Knoxville Truck Accident Attorneys
Trucking companies are notorious for trying to dodge liability in collisions. Don’t let them evade responsibility – let our Knoxville personal injury lawyers hold them accountable and obtain the compensation you need.
The truck accident team at Hotz & Associates, P.C. has the experience and resources to take on even the biggest trucking companies, and we’ll fight tirelessly to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us online or call (865) 582-0042 today to schedule your free no-obligation consultation.
Steps to take after being hurt in a truck crash
The immediate aftermath of a truck accident can be overwhelming. Still, those moments are critical for your health and safety if you ultimately decide to pursue a personal injury claim. The following steps can help protect yourself and your rights if you’re involved in a truck accident.
If you have been involved in a truck accident, there are certain steps you can take to protect your rights and ensure that you are fairly compensated for your injuries.
- Gather evidence at the accident scene – Take pictures of your injuries and damage to both vehicles. If you can, speak with witnesses and get their contact information so that they can provide statements later on.
- Do not admit fault – Even if you think you may have been at fault, do not admit to anything. Wait until the police have completed their investigation before making any statements. Also avoid saying things like “I’m sorry” or “I didn’t mean to.”
- Seek medical attention – It is important to seek medical attention if you are injured in a truck accident. Keep in mind that many injuries, such as whiplash, may not be immediately apparent and can worsen over time.
- Keep track of all expenses related to the accident – This includes medical bills, property damage, and lost wages.
- Never accept the first offer from the insurance company – The insurance company will likely “offer” you a much lower settlement than what you are owed. Speak with an attorney to better understand how much money you should be seeking.
- Contact an attorney – A qualified truck accident lawyer will be able to advise you of your legal rights and help you file a compensation claim.
How much does it cost to hire a truck accident lawyer in Knoxville?
Hotz & Associates works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe nothing unless and until we win your case. If we win, we’ll be paid a predetermined percentage of the settlement or verdict award you receive.
At Hotz & Associates, P.C., we understand that hiring a truck accident lawyer is an essential consideration for someone injured in a truck accident. That’s why we offer our prospective clients a free consultation with our personal injury lawyers in Knoxville, where you can learn more about your case and the potential legal options available.
Make sure you meet the deadline to file a claim
It’s important to remember that there’s a deadline for filing a claim called the statute of limitations. You have one year from the accident date in Tennessee to file your claim. If you fail to file your claim by this deadline, you may not be able to receive compensation.
Consulting with a personal injury lawyer in Knoxville as soon as possible is the best way to ensure you don’t lose your chance to recover compensation for your losses. It will also allow them ample time to file the necessary paperwork, gather evidence, and build a successful case.
Possible damages you can claim in a Knoxville truck accident case
Truck accident compensation is usually classified into economic and non-economic damages. The types of damages you can claim will depend on the specific details of your case, including the severity of your injuries and the amount of negligence displayed by the responsible parties.
Economic damages
Economic damages are tangible financial losses that can be easily quantified. They include:
- Medical costs: Past and future medical expenses like emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgery, physical therapy, and medication.
- Lost income: This can include wages, commissions, bonuses, and benefits.
- Property damage: This includes the cost of repairing or replacing damaged property like cars, homes, or businesses.
- Loss of earning capacity: This is awarded when the victim’s injuries have made them unable to work in the future.
- Rental car costs: This is awarded when the victim has to rent a car while their own is being repaired.
Non-economic damages
Non-economic damages are often more challenging to quantify. They include:
- Pain and suffering: This includes the physical and emotional pain caused by the accident.
- Mental anguish: This includes the psychological distress caused by the accident, such as fear, anxiety, and depression.
- Loss of consortium: This includes losing the benefits of a married relationship, such as companionship, sexual relations, and support.
- Physical disfigurement and impairment: This includes any bodily injuries that have resulted in a permanent change in appearance or reduced ability to function.
- Lowered quality of life: This includes any adverse changes in the victim’s life that are not caused by physical injuries, such as being unable to enjoy favorite activities or losing independence.
Regarding truck accident damages, economic damages are usually easier to quantify than non-economic damages; a paper trail of medical bills and income statements can be used as evidence. However, non-economic damages can be more complicated to prove, so you’ll need your attorney’s in-depth knowledge of the law and expert witnesses’ testimony.
We fight trucking insurance companies to get you maximum compensation
Trucking companies carry high-limit insurance policies to cover the costs of accidents they cause. As you can imagine, insurance companies aren’t eager to pay out large settlements, and they’ll do whatever they can to reduce their liability and pay out the smallest amount possible.
That’s why it’s vital to have an experienced truck accident lawyer on your side. At Hotz & Associates, P.C., we understand the tactics used by insurance companies and will fight to get you the maximum compensation for your damages. Our Knoxville truck accident attorneys have a proven track record of success in getting trucking companies to pay up, and we’re prepared to do the same for you.
Who all may be liable in my Knoxville truck accident?
All personal injury cases are based on the legal concept of negligence. This means someone must have acted recklessly or carelessly and caused the accident. While the negligent party is often the truck driver, others may be liable for the crash.
In some cases, the trucking company may be liable for failing to maintain their vehicles properly, for not providing adequate training, or for failing to allow their drivers breaks, forcing them to drive tired and fatigued. The manufacturer of the vehicle or a defective part installed on it may also be to blame for the accident if their product is found to be faulty. Additionally, the shipper or loader of the cargo may be liable if they fail to secure the load properly.
