Were you injured in a truck accident in Memphis, Tennessee? If someone else’s negligence caused the crash, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. A Memphis truck accident lawyer at Alders & Lewellyn, PLLC can help you understand your legal options. Call us at (901) 602-5700 for a free consultation.
Our legal team knows how difficult life can become after a serious accident, especially when medical bills are piling up and you’re unable to work. Reach out to us today.
Why Choose Alders & Lewellyn, PLLC for Help After a Truck Accident in Memphis, TN?
Our Memphis truck accident attorneys have spent years helping injured people seek justice. We understand what it takes to investigate these accidents, deal with insurance companies, and build strong personal injury claims.
Clients turn to Alders & Lewellyn, PLLC because of our:
- 50 years of combined experience: Our attorneys have decades of experience handling legal matters and advocating for clients.
- $100 million recovered: We have helped our clients secure substantial compensation for their injuries and losses.
- Hundreds of five-star Google reviews: Our clients have shared their positive experiences working with our firm.
You have enough to worry about while recovering from your injuries. Our Memphis personal injury attorneys can take care of the legal work and help you make informed decisions about your future.
Contact our Memphis, TN, office today to discuss your case during a free consultation.
How Much Is My Truck Accident Case Worth in Memphis, TN?
The value of a truck accident claim depends on the circumstances of the crash, the strength of your case, and the long-term effects of your injuries. No two claims have the same value.
Factors that may influence what your truck accident case is worth include:
- The severity of your injuries and expected recovery time
- Whether your injuries cause permanent disabilities or limitations
- The strength of the evidence establishing liability
- Whether you share responsibility for the accident
- The number of parties who may be held liable
- The amount of available insurance coverage
- Whether your injuries affect your ability to return to work
- The extent to which your injuries and losses can be documented
These factors help determine the potential value of your claim and the amount you may realistically recover. A Memphis truck accident lawyer can review your circumstances and help you understand what your case may be worth.
What Compensation Can I Recover After a Truck Accident in Memphis, Tennessee?
If another party caused your accident, Tennessee law may allow you to recover compensation for your economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages cover the financial losses caused by your accident.
Depending on your circumstances, these may include:
- Emergency room visits and hospital bills
- Surgeries, medication, and rehabilitation
- Future medical care and treatment
- Lost wages from time away from work
- Reduced earning capacity
- Property damage and other out-of-pocket costs
Typically, these losses can be tracked with bills, receipts, and other forms of documentation.
Non-Economic Damages
Not every loss comes with a bill or receipt. Non-economic damages address the personal ways an injury can affect your life.
You may be entitled to compensation for:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Physical limitations, loss of independence, and disfigurement caused by permanent injuries
- Loss of companionship or consortium, when applicable
Tennessee generally limits certain non-economic damages, although exceptions may apply in cases involving catastrophic injuries or other qualifying circumstances.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer in Memphis?
Many personal injury attorneys handle truck accident cases on a contingency fee basis. This generally means their attorney fees are paid from the compensation recovered rather than through upfront hourly payments.
The specific fee arrangement and responsibility for case expenses depend on the agreement you sign with your attorney.
Can I Recover Compensation if I Was Partially at Fault for a Truck Accident in Tennessee?
Yes, in some cases. Tennessee follows a modified comparative fault rule, which means you can generally recover compensation as long as you are less than 50% responsible for the accident.
However, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if your damages total $100,000 and you are found 20% responsible, you may recover $80,000. If you are 50% or more at fault, you generally cannot recover damages.
Insurance companies may try to place more blame on you than the evidence supports. Our attorneys can review the facts and challenge unfair allegations about your role in the accident.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Truck Accident in Memphis?
One of the challenges of a truck accident claim is determining who should be held responsible. Unlike a typical car accident, a commercial truck crash may involve several companies or individuals.
Depending on how the accident happened, liable parties could include:
- Truck drivers: Drivers may cause accidents by speeding, driving while tired, using their phones, or ignoring traffic laws.
