Hixson Truck Accident Lawyer
When truck drivers act carelessly or recklessly on the road it often results in serious, if not fatal injuries. If the negligence of a truck driver or trucking company caused you or a loved one harm, we may be able to help you pursue compensation for damages. A Hixson truck accident lawyer could guide you through the claims process. By working with our seasoned personal injury attorneys, you could make sure you are taking every necessary step to give yourself the best chance of success.
Federal Truck Driving Guidelines
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration sets forth guidelines that commercial truck drivers are required to follow to promote safety on the road. These guidelines include rules regarding rest breaks, restrictions on driving hours, and training requirements.
Unfortunately, many truck drivers and trucking companies do not follow these laws in hopes of cutting down on delivery time. This is a dangerous practice that can result in serious wrecks. A knowledgeable Hixon truck wreck attorney could investigate the conditions that led to the wreck to try to determine whether the at-fault party violated these regulations.
How Truck Wrecks Happen
Truck companies are notorious for pressuring truckers into driving long hours as fast as possible, which is a contributing factor to many truck crashes. In other cases, however, a truck manufacturer may be at fault. More specific causes of truck accidents include:
- Fatigued drivers
- Lack of training
- Distracted drivers
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence
- Brake failure
- Improperly loaded or overloaded trucks
- Tire malfunctions
The specific causes of the accident will typically indicate who is responsible. For example, a truck driver may be responsible if they chose to break the law by skipping a necessary break. However, the trucking company may be responsible if they encouraged that driver to miss breaks in order to meet unreasonable deadlines. A Hixson truck accident lawyer could help determine the specific causes of the accidents and how they affect the claim.
Potential Recovery for Collision Injuries
Wrecks involving trucks are usually severe and often result in serious injuries to those involved, especially those driving smaller vehicles. Common injuries from these accidents include:
- Broken bones
- Paralysis
- Lacerations
- Head trauma
When an individual is injured in a truck accident, he or she will likely face a painful and costly recovery. If a party or parties are determined to be at fault for causing a truck collision, they may be liable for substantial damages to cover these costs incurred by the victim. These damages may include compensation for lost wages, medical costs, and pain and suffering.
Statute of Limitations in Hixson
While a victim may be able to hold the at-fault party accountable for his or her injury, there is a statute of limitations throughout Tennessee that sets a deadline for filing a claim. Typically, this statute allows for one year from the date of the accident to pursue an action for compensation.
While there are exceptions to this statute, anyone who fails to meet this deadline may lose the opportunity to initiate legal action. When someone is recovering, it may be difficult to meet this deadline. Fortunately, a Hixson truck accident attorney could help to file a claim on time.
Work with a Hixson Truck Accident Attorney
Truck accident claims and settlements could involve multiple parties including insurance companies, other drivers, witnesses, physicians, truck companies, and manufacturers. Cases can quickly become complex and overwhelming, and injured parties could be under a lot of pressure to settle quickly.
Working with an experienced Hixson truck accident lawyer might help keep the process streamlined to ensure you are receiving fair compensation for your injuries. We are ready to meet and discuss your claim, so call today for a free consultation.