Pursuing a claim for maximum compensation involves determining who is at fault and holding them accountable. Our experienced truck accident attorneys have the knowledge and resources to investigate and identify all potentially liable parties thoroughly.
How our Knoxville truck accident attorneys can help you
The truck accident team at Hotz & Associates, P.C. has the experience and resources necessary to get you the best possible outcome in your case. Once you contact us for help, we will:
- Give you a free consultation and assess your case at no cost
- Help you find medical assistance if needed and obtain all medical records relevant to your case
- Gather relevant evidence before it disappears
- Handle all communication with the insurance company
- File a lawsuit on your behalf if necessary
- Aggressively negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company
We will involve you in the negotiation process so that you can make the best decisions for your case. We’re prepared to take your case to trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
Time is of the essence in any personal injury case, so if you’ve been injured in a truck accident, don’t wait to contact a Knoxville truck accident attorney. The sooner we can get started on your case, the better your chances are of getting the compensation you deserve.
You can contact our personal injury lawyer in Knoxville for a free consultation right here and right now on this website. Email us, use our online form, or call us at 865-582-0042. We’ll explain your rights and begin working for you within 24 hours — guaranteed!
We will even come to your home, office, or the hospital anywhere in the greater Knoxville, Tennessee area. There’s no cost to contact us (consultations are free), so don’t wait! Who knows how much one e-mail or phone call could save you? With our experienced car accident lawyers on your side, you can focus on recuperating while we handle the legal legwork.
What is the truck’s “black box” and what does it track?
Trucking companies must install electronic devices called “black boxes” in their vehicles. These devices, “electronic logging devices,” track various information about the truck, including speed, braking, and steering. This information can be critical in determining who’s at fault in a truck accident.
Why commercial truck black boxes are crucial for tractor-trailer accident victims
Evidence from a commercial truck’s black box can be critical in determining who is at fault in a tractor-trailer accident.
Investigators will review:
- The speed of the truck at the time of the accident
- The distance the truck was from the point of impact
- The braking and turning patterns of the truck leading up to the accident
- Driver behaviors in the moments leading up to the crash
- The hours of service for the driver at the time of the accident
- The weight of the truck and its cargo
If a commercial truck doesn’t have a black box, it can be difficult to prove who is at fault in an accident. The driver or the trucking company can easily deny any responsibility for the crash, and holding them accountable can be hard.
For this reason, it’s important to have an attorney who can access and interpret the data from a commercial truck’s black box. They can use this information to help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Common causes of truck accidents
One of the most common causes of truck accidents is driver error. This can include things like speeding, running a red light, illegal maneuvers, or driving while drunk, tired, or distracted.
Other common causes include mechanical failures or faulty truck equipment like defective brakes or tires, often resulting from poor maintenance. Cargo that isn’t properly secured can also cause accidents, especially when the truck is driving at high speeds. Road conditions can also play a role in truck accidents.
For example, icy roads can make it difficult for trucks to stop quickly, or they might lose control when turning.
Common types of truck accident injuries
When you’re involved in a truck accident, you can suffer a wide range of injuries. These can be classified as either major injuries or minor injuries.
Major injuries
Injuries that can lead to long-term disability or even death often result from truck accidents due to the sheer size of semi-trucks and the force of their impact. Examples of major injuries often arising from truck accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal injuries
- Burns
Minor injuries
These are injuries that typically don’t require hospitalization and may heal without extensive medical treatment. Some common minor injuries include:
- Whiplash
- Concussions
- Lacerations
- Torn ligaments
- Muscle strains
Even if your injuries seem minor, consider seeking medical attention. Many minor injuries can become major ones if not treated properly.
Hurt in a crash with a semi-truck? We’re ready to help
We’ve seen all types of truck accidents and the devastation they can cause. That’s why we’re passionate about fighting for the rights of those who have been injured in a truck accident.
At Hotz & Associates, P.C., we’re dedicated to advocating for our clients so they receive the maximum amount of compensation possible to allow them to get back on their feet. We achieve this by utilizing our vast resources and experience as a truck accident law firm. We can take on even the largest trucking companies, and we won’t rest until you receive the justice you deserve.
Frequently asked questions about truck accidents in Knoxville
What can I do to protect my rights after a truck accident?
- Do not admit fault. Do not admit to anything even if you think you may have been at fault. Wait until the police have completed their investigation before making any statements. Also, avoid saying “I’m sorry” or “I didn’t mean to.”
- Keep track of all expenses related to the accident. This includes medical bills, property damage, and lost wages.
- Never accept the first offer from the insurance company. The insurance company will likely offer you a much lower settlement than you are owed. Speak with an attorney to better understand how much money you should seek.
- Contact an attorney. A qualified truck accident lawyer can advise you of your legal rights and help you file a compensation claim.
What should I do if someone from the trucking company calls me before I hire a truck accident lawyer?
If the other driver’s insurance company contacts you before you have had a chance to hire a lawyer, it is important to remember that you do not have to speak with them. You should politely tell the representative that you are in the process of finding a lawyer and will get back to them as soon as possible.
Remember that anything you say can be used against you, so it is important to speak with an attorney before you say anything to the insurance company. The insurance company is not on your side and will only be looking out for their interests. Do not speak with them without your lawyer present.
Trucking insurance companies are notorious for bullying accident victims into accepting a settlement before they can fully assess their case. However, you are not obligated to accept any offer from the insurance company.
HOW CAN WE HELP?
You can contact The Car Wreck Lawyers at Hotz and Associates for a free consultation.
