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Chattanooga 18 Wheeler Accident Attorneys
Protecting Accident Victims in East Tennessee
Truck drivers keep our country moving forward. Whether they go on long hauls across the country or day drives across the state. You will find 18 wheelers from the golden coast of California to the roaring white waters in Chattanooga. Most truckers understand the behemoths they drive and the damage they can do should an accident occur, but accidents can’t be completely erased. When an 18 wheeler causes a wreck, the devastation can be tremendous and the potential cost exponentially high, both in terms of your health and the financial burden.
At Wettermark Keith, we are dedicated to helping victims of 18 wheeler accidents in North Tennessee get the justice and compensation they deserve. Our experienced 18 wheeler accident attorneys offer expert legal representation to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve. Our team is well-versed in handling the complexities of trucking laws and regulations, which is crucial in securing favorable outcomes for our clients.
The Added Dangers of 18 Wheeler Accidents
Accidents involving 18 wheelers present unique dangers that are not typically associated with smaller vehicles. The size and weight of these trucks contribute to the increased risk of severe injuries and fatalities. Understanding these dangers can help you grasp why these cases are so critical.
Factors That Lead to Aggravated Injuries
Size and Weight of the Vehicle: An 18 wheeler can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, which is significantly heavier than standard passenger vehicles. The sheer mass means that even a minor collision can result in catastrophic damage and severe injuries.
Less Reaction Time: Due to their size and weight, 18 wheelers require more time and distance to stop. This reduced reaction time increases the likelihood of accidents, particularly in emergency situations.
Less Maneuverability: The large turning radius and limited maneuverability of 18 wheelers make them less agile compared to smaller vehicles. This can lead to difficulty in avoiding collisions, especially in tight or congested areas.
Common Injuries After an 18 Wheeler Accident
The aftermath of an 18 wheeler accident can involve a range of serious injuries, including:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): These can occur due to violent impacts and can have lasting effects on cognitive and motor functions.
Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis, affecting the victim’s ability to walk or move.
Broken Bones and Fractures: The force of a collision can lead to multiple fractures, which may require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
Internal Injuries: Internal organs can be damaged or ruptured, leading to severe medical conditions that require immediate attention.
Psychological Trauma: Victims may experience PTSD or severe anxiety following a traumatic accident, impacting their quality of life.
Large 18 wheelers make these injuries particularly bad because of the sheer power of the forces involved. With large 18 wheelers, every wreck brings a heightened risk of serious injury or even wrongful death.
Types of Truck Accident Cases
Truck accident cases can vary widely based on the specifics of the incident. Common types of cases include:
Driver Fatigue: Accidents caused by truck drivers operating under fatigue, which is a violation of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations.
Negligence: Cases where the truck driver or trucking company was negligent in their duties, such as failing to maintain the truck or adhere to safety protocols.
Mechanical Failures: Accidents resulting from equipment malfunctions or poor maintenance of the truck.
Load Shifts: Incidents where improperly secured cargo shifts during transit, causing the truck to become unstable and leading to an accident.
Drunk or Impaired Driving: Incidents where the truck driver was operating the vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs, creating highly dangerous conditions on the road.
Reckless Driving: Speeding, aggressive driving, or unsafe lane changes by truck drivers that result in collisions.
What to Do After an 18 Wheeler Accident
If you are involved in an 18 wheeler accident, taking the following steps can help protect your legal rights and strengthen your case:
Your health should be the top priority. Even if you don’t feel injured, some injuries might not be immediately apparent. Get checked by a medical professional to ensure you receive prompt treatment for any potential injuries.
If possible, move to a safe location to avoid further accidents. Turn on your hazard lights and, if the vehicle is operational, move it to the side of the road.
Use your phone or a camera to take detailed photographs of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, and any relevant traffic signs. This documentation can be crucial in proving fault later.
Obtain contact information from anyone who witnessed the accident. Their statements could support your case and provide valuable evidence.
Contact local law enforcement to file a police report. The report will contain an official account of the accident, including statements from involved parties and witnesses, which can be important for your case.
Report the accident to your insurance provider as soon as possible. Provide them with accurate information about the incident to avoid any complications with your claim.
