Goodlettsville Truck Accident Lawyer
An experienced Tennessee attorney can help you get justice
When a truck accident turns your life upside down, you need someone who will stand up for your rights. At The Law Office of Eric Beasley, we’ve spent over 20 years fighting for truck accident victims in Goodlettsville and across Tennessee.
Truck drivers and the companies they work for are expected to operate safely. But sometimes, they fail to do so and their negligence often results in serious and fatal truck accidents. We’ve seen the physical, emotional, and financial toll these accidents take on individuals and families. We’re committed to fighting back. From catastrophic injuries to wrongful death claims, we have a proven track record of bringing justice and financial relief to those in need.
When you work with an experienced Goodlettsville truck accident lawyer at The Law Office of Eric Beasley, you get an advocate who can thoroughly investigate your crash and build a strong case for your recovery. You won’t face this uphill battle alone – we’re ready to take on the insurance companies and fight for what’s right.
Your next steps can shape the outcome of your case, so contact us online or call our Goodlettsville law office today to schedule a free consultation. Our legal team can help you explore your options and answer any questions you have.
“I couldn't recommend Mr Beasley and his office enough, they made the entire process start to finish as easy as possible with thorough communication making sure I understood everything taking place.” – Nate M., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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FAQs About Goodlettsville Truck Accidents
We've compiled answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about truck accidents:
- What are the most common causes of truck accidents?
- What makes truck accidents different from car accidents?
- Who can be held liable for a truck accident?
- How is fault determined in a truck accident?
- What should I do immediately after a truck accident in Goodlettsville?
- How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in Tennessee?
- What damages can I recover after a truck accident?
- What if the truck driver denies fault for the accident?
- What if the truck driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol?
- How do federal trucking regulations affect my case?
- Can I still file a claim if I was partially at fault for the accident?
- How much is my truck accident case worth?
- Do truck accidents usually go to court, or can they be settled?
- What if I lost a loved one in a fatal truck accident?
What are the most common causes of truck accidents?
Truck accidents often result from driver error, vehicle defects, or unsafe road conditions. Driver-related causes include distracted driving, speeding, fatigue, or impaired driving due to drugs or alcohol. Fatigue is particularly common in truck drivers who exceed hours-of-service regulations.
Mechanical issues often include brake failures, tire blowouts, or improper maintenance and contribute to many truck crashes. Overloaded or improperly loaded cargo can shift during transit, which makes trucks harder to control and often leads to rollovers and jackknife truck accidents.
No matter how the crash occurred, a Goodlettsville truck accident attorney at the Law Office of Eric Beasley can investigate your case to determine what factors contributed to the crash and who should be held accountable.
What makes truck accidents different from car accidents?
Truck accidents differ from car accidents due to the size and weight of commercial trucks, which can cause severe damage and catastrophic injuries. Trucks often weigh 20 to 30 times more than passenger vehicles. Their size and weight alone can cause greater impact during collisions.
Additionally, their large size creates blind spots, which makes it harder for drivers to see surrounding vehicles.
Unlike passenger vehicle drivers, trucking companies and drivers must follow federal regulations, including hours-of-service limits, weight restrictions, and maintenance requirements. Truck accident claims also often involve multiple parties, such as the truck driver, trucking company, vehicle manufacturer, or maintenance provider.
The stakes are typically higher because of the severe injuries and significant damages involved. A Goodlettsville truck accident lawyer understands these differences and can help ensure every responsible party is held accountable for their role in the crash.
Who can be held liable for a truck accident?
Several parties may be held liable for a truck accident, depending on the circumstances. The truck driver is often responsible if their negligence causes a crash. This may be due to speeding, distracted driving, or fatigue.
The trucking company can also share liability. They may be held accountable for hiring unqualified drivers, failing to train employees properly, or ignoring maintenance and safety standards. If a mechanical issue, such as brake failure, caused the accident, the vehicle manufacturer or maintenance provider could be at fault.
