Clarksville Truck Accidents
Legal Representation for Commercial Truck Crash Victims in Clarksville, TN
Commercial trucks and passenger vehicles of all kinds often use Interstate 24 near Clarksville in Montgomery County, TN to cross the northern portion of the state from Kentucky to central Tennessee and Nashville. 18-wheelers are much larger in size and in weight than normal passenger vehicles, and they can easily cause catastrophic injury or even fatalities when truck accidents occur. If you or a loved one has sustained serious injuries as the result of a wreck with a large truck, contact an experienced Clarksville truck accident lawyer from Nahon, Saharovich & Trotz for a free consultation on your case. NST has obtained over $1.5 billion in recovery through settlements, jury verdicts, and judgments for clients injured across Tennessee and the South, so let us put our legal experience to work for you or your family.
Steps to Take After Being Involved in an 18-Wheeler Accident
In the aftermath of a serious motor vehicle accident with a big rig, many victims are confused about whom they should contact or what they should do next. Trucking companies, on the other hand, employ investigators who are able to immediately visit the crash scene, contact witnesses, and investigate the wreck. Luckily, experienced legal counsel like Nahon, Saharovich & Trotz can help you act quickly and bring a claim for compensation for injuries suffered by you or a loved one.
Anytime you are involved with the accident, the police should be called. The Clarksville Police Department can dispatch officers to secure the scene, speak with the parties involved, and arrange for medical care. Serious truck crashes may require investigation by the Tennessee Highway Patrol’s Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT). These officers can conduct more in-depth analysis, including taking measurements, taking photographs and video, and surveying the land. In addition to contacting the police, it is helpful to document the scene as best you can, including taking photographs and looking for the truck’s USDOT number, which is required by law to be printed on the side of the truck. If possible, you should also exchange information with the other driver.
Proving Your Truck Accident Case Under Tennessee Law
Most collisions involving tractor-trailers are the result of negligent actions (or inaction) taken by one of the drivers involved in the accident. If a big rig driver was speeding, driving distracted, following other vehicles too closely, or disobeying other traffic laws, he or she will usually be found to have acted negligently. If the driver of a commercial vehicle was acting within the course and scope of his or her employment when the accident occurred, the driver’s employer may also be liable for damages under a theory of vicarious liability or respondeat superior. Our truck accident attorneys make it a point to look into all theories of recovery on behalf of clients, and accident victims in Clarksville are no exception.
In some situations, the driver’s employer can be directly liable by failing to follow one of several requirements set out by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This arm of the federal government requires companies who employ commercial truck operators to conduct a proper background check on each driver, which includes investigating the driving history of each employee with the U.S. Department of Transportation for the preceding three years. If the driver has previously violated traffic laws, or has been charged with or convicted of driving under the influence or driving while intoxicated, the employer may be liable for negligently hiring that person as a commercial truck driver.
In order for you or a loved one to obtain damages, you must prove that either the driver or their employer was liable for the damages caused by the accident. If they are liable, they are required to pay for damages that stem from the wreck. These damages may include medical costs, physical therapy, prescription medication, lost wages, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. If a victim sustains permanent debilitating injuries like spinal cord injuries, nerve injuries, or even paralysis, different class of damages may be available under these circumstances, as a victim may receive compensation for future medical treatment related to the accident, as required by a physician. If your injury will not allow you to return to work or will force you to accept a lesser paying position due to your restrictions, you may recover for diminished future earning capacity as documented by an economist or similar expert witness. We can help crash victims in Clarksville by consulting with and retaining qualified expert witnesses to testify on their behalf.
Discuss Your Case with an NST Attorney Today
If you or a family member has been injured following a crash with a commercial truck or tractor-trailer, it is important that you consult with an experienced Clarksville truck accident attorney to discuss your a potential claim. With more than 30 attorneys and 120 support staff members, we are the largest plaintiff’s personal injury law firm based in Tennessee and represent people injured in crashes throughout the state, including the greater Clarksville area. Contact us today by calling us toll-free at 800-529-4004, or by completing our online form, to set up a free consultation with a truck or car accident attorney specializing in Tennessee personal injury law who can help you get the compensation you deserve.