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Personal Injury Lawyer

TRUCK ACCIDENT LAWYER
NASHVILLE, TN

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Semis, tractor-trailers, 18-wheelers, and other large commercial vehicles are common to see on I-24, I-64, I-40, and along the many other busy roadways in Nashville, TN. As you drive alongside these large trucks, your own vehicle’s size likely pales in comparison. Due to the size difference, anyone who collides with a commercial truck may be left with serious injuries, perhaps even experiencing override or underride accidents, both of which can have devastating results.

If you or someone you love has been involved in such an accident, a truck accident lawyer at Hughes & Coleman can help you get the justice and financial compensation you deserve. We firmly believe that negligent truck drivers and trucking companies should be held liable for their actions. The personal injury lawyers at our firm have the experience, skills, and resources necessary to handle complex truck accident cases, and we have the results to prove it.

 

Call us today for a free consultation at 800-800-4600

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Tennessee and Nashville large truck accident statistics

Tanker truck accident

Nashville truck accident cases are complex

When you’re in a truck accident, you don’t just have to deal with the other driver and his or her insurance company—there may be multiple parties involved. You could be negotiating with the truck driver, the trucking company, and the truck manufacturer, plus each of these parties may have their own lawyers and insurance companies.

Trucking companies will begin their own investigation immediately after the accident. These companies have extensive resources, including a team of attorneys and experts working for them. They may go to great lengths and use ruthless tactics to deny any guilt in the accident.

Insurance companies will likely try to offer you a quick payout in the hopes of making your claim go away. We strongly advise not to accept any offer before speaking to a lawyer. The amount they are offering likely won’t even cover your medical expenses and lost wages, and you deserve to be fully compensated.

We believe that negligent trucking companies, truck manufacturers, and drivers should be held accountable for their actions. Our legal team is comprised of Nashville truck accident lawyers, and we will make sure that you aren’t taken advantage of.

Underride truck accident

The most common types of trucking accidents in and around Nashville, TN

Over the course of our three decades in Nashville helping truck accident victims, we have seen all types of commercial vehicles and have handled many types of accidents.

If you’ve been injured in any of the following wrecks, call us today.

800-800-4600

 

Some of the most common causes of injury include:

Big truck accident on highway

Trailer slew or trailer swing truck accidents

Swings in the trailer tend to happen when a truck is braking on a slick surface, typically when it is raining or during the winter months when road conditions are not ideal. When the truck brakes, the trailer can swing to one side or the other and can be corrected by accelerating to pull the trailer back in line. However, even a subtle swing of the trailer could cause catastrophic consequences for any vehicle in the vicinity. Further, if the driver does not release the brakes to bring the trailer back into unison, the trailer can continue to slide into a jackknife, leading to an even more dangerous situation.

Nashville truck accident attorneys can help you after a trailer swing wreck. Call us today at 800-800-4600.

Jackknife truck accident in snow

Jackknife truck accidents

When you think about commercial trucks carrying a trailer, it’s expected that the trailer would “trail” behind the truck or towing vehicle ; however, there are many cases where the driver can lose control of their trailer, causing it to sway, or in some instances, form a “V” or “L” shape with the towing vehicle. This shape resembles a jackknife and is extremely dangerous.

Among other things, jackknifes can be a result of:

  • Improper braking by the driver. Typically attempting to brake too quickly while traveling at high speed.
  • Fast turns that cause trucks to lose control of the trailer.
  • Empty trailers that do not have enough hold to withstand a faster application to the breaks or a fast turn.
  • Inclement weather or slick roads, which can make these situations significantly more dangerous and likely for trucks traveling at any speed.

Nashville truck accident lawyers know how to manage cases involving jackknifes. Call us today at 800-800-4600 to talk with our team.

Why you need a rollover truck accident lawyer

Rollover accidents involving tractor trailers

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, 78% of rollovers involve driver error. Additionally, more than 1,300 cargo tank rollovers are reported each year. Semi-trucks are easier to roll over than cars because they have a higher center of gravity. A rollover may occur if a truck turns too quickly, throwing it off balance and causing it to swing to one side; however, statistics show that more than half of all rollovers occur on straight roads, not curves or ramps.

Vehicle condition plays a role in some rollovers. In one study, for example, 54% of vehicles in rollovers had a brake defect of some sort.

Rollover accidents involving cars or 4-wheeled vehicles are not as common as other types of commercial vehicle accidents, but they can be some of the most serious for all involved.

In addition to driver negligence, rollovers can be caused by improperly securing a load. The trailer tends to sway in one direction when the weight of the load inside the trailer shifts, possibly to the point where the trailer starts to roll over.

Regardless of the cause, rollovers are extremely dangerous, especially in high-traffic areas, such as those that surround Nashville – and they can happen at any time.

If a rollover caused your injury, you need an experienced truck accident attorney to fight for you. Call us now at 800-800-4600.

