Compassionate Advocacy for Commercial Vehicle Accident Victims. Impressive Results.
Commercial vehicle accidents are a significant concern in Memphis. With its bustling streets, heavy traffic, and numerous commercial vehicles, accidents involving these larger vehicles pose a higher risk of severe injuries and damages. Due to their complexities, handling commercial vehicle accident cases requires specific knowledge and skill.
If you or a loved one were involved in a commercial vehicle accident in Memphis, we understand the emotions and hardships you may be experiencing. Commercial vehicle accidents can be devastating, causing serious injuries and financial burdens. Now is the time to seek the help of a compassionate Memphis commercial vehicle lawyer who can fight for your rights and obtain the compensation you deserve.
At Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys, we have a team of dedicated professionals who are well-versed in handling commercial vehicle accident cases. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can navigate this challenging situation on your behalf.
FREE CASE REVIEWWhy Choose Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys
At Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys, we pride ourselves on our core mission to hold corporations and powerful entities accountable for the harm caused to individuals. We are committed to upholding justice through the 7th Amendment, which grants everyone the right to a jury trial. Our continued advocacy for meaningful outcomes and impactful change in our clients’ lives sets us apart.
Our core values of integrity, mastery, passion, and respect guide our actions. We prioritize trust and ethical principles in our client relationships, ensuring transparency and honesty throughout the legal process. With skills beyond industry standards, we strive for legal excellence, dedicating ourselves to continuous learning to achieve skilled results. Our deep drive for justice and a commitment to our clients pushes us to go the extra mile and deliver outstanding outcomes. Our Memphis personal injury lawyers understand that each client is unique, and we recognize the humanity in every interaction and case approach.
We have established ourselves as a dedicated, results-driven legal team with a proven track record of securing significant client results. When you choose Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys, you choose a firm with a history of creating meaningful changes in our clients’ lives. Our dynamic team allows for comprehensive advocacy and litigation, giving you the personalized attention you deserve.
Our Memphis office is conveniently located north of U.S. 72 and east of I-240 at:
6000 Poplar Ave
Memphis, TN 38119
(901) 673-2607
How Much Is a Commercial Vehicle Accident Case Worth?
Several factors influence the value of a commercial vehicle accident case. Understanding these factors is imperative to accurately evaluate the worth of your case and determine fair compensation. Here are the key factors that can impact the value of a commercial vehicle accident case:
Severity of Injuries
The extent of your injuries significantly affects the value of your case. Serious injuries may require extensive medical treatments, ongoing care, and rehabilitation. You should consider these costs when determining compensation.
Medical Expenses
You should include past, current, and future medical expenses in the calculation. Documenting all medical treatments and keeping records of medical bills will strengthen your case.
Lost Income and Diminished Earning Capacity
If the accident caused you to miss work or affected your ability to earn a living in the future, you may be entitled to compensation for lost income and diminished earning capacity.
Property Damage
Your claim should include any damage to your vehicle or other personal property. This includes not only your vehicle but also personal belongings inside it, clothing, and jewelry.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life can be challenging to quantify but are significant components of your case. They consider the physical and emotional pain you experienced due to the accident.
Settlement amounts for commercial vehicle accident cases can vary significantly. Hiring our experienced Memphis commercial vehicle accident lawyers is the best way to maximize your compensation. Our attorneys have the negotiation skills to fight for the highest possible settlement. We consider the immediate costs, future expenses, and non-economic damages to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
How Do Commercial Vehicle Accidents Happen?
Commercial vehicle accidents can occur due to various reasons. Understanding the common causes is essential in determining liability and obtaining fair compensation. Here are some of the most common causes of commercial vehicle accidents:
- Driver fatigue: Commercial drivers often work long shifts or have tight delivery schedules, which can lead to driver fatigue and decreased attention on the road.
- Distracted driving: Distractions like phone use or navigation systems contribute to commercial vehicle accidents.
- Poor vehicle maintenance: Failure to properly maintain commercial vehicles, such as inadequate brake or tire maintenance, can lead to accidents.
- Overloaded or improperly secured cargo: Improper cargo loading can cause trucks to become unstable and lead to accidents.
- Hazardous road conditions and weather-related issues: Poorly maintained roads, adverse weather conditions, and inadequate road signage can contribute to accidents.
- Negligent hiring or inadequate training by employers: Employers are responsible for hiring qualified and trained drivers. Failure to do so can result in negligence and liability for accidents.
Federal and state regulations play a critical role in preventing commercial vehicle accidents. Violations of these regulations can increase liability for companies and drivers involved in accidents. By understanding these regulations, an experienced Memphis commercial vehicle accident lawyer can identify violations and establish liability in your case.
Where Do Commercial Vehicle Accidents Happen in Memphis?
Commercial vehicle accidents can happen on various roads and intersections in Memphis. Here are some specific areas where these accidents occur:
- Union Avenue: Union Avenue is another major road in Memphis, and many commercial vehicles use it. Accidents involving these vehicles often occur in this area.
- Interstate 40 (I-40): A major east-west route that experiences significant commercial traffic, increasing the likelihood of accidents involving large vehicles.
- Interstate 240 (I-240): Encircling Memphis, this loop connects various interstates and is a common site for commercial vehicle accidents due to heavy traffic and complex interchanges.
- Interstate 55 (I-55): Running north-south, I-55 is another critical corridor for commercial transportation, contributing to accident occurrences.
- U.S. Route 78 (Lamar Avenue): A vital artery for freight movement, particularly near the BNSF Railway intermodal facility, where truck traffic is dense.
- Poplar Avenue (U.S. Route 72): A major thoroughfare with a mix of commercial and passenger vehicles, leading to potential accident hotspots.
