Meigs County Truck Accident Lawyer
The average 18-wheel truck can weigh upwards of 80,000 pounds – not including cargo. That is a significant amount of weight which can result in serious injuries and death when colliding with other vehicles at high speeds.
Due to the potential harm which can be caused by such large vehicles, the trucking industry is highly regulated. Most people have seen weigh stations on the highway, but many are not aware that truck driver’s hours (and the rest they must get) are regulated as well.
Anyone who has been involved in a Tennessee truck accident should contact a Meigs truck accident lawyer who can review the details of the accident, determine the extent of injuries, and analyze fault and legal options so that an informed decision can be made on how best to proceed. Seek the legal counsel of a qualified personal injury lawyer that fight for the best possible outcome for you.
Factors in Truck Accidents
Tennessee truck accidents generally happen in the blink of an eye and can be caused by any one of a number of factors, including:
- Texting while driving
- Talking on a cell phone while driving
- Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Falling asleep at the wheel
- Speeding
- Driving recklessly
While the above reasons generally involve driver negligence, it is important to consider that other factors may also be involved such as poorly maintained roads, improperly marked construction zone warnings and faulty car or truck parts which may implicate others when reviewing fault and liability.
An experienced Meigs County truck accident attorney can review the entire scenario to determine where fault may lie and propose what types of compensation may be needed in order to make a truck accident victim whole again.
Who Is at Fault?
Fault is a critical element in tractor accident cases. Tennessee follows comparative negligence laws which allow plaintiffs to recover up to the percentage of fault assigned to other parties – as long as their own fault is not over 50 percent.
Determining fault under Tennessee’s comparative negligence laws can be complex, especially in cases involving factors such as weather, construction, and poor road conditions. An experienced Meigs County tractor accident attorney can make sure that all bases are covered by:
- Analyzing medical records
- Consulting expert witnesses
- Interviewing witnesses and medical staff
- Obtaining data from the truck’s ECM (electronic control module, or black box) and truck maintenance logs
- Reviewing police reports, any available camera footage, the driver’s history, and driver and weigh-in logs
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) specifically limits how long truck drivers can work during a week and how many breaks they must take during that time.
Regardless of whether a truck driver abides by, or ignores those rules, the bottom line is that anyone who has been injured due to a truck driver’s negligence may be entitled to compensation for their injuries, and a Meigs County truck accident lawyer can help.
Relying on a Meigs County Truck Accident Attorney
Compensation in a Tennessee truck accident lawsuit can include medical costs, lost income, physical and emotional pain and suffering, and much more. Other types of compensation may be available in cases involving traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), spinal cord injuries (SCIs), and others involving broken bones and injuries that may take longer to heal.
Every situation is unique and a Meigs County truck accident lawyer can analyze your situation and determine what types of compensation may be available to you. It is very important to keep in mind that Tennessee’s statute of limitations in which to file a personal injury case can be limited to one year from the date of the accident, so it is in your best interests to act sooner rather than later. Work with a skilled Meigs injury attorney and rest assured that you are in capable hands.
