Trucking Company Negligence Lawyers in Memphis
While large commercial trucks are essential for transporting goods across Tennessee and the country, they also pose serious dangers when not operated or maintained safely. Trucking company negligence can lead to catastrophic accidents.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a truck crash, you deserve an experienced Memphis truck accident lawyer on your side. At Mogy Law Firm, we are dedicated to holding negligent trucking companies accountable and pursuing the full compensation clients deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
What Is Trucking Company Negligence?
Trucking company negligence occurs when a commercial trucking company fails to follow safety regulations or acts carelessly in a way that puts other people at risk. Trucking companies are responsible for ensuring that drivers are trained and that vehicles are safe to drive. They must also follow state laws and federal trucking regulations.
When truck companies cut corners or ignore rules to save time or money, it can lead to serious accidents with major injuries and even fatalities. Victims of these crashes often suffer from long-term physical, emotional, and financial hardships.
Identifying the trucking company’s role in causing a crash is a crucial part of any legal case, and Mogy Law Firm is here to uncover the truth and fight for you every step of the way.
Examples of Truck Company Negligence
There are many ways that trucking companies can be negligent, either directly through their actions or indirectly through poor oversight. Below are some of the most common types of trucking company negligence we see in cases across Memphis and the surrounding areas.
Driver Fatigue and Hours-of-Service Violations
Truck drivers are subject to strict regulations about how long they can drive without taking a break. These are known as Hours-of-Service (HOS) rules, and they exist to prevent fatigue-related accidents.
However, some trucking companies encourage or pressure their drivers to exceed these limits to meet tight delivery deadlines. This can lead to drowsy driving, delayed reaction times, and deadly collisions. When companies ignore HOS rules, they are putting profits ahead of public safety.
Poor Truck Maintenance
Trucking companies are legally required to maintain their vehicles in a roadworthy, safe condition. This includes regular inspections, repairs, and part replacements. When companies neglect maintenance, essential parts like brakes, tires, and steering systems can fail. A mechanical failure on a busy road or highway can have disastrous consequences.
Negligent Hiring and Training of Drivers
Trucking companies must hire qualified drivers who are capable of safely operating large commercial vehicles. They should thoroughly vet applicants’ driving records, backgrounds, and qualifications. Unfortunately, some companies fail to perform proper checks or rush the hiring process, putting inexperienced or dangerous drivers behind the wheel.
Examples of negligent hiring or training include:
- Hiring drivers with a history of DUIs or reckless driving
- Failing to conduct drug and alcohol testing
- Failing to perform background checks
- Providing little or no safety training
- Allowing unqualified drivers to operate hazardous cargo vehicles
Negligent Supervision of Truck Drivers
Even after hiring a driver, a trucking company is responsible for supervising their behavior and performance. When companies turn a blind eye to unsafe practices, they share in the liability for any accidents that occur. Ongoing oversight is a critical part of maintaining safety on the road.
Examples of negligent supervision include:
- Ignoring reports of reckless driving or safety violations
- Failing to conduct routine performance reviews
- Allowing drivers to continue working despite repeated infractions
- Not tracking HOS logs for compliance
- Permitting continued driving after failed drug tests
Overloaded or Improperly Loaded Cargo
How a truck is loaded can significantly affect its handling and safety. Trucking companies must follow strict rules about weight limits and securement. Overloaded trucks or uneven cargo distribution can make vehicles more difficult to control, especially at high speeds or around curves. Improperly secured cargo can also fall off the truck, creating hazards for other drivers.
How a Memphis Truck Company Negligence Lawyer Can Help
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, you may be facing a long recovery, rising medical bills, and uncertainty about your future. You don’t have to face this alone. A skilled truck accident attorney can help protect your rights and pursue the compensation you need to move forward.
Gathering Evidence
Trucking companies and their insurers often move quickly to protect themselves after an accident. That’s why it’s so important to have a legal team that can act just as fast. At Mogy Law Firm, we launch a thorough investigation into the crash right away. We request records, analyze the police report, and speak with witnesses to build a strong case.
