Truck Accident Attorneys Serving All of Tennessee
The Johnson City truck accident lawyers at The Haynes Firm help victims of serious injury get justice. We have decades of experience investigating crashes involving large trucks and a long and proven history of securing substantial settlements and verdicts for our clients. If you have been injured or a loved one has died in a wreck with a commercial vehicle, we are here to listen, advise, and help you seek the justice you are due.
Most commercial truck drivers are well-trained and follow the strict rules and regulations expected of them. However, failure to exercise responsibility and care when operating an 18-wheeler or another type of large truck can cause life-altering consequences. Truck crashes can also occur with other commercial trucks, pedestrians, motorcyclists, and bicyclists—nearly always with devastating results.
Whether the truck driver was ignoring the rules of the road, was unfit to drive, or was not following company protocol when a crash occurs, victims often suffer from catastrophic injuries and serious property damage. An experienced truck accident attorney can help you seek compensation for your injuries—often well above insurance offers.
Call our Johnson City attorneys at
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Common Truck Accident Injuries
Common injuries sustained in truck accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Spinal cord injury (SCI)
- Amputation
- Broken bones
- Internal organ damage
- Soft tissue injury
- Death
While a majority of truck accidents result in serious injury, thousands of people are killed in wrecks with commercial vehicles every year. Both victims of injury and surviving family members of people killed in truck accidents are advised to speak to a lawyer as soon as possible to get a clear overview of the rights and options available.
Should I Hire a Johnson City Truck Accident Lawyer?
The days following your accident may be spent focusing on your physical recovery and healing. At The Haynes Firm, we have handled many 18-wheeler accident cases and understand the complexities of each case.
Many of those injured in truck accidents are uncertain whether they should contact an attorney. If your claim has been denied, the insurance company has undervalued your claim, or you have faced difficulties in getting the treatment you need, you may want to consult a truck accident lawyer. By consulting with an attorney, you can have a team to help you as you adjust to life after your accident and may better understand your opportunities for financial recovery.
Contact Our Johnson City Truck Accident Attorneys for FREE
At The Haynes Firm, our Johnson City truck accident lawyers represent clients seeking compensation to cover the costs of any physical injury, material damage, and related losses from serious collisions. Call us at 423-928-0165 to schedule your FREE case review and learn how we can help. We serve Johnson City and all nearby areas of Tennessee.
Tennessee Truck Accident Statistics
There are thousands of truck accidents in Tennessee every year. According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol:
- 1 out of every 4 accidents at intersections involve a large truck.
- 1 in 5 intersection crashes occurred because of errors in turning left.
- 4 out of 27 crashes occurred because the truck driver failed to yield or made an improper turn.
- Six percent of truck drivers involved in accidents were following another vehicle too closely (tailgating) at the time of the crash.
These Tennessee truck accident statistics highlight the danger posed by commercial vehicles on Tennessee’s roadways. At The Haynes Firm, we understand that behind every number is a person whose life has been profoundly impacted by someone else’s negligence. Our Johnson City truck accident lawyers believe in providing personalized, one-on-one attention to each client. If you have suffered serious injuries or lost a loved one, we are committed to pursuing the compensation you deserve—and making sure you are treated like a person, not a statistic or a number.
What Damages Are Available to Victims of Truck Accident Injury?
Truck accident injuries often result in long-term medical expenses. They can make working impossible and might even forever impact your ability to continue working. Many will require home modifications, such as ramps and handrails, along with assistive technology, such as walkers and wheelchairs. All of these things must be taken into account when calculating truck crash damages in Tennessee.
Depending on how your injury has impacted your life, we can help you pursue compensation for:
Economic Damages
Economic damages cover the tangible expenses related to your injury. These may include:
- Medical Expenses: Hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, medication, and ongoing therapy.
- Lost Wages: Income lost during recovery and future income loss due to new limitations.
- Property Damage: Costs to repair or replace damaged vehicles and property.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages cover the intangible losses associated with serious injury. These may include:
- Pain and Suffering: Physical pain, mental anguish, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment in life.
- Scarring/Disfigurement: Permanent, visible injuries that alter one’s appearance.
- Loss of Consortium: Compensation for the impact on personal relationships, including the loss of intimacy.
Punitive Damages
Tennessee courts may award punitive damages as punishment in cases where the liable party acted with extreme recklessness or intentional misconduct. However, punitive damages are rarely awarded in truck accident claims.
What Is My Truck Accident Claim Worth?
Determining the value of your truck accident claim involves a careful evaluation of your damages. It is also important to understand Tennessee’s personal injury damage caps. While economic damages are not capped in Tennessee, non-economic damages are typically capped at $750,000 per victim. In cases of catastrophic injury, this cap may be raised to $1 million. Punitive damages are also capped, but at $500,000 or two times the total economic and non-economic damages awarded, whichever is greater.
