Shepherd & Long
Call Today: 865-383-3118
Shepherd & Long
865-383-3118

Small-Firm Care. Large-Firm Experience & Power.

Helping Victims Of Truck Accidents In Blount County And East Tennessee

Being involved in an accident with a commercial truck is a driver’s worst nightmare. It is easy to understand the massive size and weight of a tractor-trailer when one speeds past you a little to close on the highway, or comes up behind you at a stoplight. Because of this size, any collision with a truck can leave those in a passenger vehicle with catastrophic injuries.

Yet, severely injured victims often have to struggle to obtain the compensation they deserve when truck drivers or their companies are liable for these accidents. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulates truck drivers, their vehicles and trucking companies to help ensure the safety of everyone who shares the roads with large commercial vehicles. In spite of both federal and state regulations, 136 fatal truck crashes occurred in Tennessee in 2017 alone.

Because of federal regulations and other special considerations pertaining to trucking accidents, injury victims need the legal support of a lawyer with extensive experience handling these challenging claims. The Maryville truck accident attorneys at Shepherd & Long have decades of experience helping level the playing field when injury victims go up against powerful trucking companies, and we fight to the end on their behalf pursuing compensation for these often-devastating injuries.

Common Causes Of Trucking Accidents

Trucking accident attorneys must conduct thorough investigations into accidents, as the causes often extend well beyond simple driver error. While a truck driver may cause an accident by failing to obey the rules of the road, other accidents occur due to the failure of the trucking company itself.

Some examples of truck driver error include:

  • Aggressive driving
  • Distracted driving
  • Driver fatigue
  • Driver inexperience
  • Driving drunk
  • Reckless driving
  • Speeding

Trucking company errors can include:

  • Improperly balanced loads
  • Mechanical malfunction
  • Negligent maintenance
  • Overloaded truck
  • Unrealistic delivery schedules

The accident attorneys at Shepherd & Long understand all aspects of the trucking business and enlist the aid of investigators to obtain driver logs and other evidence needed to develop an effective case for their clients.

How much is my Maryville truck accident claim worth?

Our lawyers fight to secure maximum compensation for your case, whether it settles or goes to trial. When you suffer injuries in an accident that wasn’t your fault, you are eligible for compensation for the following:

  • Medical expenses, current and future
  • Loss of wages, including loss of earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Scarring and disfigurement
  • Punitive damages, in some cases

Every case is different, so the only way to find out what your truck accident claim is truly worth is to meet with an experienced personal injury attorney. Different injuries warrant different awards, and it is important to determine the true extent of your injuries before signing any type of settlement.

Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accidents

Commercial trucks perform a vital service, transporting the goods we use every day, but anyone who shares the roads with these vehicles should understand the challenges and potential consequences of becoming involved in a truck accident. Shepherd & Long is pleased to provide answers to some of the questions our clients commonly ask. Please don’t hesitate to call if you have more questions or would like a consultation.

Can I receive the compensation I need through an insurance claim?

If you suffer severe injuries, you most likely need to pursue an out-of-court settlement or go to court. However, truck drivers typically carry more coverage than non-commercial drivers, so you can file an insurance claim in some cases. We advise our clients of the advantages and disadvantages of all the available legal options during the free initial consultation, so don’t sign anything without speaking to an attorney first.

What makes truck accident claims different from auto insurance claims?

Of course, one major difference is the potential severity of injuries to passengers in smaller vehicles. And from a claim standpoint, victims of truck accidents must deal with the complexities of the trucking industry, the state and federal laws the companies must observe, and the challenges of obtaining the trucking records required to develop an effective legal case. Victims need the support of East Tennessee lawyers who have extensive experience handling these specialized cases.

What is the most important thing I should do after a trucking accident?

Seek medical attention for anyone injured as the result of the accident. If you have severe injuries, you may need to leave the accident scene to get emergency care. Even if you can remain on the scene, see a doctor as soon as possible. Minor symptoms appearing now can be the first sign of a serious injury that may not heal properly without immediate medical attention. It is crucial to seek medical care not only for your own health, but to properly document your case.

How much time do I have to file a personal injury case?

The Tennessee statute of limitations requires victims to file personal injury lawsuits within one year of sustaining an injury. However, the state discovery rule recognizes that the existence or cause of injury may not be clear at the time of the accident and certain conditions, such as the age or mental incapacity of a victim, can extend the time. We can help determine if you still have time to file a lawsuit.

Do I need a Maryville truck accident lawyer to file a claim?

It always makes sense to discuss your claim with an attorney before taking any action on your own, and legal advice is particularly important when dealing with complex truck accidents. Shepherd & Long offer free consultations to assess your case, so it costs nothing to learn your options.

Contact An Experienced Maryville Trucking Accident Attorney Today

The unique aspects of trucking accidents require lawyers with a specific set of skills and experience. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in an accident involving a commercial truck, the attorneys at Shepherd & Long have the experience you need to protect your rights. For more information, or to schedule a consultation, call us at 865-383-3118 or fill out the contact form. We regularly represent clients in Madisonville, Oak Ridge, Lenoir City and throughout East Tennessee.

We handle personal injury claims on a contingency fee basis. You pay no attorney fees until we successfully obtain compensation for you.