Hendersonville truck accident lawyers

Hendersonville Truck Accident Lawyers

Tough representation for victims of tractor-trailer and other types of truck accidents in Hendersonville

Truck accidents often cause catastrophic injuries or deaths because of the excessive weight and dimensions of a truck, combined with severe blind spots, and difficulties controlling trucks. At Rocky McElhaney Law Firm, our Hendersonville truck accident lawyers have the experience, resources, and track record of success to fight for victims of accidents involving semis, rigs, 18-wheelers, box trucks, flatbeds, and all other types of trucks. Our strong representation on behalf of truck accident victims is recognized throughout the state. In one illustrative case, we obtained a $1 million settlement (the policy limits) when a semi-truck ran through a red light, causing the death of one client several months after the accident. We understand what it takes to build a successful case.

Other significant truck accident settlements we’ve obtained include:

  • $1,950,000. We represented a woman whose leg was traumatically amputated when a dump truck struck her while she was walking across the road.
  • $1,500,000. Our client suffered several broken bones when a speeding tractor-trailer rear-ended her van.
  • $1,125,000. Our client suffered a traumatic brain injury and lost his job when a construction truck ran a red light and caused an intersection accident. We helped arrange for a monthly annuity payment and other financial compensation.

Rocky McElhaney Law Firm: Car Accident & Injury Lawyers
475 Saundersville Rd.
Hendersonville, TN 37075
(615) 932-8600

How dangerous are truck accidents?

Truck drivers make deliveries to Hendersonville and the rest of the world on Tennessee State Route 386, U.S. Route 31E, and other highways and roads that run through or near the city. While truck driving provides valuable products and a living for truckers, driving a truck is very dangerous. For starters, drivers of commercial trucks such as 18-wheelers and tractor-trailers need to have a commercial driver’s license.

When a car and a commercial truck collide, the occupants of the car will take the brunt of the force – often causing serious injuries and fatalities. Truck accidents with pedestrians and bicycle riders are likely to cause catastrophic injuries or fatalities.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), in 2020, nearly 5,000 large trucks and buses were involved in fatal crashes.

In Tennessee in 2023 (through November 27) there were 11,644 large truck crashes. Nearly 3,500 truck crashes were on interstate highways, 2,705 occurred at intersections, 1,492 truck accidents were on US/state routes, 914 truck crashes were on municipal roads, 406 on rural roads, 286 at interchanges, and the rest at other/unknown locations.

The leading violations were lane departures, following improperly, improper lane changes, failure to yield, inattentiveness, improper backing, improper turns, and other violations. Tiredness, sickness, and illegal drugs were among the leading causes.

What types of Hendersonville truck accidents do you handle?

Our Hendersonville truck accident lawyers represent  car drivers, passengers, motorcycle operators,  pedestrians, bicycle riders, and the families of loved ones who are killed in truck accidents. We handle every type of truck accident including the following:

Accidents mostly common to trucks:

Accidents common to most types of vehicles:

  • Head-on accidents
  • Broadsides/T-bone accidents
  • Rear-end accidents
  • Intersection accidents
  • Improper lane changes
  • Improper passing
  • Improper merging
  • Single-truck accidents
  • Multiple-vehicle accidents

How do your lawyers show a truck accident was preventable?

At Rocky McElhaney Law Firm, our Hendersonville truck accident lawyers hold truck drivers and other responsible people and companies accountable when their negligence causes you harm.

We show that truck drivers and truck companies failed to comply with specific truck safety requirements including:

  • The FMCSA Hours of Service requirements.
  • The OSHA loading and unloading requirements.
  • Tennessee rules on how heavy truckloads can be, the number of axles required, and many other regulations.
  • The Tennessee traffic laws regulating the speed of trucks; proper ways to pass and duty: the duty to yield; rules for trucks with wide loads, rules for trucks carrying hazardous materials, and many other regulations.

Trucking companies should never pressure drivers to speed or drive recklessly to make more timely deliveries. Your safety must come before company profits.

We’re experienced at showing truck drivers failed to prepare for and respond to these common truck dangers:

  • Making wide turns at intersections.
  • Backing out improperly or without a spotter.
  • Understanding the driver’s blind spots and having the correct assistive technology such as video technology and safety maneuvers such as honking to notify nearby drivers.
  • Failing to have rear safety underride guards, as well as side and front underride guards.
  • Driving under the influence. The blood alcohol content level limit for commercial truck drivers is just .04 compared to .08 for car drivers.
  • Failing to properly load and secure the cargo.
  • Not understanding what protective measures to take if a truck begins to jackknife.

