Truck Accidents | The Evans Law Firm
Tennessee Personal Injury
& Civil Litigation
Knox, Jefferson, Sevier, Blount, Loudon, and other counties in East TN.
From Wreckage to Recovery
Don't Let Insurance Companies Dictate Your Compensation
Knoxville Truck Accident Attorney
When a Commercial Truck Causes a Crash, the Consequences Can Be Life-Changing
A collision with a commercial truck is unlike almost any other type of motor vehicle accident.
Fully loaded tractor-trailers can weigh up to 80,000 pounds—more than 20 times the weight of the average passenger vehicle. Because of that size and weight, even a relatively low-speed collision can leave victims with catastrophic injuries, permanent disabilities, or the loss of a loved one.
If you have been injured in a truck accident in Knoxville or anywhere in East Tennessee, you need an attorney who understands both Tennessee personal injury law and the complex federal regulations that govern the trucking industry.
At The Evans Law Firm, we fight for individuals and families who have been injured because of negligent truck drivers and trucking companies. We investigate every aspect of the crash and pursue the compensation our clients deserve.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a truck accident, contact The Evans Law Firm today for a free consultation.
Why Truck Accident Cases Are Different
Truck accident claims are often much more complicated than ordinary car accident cases.
Unlike most passenger vehicle crashes, trucking accidents may involve multiple parties, including:
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The truck driver
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The trucking company
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The trailer owner
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Maintenance companies
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Cargo loading companies
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Parts manufacturers
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Insurance companies
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Commercial trucking companies are also required to follow extensive regulations established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Violations of these regulations often play a significant role in determining liability.
Because trucking companies frequently dispatch investigators and insurance representatives to the crash scene within hours, it is important to begin protecting your rights as soon as possible.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Most truck accidents are preventable.
Many occur because a driver, trucking company, or another party failed to follow safety regulations or acted negligently.
Driver Fatigue
Federal regulations limit how long commercial drivers can remain behind the wheel.
Despite these rules, fatigue remains one of the leading causes of serious truck accidents.
Distracted Driving
Commercial drivers may become distracted by:
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Cell phones
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GPS devices
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Dispatch communications
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Onboard technology
Even a few seconds of distraction can have devastating consequences.
Speeding
Large commercial trucks require significantly more distance to stop than passenger vehicles.
Speeding greatly increases the likelihood of serious collisions.
Improper Lane Changes
Commercial trucks have large blind spots.
Drivers who fail to check these areas before changing lanes properly may collide with nearby vehicles.
Improperly Loaded Cargo
Improperly secured cargo can shift during transport, causing:
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Rollovers
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Jackknife accidents
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Cargo spills
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Loss of vehicle control
Mechanical Failures
Poor maintenance can lead to serious equipment failures, including:
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Brake failures
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Tire blowouts
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Steering problems
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Lighting failures
Trucking companies are responsible for properly inspecting and maintaining their vehicles.
Common Truck Accident Injuries
Because of the tremendous force involved in truck crashes, victims often suffer severe injuries requiring months—or even years—of recovery.
Common injuries include:
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Head injuries can affect memory, speech, concentration, and the ability to work.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Back and neck injuries may result in permanent pain, paralysis, or lifelong medical care.
Broken Bones
Victims commonly suffer fractures involving:
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Arms
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Legs
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Ribs
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Hips
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Pelvis
Many require surgery and lengthy rehabilitation.
Internal Injuries
Damage to internal organs may not be immediately apparent but can quickly become life-threatening without prompt medical treatment.
Permanent Disability
Many truck accident victims are unable to return to their previous careers or enjoy the activities they once loved.
What Should You Do After a Truck Accident?
The actions you take after a crash can significantly affect both your health and your legal claim.
Seek Medical Treatment Immediately
Always seek medical care—even if you believe your injuries are minor.
Some serious injuries, including internal bleeding and concussions, may not become apparent until hours or days after the collision.
Call Law Enforcement
A police report can provide valuable information, including:
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Driver information
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Trucking company information
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Witness statements
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Road conditions
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Preliminary fault determinations
Document the Scene
If possible, collect evidence by taking photographs of:
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Vehicle damage
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The truck's DOT number
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Company logos
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License plates
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Road conditions
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Skid marks
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Traffic signs
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Visible injuries
Also gather contact information for any witnesses.
