Memphis Truck Accident Lawyers

Memphis Truck Accident Lawyers

Helping Memphis, Jackson, and Nashville families recover after a commercial truck crash

A collision with an 18-wheeler or other large commercial truck is not like any other accident. The injuries are often catastrophic, the damages involved are typically enormous, and the legal process that follows is far more complex than a standard car accident claim. Trucking companies and their insurers respond quickly after a crash, sending investigators to the scene before most victims have even left the hospital.

At Greer Injury Lawyers, PLLC, we have been fighting for injured Tennesseans since 1986, recovering over $300 million for our clients across Memphis, Jackson, and West Tennessee. Our attorneys know how trucking companies and their insurers work, and we use that knowledge to build powerful cases that deliver results. If you, a loved one or someone you know has been hurt in a truck accident, contact Greer Injury Lawyers today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.

Truck Accidents in Tennessee: What You Should Know

Tennessee is a major freight and commercial trucking state with major interstates like I-40, I-55, and I-240 running through the Memphis area. Its geographic position makes it a significant link in the national supply chain. In 2025, the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) placed seven Tennessee locations on its Top 100 Truck Bottleneck List, including the Nashville I-24/I-40 at I-440 interchange ranked fifth in the country, reflecting the significant volume of commercial freight moving through the state. When large truck crashes occur on these corridors, the consequences for people in smaller vehicles are often catastrophic.

A fully loaded commercial truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds under federal law. A standard passenger vehicle weighs around 3,500 pounds. That weight difference is what makes truck accidents so devastating for the people in smaller vehicles. Injuries like traumatic brain injury, spinal cord damage, internal organ trauma, and multiple fractures are common outcomes. Fatalities are far more frequent than in crashes between two passenger cars.

The reach of Greer Injury Lawyers extends beyond Tennessee's borders. I-40, one of the country's most heavily traveled commercial freight corridors, connects Memphis directly to Arkansas via the Hernando de Soto Bridge, a six-lane span crossing the Mississippi River into West Memphis. The closure of the I-40 bridge in 2021 illustrated just how critical this corridor is: the Arkansas Trucking Association reported that 26,500 trucks relied on it daily, and what was normally an eight-minute drive averaged 84 minutes during the closure. Tennessee transportation officials have confirmed that approximately 50,000 vehicles cross the bridge on a typical day, with roughly a quarter of those being commercial trucks.

That volume of freight traffic means serious truck accidents do not stop at the state line. If you were injured in a commercial truck crash in Arkansas, particularly along the I-40 corridor, Greer Injury Lawyers is positioned to help. Contact us today for a free case evaluation regardless of which side of the river your crash occurred on.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Commercial truck crashes rarely happen by chance. Most are the result of preventable mistakes by the driver, the trucking company, or another party involved in the commercial trucking operation. Some of the most common causes include:

  • Driver fatigue. Federal regulations under 49 CFR Part 395 limit how long a commercial driver can operate before resting. Under current FMCSA hours-of-service rules, property-carrying drivers may drive no more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty, within a 14-hour on-duty window. When trucking companies push unrealistic schedules or drivers falsify electronic logging device records, fatigued drivers get behind the wheel of 80,000-pound vehicles.
  • Distracted driving. Federal Law (49 CFR 392.82) prohibits commercial drivers from using a handheld mobile device while operating a commercial vehicle. But distraction behind the wheel extends well beyond phone use. According to a large-scale naturalistic driving study commissioned by the FMCSA, drivers engaged in non-driving-related tasks in 71 percent of large truck crashes studied. FMCSA research documents the danger across multiple categories:
    • Dispatching devices and in-cab technology
    • Writing and map reading
    • External distractions
    • General inattention
  • Improper cargo loading. Overloaded trucks and improperly secured cargo can cause a truck to tip, jackknife, or shed its load into traffic. Responsibility for safe loading can rest with the trucking company, a third-party shipper, or both.
  • Inadequate vehicle maintenance. Federal regulations require trucking companies to maintain their fleets and conduct regular inspections. Brake failures, tire blowouts, and steering defects caused by deferred maintenance are preventable and can be grounds for a negligence claim.
  • Speeding and aggressive driving. Commercial vehicles require significantly greater stopping distances than passenger cars. A truck driver who speeds or follows too closely in traffic can cause a collision that would have been easily avoided.
  • Inexperienced or improperly qualified drivers. Trucking companies are required to conduct background checks and verify that drivers hold a valid commercial driver's license. Negligent hiring or inadequate training puts dangerous drivers on the road.
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Who Can Be Held Liable After a Truck Accident?

Unlike a typical car accident claim, a truck accident case often involves multiple parties who may share fault. The driver may just be one piece of the puzzle. The trucking company, cargo companies, or maintenance contractors could also bear the responsibility for your injuries.

The truck driver can be held liable for negligent conduct behind the wheel, including fatigued driving, distracted driving, speeding, or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Truck drivers are considered professional operators and are held to a higher standard of care than ordinary motorists.

