If you have been in an accident with a semi-truck, you’re likely facing devastating damages as well as emotional and physical pain. A Memphis truck crash lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and seek full compensation for your losses. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help.
Interstate highways can be dangerous, particularly when trucks are involved. If you’re unfortunate enough to be caught in a truck-related accident, it’s important to understand the implications seek legal aid from a Memphis truck accident lawyer. Education is key – brush up on the risks of these accidents and look into qualified attorneys for help.
In cities like Memphis, a large number of commercial trucks can be seen along the roads. These vehicles transport goods from one part of Tennessee to other places in the US. Trucks are not only beneficial for businesses but also help fulfill various household needs deliver food items. Despite the fact that trucks are extremely useful, they can be a hazard on the roads. It’s important to stay alert and aware when sharing the roads with trucks.
Truck accidents can be devastating, leaving victims both physically emotionally scarred. Fortunately, in Tennessee, a fault-based system is set up to provide victims with financial compensation for their injuries. Assistance from trucking accident lawyers can make all the difference for someone who has been in an accident. From calculating the right amount of compensation to determining who is at fault, it’s essential to get help to ensure fair and just treatment. This helps affected parties take the necessary steps towards recovering and continuing on with their lives. Navigating a legal process is often a complex affair, involving numerous players stakeholders. Securing an agreeable final result can sometimes prove difficult.
It is critical to get an experienced attorney to handle any truck accident claim. Wright & Gray in Memphis are the perfect choice for this – with over two decades of combined experience, we specialize in helping victims fight for their rights ensuring that they receive fair compensation for their injuries. Contact us today!
We know how difficult it is to endure any kind of destruction and we want to be there to support you throughout the journey. Our team is here to assist you and make sure you get the recompense you deserve for your losses.
What Are the Leading Causes of Truck Accidents?
Large trucks are vehicles with a gross weight of more than 10,000 pounds and don’t include commercial buses or motor homes. Semi-trucks, 18-wheelers and tractor-trailers are all considered large trucks. Injury Facts reported that in 2019 there were 5,005 fatal crashes involving large trucks in the US alone.Data from the U.S. indicates that truck collisions have increased by a whopping 43% since 2010, with a 2% rise from 2018. Moreover, the involvement rate per 100 million large-truck miles traveled has gone up 37%, and there is an additional 5% increase from 2018.
The following is an outline of truck collisions in the United States back in 2010 – large trucks had a considerable part in it:
- 10% of all vehicles involved in fatal crashes
- 4% of all registered vehicles
- 7% of total vehicle miles traveled
A look at the statistics reveals the magnitude of collisions caused by commercial trucks. But what are the root causes behind these accident figures?
Driving Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol
Truckers work long hours on the road and often resort to taking drugs to stay alert, which could impair their cognitive abilities leading to an accident. This is why it is important for truckers to take precautions and be aware of the potential risks associated with drug use. In Tennessee, commercial truck drivers are required to keep their BAC level at 0.04 percent, and if they don’t adhere to this policy, they can face criminal liabilities. A driving trucker who is intoxicated with alcohol can also be the cause of a terrible auto accident.
Speeding
Trucks are big and can weigh up to 80,000 pounds or more, which makes them dangerous if they’re moving too fast. Unfortunately, this means speeding is a common factor when it comes to truck-related accidents – just like with cars and motorcycles. If drivers do not follow speed limits and safety protocols, the consequences could be deadly. Therefore, truck drivers have to observe the speed limit mentioned on the interstate highway they are driving on.
Fatigue
Exhaustion and fatigue are common among truckers when not adhering to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations. Tiredness can make it more likely for them to be involved in an accident or crash. To promote safety on the roads, truckers should prioritize their rest and strictly adhere to their prescribed work hours. Moreover, drowsy driving should be avoided at all costs.
Distracted Driving
Distractions while driving can have deadly consequences. In 2018, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that 2,800 people lost their lives and 400,000 were injured due to distracted drivers in the US alone. Distracted driving is usually classified into three categories: cognitive, visual, and manual. For truckers, it’s critical to remain focused on the roads since their vehicles are much bigger. Therefore, staying alert and vigilant at all times is essential for safe driving.
Other known causes of truck collisions are:
- Reckless driving
- Blind spots
- Inadequate training
- Poor truck maintenance
- Wheel blowout
- Jackknifing
- Different Types of Truck Accidents
There are several varieties of truck accidents that may occur and some of the most recurrent ones include rear-end collisions, jackknifing, rollovers and under-rides.
- Head-on Collisions: When a truck and a vehicle driving in the opposite direction collide, it can result in tragic accidents, possibly leading to fatalities or serious damage for all involved.
- Rear-End Collisions: Rear-end collisions involving trucks smaller vehicles can have deadly consequences. This mostly happens when the latter is tailgating or strikes from behind at a high speed. Such accidents can be fatal and should be avoided at all costs.
- Under ride Accidents: Due to the large size of semi-trucks, a fatal incident can occur when an oncoming vehicle gets stuck under its trailer if it brakes suddenly. This is one of the most dangerous types of accidents caused by semi-trucks.
- Rollover Accidents: Accidents caused by tractor-trailers rolling over can be dangerous and devastating, potentially leading to goods spilling out onto the roadway. Such accidents are likely when a truck driver loses control of their vehicle.
