Truck Accident Lawyer Memphis, TN

Truck accidents can cause major property damage and severe injuries, and our Memphis, TN truck accident lawyer is here to help you pursue the justice and compensation that you deserve. If you have been the victim of a truck accident, contact Patterson Bray PLLC today to schedule your consultation.

The Severity of Trucking Accidents

For many, driving near semi-trucks or 18 wheelers can lead some drivers to have a sense of anxiety. No one wants to experience something as tragic as to fall victim to an accident involving an 18 wheeler. Such an accident can lead to serious injuries and even be fatal. Due to the sheer weight and size of an 18 wheeler, they can surely deliver devastating results. Truck accidents can occur as a result of:

• Truck Rollover
• Rear-End Collisions
• Lost Loads
• Underride Accidents
• Wide Turns
• Head-On Collisions
• T Bone Accidents

Following such an accident, you will need to focus on what may be a lengthy and painful recovery. You will surely want to give yourself the opportunity to fully focus on your recovery while a TN Truck Accident Lawyer takes the lead on your case. For guidance, call an experienced truck accident lawyer in your area.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Truck accidents occur every day in Tennessee for a wide range of reasons. Commercial trucks are so large and heavy that they are more likely to cause life-threatening injuries because  Here are some common causes of truck accidents.

• Driver fatigue. Truck drivers spend long hours on the road. Even though federal regulations prohibit drivers from driving too many hours in a row, not all drivers follow these rules. They may drive longer than they’re permitted to meet their deadlines. Unfortunately, this can result in fatigue. Truck drivers who are running on little sleep may lose focus of the road ahead and ignore safe driving practices. They might even fall asleep behind the wheel, causing accidents.
• Failure to properly secure loads – It’s crucial for truck drivers to properly pack and secure cargo so that it’s evenly distributed across the truck. Otherwise, an accident is more likely to occur. The product could fall off the trailer and onto the road.
• Driving under the influence – Unfortunately, driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol is a huge problem among truck drivers. They may take drugs like cocaine and methamphetamine to stay awake and relieve boredom. Unfortunately, these drugs can impair a truck driver’s judgment and increase the likelihood of an accident.
• Driver distraction – As a trucking accident lawyer in Memphis, TN can confirm, distractions cause a large number of truck accidents. As mentioned above, truck drivers have to spend long hours behind the wheel. This can lead to boredom eventually. Truck drivers, therefore, may use distractions to keep themselves occupied. They might check text messages, talk on the phone, change the radio station or eat. Unfortunately, all of these actions can divert a truck driver’s focus off the road, increasing the risk of an accident.
• Speeding – Truck drivers are under constant pressure to make their deliveries on time. If truck drivers get behind, they may be tempted to drive above the speed limit to meet their deadlines. Speeding can lower their reaction times and increase the risk of vehicle crashes.
• Poor training – Operating a commercial truck is more difficult than driving a passenger vehicle. As such, truck drivers have to go through rigorous training before they can get behind the wheel. However, some trucking companies may skimp on training to save money. Truck drivers who have poor training are more likely to cause accidents.
• Traumatic brain injury – Also referred to as a TBI, these are the most severe head injuries car accident victims can sustain. These injuries can also be “silent” ones because many times there is no bruise, bump, or wound that would normally warn the victim they have been injured. A TBI can occur even if the victim’s head did not hit a surface, but simply by the jerking movements a body makes upon crash impact. Symptoms of a possible brain injury are loss of consciousness, confusion, headaches, and changes in personality. Other common catastrophic injuries to the head that can cause brain injury are a penetrating wound and a fractured skull.
• Penetration of the abdomen or chest areas – Whenever an object penetrates the abdomen or chest areas, there is a high risk of a fatal injury. Organs in these areas that sustain damage are the bowels, heart, kidneys, liver, and lungs. Major arteries and vessels can also be punctured.
• Fractures – Depending on the severity of the break, fractured bones can cause all kinds of medical issues for a victim, even requiring surgery and physical therapy to help the bones heal. Facial fractures are common in serious car accidents and victims often have to endure multiple surgeries, including plastic surgery, before they are completely recovered. In many cases, there is permanent disfigurement or scarring. Fractured bones can also create a potentially fatal injury if the broken bone punctures an organ.

