The sudden loss of a loved one in a truck accident is one of the most devastating experiences a family can endure. In Tennessee, fatal truck accidents occur far too often, leaving families overwhelmed by grief, unanswered questions, and unexpected financial hardship. When a commercial truck crash results in a fatality, surviving family members may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim against the responsible parties.
At Tennessee Accident Law, we represent families across the state who have lost a loved one due to the negligence of a truck driver, trucking company, or another liable party. Our role is to seek justice, accountability, and financial security for families during an unimaginably difficult time.
If you have immediate questions, call us at (615) 212-9866 or complete our free case evaluation form now.
Why Truck Accidents Are More Likely to Result in Fatalities
Commercial trucks are significantly larger and heavier than passenger vehicles, which makes crashes far more deadly. A fully loaded tractor-trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, and when a collision occurs, occupants of smaller vehicles often suffer catastrophic or fatal injuries.
Fatal Tennessee truck accidents commonly involve:
- High-speed collisions on I-40, I-24, I-65, and rural state highways
- Underride accidents where a vehicle slides beneath a trailer
- Head-on collisions caused by improper lane changes
- Jackknife and rollover crashes
- Multi-vehicle pileups involving commercial trucks
In many cases, these crashes are preventable and occur because safety regulations were ignored.
Common Causes of Fatal Truck Accidents in Tennessee
Wrongful death truck accident cases often involve clear violations of trucking laws and safety standards. Common causes include:
- Driver fatigue due to hours-of-service violations
- Distracted driving, including cellphone use and in-cab technology
- Speeding or aggressive driving
- Improperly loaded or unsecured cargo
- Mechanical failures caused by poor maintenance
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Our firm investigates whether federal regulations under the FMCSA were violated and whether trucking companies placed profits over safety.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Tennessee?
Under Tennessee law, the right to file a wrongful death claim typically belongs to:
- The surviving spouse
- Children of the deceased
- Parents of the deceased (in certain cases)
- The personal representative of the estate
A wrongful death claim allows families to pursue compensation for the losses caused by the fatal truck accident while also holding negligent parties accountable.
Damages Available in Tennessee Truck Accident Wrongful Death Cases
No amount of compensation can replace a loved one. However, a successful wrongful death claim can provide financial stability and ease the burden left behind. Damages may include:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical costs related to the fatal injury
- Loss of the deceased’s income and future earning capacity
- Loss of companionship, guidance, and support
- Pain and suffering experienced by the deceased prior to death
Because truck accident wrongful death claims often involve substantial damages, trucking companies and insurers aggressively defend these cases.
Multiple Parties May Be Liable in a Fatal Truck Accident
Unlike standard car accidents, wrongful death truck accident cases frequently involve more than one responsible party, including:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company or motor carrier
- Cargo loading companies
- Maintenance and inspection providers
- Truck or parts manufacturers
Identifying all liable parties is critical to maximizing compensation for surviving family members.
Why Trucking Companies Fight Wrongful Death Claims
Insurance carriers and trucking companies act quickly after fatal crashes to protect themselves. They may:
- Deploy rapid-response legal teams to control evidence
- Attempt to shift blame to the deceased victim
- Pressure families into early settlements
- Dispute the full value of the claim
At Tennessee Accident Law, we step in immediately to preserve evidence, conduct independent investigations, and shield families from insurance company tactics.
How Tennessee Accident Law Supports Grieving Families
We understand that families pursuing a wrongful death claim are often grieving while navigating complex legal issues. Our firm provides compassionate, experienced representation and handles every aspect of the case, including:
- Investigating the cause of the crash
- Consulting accident reconstruction and economic experts
- Managing all communication with insurers
- Preparing cases for trial when necessary
- Pursuing maximum compensation on behalf of the family
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning families pay nothing unless we secure compensation.
Speak With a Tennessee Truck Accident Wrongful Death Lawyer
If your family lost a loved one in a Tennessee truck accident, you deserve answers and accountability. We are here to help you understand your rights and pursue justice during this difficult time.
Contact Tennessee Accident Law today by completing our free case evaluation form or calling 615-212-9866 to speak with an experienced Tennessee truck accident wrongful death lawyer.
Sources
- Tennessee Code Annotated § 20-5-106 – Tennessee wrongful death statute outlining who may bring a claim.
https://law.justia.com/codes/tennessee/ - Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) – Commercial truck safety regulations and compliance standards.
https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov - National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) – Data on large truck crashes and fatalities.
https://www.nhtsa.gov
