Franklin Personal Injury Lawyer
Franklin, TN Trucking Wreck Lawyers
Located in Williamson County, Franklin is one of the fastest growing cities in Tennessee, and Middle Tennessee continues to see lots of traffic among 18-wheelers, tractor-trailers, semi-trucks, and other big rig vehicles. Just south of Nashville, Franklin sees large numbers of truck drivers commute through the area on the busy roadways and intersections, including U.S. Interstate 65, U.S. Interstate 840, and U.S. Routes 31 and 431. The presence of big rigs and trucking activity unfortunately leads to the possibility of truck accidents taking place. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck wreck, you do not have to go through the legal process alone. Contact one of the Franklin truck accident attorneys at Nahon, Saharovich & Trotz today to learn how we can start helping you immediately.
Accidents Involving Commercial Trucks
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) estimates that commercial trucks are responsible for around only 3% of motor vehicle accidents. These accidents, however, are often some of the most devastating crashes. With big rigs weighing as much as 80,000 pounds, the trucking industry is heavily regulated by federal and state authorities. Regulations include how many hours a truck driver may drive before he or she must take a break, in addition to how heavy a truck’s load can be.
Truck accidents can be caused by a number of factors, including:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Driving while tired or fatigued
- Driving under the influence or while impaired
- Defective or faulty equipment
- Sudden braking which can lead to jackknifing
There are several different theories of liability upon which an injured plaintiff may pursue a commercial truck driver or trucking company. One theory is known as respondeat superior. This legal doctrine holds that a truck driver’s employer can be held liable for the actions of the truck driver, provided the truck driver caused the injury or damages in the course and scope of employment. A second theory is that of basic negligence, which alleges that the truck driver failed to drive in a reasonable and safe manner.
Our truck accident lawyers can help victims in Franklin prove liability against a negligent trucker or his/her employer. We can obtain accident reports created by the responding law enforcement agency, which could be the Franklin Police Department or Tennessee Highway Patrol. District 2 of the Tennessee Highway Patrol serves Franklin and Williamson County, and officers frequently respond to accidents involving large trucks. If necessary, we can also consult with expert witnesses to review driver logs and inspect the truck’s black box, which could provide information regarding speed and braking maneuvers attempted prior to the collision.
Proving Damages in a Tennessee Truck Accident Case
At Nahon, Saharovich & Trotz, our ultimate goal in a truck accident case is to help our client be made whole again for injuries suffered. In other words, we want to ensure you receive adequate compensation for your losses. Common examples of recoverable damages in a truck accident case include medical expenses, such as the costs of prescription medications, hospital and doctor visits, and any rehabilitative services required. Other common damages include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of wages, and loss of enjoyment of life. If you or a loved one suffered traumatic injuries like broken bones or disfigurement, future losses can be pursued as well.
Often, a defendant trucking company will admit liability but then contest the amount of damages you suffered. In such cases, it may be necessary to retain an expert witness to review the facts of your case and assess a proper amount of damages. This is where hiring an experienced truck accident attorney in the Franklin area can help your cause. Experts that can be retained in trucking litigation include accident reconstructionist experts, vocational economists, and doctors. In pursuit of helping you recover for all of your losses, we take pride in analyzing all theories of recovery on your behalf.
Contact Our Franklin Truck Injury Attorneys Today
For a free consultation with an experienced Tennessee lawyer, call our office toll-free at 800-529-4004 or complete our online form. Nahon, Saharovich & Trotz is the largest plaintiff’s personal injury law firm based in Tennessee. With over 30 years of experience handling a wide range of personal injury cases, our dedicated Franklin truck accident lawyers understand what diligent and competent representation entails. We have recovered over $1.5 billion for our clients across Tennessee, Missouri, Mississippi, Kentucky, and Arkansas. In addition to Franklin, we also serve the surrounding area, including communities such as Brentwood, Forest Hills, West Harpeth, Pasquo, and Kirkland. Let us show you why NST is the way to go if you were injured in an automobile accident in Franklin, TN.