Truck accidents regularly result in severe injuries because of the size of vehicles involved. Victims regularly incur devastating harm like soft tissue damage, broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and brain injuries.
Additionally, the road to compensation after truck accidents can be complicated. There are multiple parties who may be at fault for these types of crashes. Accordingly, support from legal representation can be highly beneficial to victims when building their potential claims.
Get support from our experienced truck accident lawyers at Howe Law by calling (844) 876-4357 for a free case evaluation.
What to Do After a Truck Accident in Hendersonville, TN
The aftermath of your truck accident may be a very painful and distressing experience. Still, there are certain steps you can take that can improve your chances of recovery and enhance your ability to obtain payment from another party.
Remain at the Scene and Dial 911
After experiencing a truck accident in Tennessee, it is essential to ensure that you remain at the scene. Leaving the scene of a harmful accident can result in serious legal consequences, so it is crucial to stay until the authorities arrive.
One of the first actions you should take is to dial 911. Contacting emergency services is critical because they will dispatch the necessary personnel, such as police officers and paramedics, to the accident scene. This ensures that any injuries are promptly addressed, and an official accident report is generated.
Exchanging Information with Other Parties
It is vital to exchange information with the other parties involved in the truck accident. This information typically includes names, contact details, insurance information, and vehicle registration details. This exchange of information is essential for any potential insurance claims or legal proceedings that may arise as a result of the accident.
Documenting the Crash Scene
Documenting the crash scene is crucial for gathering evidence. You should take photographs of the accident scene, including damage to vehicles, road conditions, and any relevant road signs or traffic signals. This photographic evidence can be invaluable in determining liability and pursuing compensation.
Seeking Medical Attention
Even if you do not initially feel seriously injured, it is important to seek medical attention after a truck accident. Injuries may not always be immediately apparent, and a medical evaluation can help identify and address any hidden injuries. Additionally, medical records can serve as crucial evidence in any legal claims.
Calling Our Lawyers
Lastly, after ensuring your immediate safety and well-being, it is advisable to contact our experienced truck accident lawyers. Our legal team can provide you with expert guidance on how to navigate the legal process, deal with insurance companies, and pursue compensation for damages suffered because of the accident. Consulting with our legal professionals early in the process can significantly benefit your case and increase the likelihood of a successful outcome.
Parties Who May Be at-Fault for Your Truck Accident in Hendersonville, TN
There are several different forms of carelessness that may cause truck accidents in Hendersonville. Fortunately, after your crash, our team can help determine whether you may bring a claim against any of the following parties:
Truck Drivers
Truck drivers can be at fault for accidents involving large trucks because of their actions or negligence. Common factors contributing to truck driver fault include speeding, distracted driving, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, fatigue from extended driving hours, and failure to adhere to traffic rules and regulations. Their responsibility to operate these massive vehicles safely is paramount, and any breach of these responsibilities can lead to accidents.
Trucking Companies
Trucking companies can be held accountable for accidents because of various reasons. One of the most common is inadequate maintenance of their fleet, which can result in mechanical failures leading to accidents. Additionally, pressuring drivers to meet unrealistic delivery deadlines can lead to driver fatigue and reckless driving. The failure of the trucking company to conduct proper background checks on drivers or provide adequate training can also contribute to accidents.
Other Motorists
Other motorists on the road can also be at fault for truck accidents. Their actions, such as sudden lane changes, failure to yield the right-of-way, or reckless driving, can create dangerous situations and cause accidents involving large trucks. It’s important for all motorists to exercise caution and respect the size and limitations of these massive vehicles when sharing the road.
Manufacturers of Defective Parts
Sometimes, truck accidents occur because of defective parts in the truck itself. Manufacturers of these defective parts may be at fault when a component like brakes, tires, or steering systems malfunctions. Such defects can lead to catastrophic accidents, and the responsibility may fall on the manufacturer for producing and distributing faulty equipment.
Government Entities
Government entities, such as state or local authorities, may be at fault in truck accidents because of inadequate road maintenance, poor signage, or improperly designed roads. Insufficient traffic management or construction zone safety measures can also contribute to accidents involving large trucks. When government negligence is a factor, pursuing legal action may involve holding these entities accountable for their role in the accident.
Time Limit to File a Truck Accident Case in Hendersonville, TN
The deadline to file your truck accident lawsuit in Tennessee is set forth by T.C.A. § 28-3-104. Typically, you will have one year from the date your crash happened to bring your potential case to court. Failure to act in accordance with this deadline may cause you to forfeit your claim for payment.
Additionally, the evidence needed to support your case may become very difficult to collect or preserve over time. For instance, witnesses can forget crucial details surrounding your crash and physical evidence can deteriorate. The more quickly you get in touch with our team, the more effectively we can gather the information required to recover payment from an at-fault party.
Contact Our Truck Accident Lawyers for Assistance with Your Case in Hendersonville, TN
In the aftermath of your crash, get help from our truck accident lawyers by calling Howe Law at (844) 876-4357.