The Law Offices of Ogle, Elrod & Baril, PLLC represent Tennessee motorists who suffered physical injuries and financial losses after a truck accident. Accidents involving commercial trucks may have complications, but we do not back down from difficult cases.
We can help you pursue compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other out-of-pocket expenses. If you want a truck accident lawyer in Tennessee who will work hard to get you the compensation you deserve, call 865-546-1111 for a free case review.
Investigating Your Truck Accident Case
Our legal team will conduct a thorough investigation of the accident and build a solid case that establishes fault and liability.
We understand the complexities of truck accident cases, which is why we secure evidence that stands up to the scrutiny of liable parties and insurance companies.
During our investigation, we may collect such evidence as:
- Medical records that document your injury
- A police report
- Photographs of the damaged vehicles
- Photographs of the accident scene
- Eyewitness statements
- Traffic camera or surveillance video of the crash
Depending on the circumstances of the truck accident, we may ask for opinions or reports from accident reconstruction specialists, medial professionals, and other experts.
If you need legal help following a truck accident, contact a truck accident lawyer in Tennessee at 865-546-1111.
Securing Evidence From the Trucking Company
We may collect information from the company that owned the truck that hit your vehicle. We would send a letter requesting that the trucking company preserve and send us documents related to the accident.
The requested information may include:
- The truck driver’s daily logs (including driving times and resting times).
- The truck driver’s personnel record.
- Results from the truck driver’s alcohol and drug tests.
- Inspection, maintenance, and repair records for the truck.
- Data from on-board electronic logging devices.
Our letter also puts the trucking company on notice of our intention to file an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit over the truck accident.
Filing a Third-Party Claim
A third party may have, in some way, contributed to your truck accident. If so, we can file a third-party claim with the insurance company of an individual motorist or a company.
Depending on what we discover in our investigation, we may find the following third parties contributed to the truck accident:
The Trucking Company
A trucking company is often legally responsible for the actions of its employees. We may find that the trucking company hired an unqualified truck driver. Records may also show us that the company failed to perform routine inspection and maintenance on the truck that it owned.
Businesses Associated With the Trucking Company
A company responsible for loading and unloading trucks may be held liable in a truck accident. Improperly loaded cargo and unsecured cargo can shift and cause the truck to rollover or crash.
Truck Part Manufacturers
A defect in the braking system, fuel tank, or other truck components can lead to an accident. Sometimes, a truck manufacturer can be held liable if a recalled or defective part causes an accident.
Passenger Vehicle Drivers
Another driver’s action may have caused the truck driver to hit your vehicle. Also, the truck may have been involved in a multiple-vehicle crash and you car was the last one to get hit. You may be able to file a third-party claim with the others drivers’ insurance company.
At the Law Offices of Ogle, Elrod & Baril, PLLC, we identify all parties that may be liable for the damages you suffered from the truck accident.
A Trucking Company’s Defense
We prepare ourselves for the defenses trucking companies and insurance companies put up against claims from our clients. One defense trucking companies use is claiming that the truck driver involved in a crash is an independent contractor and not an employee.
In some cases, an independent contractor can be held responsible for accidents. We will determine whether this applies in your case.
We cover all of the bases so you can pursue compensation from all parties associated with the accident.
Recoverable Damages in a Truck Accident
Auto accidents involving passenger vehicles can cause injuries and significant property damage. Motorists, however, run a higher risk of injury and death when accidents involve commercial trucks. A passenger vehicle is no match for the weight and size of a commercial truck.
As a result, passenger vehicle occupants may sustain numerous damages from a truck accident. Although each case is different, the most common recoverable damages in a Tennessee truck accident include:
Medical Expenses
Medical expenses involve hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, occupational and physical therapy, prescription drug costs, and other expenses. Depending on your injury, you may seek compensation for your future medical needs.
Lost Wages
Lost wages involve the current and future income you will lose because of your inability to work after the truck accident.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering involve the physical, emotional distress, and mental pain and anguish you experienced after the truck accident.
You may be eligible for additional compensation if you suffered a catastrophic injury, such as a paralyzing spinal cord injury or an amputation of a body part. To learn more about recovering compensation for a catastrophic injury, call the Law Offices of Ogle, Elrod & Baril, PLLC at 865-546-1111.
Filings Insurance Claims in a Truck Accident Case
The Law Offices of Ogle, Elrod & Baril, PLLC handle all aspects of the insurance claims process. We can file an insurance claim on your behalf and negotiate a settlement with insurance companies of the parties involved in the accident.
While we are usually successful in settling claims, there are times when a situation calls for filing a personal injury lawsuit against an insurer.
Our firm does not give up. Our goal is to help our clients recover full and fair compensation for their losses from an accident.
Contact A Truck Accident Lawyer in Tennessee Today for a Free Case Review
You have a limited amount of time to file an insurance claim or a lawsuit. So, do not delay. Contact us to schedule a free, no-obligation case review of your truck accident in Tennessee.
Call us now at 865-546-1111.