Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Chattanooga, TN

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Chattanooga, Tennessee?

  (423) 698-2525 is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station.

• Where can you get a copy of the police report for the accident in Chattanooga, Tennessee?

  You can get copies of Police reports at 3410 Amnicola Hwy (The Police Service Center). Call (423) 643-5000 or (423) 634-6890 to check the status of a report. It is advised to call the office first before making the trip to ensure that the report is ready.

• In Chattanooga, should I get my vehicle off the road after an accident?

  If you can still move your vehicle, go ahead. If it is not possible, make sure that everyone in the accident is safe. Move everybody out of danger, except for those who are seriously injured. Use road flares if you have them and light them up away from the scene of the accident.

• What is the new Chattanooga Police Department crash policy?

  Beginning January 1, 2023, the Chattanooga Police Department will no longer respond to car crashes that did not cause injuries. The change was meant to save time for both patrol officers, who the department believes use up time to tend to crashes that have no injuries or need for towing, and drivers, who no longer have to wait for the police to arrive.

• Should I report a motor vehicle accident/crash in Chattanooga?

  A report should be made if any of the following occurs:

  • The accident caused property damage amounting to or more than $50
  • A person was harmed or killed in the accident
  • If your insurance policy mandates that you notify authorities of the accident

  Additionally, if the accident caused more than $1500 in damage to personal property or more than $400 in damage to government property, a written accident report must be made and filed regardless of who was responsible.

• What information should be included in a post-accident report form by truck drivers involved in an accident?

  Truck drivers must include information about:

  • The time and location of the accident
  • Vehicle and driver
  • Carrier information—NSC/DOT number and insurance policy number
  • The number of hours the driver has been driving the vehicle prior to the accident
  • The direction of traffic and landmarks, or a diagram of the incident
  • Any information about hazardous material being transported
  • Other passengers, drivers, and vehicles that were involved
  • The name of the police who responded and their report number and contact information

• What is the statute of limitations on truck accidents in Chattanooga, Tennessee?

  Victims have exactly one year from the date of the trucking accident to file a lawsuit for compensation for various economical and non-economical damages according to Tennessee Code section 28-3-104. Consulting with a lawyer may help determine if a certain case can be granted an extension, such as those involving minors who need to wait to be of age to receive compensation.

• What does a truck accident attorney do?

  A truck accident lawyer is a personal injury attorney specializing in truck accidents. These lawyers help their clients navigate the legally complex terrain of truck accident law by gathering evidence, sending demand letters, negotiating with insurance companies, and preparing the case for trial.In most cases, they are personal injury lawyers who specialize in this particular type of claim.

• Who can be sued in a truck accident case?

  Truck accident liability is a notoriously complex area. In car accidents, liability is typically shared by one or more drivers, but that’s not always the case with truck collisions. These are just a few of the parties that may be responsible for truck accidents and subsequent injuries:

  • Equipment owners, including leasing companies
  • Truck drivers who are reckless, intoxicated, or make mistakes
  • Trucking companies accountable for hiring and keeping records
  • Maintenance providers who are negligent or fail to perform routine tasks
  • Loading personnel in accidents caused by shifting loads
  • Third-party drivers, especially in multi-vehicle collisions
  • Equipment manufacturers that sell defective parts

• What do I need to know about truck accident cases in court?

  In truck accident cases, as in all personal injury cases, the burden of proof rests on the plaintiff or party filing the lawsuit. To prevail in court, the plaintiff must prove four things:

  • The plaintiff must show that the defendant owed him or her a duty of care, such as having a legal responsibility to hire qualified drivers and maintain safe equipment.
  • In negligence claims, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant breached this duty.
  • The plaintiff must show that they suffered damages or experienced harm.
  • Finally, the plaintiff must prove that these losses were a direct result of the defendant’s breach.

  
  

• What are the common causes of truck accidents?

  Driver error is the single most common cause of motor vehicle accidents, but a variety of factors come into play on busy highways and secondary roads. Other potential causes of truck accidents include the following:

  • Inadequate or improper driver training
  • Severe weather, including rain, sleet, ice, and fog
  • Dangerous roadways, potholes, and construction zones
  • Improper loading, excess weight, and shifting cargo
  • Reckless driving involving intoxication or distractions
  • Faulty equipment, such as failing brakes

  
  

• Can I sue if I was hit by a truck owned by a big company?

  Yes, all trucking companies are responsible for hiring qualified drivers and maintaining safe equipment. However, a lengthy investigation may be required to document the scene, establish contributing factors, and hold the company responsible. Personal injury attorneys generally focus on the following points during the investigation:

  • Checking the truck driver’s record
  • Securing phone records to prove distracted driving
  • Photographing skid marks and road conditions
  • Verifying the truck’s weight and maintenance history
  • Establishing the driver’s physical and mental health
  • Reviewing logbooks to identify times of service violations
  • Checking for previous violations to establish a pattern of misconduct

  
  

• How many semi truck accidents are there per year?

  In the U.S., it's estimated that there are 500,000 large truck accidents per year with an average of nearly 1,400 per day, according to data collected from police reports. Of those 500,000 accidents, approximately 4,000 result in a death. The majority of semi truck accidents are caused by mechanical defects and driver fatigue.

• Can I sue for being hit by a semi truck?

  If you have been injured in an accident with a semi truck that is not your fault, you are entitled to compensation for the damages to your vehicle as well as for your medical bills, time missed from work, and other damages suffered. You can sue if the person or company refuses to offer fair compensation.

• What should I do after a truck accident?

  The most important thing to do after a serious accident is to seek medical attention. You should also collect witness information, photographs of the accident scene, a copy of the police report, and contact information from the driver of the truck. Gather all of your paperwork related to the accident, including copies of your medical bills. Avoid posting about the accident on social media or speaking to the driver's insurance company before seeking legal advice, because anything you say can be used against you and affect your compensation.

• How long does an 18-wheeler lawsuit take?

  Most lawsuits are settled without going to court, so reaching a settlement can happen at any point that both parties agree on fair compensation. However, in most states, once an agreement has been reached, it cannot be changed, so it's a good idea to wait long enough to ensure that there are no additional injuries before settling.

• Do semi truck accidents go to trial?

  Litigation for semi truck accidents is similar to auto accidents, but it's usually more complicated because any number of parties may ultimately be responsible for the accident, including the company that handles the truck's maintenance or repairs. If attempts at negotiating a settlement with the responsible party are unsuccessful, the lawsuit may proceed to trial. In some cases, more than one party is responsible and one of the parties may fight the lawsuit and claim no responsibility. For these reasons, it's important to seek legal help from an attorney with experience in litigating semi truck accidents.