Truck Accidents

When Big Rigs Cause Big Problems

Truck accidents are among the most devastating crashes on Tennessee roads. When an 18-wheeler, semi-truck, or other commercial vehicle collides with a passenger car, the results are often catastrophic. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Tennessee, you're facing not only severe injuries but also complex legal challenges involving federal regulations, multiple insurance companies, and powerful trucking corporations.

AskLitigation has the experience and resources needed to take on trucking companies and their insurers to get you the compensation you deserve.

Truck accidents are a serious subset of traffic accidents in Tennessee. Our attorneys also handle related cases including car accidents and motorcycle accidents.

What Counts as a Truck Accident?

A truck accident involves any commercial motor vehicle weighing over 10,000 pounds, including:

• 18-wheelers and semi-trucks
• Delivery trucks and box trucks
• Garbage and recycling trucks
• Construction and utility vehicles
• Tank trucks carrying hazardous materials
• Tractor-trailers and combination vehicles
• Buses and commercial passenger vehicles

These accidents can occur on interstate highways, city streets, construction zones, and loading areas.

Why Truck Accidents Are Different

Truck accidents present unique challenges compared to regular car accidents:

Size and Weight Disparity:

• Commercial trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds loaded
• Passenger vehicles typically weigh 3,000-4,000 pounds
• Impact forces are exponentially greater in truck crashes

Federal Regulations:

• Trucking industry governed by Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
• Strict rules on driver hours, vehicle maintenance, and cargo loading
• Violations of federal regulations can establish negligence

Multiple Parties:

• Trucking companies, drivers, maintenance providers, cargo loaders
• Multiple insurance policies and coverage layers
• Complex liability determinations

Severe Injuries:

• Higher likelihood of fatalities and catastrophic injuries
• Long-term medical care and rehabilitation needs
• Substantial economic losses requiring expert calculation

Tennessee Truck Accident Statistics and Causes

Tennessee's central location makes it a major trucking corridor:

High-Risk Areas:

• I-40 corridor (Nashville to Memphis)
• I-65 through Nashville
• I-75 through Knoxville and Chattanooga
• I-24 connecting Nashville to Chattanooga

Common Causes:

• Driver fatigue from hours-of-service violations
• Distracted driving (phones, GPS, eating)
• Speeding and aggressive driving
• Impaired driving (alcohol, drugs, medications)
• Inadequate vehicle maintenance
• Improper cargo loading or securement
• Weather-related factors
• Construction zone accidents

Federal Regulations Governing Trucks

The FMCSA sets strict rules that truck drivers and companies must follow:

Hours of Service Rules:

• 11-hour driving limit after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• 14-hour work day limit
• 60/70 hour weekly limits
• Required rest breaks and sleeper berth time

Vehicle Maintenance Requirements:

• Regular inspections and maintenance records
• Brake system and tire requirements
• Weight and load distribution limits
• Equipment standards for lights, mirrors, and safety devices

Driver Qualifications:

• Commercial driver's license (CDL) requirements
• Medical certification and fitness standards
• Training and testing requirements
• Prohibition on certain medications and substances

Cargo Security:

• Proper loading and weight distribution
• Securement systems for different types of cargo
• Hazardous materials handling and transportation
• Overweight and oversized load permits

Types of Truck Accident Injuries

Due to the massive size difference, truck accidents often result in catastrophic injuries:

Traumatic Brain Injuries:

• Severe concussions and brain trauma
• Cognitive impairment and memory loss
• Personality changes and behavioral issues
• Permanent disability requiring lifelong care

Spinal Cord Injuries:

• Complete or partial paralysis
• Loss of sensation and motor function
• Need for wheelchairs and assistive devices
• Home and vehicle modifications required

Multiple Trauma:

• Crush injuries to limbs and torso
• Multiple bone fractures
• Internal organ damage
• Burns from fuel fires or chemical spills

Wrongful Death:

• Fatal injuries requiring wrongful death claims
• Loss of family breadwinner
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Emotional trauma for surviving family members

Tennessee Truck Accident Laws

Tennessee truck accident cases involve both state and federal law:

Tennessee State Law:

• One-year statute of limitations for injury claims
• Modified comparative fault system (50% rule)
• Required minimum insurance coverage
• Commercial vehicle registration and licensing

Federal Regulations:

• FMCSA safety regulations
• DOT inspection and maintenance requirements
• Interstate commerce regulations
• Hazardous materials transportation rules

Insurance Requirements:

• Minimum $750,000 liability coverage for most trucks
• Up to $5 million for hazardous materials
• Often multiple layers of coverage available

What Compensation Can You Recover?

