Memphis Fatal Truck Accidents
If your beloved family member has tragically passed away as a result of a truck accident, your family may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim against the driver, trucking company, and other liable parties. The Memphis fatal truck accident lawyers at NST Law help families recover the maximum compensation the law allows.
Table Of Contents
- Why choose the Memphis fatal truck accident attorneys at NST Law?
- NST Law Can Help You Recover the Compensation You Deserve
- Memphis Truck Accident Statistics
- Where do fatal truck accidents in Memphis usually occur?
- Who is liable for fatal truck accidents in Memphis, Tennessee?
- Why are truck accidents so deadly?
- What types of fatal truck accident cases does NST Law accept?
- How much time do I have to file a fatal truck accident case in Tennessee?
- How can a fatal truck accident lawyer in Memphis help?
- How much does it cost to hire a Memphis fatal truck accident attorney?
Have you lost a loved one as a result of a fatal truck accident in the greater Memphis metropolitan area? The award-winning Memphis truck accident attorneys at NST Law can help grieving families recover substantial compensation.
Why choose the Memphis fatal truck accident attorneys at NST Law?
With more than 34 attorneys and 135 support staff, NST Law is the largest personal injury law firm in Tennessee. Since our establishment in 1990, our law firm has won more than $2 billion in verdicts and settlements for our clients, including the following:
- $6.3 million for the family of a 65-year-old retiree who was rear-ended by a “big rig” 18-wheeler, more than 10 times higher than the initial $600,000 settlement offer
- $1.5 million for a couple in a catastrophic car wreck that resulted in the death of the husband
- $1.3 million in the death of an infant who died as a result of a car accident that occurred while the mother was seven months pregnant, an amount that was 2.5 times higher than the initial settlement offer
- A confidential seven-figure settlement on behalf of the family of a 58-year-old man who was killed after an 18-wheeler struck him on a bridge
We carry out our core values through the six pillars of NST Law:
- Compassionate Care
- Accessibility
- Resourcefulness
- Trust and Transparency
- Personalized Service
- Maximized Pursuit
Our commitment to client service and consistent record of remarkable results have led our clients to submit feedback such as the following:
NST has been nothing short of amazing during my situation. Always communicating every single detail. My team was also very positive from the beginning and through it all kept me encouraged and comforted even on my darkest days. They made sure that all of my needs were met and kept me calm. I highly recommend NST to anyone that is involved in a personal injury case. Thanks for all you guys have done.
NST Law Can Help You Recover the Compensation You Deserve
If your loved one has been killed in a Memphis truck accident, the Tennessee wrongful death statutes entitle a personal representative, such as the executor or next of kin, to file a wrongful death lawsuit for the benefit of the surviving spouse, children, or other next of kin.
Wrongful death damages cover losses to the family and damages that would have been recoverable by the deceased had they survived. Our Memphis wrongful death lawyers can help your family recover the following damages:
- Economic damages
- Non-economic damages
- Punitive damages
Economic Damages for Wrongful Death
Economic damages in a wrongful death case are the documented monetary losses suffered by the family as a result of the death, including the following:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical expenses of the deceased
- Lost lifetime income of the deceased
- Loss of inheritance
Non-Economic Damages for Wrongful Death
Non-economic damages cover the pain and suffering of the family and the pain and suffering of the deceased between the accident and subsequent death, usually when death was not instant. In addition to pain and suffering, non-economic damages may include the following:
- Loss of parental support and guidance
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of comfort
Tennessee law limits non-economic damages to $750,000 in most wrongful death cases. If the deceased is the parent of a minor child for whom the parent had custody, the non-economic damages limit is raised to $1 million. The $1 million limit may also apply if the deceased experienced certain catastrophic injuries as a result of the incident that ultimately led to death.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages in truck accident cases are awarded when the defendant’s conduct was intentional, fraudulent, reckless, or malicious. Punitive damages are generally limited to $500,000 or twice the compensatory damages, whichever is greater. These limits do not apply in the following circumstances:
- Intentional injury
- Fraudulent concealment
- Drunk driving
- Felony conviction for the injurious conduct
Memphis Truck Accident Statistics
Drivers in Shelby County and the surrounding area experienced 29 fatal truck crashes in 2022, down from 34 in 2021. The highest number of truck crashes occur at intersections, followed by interstates, then municipal roads.
Where do fatal truck accidents in Memphis usually occur?