Trucker blind spot

Truck drivers are responsible for their blind spots

If you’ve been driving for a while, chances are you’ve seen a semi-truck or tractor-trailer with a sign on it saying something along the lines of, “IF YOU CAN’T SEE MY MIRRORS, I CAN’T SEE YOU.” This may seem like ample warning, but nevertheless, under Tennessee and federal law, truck drivers are still responsible for their blind spot and can be found negligent in accidents caused by not checking their blind spots, either by their mirrors or other technology. Regardless of having a sticker in place to warn other vehicles that these areas might be dangerous, truck drivers are still required (just like every other vehicle) to ensure the safety of other cars on the road when changing lanes or maneuvering in a way that might make a blind spot accident more of a risk.

Semi truck drivers need to be held responsible for their actions. Our Nashville truck accident attorneys can help you prove who was at fault in a blind spot collision.

Underride accident

Underride semi-truck accidents

When it comes to serious accidents involving trucks or semis, few are as deadly as underrides. An underride accident occurs when a smaller vehicle—such as a car, van, or motorcycle—collides with a large truck, and the smaller vehicle gets crushed under the side or rear of the tractor-trailer.

The tractor-trailer has a higher ground clearance and often allows enough room for the hood of a smaller vehicle to fit underneath, but with the windshield, roof, and passenger area sheared off. These horrifying accidents almost always cause serious injuries or death.

What factors contribute to underride accidents?

Underride accidents are often the fault of the truck driver. The following are negligent acts that have led to underride accidents:

  • No underride guards were installedSince 1999, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association (FMCSA) has required trucks to be equipped with underride guards. These guards are designed to prevent smaller vehicles from getting crushed under the trailer. Some companies haven’t installed these guards on their fleet, perhaps in an effort to save money, and will instead install old trailer guards, which can be damaged,  rusted, and ineffective.
  • Reflective tape wasn’t applied. The FMCSA has also required trucks to use reflectors or reflective tape on the body of the trailer. Many underride accidents take place at night; it’s possible that these could have been prevented if the reflective tape had been properly installed and maintained.
  • Dangerous weather or road conditions. Snow, sleet, and ice can leave roads slippery, making it difficult for large trucks to slow down or stop. Once a truck begins sliding, the trailer may then jackknife, leading to an underride accident. Heavy rain and fog cause poor visibility, which can also contribute to an underride collision.
  • Broken brake lights or taillights. If a truck’s taillights or brake lights are broken, improperly maintained, or covered in dirt or snow, a person driving behind may not be able to see the truck. This is especially true in low-light conditions like a heavy fog.
  • Improper lane change or turnWhen a driver makes a negligent turn or lane change, passenger vehicles can crash on either side, causing an underride situation. Drivers must be cautious to check their blind spots before turning and make sure to use turn signals.
Override accident truck wreck

What is an override accident?

An override accident occurs when a large truck is unable to stop and runs over the smaller vehicle—or vehicles—in front of them. These horrible accidents are just as deadly as underride collisions. In these types of accidents, the passenger vehicle may get lodged under the body of the truck or trailer and be dragged for some distance.

These tragedies are often caused by driver negligence or poor truck maintenance. The following are common causes of override accidents:

  • The truck driver is tailgating the vehicle ahead and following them too closely.
  • The truck driver is speeding and is not able to stop fast enough.
  • Poor weather conditions have reduced visibility.
  • Tire blowout, brake failure, or other mechanical issues.
  • The vehicle in front of the truck comes to a sudden stop.
Big truck wreck

Override and underride accidents cause severe injuries

Underride and override accidents almost always result in serious injury or death. Victims may need physical therapy and other long-term medical treatment. Wrongful death lawsuits are common with these types of accidents, and victims that manage to survive are often faced with severe, life-threatening injuries such as:

Truck accidents leave victims traumatized not only physically but emotionally as well. After the accident, victims may be struggling to heal physically, cope with mental anguish, and manage mounting medical bills. This can prove to be overwhelming for any one person to handle on his or her own.

That’s what we are here for – to take some of this huge burden off your shoulders. Call Hughes & Coleman Injury Lawyers today to see how we can help. After taking your case, we will launch a thorough investigation into the accident and handle all negotiations with the trucking company and insurers. We defend your legal rights, so that you can focus on more important matters—healing and caring for your loved ones.

A truck injury lawyer investigating the cause of a truck accident

Common causes of Nashville truck accidents

A Nashville truck accident can be caused by many factors, including driver negligence, negligence of the trucking company, equipment failure, and poor driving conditions. Our law firm has seen it all. No matter the cause, if you’ve been injured in a wreck, our truck accident attorneys can help.

How big trucking companies cutting corners on maintenance can lead to car wrecks and serious injuries

Commercial vehicles are both difficult and expensive to maintain. Unfortunately, many times, trucking companies or independent operators cut corners that can cause the vehicles to not operate in a safe way. If a truck accident occurs because of improper or lack of regular maintenance, our attorneys can help bring these issues to light through investigation.