Truck accident victims may be entitled to substantial compensation:

Economic Damages:

• Extensive medical treatment and hospitalization
• Multiple surgeries and rehabilitation
• Long-term care and assistance
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Disability accommodations and equipment
• Home and vehicle modifications
• Future medical expenses

Non-Economic Damages:

• Pain and suffering from catastrophic injuries
• Emotional distress and trauma
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Permanent disability and disfigurement
• Loss of consortium for spouses
• Mental anguish and depression

Punitive Damages:

• Available when trucking company acted with gross negligence
• Hours-of-service violations and cover-ups
• Knowing use of unsafe drivers or equipment
• Alcohol or drug use by drivers

Tennessee's Comparative Fault in Truck Cases

Tennessee's modified comparative fault system applies to truck accidents:

Common fault arguments:

• Driver error contributing to the accident
• Failure to see and avoid the truck
• Following too closely or cutting off trucks
• Distracted driving or speeding

Important considerations:

• Even if partially at fault, you can recover if less than 50% responsible
• Truck drivers and companies held to higher standards of care
• Federal regulation violations can establish fault regardless of other factors
• Expert testimony often crucial in fault determination

Steps to Take After a Tennessee Truck Accident

Immediate actions:

1. Call 911 - ensure police and medical response
2. Seek medical attention - injuries may be more severe than apparent
3. Document the scene - photos of vehicles, damage, road conditions
4. Get driver and company information - driver's license, DOT numbers, insurance
5. Identify witnesses - crucial for establishing fault
6. Preserve evidence - don't allow vehicles to be moved or repaired

Critical follow-up:

• Contact attorney immediately to preserve evidence
• Obtain driver's logbooks and company records
• Secure vehicle inspection records
• Document all medical treatment
• Avoid giving statements to insurance companies

Why Immediate Legal Action Is Essential

Truck accident cases require immediate professional attention:

Evidence Preservation:

• Trucking companies must preserve records when on notice of litigation
• Electronic logging devices and GPS data can be overwritten
• Vehicle inspection and maintenance records may be destroyed
• Witness memories fade quickly

Complex Investigations:

• Accident reconstruction experts needed
• Federal regulation compliance analysis required
• Multiple insurance companies and parties involved
• Corporate document discovery and depositions

Time Pressures:

• Tennessee's one-year statute of limitations
• Federal preservation requirements
• Insurance company tactics to delay and minimize claims

Common Trucking Company Defenses

Trucking companies and their insurers often use these defenses:

Blaming the Car Driver:

• Claiming car driver was at fault
• Arguing car appeared suddenly
• Disputing right-of-way or traffic violations

Minimizing Injuries:

• Arguing pre-existing conditions
• Disputing causation between accident and injuries
• Claiming injuries aren't as severe as claimed

Regulatory Compliance:

• Claiming all regulations were followed
• Disputing hours-of-service violations
• Arguing maintenance was adequate

Independent Contractor Arguments:

• Claiming driver was independent contractor, not employee
• Shifting liability to driver or other parties
• Disputing company responsibility for driver actions

Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee Truck Accidents

Who can be held liable in a Tennessee truck accident?

Multiple parties may be liable including the truck driver, trucking company, maintenance providers, cargo loaders, and parts manufacturers. An experienced attorney will investigate all potential sources of liability.

How are truck accidents different from car accidents?

Truck accidents involve federal regulations, multiple parties, higher insurance coverage, more severe injuries, and complex investigations. They require specialized legal expertise to handle effectively.

How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in Tennessee?

Tennessee has a one-year statute of limitations for truck accident injury claims. However, you should contact an attorney immediately to preserve evidence and protect your rights.

What if the trucking company says the driver was an independent contractor?

Trucking companies often try to avoid liability by claiming drivers are independent contractors. However, the degree of control and other factors may still make the company liable regardless of the contractor designation.

Take on the Trucking Industry

Truck accidents require attorneys with the experience, resources, and determination to take on powerful trucking companies and their insurance carriers. Don't let them minimize your injuries or escape responsibility for their negligence.

Contact AskLitigation immediately for a free consultation. We have extensive experience with Tennessee truck accident cases, understand federal regulations, and have the resources to conduct thorough investigations and fight for maximum compensation.

Time is critical in truck accident cases. Call today to protect your rights and ensure crucial evidence is preserved.