The Johnson City truck accident attorneys at The Haynes Firm will work tirelessly to maximize the compensation you receive. During your complimentary consultation, we can help you determine which caps, if any, apply to your claim to assist you in determining which damages might be available to you through legal action.
Determining Liability after a Truck Crash
Trucking companies are responsible for ensuring that their drivers are well-trained, competent, and follow all necessary safety guidelines. Failure to do so can result in serious injuries or even death. In such cases, our Johnson City truck accident lawyers are here to help.
Truck crash cases can be more complex than standard motor vehicle accident claims. There may be multiple parties who share responsibility. Achieving fair compensation requires identifying all and holding each to full account.
Common liable parties in Tennessee truck crashes include:
- Truck Drivers. If a trucker is negligent in their operation of the vehicle (speeding, driving while distracted, tired, or intoxicated, disregarding traffic laws, etc.), they can be held liable for any injuries they cause in an accident.
- Trucking Companies. Trucking companies can be held liable if they fail to properly train or supervise their drivers. They can also be held liable for enforcing unrealistic delivery schedules, neglecting vehicle maintenance, and taking similarly negligent actions.
- Vehicle Manufacturers. If a defective truck part, such as brakes or tires, contributes to a crash, the manufacturer can be held liable for injuries.
- Maintenance Providers. Third parties tasked with inspecting and repairing trucks can be held liable for substandard maintenance.
The owners of trucks/trailers, leasing companies that lend trucks out, and even shippers or cargo loaders can be held responsible for injuries sustained in truck crashes under some circumstances. So too can government employees who fail to conduct proper inspections at weigh stations.
Proving fault can be difficult, especially when you’re up against a large trucking company. Insurance providers of these companies will do everything in their power to avoid paying victims after an accident, which is why you’ll need an experienced, proven truck accident lawyer fighting on your behalf.
At The Haynes Firm, our Johnson City truck accident attorneys will investigate every aspect of the accident to identify all responsible parties. With over 70 years of combined legal experience, we understand how trucking companies and their insurers operate. Our attorneys are fully committed to fighting for the maximum compensation that you and your loved ones deserve.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim Against a Negligent Trucker In Tennessee?
Tennessee’s personal injury statute of limitations gives you one year from the date of a crash to file a truck accident claim. Missing this deadline can result in your losing the right to take legal action. Exceptions do exist in certain circumstances, but even with these exceptions, acting quickly will help to preserve your rights and options.
Contacting us without delay allows our Johnson City truck accident lawyers to gain access to the most compelling evidence, interview witnesses while memories are fresh, and work with experts from various fields to build the most robust case possible. During your FREE case review, we will discuss timelines in greater detail to help you understand the case-building process.
How Long Will My Truck Accident Claim Take?
The timeline for resolving a truck accident claim in Tennessee will vary depending on several factors. These include the severity of injuries, the complexity of the accident, and the willingness of insurance companies to negotiate. Some claims settle within a few months, particularly when liability is clear and injuries are well-documented. Other claims, especially those involving severe injury, may take longer due to extended medical treatment, ongoing negotiations, or the need to take the case to trial.
At The Haynes Firm, we know that prolonged legal proceedings can take an emotional and financial toll. We work to move cases forward effectively while ensuring we have built the strongest possible claim. Throughout the process, we maintain open communication, updating you on every step and answering any questions. Our team’s dedication stems from a shared commitment to justice and a strong focus on helping injured people get fair compensation. These values have guided our firm for generations. They will do so for generations to come.
Truck Accident FAQ
What Causes Most Truck Accidents?
Many different factors can lead to a truck crash. If warranted, our trucking accident lawyers will investigate thoroughly to understand what caused the accident and identify who is responsible.
The first individual whose actions need to be examined in the wake of a trucking accident is the driver of the truck. Commercial truck drivers are bound not only by the rules of the road but federal regulations that govern multiple aspects of operations. Devastating crashes can occur when truck drivers fail to follow these regulations.
A truck accident attorney can hold the driver accountable for errors such as:
- Driving while fatigued
- Failure to yield
- Distracted driving
- Errors and illegal maneuvers when turning
- Following too closely
- Reckless and aggressive driving
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Failure to inspect the truck and its cargo before a trip
Errors on the part of the trucking company can also cause crashes. Our trucking accident attorneys will obtain and review records to determine if the carrier hires qualified drivers, provides adequate training, enforces hours of service regulations, screens drivers for health issues and substance abuse, and more. Negligence in any of these duties can lead to a crash for which the trucking company can be held liable.
