When suing trucking companies, especially major shipping carriers, victims of catastrophic truck accidents are often up against billion-dollar corporations backed by aggressive legal teams and powerful insurers. At Tennessee Accident Law, we have over 20 years of experience holding these giants accountable. Our truck accident lawyers understand the complex federal regulations, insurance policies, and corporate structures that large freight companies use to shield themselves from liability. If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash with a commercial truck, it’s critical to know your legal rights.
Call us now at 615-212-9866 to speak with an experienced attorney about your truck accident case.
Why Major Shipping Companies Are Liable in Truck Accidents
Trucking companies can be held liable for:
Negligent Hiring or Training
If a company hires a driver with a history of violations or fails to provide proper training.
Hours-of-Service Violations
Many companies pressure drivers to exceed safe driving limits, leading to fatigue and fatal crashes.
Improper Truck Maintenance
Regular inspection and maintenance is a legal requirement. Failure to comply can result in brake failures or tire blowouts.
Negligent Supervision
When a company fails to monitor a driver’s conduct or driving logs.
These factors often show a pattern of corporate negligence, and when proven, can significantly increase the value of your case.
How We Investigate When Suing Trucking Companies
At Tennessee Accident Law, we conduct a deep forensic investigation that may include:
- Downloading black box data from the truck to understand speed, braking, and hours of operation
- Reviewing employment records and driving logs
- Examining maintenance schedules and repair receipts
- Consulting accident reconstruction experts
- Requesting video footage from traffic cameras or onboard dashcams
This aggressive evidence-gathering approach is what separates a standard claim from a winning lawsuit against a national shipping company.
Major Trucking Companies Commonly Sued
We routinely handle claims against:
- FedEx
- UPS
- Amazon Logistics
- Schneider National
- J.B. Hunt
- Swift Transportation
- Ruan Transportation Management Systems
- XPO Logistics
These companies often deny liability outright or offer quick lowball settlements. We know their tactics and are prepared to counter them at every step.
Federal Regulations That Can Help Your Case
Trucking companies are governed by the FMCSA, which enforces laws including:
- Hours of Service (HOS) rules limiting driving hours
- Drug and alcohol testing protocols
- Vehicle inspection, repair, and maintenance requirements
- Driver qualification standards
When we prove that these companies violated federal law, we can build a much stronger case for full compensation.
Damages Available When Suing Trucking Companies
Victims may be entitled to recover:
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Loss of consortium
- Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct
We work closely with economists and medical experts to accurately calculate your total damages, ensuring you are not left short-changed by a corporate settlement.
Common Injuries in Truck Accident Cases
The sheer size and weight of commercial trucks often result in devastating injuries, such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Amputations
- Severe burns
- Multiple fractures
- Permanent disability
- Wrongful death
These injuries require lifetime care, and suing trucking companies is often the only route to secure the necessary resources for recovery.
How Tennessee Accident Law Fights Back
Our legal team doesn’t just file claims — we wage a strategic legal battle. From filing preservation letters to prevent evidence tampering to hiring expert witnesses that can dismantle the defense’s narrative, our attorneys leave no stone unturned. Tennessee Accident Law has built a reputation for successfully taking on Fortune 500 companies — and winning.
We only represent injury victims, never the insurance companies or corporate defendants. Our mission is clear: secure justice for those who have suffered at the hands of negligent trucking operations.
Time Limits for Filing a Lawsuit in Tennessee
Tennessee has a strict one-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including those involving truck accidents. This means you have only 12 months from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, your right to compensation is lost forever. The sooner you reach out, the more time we have to build a compelling case.
What to Do After a Truck Accident
- Seek immediate medical attention – Even if you feel fine, internal injuries may not be apparent.
- Call the police – Get an official accident report.
- Take photos – Document the scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, and your injuries.
- Do not speak to insurance adjusters – They are trained to minimize payouts.
- Contact our law firm immediately – Let us handle the rest.
How Insurance Companies Impact Truck Accident Lawsuits
When it comes to suing trucking companies, one of the biggest challenges is dealing with the insurance companies involved. Major shipping companies often have extensive insurance policies to cover their trucks, drivers, and operations. However, these insurance companies have one goal in mind: minimizing payouts.
Insurance adjusters are skilled in evaluating claims, and they work tirelessly to reduce the amount of compensation that injured parties receive. They may attempt to deny liability, argue that the injuries aren’t as severe as reported, or offer a quick settlement that falls far below the true value of the damages. This is why having experienced Tennessee Accident Law attorneys by your side is crucial.
The Role of Insurance Companies in Truck Accident Cases
In many truck accident cases, multiple insurance policies may be involved:
- The truck driver’s personal insurance
- The trucking company’s primary insurance
- Additional liability insurance policies for cargo, equipment, or subcontractors
This complexity can make it difficult for victims to understand who is responsible for paying the claim, and which insurance company will ultimately be liable for the damages.
Our team of attorneys has extensive experience navigating the intricate web of insurance claims in truck accident cases. We know how to interact with insurance companies to ensure maximum compensation and avoid settling for less than what you are owed. Through our negotiation tactics and litigation strategies, we can hold these insurers accountable and make sure they pay what is fair.
Why You Need a Lawyer to Handle Insurance Negotiations
- Expert negotiation: Insurance adjusters are trained to settle for as little as possible. We have the experience and skills to negotiate the best deal.
- Investigative resources: We gather critical evidence such as driving logs, maintenance records, and black box data, all of which strengthen your claim and force the insurance company to take your case seriously.
- Litigation preparedness: If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we are fully prepared to take your case to court.
At Tennessee Accident Law, we fight tirelessly to protect your interests and ensure that trucking companies and their insurers don’t get away with offering inadequate compensation. When you are involved in a serious truck accident, the last thing you want is to be underpaid or forced into an early settlement. Our goal is to secure the full amount of compensation you deserve, allowing you to focus on recovery while we handle the legal complexities.
Take the First Step Toward Justice
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident involving a major shipping company, do not face this alone. Tennessee Accident Law is here to help you fight for the compensation you deserve. We offer a free case evaluation form and charge no fees unless we win your case.
Call us now at 615-212-9866 to schedule your consultation with a top-rated Tennessee truck accident lawyer.
Sources
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
Details on commercial vehicle regulations, including driver hours and maintenance requirements.
https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov - National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Data and statistics on truck crash trends and safety violations.
https://www.nhtsa.gov - American Trucking Associations (ATA)
Insights into industry practices, fleet operations, and logistics frameworks.
https://www.trucking.org
