Abogados de accidentes de camiones en Memphis

Filing a Truck Accident Lawsuit in Tennessee

If you were injured by an 18-wheeler in an auto accident, you’re not alone. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 74% of people injured in truck accidents are occupants of other vehicles.

Because 18-wheelers are massive and can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, compared to the average passenger vehicle weight of 3,000 pounds, serious damages and injuries can occur when trucks are involved.

If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, don’t hesitate to call Dunk Law Firm to get started on your claim. Having handled countless auto accident cases as a firm for the last 15 years, our truck accident attorneys in Memphis know what evidence to look for to hold at-fault drivers and other parties accountable.

We take not only your emergency expenses into consideration, but your future costs of care, too, as injuries from truck accidents can be long-lasting and even permanent. We’re ready to stand up against insurance adjusters, trucking companies, and more on your behalf.

Call our team today to schedule a free consultation at (901) 231-4779, or contact us online. Acting quickly after your accident can help you return your life as efficiently as possible.

En esta página:

• Why Do Truck Accidents Happen?
• Why Do Truck Accidents Cause More Serious Injuries?
• Who is Liable in a Truck Accident?
• How Is Fault in a Truck Accident Determined?
• What To Do After a Truck Accident
• What Damages Can I Recover in a Truck Accident Case?
• How Can a Truck Accident Lawyer Help Me?
• How Common Are 18-Wheeler Accidents?
• Where Do Most Truck Accidents Happen?
• What is the Truck Accident Claims Process?
• How Long Do Truck Accident Settlements Take?

What Are the Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents?

18-wheeler accidents can be caused by the same factors that cause any auto accident, like speeding, though there are also common factors that are unique to truck accidents. Because most truck drivers work for commercial trucking companies, negligence can occur not only on the road, but during inspections and loading, too.

Some causes of truck accidents include:

• Speeding: Speeding is a leading cause of all auto accidents, and trucks are especially susceptible to losing control and rolling over if they drive too fast.
• Fatigued driving: Truck drivers have to transport goods and services long distances – usually across state lines – and often drive through the night. Though they’re required to take meal and rest breaks, sometimes this doesn’t happen, and drivers don’t take breaks in order to deliver cargo on time. Fatigued driving can result in slower response times and prevent drivers from noticing important traffic signals like red lights.
• Driver intoxication: Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is an issue among all drivers, including truck drivers. Some truck drivers take stimulants to keep themselves awake and alert on the road, but any intoxication is dangerous and considered to be negligent.
• Improper maintenance: Trucks are typically required to be regularly inspected before use to detect any issues and ensure everything is working properly. Damaged trucks should not be allowed on the road.
• Defective parts: Sometimes a defective or dangerous part, like faulty braking, can contribute to a truck accident and cause serious injuries.
• Improper cargo loading: If an 18-wheeler is carrying too much cargo or is unbalanced, the vehicle is more likely to roll over onto its side on the road, particularly when making turns. Additionally, cargo that isn’t secured can fall off the truck and hit other vehicles or create road hazards.

Why 18-Wheeler Accidents Result in Catastrophic Injuries

While rear-end and T-bone accidents can happen to all vehicles, there are unique types of truck accidents that are known to be disastrous, like rollovers (when the truck rolls onto its side or roof, taking other vehicles with it) and underride accidents (when a smaller vehicle becomes lodged beneath the truck).

Accidents involving trucks often result in catastrophic injuries and fatalities. Catastrophic injuries are injuries that have long-term effects and can be permanent, requiring lifelong medical care and adjustments to your daily life.

Common Catastrophic Injuries Caused by Truck Accidents

Common examples of catastrophic injuries include:

• Burns that require cosmetic surgery
• Spinal cord and neck injuries like paralysis
• And head and brain injuries

Paralysis, for example, can prevent a person from doing their job, require the use of a wheelchair, and demand hours of physical therapy.

Who is Liable in a Truck Accident?

While there are many instances in which a truck driver can be held responsible for negligence, like if they were drinking while driving or texting on their phone, other parties may be at fault. It’s important to hire a knowledgeable 18-wheeler accident lawyer in Memphis who can conduct a thorough investigation and determine the exact cause of your damages.

Beyond the driver, other parties that can be held liable include:

• The trucking company
• Truck manufacturers
• Cargo loaders or the company supplying the cargo

No matter who is at fault, our team can fight to secure the full amount of financial compensation available to you. We’ve successfully recovered millions of dollars in medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and more for our clients so they don’t have to worry about going into debt. When you call us, we can put your mind at ease.

How Is Fault in a Truck Accident Determined?

Determining who is actually at fault for a truck accident comes down to the evidence that is gathered at the scene.

There are a variety of different types of evidence that both law enforcement and our team are able to gather to support your case:

• Driver logs, manuals, etc.
• The truck's black box
• The truck driver's driving record
• Training/certification history
• Truck weight and load logs
• Records from the shipping company
• Police reports from the scene
• Evidence of pressure being put on the driver
• Surveillance footage of the accident scene
• Crash reconstruction data

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