Multiple additional parties may also be liable for a truck accident due to issues such as:
- Failure to maintain the truck: The individual or company that owns the truck and/or the trailer (an owner-operator, the trucking company, or a third party) can be sued if the rig is not properly maintained and an accident ensues as a result.
- Negligent repairs: Both the owner and/or the party responsible for servicing the truck may be liable for accidents caused by substandard repairs.
- Mechanical failures: The failure of any component on an 18-wheeler can be disastrous. If a part on the truck was defective, our lawyers can bring a product liability claim against the manufacturer.
- Errors in loading and securing cargo: Cargo needs to be loaded and secured in accordance with the rules set forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Shipping companies face liability for crashes caused by unsecured and improperly loaded cargo. Liability for an accident may also extend to the truck driver and his employer if the cargo was not inspected and secured.
Truck accidents are complex events. A host of different errors can lead to a catastrophic crash. The trucking accident attorneys at The Haynes Firm consider it their duty to get to the bottom of the accident and hold all of the responsible parties accountable.
What Should I Do After a Trucking Accident?
For the occupants of passenger vehicles, truck accidents often result in serious and even life-threatening injuries. In this situation, your first and only priority is getting help and medical care. Wait for first responders to arrive so they can assess your injuries, extract you from the vehicle, and (if necessary) take you to the emergency room.
However, if you can safely stay on the scene after a trucking accident, there are a number of important steps you should take to protect your legal rights and start building your case:
- Take photographs. Photograph all pertinent details at the crash scene, including damage to the vehicles, debris in the roadway, your injuries, weather conditions, lighting, etc.
- Speak to witnesses. Ask eyewitnesses to describe what happened and get their contact information.
- Exchange information with the driver. Be sure to get the truck driver’s name and phone number, as well as his or her personal insurance information. If the driver is an employee of a trucking company, you will need the name and contact information for the employer and the insurance carrier for the company.
- Provide a statement to the police. Crashes resulting in injury, death, or more than $1,500 in property damage must be reported (see Tennessee Code § 55-12-104). Truck accidents are highly likely to meet one or more of these criteria. As such, you should call 911 at the scene and answer the questions of the responding officer before you leave.
- Seek medical attention. Make an appointment with your doctor or go to the E.R. the day of the crash. Injuries in a truck accident need to be promptly diagnosed and properly documented.
- Contact a trucking accident attorney. You should talk to a knowledgeable lawyer as soon as possible. Truck accident claims are complicated, and it is crucial to have experienced guidance and support.
Commercial carriers and their insurance companies will not waste any time in the aftermath of an accident. They will launch an immediate investigation and take possession of the truck, trailer, and cargo. All of these steps will enable them to start building a defense before you’ve even had a chance to recover.
Until you speak to an attorney, no one is protecting your rights and interests. A Johnson City truck accident lawyer at The Haynes Firm will get started on your case right away. We will investigate the scene and collect all relevant evidence, then take on the truck driver, trucking company, and any additional parties on your behalf.
Why Are Truck Accident Cases More Complicated?
Trucking accident litigation is very different from claims involving other types of motor vehicles. Some of the reasons truck accident cases are so complicated include:
- Multiple defendants. Where car accidents typically involve just one at-fault driver, defendants in a truck accident claim may include the truck driver, a commercial carrier, third-party mechanics, the shipping company, the manufacturer of the truck and/or its parts, and others.
- Complex liability. When multiple defendants are at fault, arguments inevitably arise as to who is responsible. The finger may even be pointed back at you.
- Federal trucking regulations. Chapter 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations governs commercial trucking in the United States. The duties established by this legislation are complex, and advanced knowledge is required to pinpoint negligence on the part of drivers, trucking companies, and other entities in the event of a truck accident.
- Serious injuries. Any crash can result in a life-altering injury. However, truck accidents have a much higher rate of serious and catastrophic injuries. The more severe an injury is, the more documentation is required to accurately establish the total impact on your life.
- Fatalities. Proportionally, truck accidents have a much higher rate of fatalities than most other collisions. Wrongful death claims require specialized experience and knowledge to handle effectively.
- Substantial damages. The costs associated with a truck accident are immense. You may be entitled to significant compensation for your losses, but accurately calculating the damages you have sustained to date and are likely to incur in the future presents a challenge that requires qualified legal counsel to address.
Given the complexities involved, it is crucial to seek out legal representation after a truck accident. Attorneys at The Haynes Firm have more than 70 years of combined experience and a number of accolades in recognition of our exceptional legal service and results.
We are also experienced trial lawyers who will never hesitate to take on large and powerful defendants in the courtroom. This includes trucking companies, their insurers, and more.
