Tractor-trailers and other commercial trucks are an essential link in dozens of industry supply chains, but they can also be exceptionally dangerous if not operated carefully and in accordance with federal law. If a truck driver or their employer acts negligently, an ensuing collision could result in debilitating injuries.
Pursuing comprehensive financial recovery for the short- and long-term effects of an incident like this could be much easier with support from an experienced Bartlett truck accident lawyer. With a dedicated personal injury attorney at the Reaves Law Firm, PLLC representing your interests, you could have much better chances of securing fair compensation than you would likely have on your own.
Just like any other motor vehicle driver, a long-haul trucker who causes a crash by breaking a traffic law, not paying attention to nearby vehicles, or acting recklessly or carelessly in any other way may be held financially liable for any harm they cause through an ensuing accident. In practice, though, filing suit against an individual truck driver is rarely the best move, in large part because a single trucker rarely has the financial or personal assets to cover the immense losses they may cause in a collision.
Fortunately, it is often possible to hold trucking companies vicariously liable for negligent conduct by their employees, or even directly liable for their own negligence—for example, forcing drivers to exceed federal limits on driving time to save money. Likewise, any crash that stems partially or primarily from a mechanical failure could allow for litigation against a negligent mechanic who did not properly service a truck prior to transit, or a manufacturer that provided defective components.
It is crucial as well, though, for an injured plaintiff to show they were not to blame themselves for causing or exacerbating their injuries, or a court may reduce the amount of compensation they can recover or potentially prohibit them from receiving any monetary damages at all. A Bartlett truck accident attorney could explain how liability works in these types of cases in greater detail during an initial consultation.
The negative repercussions of a traumatic truck accident can last for years—if not decades—after the actual wreck, particularly in situations where victims sustain life-altering injuries like spinal cord trauma or severe brain damage. While injured individuals may seek financial recovery from legally liable parties for the full value of ensuing economic losses like medical bills and vehicle repair or replacement costs, unfortunately, state law limits how much compensation a single plaintiff may seek for “pain and suffering” and other non-economic types of harm.
Specifically, Tennessee Code §29-39-102 caps recovery for non-economic damages at $750,000 for most claims and $1,000,000 for cases involving certain “catastrophic” injuries. Guidance from a seasoned truck wreck lawyer in Bartlett could be vital to maximizing compensation in spite of this restriction, as well as filing a compelling claim within the one-year deadline set under TN Code §28-3-104.
Negligence while operating any motor vehicle can put dozens of people nearby at risk of severe and life-changing harm, but when the vehicle is question is a tractor-trailer weighing up to 80,000 pounds, that risk is especially high. After such a uniquely devastating incident, effectively pursuing civil recovery may be essential to preserving your best interests both now and for the rest of your life.
A capable Bartlett truck accident lawyer could work diligently to secure the best possible case result on your behalf. Reach out to the skilled team of attorneys at the Reaves Law Firm, PLLC today to get started.
