Nashville Truck Accident Attorney

Drivers and passengers in private vehicles are vulnerable to severe injuries if they are involved in an accident with a large truck. In Tennessee, as many as one in 14 traffic accidents involves a commercial truck, often with devastating results. In many cases, the truck driver or the trucking company itself is at fault for the accident due to truck driver negligence.

If you or a close family member suffered injuries in a commercial truck accident in Nashville, our truck accident lawyer at Selvidge Injury Law is ready to help navigate your claim for compensation for the most favorable outcome possible for your family.

Call our Nashville personal injury lawyer today to set up a free consultation.

Why Choose Selvidge Injury Law for Your Truck Accident Case in Nashville?

You and your family shouldn’t have to navigate a complex truck accident claim while dealing with the traumatic aftermath of the accident. A Nashville truck accident attorney from Selvidge Injury Law is ready to do the following:

• Hear about your accident and injuries in a free case consultation with no fee required for our services until we settle your case or win in court
• Investigate the accident to determine the liable party, whether it’s a careless truck driver, a negligent trucking company, or the manufacturer of a defective truck part
• Document evidence of liability and make a compelling case for your full compensation
• Offer the resources and skills of a large-city law firm for your truck accident case with the family-oriented atmosphere and individualized attention of a small-town law firm

Attorney Adam Selvidge is a compassionate legal advocate who is ready to defend your best interests against powerful trucking companies, their attorneys, and their insurance companies.

Understanding What Makes Truck Accidents Different

Due to the stark difference in size and weight between trucks and other vehicles, truck accidents often have more severe outcomes than those involving passenger vehicles only. Semi-trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when carrying a full load, whereas the average car weighs around 4,000 pounds. This significant disparity in mass and weight can inflict more severe injuries on those involved in the collision – especially in occupants of smaller vehicles. In some cases, victims may even die from the impact of a collision with a truck due to the increased force.

Because of the potential severity of truck accidents, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has strict regulations that truck drivers and trucking companies must adhere to, such as:

• Hours of Service (HOS) – designed to prevent driver fatigue by limiting the number of hours they can operate a commercial motor vehicle without rest. These rules specify the maximum number of driving hours, mandatory rest breaks, and required off-duty periods.
• Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Requirements – CDL regulations ensure that drivers of large trucks and buses are qualified to operate these vehicles safely. These requirements include testing and standards for obtaining and maintaining a CDL.
• Vehicle Maintenance and Inspection Requirements – the FMCSA mandates that commercial vehicles must be regularly inspected, repaired, and maintained to ensure they are in safe operating condition. This includes daily inspections by drivers and periodic inspections by qualified mechanics.

These regulations are intended to regulate the trucking industry and increase road safety for all drivers on the road, not just truck drivers. But, they also become important evidence in the event of a truck accident. It is vital that your truck accident attorney has experience handling truck accident cases, understands what evidence is available, and knows how to navigate the legal process with ease.

What to Do After a Truck Accident in Tennessee?

If you were involved in a truck accident in Tennessee, taking the right steps can protect your safety and your ability to pursue compensation. First, prioritize medical attention for yourself and anyone else involved, even if injuries do not seem severe. Prompt medical care ensures that any hidden injuries are identified and documented.

Documenting the accident is critical for building a strong claim. Take photographs of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. Gather contact information from the truck driver, witnesses, and anyone else involved in the collision. If possible, also obtain the truck driver’s employer details and insurance information.

Contact Law Enforcement

Reporting the accident to local authorities is essential. Police officers will create an official report that includes details about the accident, witnesses, and potential fault. This document can play a key role in supporting your claim.

Document the Scene

Take detailed photographs of the accident site, including damage to all vehicles, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Capture any skid marks, debris, or road signs that may have contributed to the crash. Thorough documentation can strengthen your case by providing visual evidence of the accident.

Exchange Information

Collect the names, contact details, and insurance information of everyone involved in the collision. Be sure to obtain the truck driver’s employer details and any applicable commercial insurance policy numbers. Witnesses can provide valuable testimony, so gathering their contact information is equally important.

Seek Medical Attention

Even if you feel fine after the crash, get a medical evaluation as soon as possible. Some injuries, such as concussions or internal bleeding, may not show immediate symptoms. Having medical records that document your injuries ensures that you have the necessary evidence to link them to the accident.

Document Your Recovery Process

Keeping detailed records of your recovery process can help demonstrate the full impact of the truck accident on your life. Save all medical bills, therapy records, and correspondence related to your treatment. Additionally, consider keeping a journal to track your pain levels, emotional challenges, and how your injuries affect daily activities to provide a comprehensive view of your damages.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Nashville, TN

Commercial trucks are large, heavy, and difficult to maneuver for many truck drivers, especially while pulling a trailer and carrying a heavy load. Common causes of trucking accidents in Tennessee include the following:

• Distracted driving
• Drowsy driving
• Tire blowouts
• Speeding
• Unsafe lane changes
• Wide turns
• Failure to yield the right-of-way
• Tailgating
• Unbalanced loads
• Unsecured trailer or trailer doors
• Defective truck parts
• Intoxicated driving

Who Can Be Held Liable For Truck Accidents?

Liable parties in trucking accidents are not always the driver. Unless the driver is an independent contractor, liability could lie with the trucking company itself or another entity such as a freight-loading company or a negligent truck maintenance company.

Who is held responsible will depend on the circumstances and the determined cause of the collision.