Truck drivers are especially prone to driving while distracted due to the tedium of driving long distances and being away from home – and relying on GPS devices to travel over unknown roads. Texting while driving, using a cell phone, eating, drinking, or any activity that takes a truck driver’s eyes off the road and hands off the steering wheel are especially dangerous.

Other common causes of truck accident in Hendersonville include:

  • Driving recklessly
  • Driving under the influence of drugs
  • Tailgating
  • Driving too fast for traffic conditions
  • Driving too fast for weather conditions which makes stopping extremely difficult

Truck accidents in Hendersonville may also be due to defective truck parts such as defective hydraulic systems, electrical systems, tires, brakes, software, and other truck parts.

What types of injuries do Hendersonville truck accidents cause?

Truck accidents cause severe injuries – many of which are catastrophic. Tragically, many truck crashes are fatal. Our Hendersonville truck accident lawyers represent accident victims and families in all types of truck accidents and all types of truck injuries including fatalities.

We have the experience and network of medical relationships to represent anyone who suffers one or more of the following injuries:

  • Spinal cord damage including paralysis
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Traumatic amputation/loss of an arm, leg, hand, or foot
  • Burn injuries
  • Fractures/broken bones
  • Internal bleeding and internal organ damage
  • Scarring and disfigurement
  • Neck, shoulder, and back injuries
  • Nerve damage
  • Ligament, muscle, tissue, and tendon damage
  • Hearing or vision loss
  • Heart attacks
  • Death

At Rocky McElhaney Law Firm we understand how incredibly difficult it is trying to restore your health, especially when injuries are chronic or permanent. We pay attention to every treatment you need and every moment of pain.

Who is responsible for a truck accident in Hendersonville?

Truck accident cases in Hendersonville require our experienced lawyers because, often, many defendants other than the driver are liable. Our Hendersonville truck accident lawyers file claims against all responsible defendants, including:

  • The driver of the truck
  • The truck driver’s employer
  • The owner of the truck
  • The trucking companies involved in the shipment
  • The broker that arranges the shipment logistics
  • Repair and maintenance companies
  • Manufacturers of defective truck parts
  • The state of Tennessee and related entities and agencies

Our personal injury lawyers also file truck accident claims against any company that sold alcohol to someone who was visibly intoxicated or a minor who subsequently causes a truck accident.

Related: Can You Sue a Trucking Company for Negligent Hiring in Tennessee?

How much is my Hendersonville truck accident claim worth?

Rocky McElhaney Law Firm works with your doctors, your employers, repair estimate companies, and you to properly value your claim. We seek damages for all your current and future:

  • Medical bills including ER care, hospitalizations and surgeries, physician visits, rehabilitation, medications, and assistive devices
  • Lost income and work benefits including a permanent disability
  • Physical pain and emotional suffering
  • Scarring and disfigurement
  • Loss of life’s pleasure and loss of consortium
  • Loss of function of any body part
  • Property damages

If a close relative tragically died in a Hendersonville truck accident, we file a wrongful death action for the family of your loved one.

How fast do I need to file my truck accident claim in Tennessee?

Don’t wait. Contact us as soon as possible so we can start the investigation, answer your questions, and place the insurance companies on notice that you have a claim.

Generally, in Tennessee, injury victims and families must file their truck accident claim within one year from the date of the accident. Some shorter time limits may apply.

Do you have a Hendersonville truck accident lawyer near me?

Rocky McElhaney Law Firm meets truck accident victims and the families of loved ones killed in truck accidents at our Hendersonville office located at 475 Saundersville Rd. If you’re unable to physically come to our office, our Hendersonville truck accident lawyers will meet you at your home or a healthcare facility. Our lawyers also conduct consultations by phone and through video conferences.

We understand how frightened you are. We’ll confidently guide you through the claims process towards the strongest result possible.

We also have offices in Nashville, East Nashville, Murfreesboro, and Clarksville.

Talk to an experienced Hendersonville truck accident lawyer today

Truck accidents are traumatic. It’s difficult enough for many victims to find the time to breathe, let alone fight the insurance companies for the truck driver and the trucking companies. At Rocky McElhaney Law Firm, our Hendersonville truck accident lawyers fight the insurance companies for you. We help you see the doctors who can best treat your injuries. We’ve helped many accident victims just like you obtain strong financial recoveries so they can lead their best lives possible. Call us or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation. We’re ready to help you today.

Related Content: