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A truck accident has the ability to change your life in an instant. Not only are you dealing with serious injuries and expensive repairs to your vehicle, but you also may be unable to work for days, weeks, or even months into the future. This can be an uncertain time for you and your family, but the Memphis truck accident attorneys at Matt Hardin Law want to help you.
We put together this list of frequently asked questions to help address common concerns we hear from our clients just like you. The information here can help you paint a more complete picture of what to expect in the aftermath of your accident and how your claim will be handled. If you want more information or have additional questions, don’t hesitate to contact us by dialing (901) 201-4478 or filling out a free contact form on our website.
After a truck accident, you may be contacted by an insurance adjuster who will offer you a settlement for your accident-related expenses. While this settlement may initially appear to be fair for the expenses you incurred, it’s important to never accept it until you’ve spoken with an attorney.
In many cases, initial settlement offers from insurance companies after accidents are only sufficient to cover your initial expenses, but they rarely take into account your future expenses and losses, such as continuing medical treatments or an extended period away from work. An experienced Memphis truck accident lawyer can fully investigate the accident and create a much more accurate estimate of the compensation you deserve for your injuries and disabilities.
To establish fault with the truck driver, trucking company, or truck owner, your attorney will look for several pieces of evidence of negligence, such as:
Truck drivers in Tennessee must carry commercial drivers licenses (CDLs). If the truck driver who caused your accident didn’t have a valid CDL at the time of the incident, both he and the trucking company can be held liable for the accident.
In addition to holding official licenses, truck drivers are also required to follow strict schedules that regulate how many hours they can be on the road within a certain time period. Truck drivers who violate these regulations are much more likely to cause serious accidents due to drowsiness and the potential for falling asleep behind the wheel.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration puts limits on how much weight trucks are allowed to carry. In an effort to increase profits, truck drivers and trucking companies may overload their trucks to haul more cargo on fewer trips. However, overloading trucks can make them more difficult to stop, slow down, or maneuver, which can lead to truck drivers being more likely to cause accidents.
Like all vehicles, trucks require frequent maintenance to keep running in optimal condition year-round. Trucks that aren’t maintained on a regular schedule are not only more likely to break down and experience mechanical problems, but they’re also more likely to suffer failures of safety features and critical components like brakes, tires, and steering mechanisms.
Dealing with the aftermath of an auto accident is difficult enough, but truck accidents are in a league of their own. Not only are they much more likely to cause serious injuries and severe damage to your vehicle, but they also present a much greater challenge when it comes to getting compensation.
Because of the number of parties that can be both involved in a truck accident and considered liable, it’s best to get the help of an attorney who understands Tennessee truck accident laws and has experience handling those types of claims. Not only can a qualified law firm help take the stress of the accident off your shoulders, but it can also help you get the maximum amount of money for all of your accident-related expenses.
“I'm super pleased with Matt and his whole team. I was hesitant to contact a lawyer after my accident, but I'm so glad I did!”
William