Connect with a Memphis Truck Accident Attorney
Our firm has the right resources and expertise to fight for your truck accident injury case. We will use our knowledge and experience to gain access to relevant information and ensure that your rights are protected. With us at your side, you can count on positive results.
What Are the Common Injuries in Truck Accidents?
The unfortunate victims of truck accidents could experience one or more of the following injuries:
Back and Neck Injuries
Injuries sustained in an accident can be either mild or severe, ranging from whiplash to dislocated discs in the spine. While back injuries are quite common, they differ from spinal cord injuries and can prevent you from returning to your typical activities or job.
Broken Bones
Broken bones are one of the most frequent injuries caused by truck accidents. The intensity of the impact decides the extent of harm sustained. In extreme cases, such as under ride accidents, victims can endure crushed bones.
Head Injuries
Sustaining a head injury can drastically change the life of the affected individual. When the brain gets impacted due to impact with the skull, it leads to traumatic brain injury which can be quite serious. Always remember that some head injuries may not be obvious right away, so make sure you get medical attention immediately after any car accidents. This is important to ensure the best possible outcome.
Internal Injuries
A collision in a vehicle accident can create traumatic damage to the internal organs, such as the liver, bladder, kidney, pancreas and spleen. Furthermore, treating internal injuries can be challenging and may exhibit delayed signs or symptoms. Even if you don’t feel any symptoms, it is vital to get medical attention after an accident. Make sure to schedule an appointment with your doctor for a proper check-up.
Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
When it comes to spinal cord injuries, it is incredibly important to seek medical attention immediately after an auto collision. In order to reduce the risk of permanent damage, MRI tests and X-rays may be needed for diagnosis. Taking immediate action following an injury crash can help prevent long-term complications.
Truck accidents can often result in injuries such as lacerations, strained seat belts, rib torso damages and even fatalities. When the latter happens, a wrongful death lawsuit is then filed by the legal heirs of the deceased to claim compensation. For a wrongful death suit to have any merit, it must be established that the decedent had a valid claim before passing away.
What Should You Do After a Commercial Trucking Accident?
It is important to take the right steps after an truck accident if you wish to get the maximum compensation. To ensure that your claim does not suffer, be sure to do the following: If you come across an accident, it is important to stay at the scene and make sure to report it to the relevant authorities. Doing so will ensure that the right professionals take control of the situation and help those who are affected.
- It is essential to seek medical attention for any issues that have arisen due to the accident. Even if you do not feel like anything is wrong, it’s important to still get a checkup as your medical report might be the most valuable evidence when filing a personal injury claim.
- When dealing with an accident, it is essential to identify all other parties and exchange necessary information such as contact numbers, insurance companies of them, policy numbers, vehicle registration numbers and valid licenses.
- Ensure that you have witnesses who can provide their account of what happened. Do remember to get their contact details as they may be called upon to be part of the insurance claims procedure or a personal injury suit.
- Taking photographs of the accident location and affected vehicle parts is essential for recording the accident. Requesting traffic CCTV footage of the crash may also be beneficial in order to provide more evidence.
- If you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence, hiring a personal injury attorney may be the best way to ensure that you receive fair compensation. An experienced lawyer can help guide you through the process and make sure that your rights are protected.
Who Can You Sue for a Truck Accident in Memphis?
Trucking accidents can often be caused by negligent driving, but the driver is not always solely to blame. Several other individuals or entities may also be responsible and could potentially face legal action. The following categories of people could all potentially be held liable for this type of accident.
- The Truck Driver: It is the responsibility of truckers to ensure the safety of other road users. If they fail to do so, by willfully causing an accident, then they will be liable to pay monetary compensation to those affected by their negligence.
- The Trucking Company: Trucking companies can be held liable for the actions of their drivers, thanks to the concept of vicarious liability. This is especially true when companies are aware of a driver’s background with regards to reckless or intoxicated driving. In such cases, employers could be responsible for any negligence that takes place.
- Cargo Loaders: If goods are not properly secured in a truck and they lead to an accident, the cargo loader would be held liable for an injury the damages caused would have to be compensated to the victim.
- Truck Manufacturer: If a faulty component caused the accident, then the truck manufacturer would be accountable for it.
- Third-Parties:In an event of a crash due to another driver’s lack of reasonable care on the road, the third party responsible for compensating you will be the one liable even if it was a truck driver who made direct contact with your car. Learn more about third-party claims with the help of knowledgeable, experienced auto accident lawyers based in Memphis.
What Compensation Can You Get in a Truck Accident Claim?
Victims of truck accidents are entitled to economic and non-economic damages. This could cover everything from physical pain to emotional pain and damage to property. The compensation typically includes:
- Cost of medical care
- Loss of income
- Vehicle repair
- Loss of enjoyment
- Loss of consortium
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional anguish
- Out-of-pocket expenses
If someone passes away due to the negligence of another, their survivors may be awarded funeral and burial expenses. But if there isn’t enough evidence for an insurance claim to be made, a personal injury lawsuit should be filed wherein punitive damages can potentially be obtained. This form of remuneration is only given if it’s evident that an individual was exceptionally careless.