- Trucking companies: A company may be responsible for its driver’s negligence or its own unsafe hiring, training, or maintenance practices.
- Cargo loading companies: Improperly secured or unevenly distributed cargo can cause a truck to become unstable.
- Maintenance providers: Negligent inspections or repairs can contribute to mechanical failures.
- Truck manufacturers: Defective brakes, tires, or other components may create grounds for a product liability claim.
More than one party may share responsibility for your injuries. Our truck accident attorneys in Memphis can investigate the circumstances and determine who may be legally accountable.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Memphis?
Common causes of truck accidents include:
- Driver fatigue
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Unsafe lane changes
- Following too closely
- Improper cargo loading
- Poor maintenance
Memphis is a major shipping and transportation center. Large commercial trucks regularly travel along Interstate 40, Interstate 55, Interstate 240, and other busy roads throughout the city.
While most truck drivers take their responsibilities seriously, mistakes and unsafe practices can lead to devastating collisions.
What Federal Regulations Apply to Commercial Truck Drivers?
Commercial truck drivers and trucking companies must follow safety regulations established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These rules are intended to reduce accidents and protect everyone sharing the road.
Federal regulations address driver qualifications, vehicle inspections, cargo securement, and other safety requirements.
Hours-of-Service Regulations
Driver fatigue is a serious concern in the trucking industry. To reduce the risk of tired drivers causing accidents, federal hours-of-service regulations limit how long many commercial drivers can work without taking breaks.
Under the standard federal rules for most property-carrying commercial drivers:
- 11-hour driving limit: Drivers may drive up to 11 hours after completing 10 consecutive hours off duty.
- 14-hour limit: Drivers generally cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty following 10 consecutive hours off duty.
- 30-minute break: Drivers must take a qualifying 30-minute break after eight cumulative hours of driving without such a break.
- 60/70-hour limit: Drivers generally cannot drive after accumulating 60 hours on duty in seven consecutive days or 70 hours in eight consecutive days, depending on their carrier’s operating schedule.
Certain exceptions and special rules may apply, including those involving adverse driving conditions and short-haul operations.
Our personal injury attorneys in Memphis can review driver logs, electronic records, and other evidence to determine whether a safety violation contributed to your accident.
What Types of Truck Accident Cases Do Our Memphis Attorneys Handle?
We can assist with cases involving:
- Jackknife accidents
- Rollover accidents
- Rear-end collisions
- Underride accidents
- Blind spot accidents
- Wide-turn accidents
- Head-on collisions
Whether you were injured by an 18-wheeler, tractor-trailer, delivery truck, or another commercial vehicle, our attorneys can help you explore your options.
What Injuries Are Common in Memphis Truck Accidents?
Because commercial trucks are so much larger and heavier than passenger vehicles, the injuries they cause can be severe.
Some of the most common truck accident injuries include:
- Crush injuries
- Amputations
- Permanent disabilities
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken bones and fractures
- Neck and back injuries
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Severe burns and lacerations
Our truck accident lawyers in Memphis can help you understand how your injuries and future medical needs may affect the value of your case.
How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Lawsuit in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, the statute of limitations for most personal injury lawsuits is one year from the date the claim accrues, which is often the date of the accident.
This deadline is established by Tennessee Code § 28-3-104. Certain exceptions can change the filing period, including a possible two-year deadline when specific criminal prosecution requirements are satisfied.
If you miss the applicable deadline, you may lose your right to pursue compensation through the courts.
Contact Our Memphis Truck Accident Lawyers Today for a Free Consultation
After a serious truck accident, you may have questions about your legal rights, what to expect from the claims process, and how to protect your future. Getting answers early can help you avoid mistakes that could affect your case.
At Alders & Lewellyn, PLLC, we take time to listen to your concerns, explain your options, and provide guidance tailored to your situation. Our team can help you understand the next steps and make informed decisions about your claim.
Contact our Memphis truck accident lawyers today to schedule a free consultation.
