Losing a loved one in a fatal truck accident is devastating. The sudden loss, financial burden, and emotional toll can be overwhelming for families left behind. While no legal action can undo the tragedy, a wrongful death claim can provide financial stability and hold negligent trucking companies accountable.
At the Law Office of Eric Beasley, we understand the pain and uncertainty families face after a fatal truck crash. Our Nashville wrongful death lawyer has fought for families throughout Middle Tennessee, ensuring they get the justice, accountability, and financial compensation they deserve. If you lost a loved one in a Tennessee truck accident, you have legal rights, and we are here to guide you through the process.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim After a Fatal Truck Accident?
In Tennessee, only certain family members or representatives can file a wrongful death claim. According to Tennessee Code § 20-5-106, the right to file a claim follows a specific legal order:
- The surviving spouse has the first right to file.
- If there is no surviving spouse, the deceased’s children (or next of kin) may file the claim.
- If the deceased had no spouse or children, the deceased’s parents can bring the claim.
- If none of the above are available, the personal representative of the deceased’s estate may file on behalf of the family.
- In rare cases, a dependent relative, such as a legally dependent sibling, may have standing.
A wrongful death claim allows eligible family members to seek compensation for the financial and emotional impact of their loved one’s passing. This may include:
- Medical expenses related to the accident
- Funeral and burial costs
- Lost wages and future income
- Loss of companionship and emotional suffering
It’s important to act quickly after a fatal truck accident because Tennessee law imposes a one-year statute of limitations for wrongful death claims, meaning families have only one year from the date of death to take legal action. Trucking companies and their insurers will aggressively defend these cases, making it critical to have an experienced wrongful death attorney fighting for your family’s rights.
Why Are Wrongful Death Claims for Truck Accidents More Complicated?
Fatal truck accidents aren’t like typical car crashes. Because commercial trucking companies, insurance providers, and federal regulations are involved, wrongful death claims after a truck accident are often far more complex than other cases.
Here’s why:
Multiple Liable Parties
In a wrongful death claim, liability isn’t always limited to the truck driver. Depending on the cause of the crash, several parties may be responsible, including:
- The trucking company for failing to enforce safety policies
- The cargo loader if improper loading contributed to the crash
- The truck manufacturer if defective parts played a role
Each party may have different insurance providers, making the legal process more difficult to navigate.
Trucking Companies and Their Legal Teams
Trucking companies and their insurers have teams of lawyers working to minimize payouts in wrongful death cases. They may:
- Try to shift blame onto the victim
- Delay investigations to avoid liability
- Offer low settlements before families understand the full impact of their loss
An experienced Tennessee wrongful death attorney can protect your rights and ensure trucking companies are held accountable.
Federal Regulations and Industry Standards
Unlike regular drivers, truckers must follow strict federal and state regulations, including:
- Hours-of-service rules to prevent fatigued driving
- Weight limits to prevent overloaded trucks
- Maintenance requirements to ensure safe vehicles
When these rules are violated, it can strengthen a wrongful death case by proving negligence – but gathering this evidence requires thorough legal investigation.
The High Value of Truck Accident Wrongful Death Cases
Because commercial trucks are heavily insured, wrongful death claims often involve significant compensation – but insurance companies will fight hard to reduce what they pay. Having a lawyer who knows how to negotiate aggressively is critical to ensuring families aren’t left with financial burdens after losing a loved one.
Get the Justice Your Family Deserves After a Fatal Truck Accident
Losing a loved one in a truck accident is a devastating experience, and no amount of compensation can ever replace them. However, holding negligent trucking companies and reckless drivers accountable can provide financial security for your family and help prevent similar tragedies in the future.
At the Law Office of Eric Beasley, we have a proven track record of fighting for Tennessee families who have lost loved ones due to negligence. Our firm has secured millions of dollars in wrongful death settlements and verdicts, including:
- $3.6 million – Trial verdict in a wrongful death claim.
- $3.5 million – Post-verdict settlement for a fatal motor vehicle collision involving a construction vehicle.
- $2.5 million – Recovery for a wrongful death pedestrian accident caused by an impaired driver, exceeding state tort law limits.
- $600,000 – Policy limits settlement for a wrongful death automobile collision.
- $450,000 – Pedestrian wrongful death claim involving a food delivery vehicle.
If your family is grieving the wrongful death of a loved one in a Tennessee truck accident, you don’t have to go through this alone. Trucking companies and their insurance providers will fight to minimize your claim, but our team is prepared to fight back.
Let us handle the legal battle while you focus on your family. Contact us today for a free consultation and find out how we can help you seek justice and financial stability after a tragic loss.
"Eric handled our case in a very professional manner. He took the time to understand every piece of information about the case in order to achieve the best possible outcome." — Stuart B., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