Intersections along these routes, especially those with intricate designs or high traffic volumes, are particularly prone to accidents involving commercial vehicles. For instance, the interchange between I-40 and I-240 has been the site of significant incidents, including a notable tanker truck explosion in 1988.
Injuries Caused by Commercial Vehicle Accidents
The size and weight of commercial vehicles make accidents involving them particularly dangerous. Injuries resulting from these accidents can have long-lasting impacts on victims’ lives. Here are some common injuries caused by commercial vehicle accidents:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): The force of impact in commercial vehicle accidents can result in traumatic brain injuries, which may lead to long-term cognitive and functional impairments.
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis: Severe commercial vehicle accidents can cause spinal cord injuries, resulting in partial or complete paralysis.
- Broken bones and fractures: The impact of a commercial vehicle accident can cause fractures and broken bones in victims.
- Internal injuries: The force of impact may cause internal injuries, such as organ damage or internal bleeding. These injuries can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.
- Burn injuries: Commercial vehicle accidents involving fuel spills or fires can result in severe burn injuries.
- Psychological trauma: Commercial vehicle accidents can lead to psychological trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety.
These injuries can significantly impact victims’ lives, affecting their physical, emotional, and financial well-being. Seeking comprehensive compensation is necessary to cover medical expenses, ongoing treatments, and other support needed for recovery.
Who Is at Fault in a Commercial Vehicle Accident?
Determining fault in a commercial vehicle accident is often complicated because multiple parties may share responsibility. Understanding who is liable requires thoroughly investigating the accident’s circumstances and the parties’ roles.
One of the most common at-fault parties is the commercial vehicle driver. If the driver acted negligently or recklessly—speeding, driving under the influence, or failing to follow traffic laws—they may be held directly responsible for causing the accident. However, liability doesn’t always stop with the driver.
The trucking or transport company that employs the driver can also be held accountable. If the company engaged in improper hiring practices, failed to train their drivers, or neglected vehicle maintenance adequately, they can be found liable. These oversights often contribute significantly to accidents and highlight the company’s responsibility to ensure road safety.
Another potential party at fault is the vehicle or parts manufacturer. Mechanical defects, such as faulty brakes, tire blowouts, or steering issues, can lead to accidents. In such cases, the vehicle manufacturer or its parts may bear liability for the damages caused by their defective products.
Cargo loaders can also contribute to commercial vehicle accidents. If the cargo is improperly secured, overloaded, or unevenly distributed, it can cause the vehicle to become unstable, leading to accidents. When this happens, the entity responsible for loading the cargo may be liable for negligence.
Finally, government entities may share liability if poorly designed or maintained roads contributed to the accident. Dangerous road conditions, such as large potholes, inadequate signage, or poorly planned intersections, can make driving hazardous for all vehicles, especially large commercial trucks. When these factors are present, the government agencies responsible for maintaining the roads can be liable for their negligence.
Establishing liability in these accidents requires gathering evidence such as driver logs, maintenance records, black box data, and eyewitness testimonies. Our firm’s knowledgeable Memphis commercial vehicle accident attorney can gather and analyze this evidence to determine fault and build a strong case on your behalf.
Fighting the Insurance Company After a Memphis Commercial Vehicle Accident
After a commercial vehicle accident, dealing with insurance companies can be challenging. Insurance companies often try to minimize their payouts by employing various tactics. Here are some challenges victims face when dealing with insurance companies:
- Quick lowball settlement offers: Insurance companies may provide early settlement offers that are far below the actual value of your case, hoping you’ll accept a lower amount due to immediate financial pressures.
- Delaying claims: Insurance companies may intentionally delay the claims process to pressure victims into accepting lower amounts or giving up on pursuing compensation.
- Questioning the severity of injuries or the necessity of medical treatment: Insurance companies may attempt to downplay the seriousness of your injuries or argue the necessity of specific medical treatments, potentially reducing your potential compensation.
Working with our skilled Memphis commercial vehicle accident attorneys is essential to handle negotiations with insurance companies. They have the experience and knowledge to face these challenges and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages. If we cannot reach a fair settlement, your attorney will handle the process of filing a lawsuit to pursue the compensation you deserve.
Steps to Take After a Commercial Vehicle Accident
If you’ve been involved in a commercial vehicle accident, taking the right steps is imperative to protect your rights and strengthen your claim. Here are the steps you should take after a commercial vehicle accident:
Seek Medical Attention
Seek immediate medical attention, even if your injuries initially seem minor. Some injuries may not present immediate symptoms but can worsen over time. Thorough documentation of your injuries and treatments is vital for connecting your injuries to the accident.
Preserve Records and Evidence
Maintain copies of all relevant documents, including medical records, accident reports, and repair estimates. Take photos or videos of the damaged vehicle and any visible injuries. Such documentation will serve as valuable evidence for your case.
Consult a Memphis Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyer
Early legal representation is necessary to protect your rights and strengthen your claim. Contact a Memphis commercial vehicle accident attorney to discuss your case. They will guide you through the process, provide sound advice, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Hire a Memphis Commercial Vehicle Accident Attorney from Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys
Suppose you or a loved one were involved in a commercial vehicle accident in Memphis. Hiring a dedicated Memphis commercial vehicle accident lawyer from Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys is essential in that case. Our team of reputable professionals is proud to fight for the rights of injured victims and their families. We understand the challenges and impact such accidents can have on your life. Contact us today at (901) 673-2607 to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can handle the legal process, protect your rights, and secure the compensation you deserve.
Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys – Memphis Office
Address: 6000 Poplar Ave
Memphis, TN 38119
Phone: (901) 673-2607