Settlement Negotiation With Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts to accident victims, even when the trucking company is clearly at fault. They may offer a quick settlement that doesn’t come close to covering your full losses. Our experienced lawyers know these tactics and are skilled negotiators. We fight for fair compensation that includes not only your medical bills and lost wages but also your pain and suffering, emotional distress, and future care needs.
Representation in a Lawsuit
If a fair settlement cannot be reached, our team is fully prepared to take your case to court. We build a compelling case and represent you through every stage of the legal process. Trucking companies often have aggressive legal teams, but you’ll have experienced, dedicated advocates on your side when you choose Mogy Law Firm.
Responsibilities of Truck Companies
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets national safety regulations that every trucking company must follow. A truck company that violates these rules can be held liable for accidents.
A trucking company must make sure its drivers are qualified, trained, and operating within the law. This includes reviewing driving records, performing background checks, administering drug and alcohol testing, and ensuring drivers understand and follow Hours-of-Service rules. Beyond hiring practices, companies must continue to monitor truck drivers to ensure they remain safe and responsible behind the wheel.
Trucking companies must also maintain their vehicles in a safe and roadworthy condition. This involves scheduling routine inspections, keeping maintenance logs, and addressing any mechanical issues as soon as they are identified. Failure to maintain a truck can lead to dangerous equipment failures that put everyone on the road at risk. Companies are also responsible for ensuring that cargo is loaded properly and does not exceed legal weight limits.
Proving Trucking Company Negligence
Proving that a trucking company was negligent can be complex, but it is essential to a successful legal claim. This is where a knowledgeable Memphis truck accident lawyer becomes crucial.
To build a strong case, your attorney will gather evidence that may include:
- Driver logbooks and Hours-of-Service records
- Maintenance and inspection reports
- Black box data from the truck
- Company policies and training materials
- Driver qualification files
- Surveillance or dashcam footage
- Police reports and accident scene photos
- Eyewitness statements
This evidence helps demonstrate that the trucking company’s actions or inaction led to the crash. The legal team at Mogy Law Firm knows how to uncover this critical information and present it effectively in court or during settlement negotiations.
Compensation in Truck Company Negligence Cases
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident caused by a negligent trucking company, you may be entitled to significant compensation. These crashes often result in serious injuries, long-term disabilities, and emotional trauma.
Whether you’re recovering from injuries or grieving the loss of a loved one, understanding the types of compensation available is an important step in the legal process.
Damages for Truck Accident Injuries
Truck accident victims can file a personal injury claim to seek compensation for the losses they’ve suffered. Damages may cover both economic losses (those with a clear dollar amount) and non-economic losses (those related to pain and suffering).
Damages in a truck accident injury claim may include:
- Medical expenses (past, current, and future)
- Lost wages and loss of future earning potential
- Property damage (such as vehicle repairs or replacement)
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and trauma
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Long-term disability or impairment
- Punitive damages (if the defendant’s behavior was intentional or reckless)
Wrongful Death Claims
When a trucking company’s negligence results in a fatal accident, the surviving family members can pursue a wrongful death lawsuit. In Tennessee, these claims can typically be brought by the surviving spouse, children, or parents of the deceased, or by the personal representative of the estate.
While no amount of money can ever replace a lost loved one, a wrongful death claim can ease the family’s financial burdens and hold the trucking company accountable.
Damages in a wrongful death case may include:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Medical expenses related to the deceased’s final injury
- Loss of the deceased’s expected income and benefits
- Loss of companionship, love, and support
- Mental anguish of surviving family members
- Loss of parental guidance (if the deceased had minor children)
- Punitive damages (cases of gross negligence)
Contact Mogy Law Firm Today
Trucking company negligence can change lives in an instant. If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one in a truck accident caused by a company’s carelessness, don’t wait to get legal help. The sooner you reach out, the better your chances of recovering the evidence needed to build a strong case.
At Mogy Law Firm, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that these accidents can take. That’s why we offer compassionate support, personalized legal strategies, and a relentless pursuit of justice for every client. Let us handle the legal burden so you can focus on healing and moving forward.
Call (414) 334-5472 or complete our contact form today for a free consultation. We’re ready to listen to your story, answer your questions, and fight for the justice you deserve.
