Murfreesboro Truck Accident Lawyer

A tractor-trailer can weigh 20 times more than a car. When that kind of force hits you, everything changes, including your health, your work, and your future. The trucking company and its insurance carrier start building their defense almost immediately after a crash.

At Weir & Kestner Injury Lawyers, we help people in Murfreesboro, Smyrna, and across Middle Tennessee after serious truck and commercial vehicle accidents. Call (615) 220-4180 today to speak directly with a Murfreesboro truck accident lawyer. We’ll answer your questions and start protecting your rights right away.

What sets Weir & Kestner apart

We understand that serious injuries disrupt your entire life. That disruption is not only physical, but it affects your work, your routine, and your ability to plan for what comes next.

Before representing injured clients, Joe Weir and Tony Kestner worked as insurance defense lawyers. That experience provides insight into how insurance companies assess claims and approach settlement decisions.

Our firm was built on direct communication and personalized service, and you’ll always know who is handling your case and what’s happening next. 

• Client connection: We provide regular updates even when there is no major development, so you always feel informed.
• Accessibility: We offer flexible scheduling, digital document signing, and home or hospital appointments when needed.
• Insider knowledge: Our attorneys’ background with insurance companies helps us anticipate the opposition’s strategy and counter it effectively.
• Focused representation: We handle a select number of serious injury cases, so each client receives our full attention.

You will speak directly with an attorney once your case is qualified. We keep you updated throughout the process so you are never left wondering what is happening next.

Case Results

Every case is personal to us. Our truck accident case results show how our work has helped real Tennesseans rebuild their lives after serious wrecks.

$850,000 settlement: Wilson County tractor-trailer crash

In June 2023, our client was driving to work on Murfreesboro Road in Wilson County when a tractor-trailer turned across both lanes in the dark, leaving no time to avoid a serious crash. We moved quickly to preserve evidence, uncovered clear negligence, and filed suit in Wilson County Circuit Court. The case settled in 2025 for $850,000, allowing our client to move forward while holding the trucking company accountable.

Disclaimer: Past case results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Each case is unique and must be evaluated on its own facts.

Client Testimonials

Why truck accident cases require specialized experience

Truck accident claims aren’t like ordinary car wrecks. They involve federal safety rules and data that disappear quickly if no one acts.

Commercial truck drivers have to follow Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules about hours on the road and cargo weight. When those rules are broken—like when a driver skips rest breaks or a company ignores maintenance warnings—people can get hurt.

We know the roads where these crashes happen: I-24 through Rutherford County, Highway 231 running into downtown Murfreesboro, and the busy corridors near Sam Ridley Parkway. Whether it’s a delivery truck backing up near The Avenue or an 18-wheeler losing control in construction traffic, our job is to figure out why it happened and who could have prevented it.

This is where many cases are won or lost. Trucking companies move quickly after a crash to protect their position. If no one steps in just as fast, key evidence can disappear. We approach these cases with that reality in mind from day one.

Who may be liable for a semi-truck crash in Tennessee?

Every trucking case starts with one question: Who could have stopped this from happening? Fault in a trucking accident can fall on more than one party:

• The truck driver, for distracted driving, fatigue, or speeding.
• The trucking company, for unsafe schedules, poor training, or hiring drivers with bad records.
• Maintenance contractors, when faulty brakes or tires cause a loss of control.
• Cargo loaders or shippers, if freight shifts or spills because of bad loading.
• Manufacturers, when mechanical defects or recall issues are involved.

We dig into every layer. It’s common for several companies to share blame, and identifying each one can make a major difference in your recovery.

Federal trucking regulations and your case

Trucking companies operate under federal rules enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. These regulations control how long drivers can stay on the road, how trucks are inspected, and how cargo must be secured.

After a crash, one of the first questions is whether those rules were followed. A driver who exceeds hours-of-service limits may be fatigued. A company that skips inspections may be putting unsafe equipment on the road.

These violations often become central to proving fault, and they do not exist in standard car accident claims.

How to prove negligence in a Murfreesboro truck accident

Proving fault takes more than showing the crash happened. You need to connect the driver or company’s decisions to what caused your injuries. That means identifying what went wrong, who was responsible, and how it could have been prevented.

Our experienced Murfreesboro truck accident team acts fast to collect the kind of evidence that often decides these cases. Within days of hiring us, we send letters demanding preservation of:

• The truck’s “black box” data (event data recorder)
• Driver logs and GPS tracking records
• Company safety files and maintenance reports
• Photos, videos, and witness statements
• Dash or traffic camera footage, when available

We also look at medical records and other documents showing how your injuries have changed your day-to-day life. The more complete the record, the stronger your claim.

Tennessee follows a modified comparative fault rule. If you are less than 50% at fault, you can still recover compensation, but your award is reduced by your percentage of fault. That’s why a detailed investigation matters. We make sure responsibility lands where it belongs.

