Commercial trucks’ large size and weight mean that they can cause serious injuries and catastrophic losses when they are involved in an accident. Litigating a truck accident case in Morristown raises unique complications compared to a typical auto accident.
If you have sustained an injury in a commercial truck accident in Morristown or elsewhere in East Tennessee, you need help from The Terry Law Firm. Our truck accident litigation lawyers have over 60 years of experience fighting for injured people, and we are unafraid to stand up to large trucking companies to protect your interests. We are a reliable partner you can count on for effective and compassionate legal representation when someone else’s negligence has injured you.
Contact us today to set up a free consultation with a Morristown truck accident attorney at our personal injury law firm.
Our Truck Accident Litigators Are Ready to Help You
Truck accident litigation requires thorough knowledge of the complex trucking industry and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) that govern commercial vehicle activity in the US. Our knowledgeable attorneys have the skills and resources to hold trucking companies and others responsible when they cause accidents and harm others.
Our attorneys have an established track record of successfully litigating truck accident cases, including, for example, a $5.3 million tractor-trailer negligence claim and a $3.1 million tractor-trailer accident wrongful death claim.
Check out the testimonials from our previous clients to find out more about what it is like to work with the attorneys at our law firm. For example, here is what one satisfied client had to say about our services:
“Brack Terry went above and beyond to help me with my case. His entire team was amazing and kept in contact the whole time and happily answered any questions I had throughout the process. I highly recommend the Terry Law Firm for any personal injury cases around.” – B.F.
Determining Liability for a Morristown Truck Accident
Truck accident liability can be challenging to determine as multiple parties can share liability. That is why it is so vital to preserve critical evidence that can show who is liable and responsible for compensating the injured person.
Some examples of potentially liable parties that could be responsible for injuries or wrongful death from a trucking accident include:
- Truck drivers – Truckers can be liable for accidents due to unsafe or impaired operation of their vehicles, including negligent actions like speeding, tailgating, distracted driving, drunk driving, fatigued driving, and failure to yield the right-of-way, for example.
- Trucking companies – If a trucking company has unsafe hiring or training procedures or, for example, demands that its drivers ignore federal hours of service regulations, it could also share responsibility for accidents. If the truck driver were an employee, the trucking company would likely be vicariously liable for the trucker’s negligence.
- Truck and parts manufacturers – Manufacturers can be held liable for accidents that occur due to defective truck parts or components, such as trailer hitches or braking systems, for example.
- Maintenance crews – If a maintenance company fails to detect and repair hazards during servicing, they could be liable for injuries that result when the parts or systems fail.
- Cargo loaders – Truck drivers may also lose control of semi-trucks due to unsecured or unbalanced cargo, in which case the cargo loading company could share responsibility.
Securing Evidence in Truck Accident Cases
The strength of your claim depends on the strength of the evidence you provide. The strict regulations governing commercial truck maintenance and operation often mean there is a broader range of evidence to draw from than in passenger car accident cases.
For example, federal regulations require most commercial trucks to carry an electronic logging device (black box) that records truck data like speed, miles traveled, and location. Truck drivers must log their time spent on the road and their rest periods to show compliance with hours-of-service rules. Additionally, trucking companies must keep detailed records of driver training, truck maintenance, and truck loading procedures, all of which might serve as evidence after an accident.
Our attorneys can send a letter of spoliation to the trucking company that will require it to secure and prevent the deletion or destruction of crucial evidence for your case. Our skilled attorneys know which evidence is most important, and we can request specific evidence relevant to proving liability. Our truck accident lawyers can also gather relevant evidence for your claim from other sources, such as photos of the accident scene, injury documentation, and eyewitness testimony.
When Does Litigating Truck Accident Cases Become Necessary?
When you are in an accident with a commercial truck, you will typically file an insurance claim with the insurance companies that cover the responsible parties. After investigating the accident, the insurance company might offer you a settlement. The first offer will almost always be less than the full value of your claim. You need our attorneys to negotiate for an appropriate settlement amount.
If negotiations break down or the trucking company denies fault, formal litigation is an option for pursuing maximum compensation. Our Morristown truck accident lawyers can file a lawsuit against the insurance company, trucking company, or other responsible party to seek the compensation you deserve. Most truck accident cases end in a settlement, but a small percentage go to trial.
Key Steps in Tennessee Truck Accident Litigation
Truck accident litigation typically breaks down into three key phases:
- Filing – The first phase begins when you file your lawsuit in court and serve the document on the defendant. The defendant will respond to the filing and either admit or deny fault.
- Discovery – The next step is discovery, during which the plaintiff and defendant exchange information and evidence about the case. During this phase, depositions may be taken where witnesses answer questions under oath.
- Trial – If the parties cannot agree to a settlement at any point before the discovery phase ends, the case will go to trial. Each side will present their case, and the court will render a verdict. The parties can still settle the case at any point before the verdict. They can also settle the matter while appeals are pending.
The attorneys at The Terry Law Firm are experienced litigators who have successfully taken on large trucking companies in court. We are ready to fiercely advocate for your cause.
Importance of Hiring an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer in Morristown
Pursuing compensation for catastrophic injuries in a truck accident presents unique challenges, which is why you need an accomplished attorney on your side. The Terry Law Firm stands ready to use every available strategy to hold the party that harmed you responsible.
A truck accident can drastically change your life and create significant financial hardship. We understand these difficulties and can provide the compassionate and effective legal representation you need. Our many years of experience litigating truck accident cases make us especially suited to rise to the challenge of taking on at-fault trucking companies and other responsible parties.
If you would like to speak to a truck accident litigation lawyer in Morristown, TN, contact us online or call today for a free, no-obligation case consultation.