Murfreesboro Truck Accident Lawyer
Getting hurt in a semi-truck or big-rig accident can threaten to turn your life upside-down and leave you in debt. However, if the crash—and your injuries and losses—were caused by another person or company’s negligence, you shouldn’t be forced to pay for someone else’s recklessness. You might be entitled to compensation, but Tennessee truck accident litigation can be complicated and intimidating.
That’s where our skilled Murfreesboro personal injury lawyers come in. We can help you take legal action to pursue damages for truck crash losses, from increasing your chances for a fair recovery to maximizing the value of your claim.
Our hard work pays off for clients
Looking for highly-skilled personal injury counsel and compassionate, personable client care? Look no further. Weir & Kestner Injury Lawyers help clients in Murfreesboro and throughout Tennessee stand up to insurers and trucking companies and fight for the damages they deserve.
Our exceptional attorneys, Joe Weir and Tony Kestner, deeply understand the ins and outs of Tennessee truck accident litigation. Before they were Weir & Kestner Injury Lawyers, our adept attorneys represented insurance companies, gaining valuable insight into how insurers assess, value, and handle truck crash claims. Our personal injury practice uses our knowledge of injury law, insurance company procedures, and priorities to develop winning case strategies.
After a truck accident, there’s much to do—and much at stake. Don’t go it alone. Let Weir & Kestner handle your case so that you can focus on feeling better.
One of our outstanding results Client injured in tractor-trailer accident wins six-figure settlement |
How much does it cost to hire a truck accident lawyer in Murfreesboro?
At Weir & Kestner Injury Lawyers, our dedication to justice is evident in our contingency fee structure. You will not incur any fee until we settle your accident claim. Our legal team offers complimentary consultations, allowing you to initiate your legal process without financial risk. Contact us now to arrange your free consultation and embark on the initial phase of receiving legal assistance.
What should I do after being in a crash with a semi-truck?
If you get hurt in a truck crash, here’s what you should do:
- Call 911 and ask for an ambulance and the police. Paramedics will evaluate you for injuries, and the responding officer will create a report useful to your insurance claim.
- Gather evidence at the scene. Use your phone to take photos and videos and gather witness contact information.
- Notify your insurance carrier of the crash. Tell them what happened, but stick to the facts and avoid making any statements that could place blame on you.
- Schedule a free consultation with a Murfreesboro truck accident lawyer. We’ll help you understand your legal options and develop a recovery plan.
What are some common causes of truck accidents in Murfreesboro?
Semi-truck accidents are among the most severe road incidents due to the size and weight of these vehicles. Understanding the common causes of these accidents is crucial for preventing and establishing liability in the event of a crash. Here are several prevalent factors that contribute to semi-truck accidents:
- Fatigue – Despite regulations limiting driving hours, truck drivers often suffer from fatigue due to long hours on the road.
- Distracted driving – Like other drivers, truck operators can be distracted by mobile devices, eating, or other activities that take their attention away from the road.
- Impaired driving – Operating a truck under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or certain medications can impair judgment and reaction times.
- Speeding and aggressive driving – Truck drivers under pressure to meet tight deadlines might speed or engage in aggressive driving behaviors such as tailgating or unsafe lane changes.
- Mechanical failures – Another leading cause of semi-truck accidents is mechanical failure, which can include: Brake Failures, Tire Blowouts, and Improperly Secured Cargo
- Environmental factors – Rain, snow, ice, and fog can reduce visibility and make roads slippery, challenging even for experienced truck drivers. Potholes, uneven road surfaces, and inadequate signage can pose significant risks for trucks, which require more time and distance to stop safely.
- Lack of training and supervision – Insufficient training on safe driving techniques and proper cargo loading can lead to accidents. Additionally, a lack of supervision by trucking companies regarding their drivers’ adherence to safety standards and regulations can increase the risk of accidents.
Understanding these common causes is vital for developing safer driving practices and for legal proceedings following an accident. In the event of a semi-truck accident, determining the cause is a critical step in establishing liability and pursuing compensation for damages and injuries.
How long do I have to file a claim?
Tennessee has a one-year statute of limitations (deadline), meaning you have one year from your injury to file a compensation claim. This deadline can vary depending on the facts of your case. If you have questions about how much time you have to file, call a Murfreesboro truck accident lawyer today.
What kinds of damages can I claim?
Depending on the available facts and evidence, we may be able to help you recover damages for economic and non-economic losses, such as:
- Accident-related medical expenses, including the cost of future care
- The cost to repair or replace your damaged vehicle
- Wages lost while out of work recovering from your injuries
- Loss of future earning potential (a measure of the reduction in your ability to earn a living if you so desired)
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Disability
- Reduced quality of life
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Other losses
The trucking company has insurance – why do I need a lawyer?
Truck accident litigation is nothing like resolving a minor car crash claim. Truck accident cases typically involve the following.
