Trucking Accidents in Knoxville, TN
Truck accidents are among the most serious auto accidents in Knoxville. If you or someone you love has been hurt in a truck accident, you may find yourself facing steep medical bills, missing weeks or months of work time, and needing to completely replace your car.
At the Law Office of Stephen A. Burroughs, we have over two decades’ experience helping the victims of truck accidents. We understand that the injuries caused by a semi-truck collision can be extreme and life-altering. And we know firsthand that the loss of a loved one can never be fully healed. Our goal with all of our clients is to help you make the fullest recovery possible.
What makes semi-truck accidents different from other car accidents?
• Semis cannot stop quickly, and accidents often involve high speeds
• Drivers of semi-trucks have limited visibility of what is beside or behind them
• Many semi accidents involve the truck “jack-knifing” and/or tipping over
• Some trucks carry flammable or hazardous substances
Because semi-trucks are so dangerous, their drivers are also held to higher standards. A semi driver must carry a commercial driver’s license (CDL) and follow rules to make sure they are not fatigued, distracted or overworked. Most semi-truck drivers are professionals who do their best to follow the rules, but unfortunately, they face long days on the road and demanding deadlines.
What should I do if I was in an accident with a truck in Knoxville?
The first thing you should do is call 911. After that, if you’re physically able, it helps to gather information.
Ways you can help yourself at the accident scene include:
• Take photographs of what happened
• Speak to any witnesses, and ask them for their contact information
• Call the police and wait for them to arrive
Additionally, you should see a doctor after the accident. Even injuries that seem minor at first may be much more serious than you expect. We can help you find a doctor who is familiar with the injuries caused by trucking accidents.
Why do I need a truck accident lawyer? Can’t I just take the money the insurance company offers?
Trucking companies pay large amounts of money for liability insurance. In theory, this insurance is supposed to pay for all of your medical costs after an accident. In reality, however, insurance companies do not want to pay up.
Often, the insurance company will call you shortly after the accident and offer you immediate money. They know that you already have medical bills and the financial worries are setting in. They offer you quick money if you sign their paperwork. Don’t do it. Signing those papers means giving up your right to any additional money. If you sign the papers today and then you find out you need surgery, or medication, or physical therapy—you will be on your own. We have seen this happen too many times.
Always speak to a good truck accident attorney before you accept anything from the insurance company. It doesn’t hurt to sit down for a consultation and discuss your rights.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Knoxville or Knox County, Tennessee, you need a Knoxville trucking accident attorney who both understands the law and is familiar with the Knox County court system. Every judge is different and, Knox County has its own local rules of court that govern how an injury case is brought and handled in Knox County, so it is important that you have an attorney that knows and understands these local rules. With our firm, you will have a local Knoxville attorney prepared to help guide you through the process, and if your case requires litigation, then your case will be handled by a local Knoxville lawyer who has spent years successfully trying cases in Knoxville courts in front of Knoxville juries.
The experienced car accident lawyers at Stephen A. Burroughs have significant experience in litigating all types of personal injury cases before the courts in Knoxville, Knox County, Tennessee. More importantly, they have handled thousands of auto accident cases in Knox, County Tennessee. As a result, they know and understand the habits and characteristics of the various circuit court judges and they understand how to choose jurors in Knoxville. If you’ve been injured in Knoxville or Knox County, Tennessee, don’t trust your representation to anyone else. Contact the experienced attorneys of Stephen A. Burroughs today at 865-525-3773.