IT'S MORE TO US, IT'S PERSONAL
Chattanooga Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyers
Defending Commercial Vehicle Crash Victims in Tennessee
A fender bender on the highway in Chattanooga ruins your morning and puts a damper on the beautiful Tennessee vista, but an accident involving a large commercial vehicle can destroy much more than that. When large, heavy vehicles collide with passenger cars designed for aerodynamics, the impact can be severe. With crumple zones and lightweight frames, passenger vehicles are no match for the sheer size and weight of trucks, often leading to devastating consequences.
In an instant, lives can be forever changed. Accidents involving large commercial vehicles often result in catastrophic injuries, extensive property damage, and even fatalities. The sheer force of these collisions can leave victims facing long recoveries, mounting medical bills, and emotional trauma, making it critical to understand the risks and know your rights if you're ever involved in such a crash.
The trucking industry is heavily regulated, and the legal framework surrounding commercial vehicle accidents is complex. Wettermark Keith specializes in navigating these complexities to defend the rights of accident victims and secure fair compensation.
What Makes Semi-Truck Accident Cases More Dangerous?
Sharing the road with a large semi-truck can be intimidating due to the massive size and weight of these vehicles—second only to trains. When a semi-truck is involved in an accident, the results are often catastrophic, with significant damage and severe injuries.
Unlike smaller vehicles that might stop after a minor collision, semi-trucks have the momentum to continue moving forward, causing extensive damage. This is why fender benders with these vehicles are rare and why the consequences are so much more severe.
Types of Commercial Vehicles in Tennessee
Commercial vehicles encompass a wide range of vehicles used for business purposes. They can include large semi-trucks for hauling cargo to buses used in large cities and all the many different types of construction vehicles. Common types include:
Semi-Trucks: Large trucks used for transporting goods over long distances.
Delivery Trucks: Smaller trucks that deliver goods locally.
Buses: Used for public transportation or as charter vehicles.
Tow Trucks: Used for towing vehicles that are broken down or involved in accidents.
Construction Vehicles: Such as bulldozers, cranes, and dump trucks, which are often involved in road work or construction projects.
Common Types of Commercial Vehicle Crashes
Accidents involving commercial vehicles create uniquely dangerous situations to be aware of if you are ever placed in a potentially hazardous situation with a commercial vehicle:
Rear-End Collisions: Often caused by the large stopping distance required for trucks.
Jackknife Accidents: When a truck’s trailer swings out to the side, creating a dangerous angle.
Rollover Accidents: Trucks are prone to rollovers, especially when loaded improperly.
Blind Spot Accidents: Due to the large blind spots around commercial trucks, accidents often occur when a driver is not visible.
Head-On Collisions: Involving commercial vehicles can be catastrophic due to the size and weight differential.
What to Do After a Commercial Vehicle Accident in Tennessee
If you are involved in a commercial vehicle accident, taking the right steps can significantly impact the outcome of your case. It starts with making sure your immediate health is taken care of:
Prioritize Safety: First, check yourself and others for injuries. If it's safe, move your vehicle out of traffic to avoid further harm.
Notify Authorities: Call 911 to report the accident. Ensure that both police and medical professionals are on the scene. Request a copy of the police report for your records.
Seek Medical Attention: Even if you don’t feel injured, it’s crucial to see a doctor. Some injuries, such as whiplash or internal trauma, may not show symptoms immediately.
Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident site, vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses and exchange insurance details with the other driver.
Consult an Attorney: Reach out to a Wettermark Keith Chattanooga commercial vehicle accident lawyer as soon as possible. We can guide you through the legal process and ensure your rights are protected.
Though every wreck is different, these steps can help you navigate the aftermath of these types of accidents. An experienced commercial vehicle accident lawyer will be able to assess your individual needs and create a comprehensive plan to get you the compensation you deserve.
What Can You Receive Compensation For?
One of the first questions you may be asking is “how much is my case worth?” While your injuries and vehicle damage are crucial in determining the monetary compensation you can receive, there are several other things that you may be able to claim in your case.
Victims of commercial vehicle accidents may be entitled to various types of compensation, including:
Medical Expenses: This includes all medical costs incurred as a result of the accident, from emergency care to ongoing treatment and rehabilitation.
Lost Wages: You can recover compensation for the income you lost during your recovery, as well as any future earnings if your ability to work has been affected.
Property Damage: This covers the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle and any personal belongings damaged in the accident.
Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional trauma you’ve endured due to the accident.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If the accident has diminished your ability to enjoy daily activities or hobbies you once loved, you may be compensated for this loss.
Determining Liability in a Commercial Vehicle Accident
Determining liability in a commercial vehicle accident can be complex because of the many different entities that could be liable. Potentially liable parties may include:
The Truck Driver: If their negligence or recklessness caused the accident.
The Trucking Company: For issues related to improper maintenance, inadequate training, or overworking drivers.
The Vehicle Manufacturer: If a defect in the truck or its components contributed to the accident.
Third Parties: Such as other drivers or entities responsible for road conditions.