The Complexity of Determining Fault

Determining who should be held accountable can be challenging. In some cases, you may even be able to hold more than one party responsible when taking legal action. There is a tremendous amount of pressure on the trucking industry to deliver cargo quickly and efficiently. Because of this, trucks may be operating with drivers who are overworked and over fatigued, poorly maintained trucks, and more. This has the ability to be incredibly hazardous for other drivers on the road. You may be wondering who you can hold accountable for the accident.

Working with an experienced truck accident lawyer can review your case and help determine who can be held accountable. Examples of parties who may be responsible include:

• Truck Manufacturers
• Truck Driver
• Trucking Company

A truck accident lawyer can help by carefully reviewing your case, determining fault, valuing your claim, and negotiating a settlement in your favor.

Following a trucking accident, your life will be forever changed. Because truck accidents produce devastating results, chances are you will be experiencing costly damages. Don’t hesitate to take advantage of your ability to seek compensation following the truck accident you have fallen victim to. Working with an experienced lawyer can prove essential in moving forward with your case. Call us as soon as possible so that we can review your claim and provide you with the guidance you need.

Steps to Take Immediately After a Truck Accident

If you are hit by a truck while driving, the immediate aftermath is a whirlwind. You are likely scared and shocked. More importantly, you might even be injured. Of course, you are going to need help from a truck accident lawyer in Memphis, TN such as Patterson Bray, but here is a handy guide on what you should do as soon as the accident happens.

Call 911

If you are able to function at all after the accident, your first item of action should be to call emergency services. Since trucks are much larger and heavier than cars, the impact from this type of an accident is bound to be significant.

You may be injured and not even realize it. Your body’s adrenalin allows you to stay in shock after you sustain an injury in order to help you survive. That said, even if you are not seriously injured, someone else involved in the accident may be hurt. Having an ambulance present at the scene is the best option.

Swap Insurance Info

Your truck accident lawyer in Memphis, TN will likely want to know if you got in touch with your car insurance provider after a serious accident involving a truck. They will also want to know if you have the details of the car insurance provider and employer of the truck driver who hit you.

Though the minutes after an accident are hectic, keep insurance information at the forefront of your mind. Swap details if the truck driver is willing. If not, take down their registration number as well as any company logo that may be visible on the truck.

Your legal representative at Patterson Bray will advise you on how and when you should contact either insurance provider and whether you should be in touch with the truck driver’s employer.

Call a Loved One

After a serious accident involving a truck, it is no surprise if you become traumatized. As a victim with possible physical injuries, you should call and let a loved one know that you were in an accident. If you cannot personally talk to them, have someone else call on your behalf and share any details regarding your condition, including whether you need to go to the hospital.

getting injured by a truck is one of the most traumatic and dangerous experiences a person can have in their life, but your truck accident lawyer in Memphis, TN will help you through the difficulties that follow. Contact Patterson Bray and request help as soon as you can.

Common Truck Accident Injuries

Because of the size difference between your car and the truck, it makes sense that you are likely coming away with worse injuries than the truck driver. Below are some of the most common types of injuries you might sustain if you were in a truck accident.

• Broken or Fractured Bones

Although not life-threatening once treated, broken or fractured bones can still cause you a great deal of pain and may even mean you have to be out of work until your injuries are healed. When this is the case, you may be able to receive compensation for lost wages when it comes to your job.

• Internal Bleeding

Unfortunately, internal bleeding can be life-threatening and is not the most obvious kind of injury you can sustain. Regardless of whether you can see your injuries or not, you should always get checked out by a medical professional immediately following a truck accident because internal bleeding may be present.