Common causes of truck accidents in Murfreesboro

Middle Tennessee’s highways see heavy freight traffic every day. Common causes that lead to truck crashes include:

• Driver fatigue: Long hours, tight schedules, and inadequate rest reduce reaction time and decision-making.
• Distracted driving: Texting, GPS adjustments, or paperwork pulls a driver’s attention from the road.
• Speeding or aggressive driving: A truck even slightly over the limit needs significantly more distance to stop.
• Impaired driving: Alcohol, drugs, and some prescription medications affect coordination and awareness.
• Equipment failure: Brake failures, tire blowouts, or lighting defects are often tied to poor maintenance.
• Improper cargo loading: Shifting freight can destabilize a trailer, leading to rollovers or jackknife accidents.
• Unsafe weather or road conditions: Rain, fog, and construction zones reduce visibility and increase stopping distance.

Each cause points to a different form of negligence and may involve multiple responsible parties. We trace every contributing factor back to its source.

Steps to take after a truck crash

The first few days after a crash can shape your case. Once you are home, focus on protecting your health and your claim.

• Get follow-up medical care at a local healthcare facility like TrustPoint Hospital
• Save photos, records, and any communication about the crash
• Request a copy of your crash report from the Murfreesboro Police Department
• Avoid speaking with the trucking company’s insurance adjuster
• Talk to a truck accident lawyer as soon as possible to preserve evidence

Murfreesboro’s most common types of truck accidents

Truck crashes in Murfreesboro tend to follow predictable patterns, especially on I-24 and other high-traffic corridors.

• Rear-end collisions in stop-and-go traffic on I-24
• Jackknife and rollover accidents when trailers swing or tip due to sudden braking or sharp turns
• Underride accidents, where a smaller vehicle slides beneath a trailer
• Lost-load accidents, when improperly secured cargo spills onto the road
• Side-impact or lane-change crashes that often occur during merging or in blind spots

Each type requires unique evidence and analysis, and our firm has handled them all.

What damages can you recover after a truck crash?

In Tennessee, victims of negligence can seek compensation for both economic and non-economic losses. Depending on the facts of your case, damages may include: 

• Current and future medical expenses, including surgery and rehabilitation
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Property damage, including repair or replacement of your vehicle
• Pain and suffering, including emotional distress
• Scarring, disfigurement, or long-term disability
• Loss of enjoyment of life

If a loved one was killed in a truck accident, eligible family members may pursue a wrongful death claim for funeral expenses, medical costs, and the financial and personal impact of the loss.

Our legal team works to identify the full scope of your losses so your claim reflects both the financial impact and how your injuries affect your daily life.

Tennessee’s statute of limitations for truck accident lawsuits

Tennessee law gives you one year from the date of the crash to file a personal injury claim. Waiting too long can bar recovery entirely. There are limited exceptions, such as for minors or cases involving criminal charges tied to the same conduct. Because evidence in truck cases can disappear quickly, contacting an attorney early is the safest choice.

A Murfreesboro truck accident attorney at Weir & Kestner tracks every deadline and manages the legal process from start to finish so you can focus on healing.

Frequently asked questions about Tennessee truck accident claims

How long will my case take?

Some cases resolve in months once treatment stabilizes. But many truck accident cases require filing a lawsuit to reach full value. Litigation can take one to five years, depending on the court’s schedule and how the trucking company defends the claim.

Do I have to go to court?

Not always. Many cases reach fair settlements through negotiation or mediation. If a trial becomes necessary to achieve full compensation, we are ready and fully equipped to go the distance.

How much is the average truck accident settlement?

There’s no set average settlement for a truck accident because every case is different. The amount depends on factors like injury severity, medical costs, lost income, and who’s at fault.

What does it cost to hire your law firm?

You don’t pay anything upfront. We take these cases on a contingency fee, which means we only get paid if we win your case. If there’s no recovery, you owe nothing.

What if I was partially at fault for the truck accident?

Tennessee follows a modified comparative fault rule. If you are less than 50% responsible, you can still recover damages, but your compensation is reduced based on your share of fault.

What happens if the trucking company’s insurance contacts me?

You are not required to give a recorded statement. It’s usually better to speak with a lawyer first so you do not say something that can be used against you later.

What is a truck’s “black box,” and how is it used in a case?

A truck’s event data recorder captures information like speed, braking, and engine activity before a crash. This data can help show what happened in the moments leading up to impact and is often critical evidence in truck accident cases.

Talk with a truck accident lawyer in Murfreesboro today

If a truck driver or a trucking company’s negligence caused your injuries, you deserve a legal team that knows how to fight back. Weir & Kestner Injury Lawyers represent victims throughout Murfreesboro, Smyrna, Nashville, and Middle Tennessee.

We help manage every step of your claim and communicate clearly from start to finish. Call (615) 220-4180 or contact us online to speak directly with a Murfreesboro truck accident lawyer. We’ll walk through what happened and explain your next steps. We offer free consultations and can meet in person, by phone, or virtually.