Truck accidents in Shelby County most often occur in areas of heavy traffic congestion. Two of the nation’s most dangerous intersections are located in Memphis:
- Compress Drive and South Lauderdale Street
- East Holmes Road and Lamar Avenue
Shelby County is home to four major interstates, three of which pass through Memphis. These are major trucking routes consisting of heavy truck traffic at all times, especially I-240 East. This interstate is most hazardous where it meets I-69, I-55, I-40, and State Route 385.
Who is liable for fatal truck accidents in Memphis, Tennessee?
Truck accidents are almost always caused by human error. Multiple individuals are responsible for the maintenance and operation of commercial motor vehicles, any of whom may be liable.
Truck Drivers
Truck driver negligence is the most common cause of commercial motor vehicle accidents in Memphis, including the following:
- Speeding
- Inattentiveness
- Distracted driving
- Failure to yield
- Failure to obey traffic controls
- Wide turns
- Drunk driving
Trucking Companies
Tennessee trucking companies may be held liable for the actions of their drivers based on negligence and vicarious liability. The doctrine of vicarious liability holds companies liable for the negligence of their employees, including truck drivers, even if the company itself was not negligent.
Trucking company liability may also be the result of a company’s own negligence. The most common examples of trucking company negligence include:
- Negligent hiring
- Inadequate driver training
- Overworked, fatigued drivers
Federal trucking regulations require trucking companies to screen and train new drivers before allowing them on the road. The regulations also limit the number of hours a driver may drive per day and week.
Government Agencies
The city of Memphis, Shelby County, the state of Tennessee, or even the U.S. government may be liable if an accident occurs because government employees failed to maintain safe road conditions. This includes snow removal, pothole repair, lighting maintenance, and construction management.
Truck Loaders
An improperly loaded truck can cause a truck rollover accident, often resulting in a fatal crash. This can occur as a result of an overloaded truck or the load being unevenly distributed. In this case, the company responsible for loading may be liable.
Other Roadway Users
Any roadway user that causes or contributes to a fatal truck accident may be liable, including other drivers, bicyclists, motorcycle riders, and pedestrians.
Truck Parts Manufacturers
Defective tires and brakes are among the most common defective truck components that may result in catastrophic accidents, for which the truck manufacturer or truck component manufacturer may be liable.
Why are truck accidents so deadly?
A fully loaded tractor-trailer may weigh 80,000 pounds or more with special permits, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. This is 30 times heavier than most passenger vehicles, resulting in a significantly larger impact during a crash. In most cases, the passenger vehicle occupants suffer the greatest harm.
The excess weight and size of a commercial truck also reduce maneuverability and generate longer stopping distances. As a result, an accident may occur at a higher speed and be more difficult to avoid once the initial precipitating event occurs.
During a truck accident, the passenger vehicle may be crushed or burst into flames. It is not uncommon for a car to become stuck under the truck. This is usually a fatal accident. Most underride accidents could be prevented if trucks installed stronger guards.
What types of fatal truck accident cases does NST Law accept?
Our fatal truck accident lawyers in Memphis have successfully represented the following types of cases:
How much time do I have to file a fatal truck accident case in Tennessee?
The Tennessee statute of limitations is just one year for most fatal truck accident claims, which means it is urgent to contact an attorney as soon as possible after the date of the injury that caused the death. This is not always the same date as the death. Our truck accident attorneys in Memphis have seen many cases in which death occurs days, weeks, or months following the injury.
Significant investigative work must be completed before the case can be filed, so it is important not to delay contacting an attorney after the wrongful death of your loved one.
How can a fatal truck accident lawyer in Memphis help?
While financial compensation cannot replace a lost loved one, the death of a family member can result in a significant financial burden for those left behind. Dealing with insurance companies and navigating the complex legal system can be overwhelming for a grieving family.
Our compassionate fatal truck accident attorneys in Memphis can relieve families of this burden by handling all the legal details and aggressively pursuing maximum compensation. We have the ability to retain the nation’s leading accident reconstructionists, medical experts, and life care planners to establish liability and accurately calculate the lifetime financial loss associated with the untimely death of your loved one.
This places us in the strongest position possible to negotiate the highest settlement available. When necessary, you can count on us to be well-prepared to present your case in court.
How much does it cost to hire a Memphis fatal truck accident attorney?
The attorneys at NST Law operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you owe us nothing until after we win compensation for you. This ensures financial limitations do not stand in the way of justice for your loved one.
With a one-year statute of limitations, time is of the essence. Contact NST Law today for a free consultation with a Memphis fatal truck accident lawyer.
