If there's negligence, trucking companies, and drivers can cause accidents and put innocent people's lives at risk. Nashville, Tennessee, has become a major hub for the trucking industry, which greatly influences the local economy. Large trucks are used to transport and supply residents with crucial products. Unfortunately, these vehicles pose serious risks to other drivers and passers-by. In fact, tractor-trailer accidents are increasingly common. Therefore, victims should know their rights and seek help from a professional attorney if they are involved in one. Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys' legal team has helped Nashville residents pursue legal action against at-fault parties and hold them accountable for their negligence. We have served victims for years and offer our help, knowledge, and experience to help you recover the compensation you deserve.
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What Our Clients Have To Say
I have worked with Schuerger Shunnarah twice and they have been very helpful on my personal injury cases. They went above and beyond my expectations and did a great job both times.
- Ashley C.
Schuerger Shunnarah helped me receive a settlement on my case in just months. I was treated with respect and dignity. Thanks to their help, I have been able to get my life back to normal.
- Michael S.
They provided me with excellent service throughout my personal injury case. They were available to answer my questions and helped me understand the process. I am very grateful for them!
- Deshawn B.
Who Is Liable After Truck Accidents?
In order to file truck accident claims, determining who is liable for the incident or victims' injuries is essential. Many people think that the truck driver is at fault. However, it is not always the case.
Multiple parties may be held accountable for a truck accident. Therefore, victims need help from an experienced attorney to conduct an in-depth investigation and determine liability.
While truck drivers can be held responsible for several accidents, especially if they drive under the influence, are distracted, or commit other negligent actions, a trucking company can also be liable.
Also, in other complex cases, the truck manufacturer or cargo loading team may be held liable for the accident if it was caused by defects in the vehicle or improper loading.
Determining liability is essential, but we understand that it takes time. Fortunately, with the help of one of our Nashville truck accident attorneys, injured people can identify the at-fault party and take legal action to hold them accountable for their negligent or reckless actions.
Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys' legal team has handled multiple truck accident cases, conducting thorough investigations to prove liability and obtain the best results for our clients.
Damages That Nashville Truck Accident Victims Can Recover
A person who has been injured in a truck accident may be entitled to compensation depending on the severity of the injuries, the medical costs to treat them, and the evidence that supports their claims.
These are the damages that Nashville truck accidents victims may recover:
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Economic damages: They're quantifiable and usually include medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, lost earning capacity, property loss, lost employment opportunities, and future medical expenses.
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Non-economic damages: Victims may also receive compensation for non-quantifiable damages if the accident affected their emotional health, well-being, and quality of life. This category includes pain and suffering, disfigurement, mental anguish, and loss of companionship in wrongful death cases.
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Punitive damages: They're monetary awards intended to punish at-fault parties for the accident if they acted in bad faith.
Why Hire a Lawyer After a Trucking Accident
After an accident, victims may not know what to do. Plus, if they sustained injuries, most feel overwhelmed and have to deal with pain and stress.
However, those who have been injured in Nashville truck accidents have the legal right to seek help.
First, victims should make sure they're safe and seek medical treatment for their injuries. After that, they can contact a lawyer.
An experienced truck accident lawyer can help victims understand what to do after this overwhelming experience. Additionally, attorneys can guide you through the legal process of filing a claim and seeking compensation.
With the help of a lawyer, building a strong truck accident case is easier. Attorneys can conduct in-depth investigations to collect enough evidence, prove liability, calculate damages, hold negotiations with insurance companies, represent victims in court, and more.
Manufacturers, owners, and operators of tractor-trailers and other types of trucks are required to follow certain rules and regulations to avoid putting people's lives at risk. Therefore, anyone who has been injured by their negligence or recklessness can take legal action to hold them accountable for their actions, get justice, and receive fair compensation.
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Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Operating a loaded commercial motor vehicle (CMV) is challenging, whether it is a semi-truck, a pickup truck, or a box truck. Additionally, there are other factors that can contribute to accidents, especially if there's a negligent party involved.
However, these are the most common causes of truck accidents:
Distracted Driving
Texting or taking their eyes off the road can cause truck drivers to cause accidents with losses of hundreds of thousands of dollars and, in the worst-case scenario, multiple deaths. Therefore, distracted driving is dangerous, irresponsible, and illegal.
Driving Fatigue
Truck drivers must work long hours. However, the House of Service (HOS) regulations establish how many hours they must drive before taking breaks to avoid accidents.
These rules also dictate how many days truck operators can drive consecutively and how much sleep they must get before operating these vehicles. Therefore, they must adhere to HOS regulations to avoid drowsy driving and falling asleep at the wheel. Otherwise, they could cause serious accidents.
Brake Failure
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations, trucking companies and truckers must systematically inspect, maintain, and repair these vehicles' brakes. Furthermore, it must be performed by an expert and qualified brake inspector.
If truck owners or operators violate these regulations and cause accidents, victims can file a lawsuit and hold them accountable for negligence.
Intoxicated Driving
The FMCSA also states that commercially licensed drivers must comply with blood-alcohol content (BAC) rules. The limit is 0.04% – half the BAC limit imposed for other drivers.
In addition, laws prohibit truck drivers from consuming alcohol within the four other hours of operating a commercial vehicle. Drinking while on duty is also prohibited.
Trucking companies and drivers could face harsh penalties for driving under the influence. Depending on the circumstances, it's punishable by fines, license suspension, and even jail time.
Reckless Driving
Truck drivers cannot take road safety for granted. If the person behind the wheel operates the commercial vehicle recklessly, they could cause accidents and put other drivers, passengers, and passers-by at risk.
