Lawyer for Tractor-Trailer Accidents in Memphis, TN
Tractor-trailer accidents can cause serious injuries and major damage, especially on busy roads in and around Memphis, TN. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a commercial truck crash, you need an experienced Memphis truck accident lawyer. Mogy Law Firm is here to help you get the compensation you deserve.
We understand how complex these cases can be and are ready to stand up to the trucking companies and their insurers. Let us guide you through the legal process and fight for the justice you need after a serious crash.
Common Causes of Tractor-Trailer Accidents in Memphis
Tractor-trailer accidents in Memphis are frequently caused by a combination of factors, many of which are preventable. Understanding these common causes can help in identifying liable parties and pursuing appropriate legal action.
Driver Fatigue
Truck drivers often work long hours to meet tight deadlines. Despite federal regulations limiting the hours a driver can operate without rest, some companies push their drivers to exceed these limits. Fatigue impairs reaction times, decision-making, and overall driving ability, significantly increasing the risk of accidents.
Distracted Driving
Distractions such as using a cell phone, eating, or adjusting the radio can divert a driver’s attention from the road. Given the size and weight of tractor-trailers, even a momentary lapse in attention can lead to catastrophic accidents.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
Due to their size, big rigs require more distance and time to stop. When a truck driver is speeding or driving aggressively, they might not be able to avoid a collision in sudden traffic slowdowns or if a hazard appears.
Poor Vehicle Maintenance and Equipment Failure
Big rigs log tens of thousands of miles and require diligent maintenance. If a trucking company or driver neglects inspections and upkeep, critical systems can fail. Blowouts, brake failures, and steering problems are common culprits in truck crashes.
Improper Loading of Cargo
How a trailer is loaded is critical to safe handling. Overloaded trailers or uneven weight distribution can make a truck prone to rollovers or jackknife accidents. If cargo isn’t secured, it might even spill onto the roadway.
How a Memphis Tractor-Trailer Accident Lawyer Can Help
After a tractor-trailer collision, victims often feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. Medical bills, lost wages, and dealing with insurance companies can be stressful and confusing. That’s where a Memphis truck accident lawyer can make a big difference.
An experienced lawyer will handle the legal side of things while you focus on healing. From collecting evidence to negotiating with insurers or taking your case to court, having the right legal help can protect your rights and increase your chances of receiving full compensation.
Gathering Evidence
A Memphis tractor-trailer accident attorney will gather strong evidence to support your case. This includes getting the police report, reviewing accident scene photos, collecting medical records, and speaking with witnesses. Lawyers may also obtain the truck driver’s logs, maintenance records, and data from the truck’s black box. This detailed evidence helps show who was at fault and how the crash impacted your life.
Settlement Negotiation
Most commercial truck crash claims are resolved through a settlement. Insurance companies often try to pay as little as possible, but a Memphis tractor-trailer accident lawyer will fight for the full amount you deserve. Your attorney will calculate your damages, like medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering. Your lawyer can push back against lowball offers and negotiate a fair settlement that reflects the true value of your injuries and losses.
Trial Representation
If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, your lawyer can take the case to court. At trial, your lawyer will present your case to a judge or jury, using evidence and expert testimony to show why you deserve compensation. Trial experience is important in tractor-trailer accident cases because trucking companies often have powerful legal teams. Mogy Law Firm can fight for the justice you deserve.
Compensation for Memphis Tractor-Trailer Accidents
When a tractor-trailer accident happens, the injuries and losses can be overwhelming. Victims are often left with steep medical bills, lost income from being unable to work, and significant emotional trauma. Tractor-trailer crash victims have the right to seek financial compensation, also known as damages.
Medical Bills
One of the biggest concerns after a serious truck accident is the cost of medical care. Medical bills can include emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and ongoing treatment. You can seek compensation to cover all current and future medical expenses from the accident.
Lost Income
When an accident victim is injured, they often need time off work to recover. Some people may not be able to return to work at all if they have permanent disabilities. Lost wages can add to the financial stress during recovery. Truck accident victims can seek compensation for both the wages they’ve already lost and the future earning potential they’ve lost because of their injuries.