Your commercial vehicle accident lawyer will help you navigate who is liable for your injuries and seek justice against the appropriate party.
Do You Have a Case?
If you’ve been involved in a commercial vehicle accident, your next step is determining if you have a personal injury case. It is important to keep in mind that your case hinges on several different factors:
The severity of your injuries; more serious injuries generally strengthen your claim.
Determining who is at fault is essential for establishing liability and securing compensation.
Strong evidence, such as accident reports and medical records, supports the validity of your claim.
Insurance coverage and limits can impact the amount of damages you can recover.
Evaluating these elements will help determine the strength and potential outcome of your case.
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
After an accident, it is important to take the steps to secure your health and strengthen your legal case.
- Ensure Safety: First and foremost, check yourself and others for injuries. If you can, move to a safe location to avoid further harm. Turn on your hazard lights and, if possible, set up warning triangles to alert other drivers.
- Call the Authorities: Dial 911 to report the accident. This will ensure that emergency services, including police and medical personnel, are dispatched to the scene. Obtain the incident report number and the names of the responding officers.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, some injuries might not be immediately apparent. It's crucial to get checked by a medical professional to document any injuries and begin treatment.
- Collect Evidence: Take photos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions, and any relevant traffic signs or signals. Exchange contact and insurance information with the other parties involved. If there are witnesses, collect their contact details as well.
- Consult with a Lawyer: Contact a lawyer experienced in commercial vehicle accidents as soon as possible. They can guide you through the legal process, help you understand your rights, and begin gathering evidence to support your case.
After a commercial vehicle accident, you may be able to recover various types of damages, each addressing different aspects of the impact on your life. Here’s a concise overview of the primary categories of damages you might be entitled to:
- Medical Expenses
- Current Medical Costs: Includes emergency services, hospital stays, surgeries, and medications.
- Future Medical Expenses: Covers anticipated costs for ongoing treatment or long-term care.
- Lost Wages
- Current Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost during your recovery.
- Future Lost Income: For reduced earning capacity or inability to return to your previous job.
- Property Damage
- Vehicle Repairs or Replacement: Covers the cost of fixing or replacing your vehicle.
- Other Property: Compensation for damage to personal belongings inside the vehicle.
- Pain and Suffering
- Physical Pain: Compensation for discomfort and chronic pain resulting from the accident.
- Emotional Distress: Covers psychological impacts like anxiety or depression.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life
- Impact on Daily Activities: For diminished ability to engage in activities you previously enjoyed.
In Tennessee, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit related to a commercial vehicle accident is typically one year from the date of the accident. It is best to consult with a commercial vehicle accident attorney as soon as possible after an accident to make sure you don’t miss your opportunity to seek justice.
Insurance coverage can vary based on the policy and circumstances. A lawyer can help determine the extent of coverage and ensure you receive fair compensation.
A lawyer can help by investigating the accident, gathering evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and representing you in court to secure the compensation you deserve. Contact a Wettermark Keith commercial vehicle accident lawyer today to get started on your case.
No Recovery, No Fee - Guarantee
At Wettermark Keith in Chattanooga, we believe that seeking justice after a commercial vehicle accident shouldn't add to your financial burden. That’s why our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win your case. We handle all the upfront legal fees and costs, and only collect from your settlement or verdict once your case is resolved successfully. 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 focus on fighting for the justice you deserve.
Trust Wettermark Keith After Your Commercial Vehicle Accident
At Wettermark Keith, we understand the devastating impact a commercial vehicle accident can have on your life. Our experienced Chattanooga attorneys are dedicated to fighting for the compensation you deserve, holding negligent parties accountable, and guiding you through the complex legal process. With a proven track record in handling large vehicle accident cases In Tennessee, we provide personalized, compassionate support every step of the way. Trust us to be your advocate in seeking justice and rebuilding your life after a commercial vehicle accident.
Wettermark Keith, with offices located throughout Alabama, Tennessee, and Florida, has an excellent reputation as one of the most accomplished personal injury firms in the country. Wettermark Keith’s reach is not only regional, but it also includes a diverse range of practice areas, including personal injury cases, auto wrecks, trucking wrecks, nursing home abuse, medical malpractice, on-the-job injuries, social security disability, and veterans’ disability claims, to name just a few. At Wettermark Keith, we believe in taking cases personally. Our purpose is to practice with care and compassion - to tell our client’s stories and make their voices heard. We do this by building strong relationships based on constant communication and an unwavering dedication to truth and trust. Winning cases isn’t our goal - caring for you is. Winning is just how we show it. As we say, It’s more to us, it’s personal.
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!
- Alexa
My personal embattlement with the Social Security Administration went downhill. From a personal recommendation, I reached out to Wettermark Keith law firm. Brian Smith and his team took my case and throughout the whole process, I felt more than just another number. Frequent updates were provided, and emphasis was placed on ensuring all needed documentation was in place. In the end, the accident case resulted in a favorable victory. A big thank you to my lawyer Brian Smith and the team at Wettermark Keith for the hard work throughout the entire personal injury process.
- 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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