The trucking company bears liability in several ways. Under federal regulations, trucking companies are responsible for hiring qualified drivers, providing adequate training, enforcing hours-of-service compliance, and maintaining their vehicles. If the driver was an employee acting within the scope of employment at the time of the crash, the company can also be held vicariously liable for the driver's negligence under a legal theory called respondeat superior.

Cargo loading companies may be liable if improperly secured or overloaded cargo contributed to the crash. Load securement is governed by federal standards under 49 CFR Part 393, and violations can form the basis of a negligence claim.

Truck and parts manufacturers can be held responsible if a defective component, such as faulty brakes, a defective tire, or a steering system failure, caused or contributed to the accident. Product liability claims against manufacturers are separate from negligence claims against the driver or carrier.

Maintenance providers who service commercial trucks can share liability if improper or negligent maintenance left the vehicle in an unsafe operating condition.

Identifying every responsible party requires a thorough investigation conducted quickly, before evidence disappears. The truck accident attorneys at Greer Injury Lawyers begin building your case immediately after you contact us.

Federal Regulations That Govern Commercial Trucking

Commercial trucks operating in interstate commerce are subject to a detailed set of federal safety regulations administered by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) under 49 CFR Parts 300-399. These rules cover everything from driver qualifications and hours of service to vehicle maintenance and cargo securement.

When a trucking company or driver violates these federal regulations and that violation contributes to a crash, it can be powerful evidence of negligence. Violations discovered in post-accident investigations, including hours-of-service falsification, failed inspection records, and improper maintenance logs, are exactly the kind of evidence that strengthens a truck accident claim.

Key FMCSA regulations relevant to Tennessee truck accident cases include:

  • 49 CFR Part 395 (Hours of Service): Sets maximum driving time and mandatory rest requirements for commercial drivers.
  • 49 CFR Part 391 (Driver Qualifications): Requires background checks, medical certifications, and CDL verification before a driver can operate a commercial motor vehicle.
  • 49 CFR Part 396 (Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance): Requires carriers to systematically inspect, repair, and maintain all commercial motor vehicles under their control.
  • 49 CFR Part 393 (Parts and Accessories): Governs load securement, lighting, brakes, and other equipment safety standards.
  • 49 CFR Part 382 (Drug and Alcohol Testing): Requires pre-employment, random, and post-accident testing for all CDL holders.

What Compensation Can I Recover After a Truck Accident?

Truck accident injuries are often severe and long-lasting. Under Tennessee law, injured victims and their families may be entitled to recover compensation for a wide range of damages, including:

  • Medical expenses, including emergency care, surgery, hospitalization, and ongoing treatment
  • Future medical costs for rehabilitation, physical therapy, and long-term care
  • Lost wages from time missed at work during recovery
  • Diminished earning capacity if your injuries permanently limit your ability to work
  • Pain and suffering caused by the physical trauma of the crash
  • Emotional distress, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety
  • Scarring and disfigurement
  • Property damage to your vehicle
  • Loss of enjoyment of life if your injuries prevent you from participating in activities you previously enjoyed
  • Wrongful death damages if a family member was killed in the crash, including funeral expenses, lost income, and loss of companionship

The value of a truck accident case depends on the severity of your injuries, the number of liable parties, the insurance policies involved, and other factors specific to your situation. At Greer Injury Lawyers, we will not recommend settling your case until you have reached maximum medical improvement and we have a full accounting of your damages.

What Should I Do After a Truck Accident?

The steps you take immediately after a truck accident can significantly affect both your health and the outcome of your legal claim. If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck crash in Memphis or anywhere in West Tennessee, take the following steps:

  • Seek medical attention immediately. Even if you feel all right at the scene, some injuries, including internal bleeding and traumatic brain injuries, may not be immediately apparent. Get a thorough medical evaluation and follow your doctor's instructions.
  • Call 911. A police report creates an official record of the crash and is essential evidence in any future claim.
  • Document the scene. If you are physically able, photograph the vehicles, road conditions, skid marks, cargo, and any visible injuries. Get the truck driver's name, CDL number, insurance information, and the name of the trucking company.
  • Identify witnesses. Collect names and contact information from anyone who saw the crash. Witness testimony is valuable, and witnesses become harder to locate as time passes.
  • Do not give a recorded statement. The trucking company's insurer may contact you quickly after the crash. Do not provide a recorded statement or accept any settlement offer before speaking with an attorney.
  • Contact a truck accident lawyer right away. Trucking companies dispatch their own investigators almost immediately after a serious crash. Critical evidence, including the truck's electronic logging device data, onboard camera footage, and maintenance records, can be lost or destroyed if not preserved quickly. The sooner you contact us, the better protected your claim will be.
Memphis Personal Injury Lawyers

What Is the Process for Filing a Truck Accident Claim?

Truck accident claims involve more steps than a typical car accident case. Federal regulations, multiple potentially liable parties, and a significant amount of evidence all play a role, making it critical to have an experienced attorney guiding you through every stage of the process.

