Truck Accident FAQs

If you were recently involved in a truck accident, you know how it can turn your whole life upside down. From expensive medical bills and lost wages to emotional distress and reduced quality of life, truck accidents are serious events that you shouldn’t have to take on alone.

At Matt Hardin Law, our Lebanon, TN Personal Injury Attorneys know what you’re going through, and we want to do everything we can to help you. It’s our goal to not only take some of the burdens of the accident off your shoulders but also to help you better understand your options and the facts of truck accident cases. Read some of the most common questions we get from truck accident victims just like you. And if you want to further discuss your claim, don’t hesitate to contact us at (615) 547-2683 or fill out a free online form.

What constitutes a big truck?

Trucks come in different varieties, ranging from small consumer-level pickup trucks all the way up to oversized tractor-trailers designed to haul multiple vehicles at once. Big truck accidents usually involve vehicles that are rated Class 6 and above. These classifications depend on the overall size and weight of the truck:

Class 6 Trucks

These trucks have a gross vehicle weight rating that ranges from 19,501 to 26,000 lbs. Examples of these trucks include medium-sized box trucks, medium-sized delivery trucks, and medium-sized flat-bed trucks.

Class 7 Trucks

These trucks weigh between 26,001 and 33,000 lbs. and belong to the category of heavy-duty trucks and required a Class B license to operate in the U.S. and Tennessee. Examples of these trucks include small dump trucks, garbage trucks, city transit buses, furniture trucks, and even small tractor-trailers.

Class 8 Trucks

These trucks are the largest on American roadways and include any vehicles that weight more than 33,000 lbs. The most common examples of Class 8 trucks include cement trucks, large dump trucks, tractor-trailers with sleeper cabs, car carrier trucks, and trucks designed to carry oversized loads.

Accidents involving trucks from these categories can often be defined as big truck accidents, which means they can differ from standard car accidents when it comes to filing a claim for compensation.

What does an attorney do when pursuing a truck accident claim?

At Matt Hardin Law, our Lebanon truck accident lawyers know Tennessee law, and we know the ins-and-outs of filing successful truck accident claims. When you call us after your accident, we will investigate evidence to prove negligence on the behalf of the truck driver or the truck company, including:

Driver logs

Driver logs show the total hours drivers spend behind the wheel. Truck drivers are limited to a maximum number of hours per week that they can work, and if they exceed that limit, they are more likely to cause accidents. In addition, exceeding their driving limits may also be considered proof that they or their employers were negligent.

Cargo information

Knowing the type of cargo being transported and its overall weight and size can be important evidence for a case. Trucks are designed to carry loads that are pre-approved by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration based on the truck’s capabilities. If the maximum cargo limit is exceeded, it’s a violation and be considered negligence.

Maintenance records

Like passenger vehicles, trucks require frequent maintenance to remain safe on the roadway for both the truck driver and other motorists. Our attorneys will obtain a copy of the truck’s maintenance records to determine if the truck driver, owner, or trucking company scheduled required repairs to keep the truck safe. If they failed to do so, they may be considered negligent.

How much does it cost to get an attorney?

The Lebanon truck accident lawyers at Matt Hardin Law work on a contingency fee basis. That means we don’t charge our clients up front for our services. We know that many potential clients are afraid of having to pay expensive attorney’s fees, but at our law firm, we only get paid if you get paid. That means you have nothing to lose and everything to gain when you contact us after your accident.