Truck accidents can happen for many different reasons and cause injury to those on the road. Understanding the common causes of truck accidents in Memphis is an important first step in identifying parties with potential fault who may be liable for a person’s damages from their injuries.
The attorneys at David E. Gordon use their experience and skill to litigate cases for injured clients and recover compensation that can help you and your family. Read more about key issues in truck accident cases, including their causes and how they can affect your right to compensation.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Memphis
The causes of truck accidents in Memphis can be complex and, in some cases, involve more than one event. Consider the following issues and truck driver actions that can cause a collision:
- Truck driver fatigue
- Operating a defective truck
- Driving under the influence
- Overloaded or overweight trucks
Additionally, truck drivers can cause an accident when they fail to follow motor vehicle and traffic safety laws. Speeding, tailgating, and other forms of aggressive driving can also be an underlying cause of a truck accident in Memphis.
Steps to Take After a Truck Accident
The first step after an accident is to get to a safe location and immediately call 911 to contact emergency responders. If possible, obtain contact information from the other driver(s) involved and any witnesses to the accident. Gather other available evidence, such as photographs or videos, to accurately illustrate the accident scene. After meeting with emergency responders, seek medical care to diagnose and treat any related injuries as soon as possible. People injured in a truck accident, as well as their families, can then consult with one of our attorneys at The Law Office of David E. Gordon to discuss their legal rights and options.
Pursuing Compensation Against Someone Who Caused a Truck Accident in Memphis
The next step in taking action against a negligent truck driver may be to file a lawsuit against them that explains how they caused the accident and the damages incurred as a result. In addition to a truck driver, other parties may share in the liability for an injured person’s damages, including the truck driver’s employer, a vehicle manufacturer, or the entity responsible for maintaining the roadway where the accident took place. The deadline to file a personal injury lawsuit under state law is one year from the date of the accident under the statute of limitations.
An injured driver could also be partially at fault in a truck accident if their wrongful acts contributed to its cause. In these cases, the state’s comparative fault rule may apply and could limit available compensation in proportion to the driver’s percentage of fault. An injured person with 50 percent or more of fault for causing a truck accident in Memphis will not be able to recover damages in court. An experienced lawyer can help by properly evaluating claims of comparative fault and highlighting facts or issues that may mitigate their impact at trial.
Discuss Common Causes of Truck Accidents with an Attorney
A claim for personal injury may be available to provide you and your family with necessary compensation when you are injured by common causes of truck accidents in Memphis. This compensation can help with medical care and other financial support during your recovery. Schedule a free consultation with David E. Gordon today to further discuss your potential case.