Preserve Important Evidence
Keep copies of:
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Medical records
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Medical bills
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Repair estimates
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Insurance correspondence
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Photographs
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Receipts for accident-related expenses
Truck accident cases often involve electronic evidence that may disappear if not preserved quickly.
Contact an Attorney
Trucking companies and their insurance carriers often begin investigating immediately after a crash.
An experienced attorney can work to preserve evidence before it is lost and protect your rights throughout the claims process.
Tennessee Truck Accident Laws
Tennessee follows an at-fault system for motor vehicle accidents.
To recover compensation, you generally must prove that another party's negligence caused the accident.
Negligence may include:
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Driver fatigue
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Speeding
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Distracted driving
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Failure to maintain equipment
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Improper cargo loading
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Violations of federal trucking regulations
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Failure to inspect the vehicle
Evidence often includes:
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Police reports
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Witness statements
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Electronic logging device (ELD) records
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Driver qualification files
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Maintenance records
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Black box (event data recorder) information
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Surveillance footage
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Accident reconstruction reports
Comparative Fault in Tennessee
Insurance companies sometimes attempt to shift blame to injured victims.
Tennessee follows a modified comparative fault system.
If you are partially responsible for the accident, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault.
However, you may still recover damages as long as you are less than 50% responsible for the crash.
Our firm works aggressively to challenge unfair attempts to place blame on injured victims.
Compensation Available After a Truck Accident
Depending on your injuries and the circumstances of the accident, compensation may include:
Medical Expenses
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Emergency treatment
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Hospitalization
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Surgery
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Rehabilitation
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Physical therapy
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Prescription medications
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Future medical care
Lost Wages
Compensation for income lost while recovering from your injuries.
Future Loss of Earning Capacity
If your injuries prevent you from returning to work or reduce your future earning ability, you may be entitled to additional compensation.
Property Damage
Compensation for vehicle repairs or replacement and other damaged personal property.
Pain and Suffering
Compensation may be available for:
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Physical pain
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Emotional distress
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Mental anguish
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Loss of enjoyment of life
Permanent Disability
Victims who suffer permanent injuries often require substantial compensation for future medical needs and lifestyle changes.
Trucking Company Investigations
One of the biggest differences in truck accident cases is the speed at which trucking companies respond.
Soon after a crash, they may begin collecting evidence to protect themselves.
This often includes:
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Downloading black box data
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Reviewing driver logs
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Interviewing witnesses
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Inspecting vehicles
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Preserving maintenance records
Because critical evidence can disappear quickly, early legal representation is essential.
At The Evans Law Firm, we act quickly to preserve evidence and hold trucking companies accountable.
Why Choose The Evans Law Firm?
Truck accident cases require experience, resources, and careful investigation.
Our firm helps clients by:
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Investigating trucking company negligence
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Preserving critical evidence
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Obtaining black box data
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Reviewing driver logbooks
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Working with accident reconstruction experts
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Calculating long-term damages
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Negotiating with insurance companies
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Filing lawsuits when necessary
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Taking cases to trial when appropriate
We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a serious truck accident can take, and we are committed to helping our clients move forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can be held responsible for a truck accident?
Depending on the circumstances, liability may extend to the truck driver, trucking company, maintenance providers, cargo loaders, or other parties involved in the operation of the commercial vehicle.
What if the trucking company says the accident was my fault?
Insurance companies often attempt to shift blame to reduce payouts. An attorney can investigate the crash and gather evidence to establish what really happened.
How much is my truck accident case worth?
Every case is different. Compensation depends on factors such as the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost income, future care needs, and the long-term impact on your life.
How long do I have to file a claim?
In most cases, Tennessee law gives you one year from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit.
What if the truck driver violated federal safety regulations?
Violations of FMCSA regulations may provide important evidence of negligence and strengthen your claim.
How much does it cost to hire a truck accident attorney?
We handle truck accident cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney's fees unless we recover compensation for you.
Contact The Evans Law Firm Today
Truck accident injuries can change your life in an instant.
Medical bills, lost wages, insurance companies, and physical recovery can quickly become overwhelming.
You do not have to face this process alone.
Let The Evans Law Firm handle the legal fight while you focus on your recovery.
Contact us today for a free consultation and learn how we can help you pursue the compensation you deserve after a truck accident.