Cargo loaders or shippers might bear responsibility if improperly loaded or secured cargo contributed to the crash. Additionally, if hazardous road conditions played a role, a government entity or contractor responsible for road maintenance might be liable.
Determining liability requires a thorough investigation. A Goodlettsville truck accident lawyer can review the evidence, identify all responsible parties, and pursue compensation from each to ensure you receive what you deserve.
How is fault determined in a truck accident?
To establish fault in a truck accident case, you must prove that the at-fault party had a duty of care to uphold and breached their duty of care due to negligence. You must also prove that the breach of duty caused the truck accident, and as a result, you suffered injuries and losses.
Fault in a truck accident is determined by examining evidence to understand what caused the crash. An experienced Goodlettsville truck accident attorney can review police reports, eyewitness accounts, and video footage to identify key details. Additionally, the truck’s electronic logging device (ELD) and black box data can reveal whether the driver exceeded hours-of-service limits or made sudden maneuvers.
Our legal team may also call upon a truck accident reconstruction expert to analyze skid marks, vehicle damage, and road conditions to recreate the sequence of events leading to the crash. Maintenance records and inspection reports can show if mechanical failures, such as brake issues or tire blowouts, contributed to the crash.
What should I do immediately after a truck accident in Goodlettsville?
If you’ve been in a truck accident, follow these steps to protect your health and legal rights:
- Check for injuries and call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance if needed.
- Call the police and wait for a law enforcement officer to arrive and analyze the crash scene.
- Document the crash scene by taking photos of vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
- Exchange contact information with the truck driver, including their name, employer, insurance details, and license plate number.
- Collect contact information from witnesses who saw the truck accident.
- Seek a medical evaluation even if you feel fine, as some injuries may not show symptoms immediately.
- Notify your insurance company of the truck accident, but avoid discussing fault, as these statements could be used against you later.
- Get legal help from a Goodlettsville truck accident lawyer promptly to guide you through the claims process, gather evidence, and help you seek fair compensation.
How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, you typically have one year from the date of the truck accident to file a personal injury claim. This time frame is known as the statute of limitations. It applies to cases involving injuries, property damage, and wrongful death.
While one year may seem like enough time, it’s important to act quickly. Gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing trucking records can take time. Additionally, delays may result in lost or destroyed evidence, making it harder to build a strong case.
If you fail to file within the one-year window, the court will likely dismiss your claim, and you’ll lose your chance to recover compensation. An attorney at the Law Office of Eric Beasley can handle deadlines and other legal requirements to ensure your claim goes smoothly.
What damages can I recover after a truck accident?
After a truck accident, you may recover compensation for both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages include measurable financial losses, such as:
- Medical expenses: Emergency care, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and future medical costs.
- Lost wages: Income lost while recovering from your injuries.
- Property damage: The cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle and other personal belongings.
Non-economic damages address the personal impact of the accident, such as:
- Pain and suffering: Physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
- Loss of enjoyment: Inability to engage in hobbies, activities, or a normal quality of life.
- Loss of consortium: Impact on relationships with family members.
A Goodlettsville truck accident lawyer can evaluate your case, calculate your damages, and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
What if the truck driver denies fault for the accident?
If the truck driver denies fault for the crash, don’t worry. It’s common for drivers and their companies to avoid responsibility. The key is to gather strong evidence that supports your version of events.
Start by ensuring you have a police report, which often includes an officer’s assessment of fault. Witness statements and photos of the accident scene can also help establish what happened. If available, video footage from traffic or dash cameras can provide undeniable proof.
A Goodlettsville truck accident lawyer will further investigate the case by reviewing black box data, maintenance records, and driver logs to uncover any violations or negligence.
What if the truck driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol?
If the truck driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they may face serious legal consequences, and you have a strong case for compensation. Driving while impaired is a clear violation of both state laws and federal trucking regulations.
Evidence such as police reports, toxicology tests, and witness statements can prove the driver’s impairment at the time of the crash. In addition to holding the driver accountable, a Goodlettsville truck accident lawyer can investigate the trucking company’s role. If the company failed to conduct proper background checks, drug testing, or enforce safety protocols, they could share liability.