• Head and Brain Injuries

Head trauma occurs in these types of accidents because of the force of a truck hitting your car, causing your head to move from side to side or causing it to hit something, like the steering wheel or the window. Like internal injuries, brain damage can be the type of injury that doesn’t show symptoms for days or weeks until it is too late. If you feel dizzy, have vision problems, have more frequent headaches, or feel that you have altered moods, it is imperative that you see a doctor as soon as possible.

• Bruises and Lacerations

While bruises and lacerations may not seem like serious injuries, it is still important to have a medical professional look at them. Lacerations are open wounds and if you do not get them treated quickly it is possible that they could become infected.

Memphis Truck Accident Infographic

Memphis Truck Accident Statistics

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, tractor-trailers and other large trucks are in more than 5,000 fatal truck accidents each year.  Because these vehicles are so massive in size, there is a higher rate of death and catastrophic injuries compared to other types of vehicle accidents.

Memphis Truck Accident FAQs

What should I do immediately after being involved in a truck accident?

After being involved in a truck accident in Memphis, TN, your first step should be to ensure the safety of yourself and anyone else involved by moving to a safe location if possible and calling 911 for medical assistance and to report the accident. Tennessee law requires that any accident involving injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,500 must be reported. Exchange information with the other parties involved, including names, contact details, and insurance information, but avoid admitting fault. It’s also important to document the scene with photos and gather contact information from witnesses. Following these initial steps, consult with a Memphis-based attorney specializing in truck accidents to navigate the complexities of the legal process and protect your rights.

How is fault determined in truck accidents?

Fault in truck accidents in Memphis, TN, is determined through a combination of state traffic laws and the evidence collected from the accident scene. This can include police reports, witness statements, photographs of the scene, and potentially data from the truck’s electronic logging device (ELD). Tennessee follows a “modified comparative fault” system, which means that a party can recover damages if they are found to be less than 50% at fault for the accident. However, their compensation will be reduced by their percentage of fault. An attorney with experience in truck accidents can help navigate these determinations and work to establish the other party’s liability.

What types of compensation can I recover after a truck accident?

Victims of truck accidents in Memphis, TN, can recover various types of compensation, depending on the specifics of their case. These can include economic damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage, as well as non-economic damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. In cases where the conduct of the at-fault party is found to be especially reckless or egregious, punitive damages may also be awarded. The specific compensation you may be eligible for can be best determined by consulting with a knowledgeable truck accident attorney in Memphis.

What is the statute of limitations for filing a truck accident lawsuit?

In Memphis, TN, the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit related to a truck accident is generally one year from the date of the accident for personal injury claims and three years for property damage claims. This means you must file a lawsuit within these time frames to seek compensation for your injuries or damages. It’s important to note that failing to file within the statute of limitations typically results in the loss of your right to sue. Because there can be exceptions and specific nuances to these rules, it’s advisable to consult with an attorney as soon as possible after your accident.

How can a Memphis truck accident attorney help me with my case?

A Memphis truck accident attorney can provide crucial support and expertise in navigating the complex legal landscape following a truck accident. They will investigate the accident, gather evidence, and work to establish the liability of the truck driver or trucking company. An experienced attorney can negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to ensure you receive fair compensation and can represent you in court if necessary. They can also advise you on the specifics of Tennessee law, help you understand your rights, and ensure that legal deadlines are met, allowing you to focus on your recovery.

Patterson Bray PLLC, Memphis Truck Accident Lawyer

8001 Centerview Pkwy #103, Cordova, TN 38018

Contact Our Memphis Truck Accident Lawyer Today

The law doesn’t grant injury victims or the surviving loved ones of fatal injury scenarios endless time to explore their legal options. If you wait too long to speak with an attorney, the strength of your case could be compromised and/or you could be barred from seeking rightful compensation whatsoever. If you have not yet scheduled a risk-free consultation with the experienced Tennessee legal team at Patterson Bray PLLC, please do so without delay; we look forward to speaking with you.