The general process looks like this:

  • Consult with a truck accident attorney to evaluate the facts of your case and determine all viable claims.
  • Investigate and preserve evidence, including the truck's electronic logging device records, GPS data, maintenance logs, driver qualification files, black box data, and any available dashcam or traffic camera footage. A formal legal hold letter is often sent to the trucking company immediately to prevent evidence destruction.
  • Identify all liable parties, which may include the driver, the carrier, a cargo loading company, a parts manufacturer, or a maintenance contractor.
  • File an insurance claim with the responsible parties' insurance policies. Commercial trucks are required by federal law to carry higher minimum liability limits than standard passenger vehicles.
  • Negotiate a fair settlement. Your attorney will handle all communication and negotiation with the insurance companies and fight for the full value of your claim.
  • File a lawsuit if necessary. If the insurer refuses to offer fair compensation, your attorney will file suit and prepare your case for trial, all within the one-year statute of limitations under T.C.A. Section 28-3-104.
  • Proceed to trial if needed. The attorneys at Greer Injury Lawyers have nearly four decades of courtroom experience and are fully prepared to take your case before a jury.

How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Lawsuit?

The statute of limitations for a personal injury claim in Tennessee, including truck accident claims, is one year from the date of the crash under Tennessee Code Annotated Section 28-3-104. If you miss this deadline, the court will almost certainly dismiss your case, and you will lose your right to seek compensation.                    

One year may seem like enough time, but truck accident cases require extensive investigation, expert analysis, and careful documentation. Starting the process as soon as possible gives your attorney the best chance to preserve critical evidence and build the strongest possible case on your behalf.

Exceptions to the one-year deadline may apply in limited circumstances, such as when the injured victim is a minor. You should not rely on any exception without speaking directly with an attorney.

If your truck accident occurred in Arkansas, the deadline to file a personal injury claim is different and more generous than Tennessee's. Under Arkansas Code Section 16-56-105, an individual has three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit for personal injuries and property damage. This three-year window is an absolute deadline — if a lawsuit is filed even a single day after the three-year anniversary of the crash, the defendant can file a motion to dismiss the case. 

Arkansas also recognizes a discovery rule for injuries whose symptoms develop weeks or months after the crash, such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal disc damage, or internal organ issues. For injured minors, Arkansas tolls the deadline until they turn 18, meaning the statute of limitations typically runs out at the person's 21st birthday. 

Three years may seem like ample time, but building a strong truck accident case requires immediate action to preserve evidence. Contact Greer Injury Lawyers as soon as possible regardless of which state your crash occurred in.

How Much Does a Truck Accident Lawyer Charge?

At Greer Injury Lawyers, we handle truck accident cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. There are no upfront costs and no out-of-pocket expenses. Once we win your case, all associated fees and medical costs are paid from your award before the remainder is released to you.

This arrangement ensures that every truck accident victim has access to experienced legal representation regardless of their financial situation. You can focus on your recovery while we focus on your case.

Is there a Memphis truck accident lawyer near me?

Greer Injury Lawyers, PLLC has offices in Memphis, Jackson, Little Rock, and Nashville and represents clients throughout Tennessee and Arkansas. If you are critically injured and unable to travel to us, we will come to you, whether that means a hospital room, a rehabilitation center, or your home. We also offer virtual consultations and telephone appointments.

Dealing with the aftermath of a catastrophic truck accident is difficult enough. Choosing a lawyer who will fight for you should not be. Greer Injury Lawyers, PLLC has been protecting injured Tennesseans for nearly four decades. To schedule your free, no-obligation consultation, call our office or fill out our contact form today.

Accomplished truck accident lawyers serving West Tennessee families

Greer Injury Lawyers, PLLC, is widely acknowledged in West Tennessee and throughout the state for our tenacity when it comes to protecting our clients. If you have been hurt in a crash with an 18-wheeler, or if you are a truck driver who has sustained an injury because of a defective part on your truck, please call 901-680-9777 or fill out this contact form to schedule a free consultation at our Memphis or Jackson office.

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This page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Tennessee law cited includes T.C.A. Section 28-3-104 (statute of limitations). Arkansas law cited includes Arkansas Code Section 16-56-105 (statute of limitations). Federal regulations cited include 49 CFR Parts 382, 391, 393, 395, and 396, administered by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Laws and regulations change; consult a licensed Tennessee or Arkansas attorney for advice specific to your situation. Past results do not guarantee, warrant, or predict future outcomes in any specific case.

Greer Injury Lawyers Team

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sue the trucking company, not just the driver?

What evidence is most important in a truck accident case?

I was recently seriously injured in a Tennessee semi-truck accident. The investigating police officer said it wasnt my fault. I need help paying my expenses. Who can I sue?

How is a truck accident claim different from a car accident claim?

What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?

Can I recover compensation if I was partially at fault for the truck crash?

What if a family member was killed in a truck accident in Tennessee?

Does the trucking company's insurance company represent my interests after a crash?

What Are The Most Common Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Trucking Accidents in Tennessee?

What are Some of the Complications in Bringing a Tennessee Truck Accident Case?

What if my loved one was injured or killed in an accident with a truck in Tennessee?

Who is Responsible for Damages in a Tennessee Trucking Accident?

What is an Underride Accident?

Why Do I Need a Trucking Accident Attorney?

How do Tractor Trailer Rollover Accidents Happen?

Can Some Trucking Accidents Be More Dangerous Than Others?