More injuries and damages
Heavy and humongous commercial trucks can significantly damage when colliding with smaller, lighter-weight passenger vehicles. Victims can suffer catastrophic, life-changing injuries that may require ongoing medical treatment. An attorney can help you fight for a fair recovery that includes the cost of future care.
A larger pool of potentially liable parties
In a truck crash case, the defendant could be the truck driver, the trucking company they work for, the owner of the tractor or trailer, maintenance workers, cargo loaders, and others. A lawyer can help you determine who to name as the defendant(s) in your lawsuit.
More evidence
An attorney can help you access a wealth of vital evidence, such as the trucker’s hiring, training, and driving records, the truck’s inspection and maintenance records, and more.
The potential for larger settlements or financial awards
More injuries and damages lead to the potential for larger financial recoveries, which, in turn, leads to greater push-back from the at-fault party, their insurer, and defense attorneys. Our fierce and fearless truck accident lawyers can help you level the playing field and collect a fair recovery.
Who else besides the driver could be liable for the crash?
Truck collisions are not always the fault of the truck driver. The following are common liable parties in Murfreesboro truck collisions:
- Trucking company
- Cargo loading company
- Manufacturer of trucks or parts
How does a Murfreesboro truck accident lawyer prove liability?
Here’s how your truck accident lawyer will establish liability:
- Duty of Care – The individual responsible for the accident had a legal obligation (duty) to ensure your safety. All drivers must adhere to traffic rules and operate their vehicles safely to protect everyone on the road.
- Breach of Duty – The person at fault for the collision failed to fulfill their duty to keep you safe. This could involve speeding, disregarding traffic regulations, or driving under the influence.
- Causation – The collision occurred because the responsible party did not fulfill their duty, not due to any other factor.
- Damages – The incident resulted in both economic and non-economic consequences. Economic damages encompass tangible costs, while non-economic damages include intangible losses that cannot be quantified easily.
How long will my case take to settle?
We can’t say for sure how long your truck accident case may take, as the duration hinges on several factors, including the strength of your evidence, the proficiency of your attorney, and the willingness of the responsible party to act fairly. Your Murfreesboro semi-truck accident attorney will diligently collect compelling evidence and advocate on your behalf during negotiations.
What is a semi-truck “black box” and how can it help my case?
Each large truck is equipped with a device often called a “black box” known as an event data recorder (EDR). This box stores crucial information regarding the truck’s speed and the driver’s behavior. It captures details such as the driver’s steering wheel movements just before an accident, the duration of their work without breaks, and other pertinent information that can support your case.
Common causes of truck accidents
Truck collisions happen for many reasons, but some of the most common we see include:
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Driving while fatigued
- Defective parts, such as tires or brakes, that malfunction or underperform
- Unclear or absent road signage
- Absent safety features (e.g. airbags, seat belts)
Types of semi-truck accidents
Truck accidents can happen in different ways, and no matter how they happen, they can cause serious problems.
- Rollover
- Jackknife
- Underride
- Lost cargo
- Sideswipe
Common truck accident injuries
Truck accidents have the potential to result in enduring injuries, affecting areas such as the brain, head, neck, spine, bones, as well as causing cuts or burns. In some cases, these injuries may be permanent, leading to challenges in mobility, cognitive function, and pain management. Additionally, individuals might change in appearance due to scars or missing body parts.
When navigating dealings with the insurance company following a crash, here are some recommended actions and precautions to consider.
“Dos” and “don’ts” of dealing with insurance after a crash
Do’s
Inform your insurance company about the accident succinctly, focusing on the essential facts. Provide details about when and where it occurred. Respond to basic questions for identity verification, facilitating the location of your policy and case review.
For additional information regarding your injuries and vehicle damage, direct them to consult with your truck accident lawyer in Murfreesboro.
Don’ts
Avoid speculating on the reasons behind the crash, admitting fault, or downplaying the severity of your injuries.
Refrain from sharing incident details on social media, as your statements may be misconstrued or used against you.
Only provide recorded statements after consulting your lawyer, even if the other party’s insurance requests a statement. You have the right to seek legal advice before making any statements.
Be cautious with the term “accident,” as it may imply no one is at fault. Insurance companies might exploit this to defend their client, asserting that it occurred without assigning blame.
Why must I visit a doctor as soon as possible?
Neglecting to seek medical help can hurt your claim. Car accidents often lead to injuries that may not be immediately apparent, such as soft-tissue damage, head injuries, and spinal injuries. Postponing treatment may give the insurance company grounds to argue that your injuries occurred after the accident, possibly leading to a denial of your claim.
It is crucial to seek prompt medical attention after a car crash as it establishes a comprehensive medical record. Even if symptoms surface later, the record will indicate that you experienced discomfort and sought timely treatment.
Our Murfreesboro truck accident attorneys are here to help
There’s no need to suffer alone due to someone else’s negligence. The experienced legal team at Weir & Kestner Injury Attorneys focuses on providing the best possible representation to victims of commercial truck accidents. Contact us online or call our office at (615) 220-4180 to schedule your free consultation.
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