Truck accidents are among the most devastating crashes that happen on Tennessee roads. The sheer size and weight of commercial trucks means that collisions with passenger vehicles are far more likely to result in fatal injuries. When a family loses someone in a truck crash caused by another party’s negligence, the grief is compounded by the complexity of the legal process that follows.
If your loved one was killed in a truck accident in Tennessee, you may be entitled to take legal action through a wrongful death claim. Continue reading to learn about what makes these cases unique and how the law may apply to your situation.
Truck Accident Wrongful Death Cases Can Be More Complex
Wrongful death claims involving commercial trucks tend to be more legally complex than those involving standard car accidents. One of the biggest reasons is that multiple parties may share liability for the crash. Depending on the circumstances, the following parties could potentially be held responsible:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company that employed or contracted the driver
- A cargo loading company that improperly loaded or secured the freight
- A maintenance company responsible for servicing the truck
- A manufacturer of defective truck parts or components
Federal and state regulations also play a major role in these cases. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) imposes strict rules on the trucking industry, covering everything from hours of service limits to vehicle maintenance standards. Violations of these regulations can serve as powerful evidence in a wrongful death lawsuit.
Common Causes of Fatal Truck Accidents in Tennessee
Fatal truck crashes happen for many reasons, but driver and company negligence are factors in a large number of them. Some of the most common causes include:
- Driver fatigue from exceeding hours of service limits
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Improperly loaded cargo
- Poor vehicle maintenance
- Driving under the influence
- Inadequate driver training
If any of these factors contribute to a crash that takes someone’s life, the surviving family may have grounds to pursue a wrongful death claim against all of the responsible parties.
What Evidence Is Important in a Truck Accident Wrongful Death Case?
Building a successful truck accident wrongful death case requires specific types of evidence that may not be available in a typical car crash claim. Some of the most critical pieces of evidence include:
- The truck’s electronic logging device (ELD) data
- Black box data from the truck
- Inspection and maintenance records for the vehicle
- The driver’s employment file and drug testing history
- Cargo loading documentation
- Surveillance footage and photos from the scene
Much of this evidence is in the hands of the trucking company and can be altered or destroyed if it is not preserved quickly. An attorney plays a valuable role in a case like this. They can send a spoliation letter immediately after being hired, which puts the trucking company on legal notice to preserve all relevant records and data.
Contact a Tennessee Wrongful Death Lawyer for Legal Help
Losing a family member in a truck accident is an unimaginable tragedy. If this has happened to you in Tennessee, Woodard Injury Law is here to help you file a claim for maximum compensation. Contact us online or call today for a free consultation at (615) 314-4626. We’ve recovered millions of dollars for our deserving clients and will make your case our priority from the start.