Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Clarksville, TN

FAQs

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

  The Clarksville City Police Department is reachable at 931-648-0656.

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

  The Clarksville Police Department Records Division, located at 135 Commerce Street, keeps records of truck crashes. The Public Records Center handles requests for copies of reports. 

• What types of trucks are usually involved in road accidents in Clarksville?

  Semi-trucks and tractor-trailers are among the common causes of crashes in Clarksville. Other types of trucks that commonly cause injuries include garbage, courier, farm, and dump trucks. Cement mixing, logging, and tanker trucks are also on the list. Injuries from truck collisions are often serious. A truck accident lawyer can represent the victims in claims for damages for loss of income, hospital stays, and medical treatments.

• How does shared liability apply in truck accident cases in Clarksville?

  Shared liability in the state law covering Clarksville pertains to the contributory negligence demonstrated by the victim in a trucking accident. For example, a common defense of fatigued drivers is that the plaintiff was likewise violating traffic rules by speeding. If a jury determines that the plaintiff was less than 50% to blame for the crash, their compensation will be reduced.

• How does a plaintiff prove a truck accident claim in Clarksville?

  Truck accident claims in Clarksville are proven by establishing negligence on the part of the truck driver, whether in the form of moving beyond the speed limit, tailgating, or driving while distracted. Trucking companies are also liable if they failed to conduct the proper background checks on their employees and missed any traffic violations on their records.

• How long do truck accident victims have to file a personal injury claim in Clarksville?

  Under Tennessee law, truck accident claims in the state must be filed within one year from when the incident happened. If the damage was caused to automobiles or to the claimant's property, the timeframe is extended to three years. The incident itself must be reported to the Tennessee Department of Safety in 20 days or less if anyone dies or is personally harmed.

• If a truck accident in Clarksville was caused by a defective truck component, who is liable for damages?

  The manufacturer of a defective truck part may be held liable for damages in a truck accident in Clarksville. The company owes the accident victims compensation if the design involved is proven unsafe and the manufacturer had a safer alternative that was intentionally left unused. Damage obligations can also arise from failure to include warning labels and specific safety instructions.

• 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.