Poor Vehicle Maintenance
In addition to inspecting brakes, truck owners and operators must perform regular maintenance to make sure the vehicle is in top condition and meets safety standards.
Commercial trucks need regular care, and trucking companies and operators must fix any problems that may affect their operation or pose any risk before the vehicle gets back on the road. Otherwise, they could cause severe accidents and result in catastrophic injuries.
Poor Cargo Loading
Federal laws also set caps on how much weight trucks can carry and how cargo must be loaded and secured. Failure to comply with these regulations is also a risk of accidents.
Furthermore, in truck accident cases involving poor cargo loading, victims can take legal action against companies and drivers for negligence or recklessness.
Inclement Weather Conditions
Many truck accidents are also caused by rain, snow, ice, smoke, and fog. While trying to avoid a slide, these vehicles can jackknife, sideswipe, and crash cars with passengers or drive into oncoming traffic. Reduced visibility is another potential hazard that can result from these conditions.
Road Hazards
In addition to inclement weather, other road hazards are common causes of trucking accidents, including potholes and poor signs.
Road hazards can cause trucks to swerve, roll over, or skid, causing serious injuries. Therefore, truck drivers and operators must always be on the lookout to avoid these risks.
Inappropriate Training
Those who operate trucks or other commercial vehicles must be properly trained and undergo tests. Inexperienced drivers can make mistakes that put other people's lives at risk. Some don't even realize that their driving actions are dangerous.
Trucking companies must ensure their drivers have enough experience to operate these vehicles and avoid accidents.
Negligent Hiring of a Truck Driver
Additionally, these companies are required to hire qualified drivers and conduct due diligence to find out if applicants fit the role. Otherwise, they could face penalties and negligence charges.
Drivers who have not tested positive for drug or alcohol use, have obtained their commercial driver's licenses legally, and have not had their licenses suspended are considered "qualified."
At Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys, we have extensive experience handling truck accident cases and helping victims get the justice they deserve. We understand that these incidents can be caused by different hazards, conducts, and conditions.
Additionally, we know the intricacies of the legal system and can determine the best course of action to prove negligence and win injured people the compensation they deserve.
Tennessee Truck Accident Info Center
Client Testimonial
They were polite and really cared throughout the entire process and made me feel like my case was important. I would highly recommend them to anyone that didn’t get a fair offer from the insurance company like me!
- Brian D.
What Are The Regulations For Fatigued Driving That Truck Operators Should Know?
As mentioned, truck owners and drivers must follow different rules on and off the road, as these vehicles can cause catastrophic damage if involved in accidents.
These laws include the hours-of-service regulation, which has been put in place to prevent incidents caused by fatigued driving. This standard's goal is to ensure that truck drivers are not overworked and can operate these vehicles properly.
These are the hours-of-service regulations set by the FMCSA:
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A truck operator must not work for more than 14 hours after coming on duty.
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Truck drivers must rest for at least 10 consecutive hours before returning to the road.
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An operator cannot drive a truck for over 11 hours.
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Off-duty time must not exceed 14 hours.
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Any truck driver must take a 30-minute break after driving for eight consecutive hours.
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In ⅞ consecutive days, truck drivers can only drive 60/70 hours.
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After working for 7/8 days, drivers must take 34 or more consecutive hours off duty.
Unfortunately, many truck drivers are not aware of these regulations or are not encouraged by trucking companies to follow them. As a result, the risk of accidents involving these vehicles is higher.
Injuries That Truck Accidents Victims May Sustain
Trucking accidents can cause serious injuries, including some that are disabling or have life-long consequences. These are some of the most common:
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Back and neck injuries: Those who have been involved in truck accidents can sustain different back and neck injuries, including neck pain or disc dislocation.
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Whiplash: When the head is suddenly thrust forward and comes to a standstill, victims may experience different symptoms, such as restricted range of motion and upper body aches.
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Spinal cord injuries: They can cause ongoing mobility difficulties and paralysis in some cases. Also, sometimes, they are not unnoticeable right after the accident, and symptoms appear months or years later.
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Internal injuries: Truck accident victims can also be struck by different objects in a crash or similar incident, which can harm internal organs, such as the liver, bladder, and lungs.
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Burns: Truck crashes can also cause burns if the fire spreads and consumes the vehicles involved.
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Lacerations, bruises, and abrasions: Jagged metal, broken glass, and unsecured items inside trucks can inflict multiple cuts and wounds in these accidents. Victims could suffer permanent scarring, disfigurement, and infections.
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Bone fractures: Trucks are massive. Therefore, accidents involving these vehicles often result in fractures and broken bones.
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Amputations: Unfortunately, amputations aren't uncommon in accidents involving a truck crashing into a passenger vehicle.
These injuries can be devastating and affect victims' lives forever. However, anyone involved in a truck accident caused by another party's negligence or recklessness is entitled to compensation for damages and losses.
Our law firm's Nashville truck accident lawyers are here to fight for injured people's rights! We understand how these injuries can impact your well-being and health. Therefore, we always go the extra mile to reach a fair settlement or get the compensatory sum they deserve.
Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys understands that money does not cover all the damage and pain you have experienced. However, our team is willing to help you regain your financial stability and cover unexpected costs that resulted from the accident while you recover from your injuries.
Call Us Today and Get a Free Consultation!
At Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys, we understand a truck accident case may be complex, as there may be different liable parties involved. However, we know Tennessee laws like the back of our hands and are willing to fight for victims' rights.
Call us now, get help from an experienced Nashville truck accident lawyer, and request a free consultation today!