Truck Driver

A truck driver may be held responsible for the collision in situations such as:

1. Driver Negligence: if the driver was engaging in behaviors such as distracted driving, speeding, or reckless driving
2. Driving Under the Influence: if the driver is found to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the accident
3. Fatigue: if the driver violated their hours-of-service regulations, causing their fatigue and impaired driving ability

Trucking Company

The trucking company may be held liability for a variety of reasons, including:

1. Negligent Hiring: if they employed a driver without conducting a proper background check or verifying they had adequate qualifications
2. Inadequate Training: if they failed to provide necessary training for safe driving practices and proper handling of the vehicle
3. Pressuring Drivers to Violate Regulations: if they encouraged or forced truck drivers to violate hours-of-service regulations, leading to their fatigue and subsequent trucking accident
4. Poor Maintenance Practices: if they failed to maintain the truck in safe, working order, leading to mechanical failures
5. Improper Loading: if they overload trucks of improperly secured cargo, causing instability to lead to an accident

Third Parties

Liability may also extend to third parties such as freight-loading companies, truck maintenance companies, or manufacturers of important truck parts. These entities may be held liable for:

1. Freight-Loading Companies: if cargo is improperly loaded, leading to shifts in weight distribution that can cause the truck to become unbalanced or the cargo to spill, resulting in an accident
2. Truck Maintenance Companies: negligent maintenance practices, such as failing to properly service brakes, tires, or other critical components, can lead to mechanical failures that cause trucking accidents
3. Manufacturers of Truck Parts: defective parts of equipment, such as faulty brakes, tires, or steering components, can result in failures that lead to accidents. In such cases, the manufacturer can be held liable for producing and selling defective products.

What Compensation Can I Recover in a Truck Accident Claim in Tennessee?

Truck accidents often cause serious or even life-altering injuries, such as a brain injury, to victims in other vehicles. Even those truck accident victims who are fortunate enough to have less severe injuries can experience financial hardship from the impacts of a mild or moderate injury. A successful claim for compensation with the help of our truck accident lawyers can help recover losses and non-economic damages including the following:

• Property damage
• Medical expenses
• Future medical costs
• Lost income
• Future income loss
• Lowered future earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Other non-economic damages that might apply such as loss of enjoyment of life, disfigurement compensation, or PTSD

If your loved one died after a truck accident or car accident in Nashville, a wrongful death claim can help you gain compensation for your family’s financial losses as well as for your grief and anguish.

What Makes 18-Wheeler Accidents More Serious?

Collisions involving 18-wheelers often result in more severe consequences compared to standard car accidents. The size and weight of these trucks amplify the force of impact, increasing the likelihood of catastrophic injuries and significant property damage. These accidents often involve multiple vehicles, further complicating the aftermath.

Another factor that makes 18-wheeler accidents more serious is the potential for hazardous cargo. Trucks carrying flammable materials or chemicals pose additional risks, such as explosions, burn injuries, or environmental contamination during a collision. These dangers require specialized emergency responses and may increase the severity of the situation. 

In addition, trucking accidents involve complex liability issues. Multiple parties, including the truck driver, trucking company, cargo loaders, or vehicle manufacturers, may share responsibility. Determining liability in these cases often requires extensive investigation and expertise. If this was a pedestrian accident with a semi-truck, our pedestrian accident lawyers in Nashville can offer legal guidance. 

What Is The Statute of Limitations For Truck Accident Claims in Tennessee?

Generally, truck accident claims in Tennessee have a statute of limitations of one year (T.C.A. § 28-3-104). This means that you will need to file your claim within one year from the date of the accident to seek compensation for any injuries or damages sustained.

It is important to note that there may be some exceptions to this time frame depending on the circumstances. Some exceptions may include:

• If the injury or harm is not immediately discovered the statute of limitations timeframe may be extended
• Claims against government entities may have different rules and shorter timeframes for filing

Typically, it is best to file a claim as soon as possible after an accident. This will give you and your attorney the best possible chance of obtaining a favorable outcome. The sooner you file, the better chance at preserving evidence you will have. Witnesses will be able to recall the event easily, and it will ensure you do not miss the deadline to file.

How Can Hiring A Tennessee Truck Accident Attorney Help You?

Hiring a Tennessee truck accident attorney can provide significant advantages when navigating the complexities of a truck accident claim. Truck accident cases often involve multiple parties, extensive regulations, and substantial damages, making it essential to have an experienced injury lawyer on your side. Experienced truck accident attorneys provide:

• Thorough Understanding of Federal and State Laws: they are well versed in the FMCSA regulations and Tennessee state laws that govern commercial trucking, allowing them to identify violations that may have contributed to the accident.
• Comprehensive Investigation Skills: they will conduct a thorough investigation to gather critical evidence, like accident reports, witness statements, electronic logging device (ELD) data, truck maintenance records, and more. Gathering this evidence is crucial to establishing liability and strengthening your claim.
• Access to Accident Reconstruction Experts: your attorney will be well connected to accident reconstruction experts who can help to recreate the scene of the accident, providing valuable insight into how the accident occurred and who is at fault.
• Handling Communication with Insurance Companies: your attorney will handle all communication with insurance companies, protecting your rights and navigating negotiations. Experienced truck accident attorneys are familiar with the tactics insurance companies use to minimize payouts and will know how to effectively negotiate with them to secure you a fair settlement.
• Calculate the Full Extent of Damages: your attorney will thoroughly assess all damages you are entitled to, including medical expenses from serious injuries, such as a spinal cord injury, and ensure you pursue the maximum possible compensation.
• Provide Legal Representation in Court: if a fair settlement cannot be reached in negotiation, your attorney will represent you in court using their litigation experience to advocate for your securement of a favorable outcome.

Call Our Truck Accident Attorney in Nashville Today

The Nashville truck accident lawyers at Selvidge Injury Law are ready to take on your case with aggressive action to recover the most possible compensation for your damages. Call our Nashville law office today at (615) 864-0343 so we can set up a case evaluation and begin a strong strategy for your recovery.