Truck Accidents in Memphis: What Victims Need to Know About Their Legal Rights

Being involved in a truck accident can be shocking and overwhelming. When a large commercial vehicle is part of the incident, injuries are often more severe and the path to recovery more complicated. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a truck crash in Memphis, Tennessee, knowing your rights is essential. At 901Attorneys, LLC, we believe that everyone deserves fair compensation and a clear understanding of how the law can protect them.

Key Facts About Truck Accident Cases in Tennessee

1. Multiple Laws May Apply

Truck accidents are often governed by a mix of state laws and federal regulations. For example:

• Federal rules (from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, FMCSA) regulate driver hours, required rest periods, and maintenance of commercial trucks. Violations of these rules can be powerful evidence in a lawsuit. Keller Swan Injury Attorneys+2USAttorneys+2
• State laws impose duties on drivers and trucking companies under Tennessee’s negligence framework, including rules around liability and comparative fault. Keller Swan Injury Attorneys+1

2. Statute of Limitations Is Strict

Time matters. In Tennessee, you generally have one year from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit for personal injuries. If you don’t file within that time, the court will usually deny your claim. Tennessee Accident Law Firm+2Hughes & Coleman+2

There are limited exceptions—for example, if the injured person is a minor, or if the injury wasn’t immediately apparent (the “discovery rule”) or if there are criminal charges against the at-fault party. The Williams Firm+2brezinalaw.com+2

3. Comparative Fault Can Reduce Compensation

Even if you are partly at fault for the accident, Tennessee law allows you to recover damages, so long as your share of fault is less than 50%. Your total award, however, will be reduced by your percentage of fault. So, for example, if you are found 20% responsible, you can recover 80% of the damages. Keller Swan Injury Attorneys

4. Types of Damages You May Recover

If your case is successful, here are some categories of compensation you may be able to claim:

• Economic damages: medical expenses, ongoing care, lost wages, loss of earning potential, property damage. OEB Law+2USAttorneys+2
• Non-economic damages: pain and suffering, emotional distress, diminished quality of life. OEB Law
• Punitive damages may be possible in cases involving gross negligence or intentional wrongdoing. OEB Law

What You Should Do Right After a Truck Accident

Taking the right steps early can make a big difference in your case:

1. Seek medical attention immediately—even if injuries seem minor.
2. Preserve evidence: take photos, get witness information, keep medical records.
3. Report the accident to law enforcement and your insurance company.
4. Document everything: lost wages, medical appointments, travel to treatment, impact on daily life.
5. Contact a knowledgeable truck accident attorney soon. The legal complexities in these cases (multiple parties, federal rules, insurance company tactics) mean having legal guidance early is crucial.

How 901Attorneys, LLC Helps Victims in Memphis

At 901Attorneys, LLC, our team in Memphis is committed to helping those injured in truck accidents by:

• Reviewing all applicable laws and regulations to build a strong case
• Identifying all liable parties—this could include the truck driver, the trucking company, maintenance contractors, or parts manufacturers
• Gathering crucial evidence (such as driver logs, maintenance records, “black box” / event data recorder info)
• Ensuring your claim meets Tennessee’s legal deadlines
• Advocating for full compensation—medical bills, lost income, non-economic suffering, and more

Why It’s Important to Act Promptly

• Evidence deteriorates or disappears (surveillance footage, witness memory, logbook entries, etc.)
• Missing the one-year statute of limitations can bar your case forever
• Insurance companies often try to settle quickly and may offer less than what your case is worth

Your Legal Rights

You have the right to:

• Be informed about how your case will proceed
• Have an attorney represent your interests
• Demand full compensation for all your injuries and losses
• Fair treatment in negotiations or in court

Take the Next Step

If you've been injured in a truck accident in Memphis, you don’t have to face the legal and financial challenges alone. Contact 901Attorneys, LLC today for a consultation. We’ll explain your rights, review your case, and help you pursue the compensation you're owed.

📞 Call 901-610-0611 to schedule your consultation.