Truck accidents are not the same as car accidents. Not only are truck accidents much more dangerous, but pursuing compensation is also more complicated.
Injured In A Truck Accident?
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 Massey & Associates, P.C. have the resources and experience to manage every aspect of your truck accident case. Our firm has obtained millions for those injured in motor vehicle collisions, and 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.
Am I Eligible to Pursue Compensation?
The main question is whether another party caused the accident through negligence. For example, truck drivers cause a lot of accidents through their own negligence. Other parties, like trucking companies or those responsible for maintaining the truck, may have also engaged in negligence.
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: This means the party in question failed 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 to call 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 or unsecured cargo can shift, causing loss of control.
What Types of Truck Accident Cases Do We Take On?
Negligence can cause several types of dangerous truck accidents. If you were injured in any of these crashes, our Chattanooga truck accident attorneys may be able to assist you.
- 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?
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:
- Collecting Evidence: Accident reports, witness statements, and black box data.
- Reconstructing the Accident: Using experts to analyze how the crash occurred.
- Identifying Responsible Parties: Determining liability, whether the truck driver, trucking company, or others.
- Negotiating with Insurers: Handling all insurance communications and settlements.
- Preparing for Trial: If necessary, we are ready to take cases to court.
Contact us to learn more about how we can help. Phone: 423-697-4529.
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.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Severe cognitive problems, requiring long-term neurological care.
- Severe Broken Bones: Long recovery times, possible permanent disabilities.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Potential paralysis, requiring surgery and rehabilitation.
Our Chattanooga truck accident lawyers pursue full compensation for:
- Medical Costs: Emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, 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.
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.
How Do Trucking Industry Regulations Apply to My Case?
Violations of trucking regulations may strengthen your claim:
- Hours of Service Rules: Limits on how long truckers can drive.
- 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.
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 Massey & Associates, P.C. today. We are available 24/7: 423-697-4529.