How do federal trucking regulations affect my case?
Federal trucking regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) govern areas such as driver hours-of-service limits, truck maintenance requirements, cargo securement, and drug and alcohol testing.
Violations of these regulations often point to negligence. For example, if a driver exceeded hours-of-service limits and caused a crash due to fatigue, that violation could strengthen your claim. Similarly, a trucking company could be found negligent for poor maintenance or improperly loaded cargo.
An attorney at The Law Office of Eric Beasley can review the driver’s logs, black box data, maintenance records, and other documentation to determine if regulations were not followed.
Can I still file a claim if I was partially at fault for the accident?
You can still file a claim even if you were partially at fault for a truck accident, thanks to Tennessee’s modified comparative negligence rule. Under this law, you can recover compensation as long as your fault is less than 50%. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if you were awarded $100,000 in damages but found to be 5% at fault, your compensation would be reduced to $95,000. If your percentage fault is 50% or higher, you can’t recover compensation.
Determining fault can be subjective, and insurance companies often try to assign more blame to reduce payouts. A Goodlettsville truck accident lawyer can carefully review the evidence, challenge unfair fault claims, and advocate for the compensation you deserve.
How much is my truck accident case worth?
The value of a truck accident case depends on the severity of your injuries, the extent of your financial losses, and the impact on your life. It’s important to be patient when seeking compensation after a truck accident. Insurance companies may try to offer a quick lowball settlement to keep their costs down and close out your case as soon as possible.
A Goodlettsville truck accident lawyer can evaluate your unique situation and calculate the full extent of your damages up until you reach maximum medical improvement. They’ll negotiate with insurance companies and, if necessary, pursue legal action to ensure you receive fair compensation for your losses.
Do truck accidents usually go to court, or can they be settled?
Most truck accident cases are resolved through settlements rather than going to court. Insurance companies and trucking companies often prefer to avoid the costs and uncertainties of a trial. A settlement allows both parties to reach an agreement on compensation without involving a judge or jury.
However, some cases do go to court, especially when liability is heavily disputed or the settlement offer is far below the value of the claim. Trials can provide an opportunity to present your case in full and potentially secure higher compensation, but they also take more time.
The Law Office of Eric Beasley will first negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf. If the other side refuses to offer reasonable compensation, we can take your case to court and present a compelling argument for maximum recovery.
What if I lost a loved one in a fatal truck accident?
If you lost a loved one in a fatal truck accident, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim to seek justice and financial compensation. Wrongful death claims help families recover damages for the emotional and financial toll of their loss.
Compensation may cover funeral and burial expenses, medical bills incurred before your loved one’s passing, lost income and future financial support, and non-economic damages such as loss of companionship and emotional suffering.
While no amount of money can replace your loved one, pursuing a wrongful death claim can provide financial security and hold negligent parties accountable for their actions. To be eligible to file a wrongful death claim in Tennessee, you must be the deceased person’s surviving spouse, child, or parent. If no such relatives are available, a personal representative or sibling may be able to file a claim.
A Goodlettsville truck accident lawyer can help
A Goodlettsville truck accident lawyer be your strongest advocate after a collision, handling the legal details while you focus on recovery. We’ll launch a thorough investigation into your truck accident to determine what caused the crash and who is responsible.
When the insurance companies and trucking companies try to keep their costs down, we’ll be ready to counter their tactics and fight for a fair settlement that reflects the full extent of your damages. Worried about the cost of hiring an attorney? When you work with the Law Office of Eric Beasley, there are no upfront or hidden costs. We operate on a contingency fee basis and only get paid if you get the best possible case outcome.
If you’ve been hurt in a truck accident in Goodlettsville, don’t wait to get the answers you need. At The Law Office of Eric Beasley, we offer a free consultation to help you understand your legal options and take the next steps toward recovering compensation. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and speak directly with a trusted attorney.