Property Damage
A tractor-trailer accident often causes serious damage to vehicles and other personal property. Compensation for property damage covers the cost of repairing or replacing your car and any other belongings damaged in the crash.
Pain and Suffering
Beyond the financial costs, tractor-trailer accidents can cause significant physical pain and emotional distress. These “non-economic” damages, like pain, anxiety, depression, and loss of enjoyment of life, are just as real and deserve compensation.
Punitive Damages
In some cases, a court may award punitive damages in addition to compensation for losses. These are not meant to pay back the victim but to punish the wrongdoer for especially reckless or intentional behavior. For example, if the truck driver was driving under the influence or knowingly violated safety laws, the court might award punitive damages.
Punitive damages in Tennessee are capped at either twice the amount of compensatory damages or $500,000, whichever is greater. The cap on punitive damages doesn’t apply if the at-fault driver was impaired by alcohol or drugs.
Wrongful Death Claim
Tragically, tractor-trailer accidents sometimes result in death. In Tennessee, close family members of the deceased can file a wrongful death claim. This type of claim seeks compensation for funeral and burial costs, the loss of the deceased’s income, and the loss of companionship and support. Although no amount of money can replace a loved one, wrongful death claims aim to ease the financial burden and hold the at-fault party accountable.
Why Choose Mogy Law Firm for Truck Accidents?
Choosing the right Memphis tractor-trailer accident attorney can make a big difference in the outcome of your case. When you choose Mogy Law Firm, you’re choosing an experienced team that will fight tirelessly for your rights.
Experience in Truck Accident Cases
At Mogy Law Firm, we have extensive experience handling tractor-trailer accident claims in Memphis and throughout Tennessee. Our legal team understands the unique challenges of commercial truck crashes. We know how to deal with trucking companies and their insurers. When you work with us, you’re getting the benefit of years of focused legal knowledge and real-world experience.
Track Record of Success
Mogy Law Firm has a proven track record of success. We’ve helped countless accident victims recover the compensation they need for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Our team is known for tough negotiation and strong courtroom representation, which often leads to favorable settlements and verdicts. We fight hard for our clients because we know what’s at stake, and we’re committed to getting results.
Client-Focused Approach
What truly sets us apart is our client-focused approach. At Mogy Law Firm, you’re not just another case file. You’re a real person with a story that matters. We take the time to listen, answer your questions, and keep you informed at every step. We understand how stressful this time can be, and we work hard to make the legal process as smooth as possible for you and your family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Is Responsible for Tractor-Trailer Accidents in Memphis, TN?
Several parties can be responsible for a tractor-trailer accident. Most often, the truck driver is to blame if they were speeding, distracted, or otherwise careless. The trucking company can also be liable if the driver was acting in the scope of employment. Trucking companies can also be directly liable if they failed to train drivers properly or didn’t maintain the truck.
Cargo loaders may be at fault if the load was not secured properly, and truck manufacturers or repair shops may be liable if a mechanical failure contributed to the accident. Your lawyer can investigate and determine who is at fault.
How Much Does a Memphis Truck Accident Attorney Cost?
Most Memphis truck accident attorneys, including the team at Mogy Law Firm, work on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay anything upfront. Your lawyer only gets paid if they win your case. Their fee is typically a percentage of the final settlement or award. This allows you to pursue your case without worrying about out-of-pocket legal fees.
How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Lawsuit in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, you generally have one year from the date of the truck accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This is called the “statute of limitations.” If you don’t file your claim in time, you might lose your right to recover compensation. Because gathering evidence and building a case can take time, it’s best to speak with an attorney as soon as possible.
What if I’m Partially At Fault for a Tractor-Trailer Crash in Tennessee?
Tennessee follows a rule called modified comparative negligence. This means that you can still recover damages after a trucking accident, as long as you were less than 50% responsible. However, the amount you can recover will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re found to be 20% at fault, your damages will be reduced by 20%.
Contact a Memphis Tractor-Trailer Accident Attorney Today
If you or someone you love has been injured in a tractor-trailer accident in Memphis, the team at Mogy Law Firm is ready to help. We understand the financial and emotional toll these crashes can cause and are committed to fighting for the compensation you deserve. Let us handle the legal work while you focus on healing.
Call (414) 334-5472 or complete our online contact form for a free consultation!
