when to call a truck accident lawyer

Who to Call After a Truck Accident

June 16, 2025

Truck accidents cause serious harm to thousands of people every year. According to the National Safety Council, there were 120,200 trucks involved in injurious crashes in 2022. Tragically, nearly 6,000 people were killed in truck accidents that same year. When you are injured or someone you love is killed in one of these crashes, having an experienced truck accident lawyer on your side becomes an important part of seeking justice.

Common Truck Accident Injuries

Some of the most common injuries from crashes with 18-wheelers include:

  • Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
  • Neck and back injuries
  • Spinal cord injury (SCI)
  • Broken bones and fractures
  • Internal organ damage
  • Severe burns
  • Amputation

Victims of truck accidents typically face significant physical, emotional, and financial hardships. In some cases, recovery from these injuries is impossible. When you are forced to face issues like mounting medical bills, an inability to work, physical pain, and emotional distress, due to someone else’s actions, you deserve fair compensation. The Johnson City truck accident lawyers at The Haynes Firm are here to help.

Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer in Johnson City for FREE

Have you been hurt in a truck crash? Call The Haynes Firm at 423-928-0165 to schedule a private, FREE consultation with an experienced truck accident attorney. Located in Johnson City, we serve clients throughout Tennessee.

Why You Need a Lawyer After an Accident With a Large Truck

Truck accidents aren’t as simple as those involving passenger vehicles alone. Factors, including multiple party liability and intricate federal and state trucking regulations, can impact how and how much compensation is sought. Without a truck accident lawyer on your side, you have to face these issues alone.

The best truck accident lawyers will help with:

Complex Investigations

In serious injury cases, your truck accident lawyer will thoroughly investigate the scene of the wreck. They will analyze essential evidence such as accident reports, witness testimonies, trucking logs, maintenance records, and black box data, especially if liability is unclear. They may also work with accident reconstruction experts to further analyze the crash scene.

Identifying the Liable Parties

There are often multiple parties involved in truck accident cases. These can include the trucker, the company they work for, the manufacturer of the cab or trailer, cargo loaders, third-party maintenance providers, and more. To seek maximum compensation, your truck accident lawyer will need to identify all responsible parties and hold each to full account.

Understanding Trucking Regulations

The trucking industry is governed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, with state and federal regulations enforced in Tennessee by the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement arm of the State Highway Patrol. These laws are complex and, without guidance, can be extremely confusing. Your truck accident attorney will understand these laws and work to ensure compliance and accountability from trucking companies and drivers.

Calculating Damages

Damages from a truck accident may include current and future medical expenses, lost wages and diminished earning capacity, and long-term care. If your injury requires assistive devices like a wheelchair, home modifications and the devices themselves will be included. So too will compensation for intangible damages like pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment in life, and disfigurement. Your truck accident lawyer will carefully evaluate your damages to help you seek compensation that is reflective of your experiences.

Negotiations with Insurance Companies

Each liable party in a truck crash will have insurance adjusters on their side. Some will even have legal teams. These people will be focused on minimizing your recovery, and they’re quite good at what they do. Your trucking accident lawyer will serve as your advocate, protecting you against the tactics employed by the defense and safeguarding you from unfair or inadequate settlements.

Courtroom Litigation

Nearly all truck accident claims are settled during insurance negotiations. If yours cannot be, it may proceed to trial. In these cases, you need a truck accident lawyer who is also a seasoned litigator. A trial attorney will help to ensure your case is properly prepared and ready to withstand courtroom proceedings. They will also have sufficient experience in courtroom settings to effectively argue your case, present compelling evidence, and fight for the full compensation you are due.

In the state of Tennessee, you have only one year from the date of a truck crash to seek compensation for your injuries. Don’t wait. Failure to take action within this timeframe can result in you losing the option.

When you are seriously injured in a wreck with a commercial vehicle, having a qualified and dedicated truck accident lawyer takes the burden of seeking justice off your shoulders. The lawyers at The Haynes Firm are here to take your case, stand by your side, and represent your interests throughout the legal process.

How to Find the Best Truck Accident Lawyer for Your Case

Finding the best truck accident lawyer for your case will make all the difference. But how do you find the best truck crash attorney for you? Look for the following:

  • Experience. Look for a lawyer who focuses on personal injury claims, including truck accidents. Check their results to see how successful they have been in these cases.
  • Local Experience. Choose a lawyer familiar with local courts, judges, and Tennessee laws governing truck accidents.
  • Accessibility. Look for a lawyer who provides direct, clear communication and personalized attention throughout your case. Client testimonials and online reviews are a good place to find this information.
  • Fee Structure. Seek a firm that offers contingency-based services. This means you only pay legal fees if you win your case. Ask about any interest that might accrue and additional service fees that may be added.

Finding the best lawyer for a truck accident claim doesn’t need to be difficult, but it can take some research. Remember, you are entitled to meet with as many attorneys as you need to find the right one for you. You should feel fully comfortable and confident in the truck accident lawyer you choose.

Trust the Johnson City Truck Accident Lawyers at The Haynes Firm

Our mission is to provide exceptional legal representation for victims of serious injury. With over 70 years of combined legal experience, our truck accident lawyers advocate for individuals and families who have suffered harm in a commercial vehicle crash with diligence and determination. We understand how these incidents can impact every area of your life.

At The Haynes Firm, your story, your life, and your experience matter. Our firm is built on the conviction that clients deserve committed, personalized representation. We carefully prepare each case, conduct extensive research, and craft result-oriented strategies tailored to the unique needs of each client. Your injuries have impacted your life. We are here to help you secure the justice and compensation you need to move forward.

Schedule a FREE Consultation with an Experienced Johnson City Truck Accident Lawyer Today!

To schedule a FREE and confidential case review at our Johnson City office, use our online contact form or call us today. We serve truck accident victims in Kingsport, Jonesborough, and throughout Tennessee.

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