Consult with an experienced truck accident attorney to understand your legal options. An attorney can guide you through the process, help you avoid common pitfalls, and work to ensure you receive fair compensation.
Filing an 18 Wheeler Accident Claim
Filing a claim after a truck accident requires gathering evidence, documenting damages, and negotiating with insurance companies—an overwhelming process to handle on your own, especially after a traumatic accident. With multiple parties often involved in an 18-wheeler wreck, the situation can quickly become confusing, and those responsible may attempt to take advantage of the chaos to offer you a low settlement. An experienced truck accident attorney can help you navigate this complex process, ensuring your voice is heard and that you receive the fair compensation you deserve.
Determining Liability in Your Case
Liability in 18 wheeler accident cases can be complex. It may involve multiple parties, including the truck driver, trucking company, or vehicle manufacturers. Your 18 wheeler crash attorney will investigate the details of your case to identify all liable parties and build a strong case for compensation.
What Compensation Can You Receive?
Victims of 18 wheeler accidents may be entitled to various types of compensation, including:
Medical Expenses: Coverage for current and future medical treatments related to the accident.
Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to the inability to work.
Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress resulting from the accident.
Property Damage: Reimbursement for repairs or replacement of damaged vehicles and personal property.
Punitive Damages: In cases of extreme negligence, additional damages may be awarded to punish the responsible party and deter future misconduct.
Your Wettermark Keith truck accident attorney will carefully evaluate the specifics of your case and provide an estimate of the compensation you may be entitled to. While they can offer guidance based on their experience, it's important to understand that no compensation amount is guaranteed until a final settlement or court decision is reached. However, with our team's expertise and dedication, we will fight to secure the maximum compensation possible for your injuries and losses.
Our 3-Step Process
Connect With Us:
Call our office at (877) 715-9300 or use our online form to arrange a no-cost, no-obligation consultation with our Chattanooga legal team.
We Assess Your Case
In our initial review, our experienced Chattanooga team will analyze the details of your case and map out potential strategies. If you've experienced an injury due to negligence, we’ll assign one of our expert personal injury attorneys to handle your case.
We Defend Your Rights
As one of the Southeast’s top personal injury firms, Wettermark Keith is fully committed to advocating for your rightful compensation and recovery. If an injury has disrupted your life, let our dedicated Chattanooga attorneys seek justice on your behalf.
Frequently Asked Questions
Immediately following an 18 wheeler accident, it's crucial to take specific steps to protect your health and legal rights:
- Seek Medical Attention: Prioritize your health by seeing a medical professional, even if you don’t feel injured. Some injuries might not be immediately visible.
- Ensure Safety: Move to a safe area if you can, activate your hazard lights, and, if possible, relocate your vehicle to the side of the road.
- Document the Scene: Take detailed photos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, and traffic signs. This evidence is crucial for proving fault.
- Collect Witness Information: Gather contact details from witnesses, as their statements can support your case.
- File a Police Report: Report the accident to local law enforcement. The official report will be important for your case and include statements from those involved.
- Notify Your Insurance Company: Inform your insurance provider about the accident promptly, giving accurate details to prevent complications with your claim.
- Contact an Attorney: Consult an experienced truck accident attorney to explore your legal options, navigate the process, and ensure fair compensation.
Liability in an 18 wheeler accident can involve multiple parties. Typically, the truck driver might be held responsible if they were negligent, such as by driving under the influence, speeding, or breaking traffic laws. The trucking company that employs the driver could also be liable, especially if they failed to properly train the driver or if the driver was pressured to violate regulations.
In some cases, liability may extend to the vehicle’s manufacturer if a defect in the truck or its components caused the accident. If the cargo was not properly loaded or secured, the company responsible for handling the cargo might be at fault as well. Maintenance providers might be liable if a mechanical failure due to poor maintenance contributed to the accident. Your attorney will investigate all possible sources of liability to build a comprehensive case.
The time required to settle an 18 wheeler accident claim can vary significantly based on several factors. The complexity of the case plays a major role—cases involving disputed liability or multiple parties often take longer to resolve. The severity of your injuries and the duration of your recovery can also impact the timeline, as settlements are typically based on the full extent of your damages.