Hiring a lawyer for truck accident cases ensures evidence for your case is preserved by the trucking company

Trucking companies could have the evidence you need to prove that they were at fault in the wreck. Unfortunately, because they hold this evidence, there is a chance that they could also destroy it if you’re not properly represented by a lawyer who knows the tactics these companies use to avoid taking responsibility for their negligence.

Under the law, trucking companies are prohibited from destroying truck driver log books, trip receipts and other records for six months.

Other records, like the truck driver personnel records and truck maintenance records, must be maintained for much longer.

Although trucking companies are bound by these regulations by law, you need a lawyer for truck accident cases that can ensure that the law is followed, and to help you avoid other tactics these companies use to cover themselves, such as delaying settlement negotiations beyond the six months so that they legally can dispose of evidence that they otherwise would have had to retain, such as:

  • Digital and manual driving logs
  • Call logs that include the driver and dispatch
  • Vehicle maintenance records
  • Inspection records of the tractor and semi-trailer
  • Load inspection records
  • The truck’s electronic control module (ECM/“black box”)
  • Downloading the truck’s telematics system
  • The truck driver’s cell phone
  • The company’s driver history
  • And many other critical pieces of evidence used in tractor-trailer crash cases
Lawyer for truck accident

What does a commercial truck accident attorney do?

Injuries from a truck wreck can take weeks, months, or even years to recover from. Our team handles the legal process of your case so you can focus all of your efforts on healing. When you hire Hughes & Coleman, our experienced legal team:

  • Takes over communications with your insurance company and the other driver’s insurance company so that you can focus on recovery following the car accident.
  • Coordinates with the billing departments of the providers to reduce unnecessary phone calls or harassment.
  • Works with the available insurance coverage and helps you recover compensation for your lost wages.
  • Reviews your insurance information, insurance claim, and any initial settlement offers to ensure you get every dollar you deserve.
  • Seeks compensation for your medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
  • Guides you through the process, is there for you, and makes sure that the legal process works in your favor.
Trucking accidents lawyer

Our Nashville truck accident lawyers can help truck accident victims

The lawyers at Hughes & Coleman have extensive experience in handling truck accident cases throughout Tennessee and Nashville, along with the skills and resources necessary to make sure you get the financial compensation you deserve. We have seen the trauma that truck accidents can cause, and we want to help. We are local, and our accident lawyers in Nashville are here to assist you in every way we can.

Contact us online or call our Nashville, TN, office for a free initial consultation.

What can I sue for if I’ve been injured in a truck accident?

In Nashville, you can claim the following damages after a wreck:

  • Medical costs and rehabilitation costs
  • Pain and suffering
  • Lost wages and lost income (present and future)
  • Property damage
  • Wrongful death

 

Because these types of serious accidents often cause multiple injuries or even death, it is not uncommon for truck accident claims to include multiple parties and multiple claims.

Truck accident lawyers settlement money

Some of our Nashville truck accident case victories

If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, you need a Nashville truck accident lawyer in your corner who knows the law and is familiar with dealing with trucking companies and the insurance companies that represent them. Our results speak for themselves. Let us work for you to help you through this difficult time.

$12,000,000 Verdict

Our lawyers in Nashville obtained a $12 million verdict from a 2017 collision that resulted in the amputation of a man’s legs. Our client was traveling from Memphis to Nashville on Christmas day when he was struck by a negligent and distracted driver in a commercial truck. The insurance company denied responsibility and initially offered $50,000 to settle, but the Hughes & Coleman team fought for more and were ultimately rewarded by a Nashville Circuit Court jury which ruled in our client’s favor.

Thank you to Hughes & Coleman Injury Lawyers for working so hard for me to ensure that I won the trial awarding me $12 million in damages and that I was zero percent at fault. My life, and my family’s life, was forever changed that day, and since then, the medical bills have continued to pile up from the surgeries I’ve had to undergo. I’m looking forward to putting this case behind me.” – Charles Peterson, Hughes & Coleman Injury Lawyers client

$1,000,000 Settlement

Our team was able to obtain a $1,000,000 settlement for a family who was in a serious automobile accident. Our client was delivering food to a family member when her vehicle was struck by a semi-tractor trailer that failed to yield to a traffic signal. She suffered serious injuries requiring medical and cosmetic surgery. Along with the driver, we represented her daughter-in-law and three minor grandchildren.

You need a lawyer for truck accident cases. Although some firms may claim to be experienced when it comes to car accidents, remember, a trucking accident lawyer will have a particular set of skills that are necessary to ensure your outcome is successful. The trucking accident attorneys at Hughes & Coleman Injury Lawyers have the outcomes to prove our experience, and are here to work for you. We are a trucking accident law firm that knows how to get the job done.

Nashville truck accident lawyer

Get in touch today. Control Starts With A Call.

Nashville truck accidents can be terrifying, We offer free consultations 24/7, and there will always be someone here to take your call.

Call our team today at 800-800-4600 for a free consultation.

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