Did you or someone close to you suffer injuries in a rear-end truck accident in Morristown, Tennessee? If so, you could be entitled to financial compensation, and The Terry Law Firm can help you get it.

We understand your challenges after a rear-end collision involving a commercial truck. We’re committed to fighting for the maximum recovery you deserve from every available source. From handling the claims process to dealing with insurance companies, our team is ready to support you throughout your legal claim. Let us take care of all the legal details while you focus on getting better.

Contact the rear-end truck accident lawyers at The Terry Law Firm today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can help you move forward.

Common Causes of Rear-End Truck Accidents in Morristown

A rear-end truck accident occurs when a truck collides with the vehicle in front of it or vice versa. Several factors can contribute to these collisions, such as:

  • Distracted driving – When truck drivers take their eyes off the road to check their phones, eat, adjust the radio, or do anything else unrelated to driving, they might not notice a slowing vehicle in time to stop.
  • Speeding – When a truck driver exceeds speed limits or goes too fast for conditions, especially in congested traffic or foul weather, stopping in time to avoid hitting other vehicles becomes much more challenging.
  • Fatigue – Truck drivers often face long hours on the road, which can lead to drowsy driving, especially when they violate hours of service (HOS) limits. Tired drivers tend to have worse reaction times and concentration, which increases rear-end collision risks.
  • Poor vehicle maintenance – Failure to maintain a truck properly, especially if its braking system is worn out or malfunctioning, can significantly increase the chances of rear-end accidents.
  • Poor road conditions – Poor road conditions, such as potholes, uneven road surfaces, and lack of clear signage, can significantly contribute to rear-end truck accidents.

Types of Injuries Sustained in Rear-End Truck Accidents

The force of impact when a large truck hits a smaller passenger vehicle can cause serious harm to the car’s occupants. Here are some examples of injuries that commonly occur in such crashes:

  • Whiplash
  • Concussions
  • Broken bones
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Back and neck injuries
  • Lacerations
  • Internal bleeding and organ damage
  • Contusions
  • Soft tissue injuries
  • Dislocations
  • Burns
  • Amputations
  • Crush injuries
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Long-Term Consequences for Victims of Trucking Accidents

Victims of rear-end truck accidents often face not only immediate injuries but also long-term consequences that can alter their lives significantly, such as:

  • Lasting disabilities – Many severe injuries from rear-end truck crashes can leave victims with long-term disabilities that prevent them from working, enjoying hobbies, or even taking part in basic daily activities.
  • Chronic pain – Many accident victims suffer from chronic pain, which can last months or even years after the incident. Chronic pain can limit mobility, reduce quality of life, and require ongoing medical treatment, including physical therapy and pain management.
  • Emotional and psychological trauma – The emotional aftermath of a rear-end truck accident can be just as debilitating as physical injuries. Victims often experience PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues that hinder their ability to return to work and everyday life.
  • Financial strain – The financial impact of a rear-end truck accident can be overwhelming. Medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and reduced earning capacity can place significant financial strain on victims and their families, leading to stress, anxiety, and decreased quality of life.

Who Could Be Liable for a Rear-End Truck Crash?

In the aftermath of a rear-end truck collision, determining who is at fault is essential for seeking compensation and demanding accountability. Here are some examples of parties that could be liable for a rear-end truck accident in Morristown:

  • Truck drivers – If the truck driver was distracted, speeding, fatigued, or otherwise not adhering to traffic laws at the time of the accident, they can be held responsible.
  • Trucking companies – The company that owns the truck or employs the driver can also be held liable if its actions contributed to the accident. If the truck driver was an employee – not an independent contractor – the employer trucking company would be vicariously liable for the trucker’s negligence.
  • Cargo loaders – If the crash resulted from poorly loaded and secured cargo, the company that loaded the tractor-trailer could be liable.
  • Truck manufacturer – If a rear-end truck accident resulted from the mechanical failure of a truck or its parts, such as brakes or tires, the manufacturer might be liable.
  • Maintenance companies – If a truck accident occurs due to poor maintenance, such as failing to replace worn brake pads or tires, the truck’s maintenance provider might be liable.
  • Government entities – If poor road design, missing signage, or inadequate road maintenance contributed to a truck accident, the government entity responsible for the road might be liable.

Types of Compensation Available in Rear-End Truck Accident Cases

If you’re involved in a rear-end truck accident in Morristown, you could incur various personal and financial losses due to the incident. Depending on the circumstances, truck accident victims could file a claim seeking compensation for:

  • Medical bills for immediate treatment
  • Costs of future medical care
  • Lost wages due to time off work
  • Reduced future earning capacity
  • Pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life
  • Out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident

Statute of Limitations on Morristown Rear-End Truck Crash Claims

If you get hurt in a Morristown rear-end truck accident, Tennessee’s statute of limitations says you have one year from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you wait too long and try to take legal action after this one-year deadline, the court will likely refuse to hear your case. That means you could miss out on your chance to seek compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain, suffering, and other losses.

Given this tight deadline, it’s essential to contact our lawyers right away. A rear-end truck accident lawyer from The Terry Law Firm can protect your rights and prepare your claim within the required timeframe. By acting quickly, you can protect your ability to seek compensation and give your rear-end accident lawyer plenty of time to build a strong case for you.

What to Do Right After Rear-End Collisions Involving Trucks

Taking the right steps after a truck accident can significantly improve your ability to recover physically and secure the compensation you deserve. Here’s what you should do:

  • Seek medical attention if you haven’t already, even if you feel fine at first.
  • Follow your doctor’s medical advice and keep records of your treatments.
  • Report the accident to the police and secure a copy of the police report.
  • Gather contact information from all involved parties and witnesses.
  • Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and vehicle damage.
  • Contact our knowledgeable truck accident attorneys as soon as possible.
  • Avoid discussing the accident details on social media.
  • Collect all receipts related to accident expenses.
  • Document any missed work days and lost income resulting from the accident.

Why You Need Help from Our Rear-End Truck Crash Attorneys

Don’t let the stress of legal proceedings add to your burdens after a rear-end truck accident. Our legal team is ready to take over your case and lighten your load. Contact The Terry Law Firm today for a free consultation with a truck accident lawyer in Morristown.