Yes, an attorney can provide guidance on your legal rights and help you avoid common pitfalls. They can also alleviate the stress of managing a claim on your own and work to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries, damages, and losses.
Finding a qualified attorney involves several steps. Start by researching local attorneys who specialize in truck accidents and check their reputation through online reviews and client testimonials. Scheduling consultations with potential attorneys can help you assess their experience and expertise, as well as determine if you feel comfortable working with them.
Look for attorneys with a proven track record in handling 18 wheeler accident cases successfully. Referrals from friends, family, or other professionals can also be valuable. Additionally, membership in professional associations, such as the American Association for Justice (AAJ) or the Tennessee Association for Justice (TAJ), can indicate a commitment to maintaining high legal standards and staying updated on relevant developments.
No Recovery, No Fee - Guarantee
At Wettermark Keith in Chattanooga, we understand the devastating impact an 18-wheeler accident can have on your life, and we believe seeking justice shouldn’t come with additional financial stress. That’s why our attorneys operate on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win your case. We take care of all upfront legal fees and costs, and only collect from your settlement or verdict once your case is successfully resolved. If we don’t secure compensation for your injuries, you won’t be charged for our services. This allows you to focus on healing while we fight to get you the justice and compensation you deserve.
How Can a Truck Accident Attorney Help?
The legal system and dealing with insurance companies can be daunting after an 18 wheeler accident. A truck accident attorney can provide invaluable assistance by:
Offering Legal Advice: Guiding you through the legal process and ensuring you understand your rights and options.
Handling Investigations: Conducting thorough investigations to gather evidence and establish liability.
Negotiating Settlements: Engaging with insurance companies and other parties to negotiate fair settlements.
Representing You in Court: Advocating on your behalf in court if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
Call Wettermark Keith Today for Your Free Legal Consultation
If you’ve been involved in an 18 wheeler accident, don’t navigate this challenging time alone. Contact Wettermark Keith for a free legal consultation. Our team is committed to fighting for your rights and ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve. With over 20 years of experience fighting for our clients, we know what it takes to get the compensation you deserve from the insurance companies and the trucking businesses they cover. Call us today to discuss your case and take the first step towards justice.
At Wettermark Keith, our Chattanooga injury attorneys are dedicated to fighting for the rights of accident victims. With a deep understanding of Tennessee law and a commitment to client success, we strive to achieve the best possible outcomes for our clients. Our compassionate approach means we are with you every step of the way, from your initial consultation to the resolution of your case. Let us help you secure the compensation you need to move forward with your life. We have been serving our clients for over 20 years and we’ll use that experience to go to work for you. While most cases end in a settlement, if the insurance companies won’t give you a fair amount we will gladly go to court for you to get you the compensation you need.
Wettermark Keith was extremely professional and helpful. This personal injury law firm helped my husband over 10 years ago when he fell and broke his foot on vacation. I called them first because I liked their TV commercials. They are very nice people and I would call them again if I needed a lawyer.
- Juanita
Law firm Wettermark Keith has exceeded my expectations! I recommend these lawyers to anyone and everyone I come across. Their commitment to their clients is outstanding. Communication is easy. And I got my settlement very fast. I definitely recommend working with Lee Hawker. He is very gracious and kind. He looked out for me and my family and went above and beyond for us. I’m very grateful!
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- Dallas
I had the pleasure of working with Mr. Mark English at Wettermark Keith law firm after my car accident in December 2021. He was very thorough in everything, did a wonderful job of explaining everything that was happening, and was super easy to get in touch with when I needed him. I never had a question that was left unanswered by this lawyer. He's very kind and patient, and he made the personal injury claims process so easy for me. I absolutely recommend him, it was a pleasure working with him!
- Rose
I am so elated that I utilized Mr. Muhammad Abdullah’s services. In the beginning, he told me the compensation that I would receive for my personal injury claim and I actually received more than that! After my car wreck (in my brand-new vehicle), I was actually surprised that I was in the pain that I was in. Mr. Abdullah made sure I saw the necessary people for therapy and worked hard to get me back into my car after the accident. I felt that he was diligent, listened to my concerns, and quickly got me back in my car and compensated! I will be utilizing Mr. Abdullah again and again, anytime I ever have to hire a lawyer.
- Madinah
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