients’ cases so they can focus on recovery. We have decades of experience gathering evidence and proving negligence.
Some of the tasks we handle include:
- Collecting evidence like accident reports, witness statements, and black box data
- Reconstructing the accident using experts to analyze how the crash occurred
- Identifying responsible parties by determining liability, whether that is the truck driver, trucking company, or others
- Negotiating with insurers and handling all insurance communications and settlements
- Preparing for trial, if necessary. We are ready to take cases to court
Contact us for a free consultation and learn more about how we can help.
What Is the Value of My Tennessee Truck Accident Case?
Every case is different. The value of your case depends on factors such as accident type and injury severity. Truck accidents often lead to more serious damage than typical car crashes, which can potentially increase the compensation you may be entitled to.
What Injuries Usually Result from Truck Accidents?
Because of the size and weight of commercial trucks, collisions with them often result in severe or life-altering injuries. Common injuries include:
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): TBIs can range from concussions to severe brain trauma and occur when the head strikes a window, dashboard, or steering wheel.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Injuries to the spine can result in paralysis, chronic pain, or loss of motor function. These are often permanent and require long-term medical care.
- Broken Bones: The force of a truck crash can cause complex or compound fractures in the arms, legs, ribs, or pelvis. Some may require surgery, pins, or plates to heal properly.
- Internal Injuries: High-impact collisions can cause damage to internal organs and lead to internal bleeding, which may not be immediately visible.
- Neck and Back Injuries: Herniated discs, strained muscles, and spinal misalignments can lead to long-term pain or mobility limitations.
- Severe Burns or Lacerations: Burn injuries can result from crashes involving fire or spilled chemicals. Deep cuts or lacerations may also leave lasting scars.
- Amputations: In the most catastrophic crashes, a limb may be crushed or severed during the collision, requiring surgical amputation.
- Emotional Trauma: PTSD, anxiety, depression, and emotional distress are common after traumatic truck accidents.
Our Chattanooga truck accident lawyers can pursue full compensation for:
- Medical Costs: Including emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, and therapy
- Lost Wages: Compensation for time off work
- Loss of Earning Capacity: If injuries impact your ability to work long-term
- Pain and Suffering: Physical and emotional distress
- Property Damage: Repair or replacement of your vehicle
Who Can Be Held Liable for My Tennessee Truck Accident Injuries?
Liability could extend to multiple parties:
- Truck Driver: If reckless or impaired driving was involved
- Truck Owner: If the truck was not maintained properly
- Trucking Company: If they failed to enforce safety regulations
- Truck Manufacturer: If defects in the truck contributed to the accident
- Cargo Loading Company: If improperly loaded cargo caused instability
At Gary Massey Injury Lawyers, we know that determining liability in a truck accident often requires a detailed investigation. Our team can gather and examine critical evidence, including police reports, photos and videos of the crash scene, surveillance footage, vehicle maintenance records, and black box data from the truck.
We also work with accident reconstruction experts and interview witnesses to build a clear picture of what happened and who’s responsible.
How Do Trucking Industry Regulations Apply to My Case?
Violations of trucking regulations may strengthen your claim:
- Hours of Service (HOS) Rules: Limits on the duration of truckers’ driving hours
- Weight Restrictions: Overloaded trucks are harder to control
- Drug and Alcohol Testing: Ensures drivers are not under the influence
- Maintenance and Inspections: Required checks to ensure safety
Our team of attorneys is well-versed in the state and federal regulations that govern the trucking industry. We know how to investigate whether those rules were violated by reviewing driver logs, HOS records, vehicle inspection reports, and other key documentation. If a trucking company or driver cuts corners or fails to comply with safety standards, we’ll work to hold them accountable.
Statute of Limitations for Filing a Claim in Tennessee
In Tennessee, you generally have one year from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. It’s critical to act promptly and consult a lawyer to protect your rights.
But even more urgent than the legal deadline is the risk of losing valuable evidence. Tire skid marks fade, damaged vehicles get repaired, surveillance footage can be erased, and witnesses’ memories can become fuzzy over time. The sooner you contact an experienced truck accident attorney, the sooner they can begin preserving and gathering critical evidence to strengthen your case.
Contact Your Chattanooga Truck Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, legal advice can make a significant difference in your case. There is limited time to file a claim, and delaying can make it harder to gather evidence.
Our attorneys work on a contingency basis, meaning we only get paid if we recover compensation on your behalf. The initial consultation is free.
Our office is conveniently located near Erlanger East Hospital. Contact Gary Massey Injury Lawyers today. We are available 24/7.