How Is Negligence Established for a Truck Accident?
Negligence is the failure to exercise the appropriate level of care in a given situation. A simple example is speeding. Drivers have a duty to obey the speed limit. When a motorist drives too fast and causes an accident, he can be held liable for the injuries and damages sustained by others in the crash.
Violations of state and local laws and the Code of Federal Regulations may constitute negligence on the part of a truck driver and others involved in commercial trucking. However, actually proving it can be difficult.
Truck accident lawyers at The Haynes Firm will gather all available evidence to prove liability in your claim. Valuable evidence in your case may include:
- Photos of the accident scene
- Eyewitness testimony
- Your medical records
- The police report and other investigative documents
- Video footage of the crash (if available)
- Electronic records (such as data from the truck’s “black box,” the driver’s cell phone records, etc.)
- Testimony from expert witnesses
- Employment records, inspection and maintenance reports, and other trucking company documentation
Much of the evidence needed in a truck accident claim is in the possession of the trucking company. Our trucking accident attorneys will take steps immediately to ensure that all documents, data, and other evidence is preserved.
How Is Compensation Determined for a Truck Accident?
Compensation in a truck accident claim is calculated based on your financial losses (known as economic damages) and the impact on your quality of life (known as non-economic damages). It is extremely important to hang onto any and all medical bills, receipts for medications and medical supplies, earnings statements, and other documentation showing the money you have lost as a result of the truck accident. You also need to be prepared to identify all of the ways your injuries have affected the way you live and work.
A Johnson City trucking accident lawyer at The Haynes Firm will evaluate the evidence in your case and pursue compensation for damages such as:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- The cost of ongoing treatment, rehabilitation, therapy, and travel for medical care
- Loss of earning capacity
- Out-of-pocket expenses for assistive devices, household services, etc.
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional anguish and distress
- Disability
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of the enjoyment of life
It may be possible to negotiate a settlement that fairly compensates you for your losses. However, it may be necessary to file a lawsuit and, ultimately, go to trial to recover the compensation you deserve.
The Haynes Firm has the experience, knowledge, and resources to represent you effectively at the negotiating table and in the courtroom. Our trucking accident attorneys are seasoned trial lawyers with a history of winning on behalf of good people who have been harmed through no fault of their own.
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Our Johnson City Truck Accident Lawyers Can Help with Your Case
The Haynes Firm has extensive experience in handling truck accident claims in Johnson City and the surrounding areas. We know that, when it comes to these types of cases, details are important. We will investigate the details of the truck crash, including what caused the collision and who witnessed the crash. This often involves deploying accident reconstruction experts to examine the scene of the wreck, the truck and other vehicles involved (including a review of available data on electronic control modules), and other evidence to reconstruct what occurred.
Our Johnson City truck accident lawyers know the importance of:
- Preserving all evidence and available eyewitness statements, including those from law enforcement and emergency medical personnel.
- Hiring industry experts to reconstruct the crash, identify Federal Motor Carrier Safety Act violations, and address issues such as conspicuity, root cause analysis, human factors, and more.
- Documenting all evidence to present the most thorough case possible.
- Filing all necessary paperwork in a timely manner.
- Fighting for the compensation you deserve.
At The Haynes Firm, our truck wreck attorneys have successfully secured millions of dollars for the individuals and families we have represented in Tennessee. Experienced negotiators and proven litigators, we are prepared to take viable claims as far as needed—including to trial—to secure the full compensation you are due.
The Haynes Firm were absolutely outstanding to work with! They did everything possible to help us in our very difficult situation. They always returned our calls very promptly. They also answered our questions not only very thoroughly, but also in terms that we were able to understand. The staff goes above and beyond to help in any way they can. If you are looking for a lawyer to guide you with absolute confidence that they have your best interest at heart quit looking because you have found them!
I strongly recommend Olen Haynes, Jr. if you need a great lawyer in your corner. He represented me in an auto accident case and worked tirelessly to make sure that I was able to have a successful outcome. He was always quick to answer my questions in a thoughtful and thorough way, and worked hard to make the best out of a tough situation.
At Our Firm, You Are Never a Number
The Haynes Firm has been named a U.S. News and World Report’s Tier I Best Law Firm in personal injury law. A family-operated law firm with over seven decades of combined legal experience, we know how important it is to provide compassionate, attentive, and personalized representation for victims of truck crash injuries. We are committed to giving your case the results-driven representation it deserves.
To schedule your FREE, no-obligation consultation, contact The Haynes Firm online or call us at 423-928-0165 today. Located in Johnson City, our truck accident attorneys serve Knoxville, Murfreesboro, Smyrna, and all of Tennessee.
