When a serious truck accident happens on a Tennessee highway, the aftermath is often devastating. Victims and their families face not only physical injuries but also financial and emotional challenges that can last a lifetime. What makes these cases even more complex is the question of liability — determining who can be sued for damages.
At Tennessee Accident Law, we’ve handled hundreds of trucking cases across the state. Through detailed investigation and legal precision, we uncover every liable party — from the driver to the corporation that owns the truck. Understanding your rights under Tennessee law is the first step toward justice and fair compensation.
Call us now at 615-212-9866 to speak with an experienced attorney about your truck accident case.
Liability in Tennessee Truck Accident Cases
Tennessee follows a fault-based system, meaning the person or company responsible for causing a truck accident must pay for the resulting damages.
However, trucking accidents differ from typical car wrecks because multiple parties often share fault. Liability can extend to:
- The driver
- The trucking company
- The cargo loader
- The maintenance provider
- The truck manufacturer
- And even the corporation that hired the carrier
Each plays a unique role in ensuring safety — and when they fail, each can be held accountable.
1. The Truck Driver
The most obvious defendant is the truck driver. Under Tennessee law, commercial drivers must operate with extreme caution due to the size and power of their vehicles. When they engage in reckless or negligent behavior, they can be personally liable for the harm they cause.
Common Examples of Driver Negligence:
- Speeding or tailgating
- Distracted driving (cell phone or GPS use)
- Driving while fatigued in violation of Hours-of-Service (HOS) regulations
- Failing to inspect brakes, tires, or lights
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Even when a driver is at fault, their employer may also share responsibility under vicarious liability — a key legal doctrine that holds companies accountable for employee actions performed within the scope of employment.
2. The Trucking Company (Carrier)
In most Tennessee truck accident cases, the trucking company is a primary defendant. These companies have a legal duty to hire qualified drivers, maintain safe vehicles, and comply with all federal safety regulations.
They can be sued for:
- Negligent hiring or training — hiring inexperienced or unsafe drivers
- Negligent supervision — failing to monitor performance or safety compliance
- Negligent maintenance — ignoring inspections or repairs
- Overloaded schedules — forcing drivers to exceed legal hours or skip rest periods
Under Tennessee law, when a trucking company encourages unsafe practices — such as unrealistic delivery quotas — it can be found directly negligent in addition to being vicariously liable for its driver’s actions.
3. The Cargo Loading Company
Improperly loaded or unbalanced cargo can cause deadly accidents, including rollovers, jackknifes, and lost-load incidents.
Companies responsible for loading freight must follow strict Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules regarding:
- Weight distribution
- Cargo securement
- Inspection and documentation
When these procedures are ignored, the loading company can be sued for negligence. We often uncover cases where pallets weren’t properly strapped or cargo shifted during transit — clear violations that lead to catastrophic results.
4. The Truck or Parts Manufacturer
If a truck accident results from a mechanical failure, such as defective brakes, tires, or steering systems, the manufacturer may be held liable under Tennessee’s product liability laws (T.C.A. § 29-28-101).
Defective components often include:
- Brake systems
- Tires prone to blowouts
- Trailer hitches or couplings
- Engine or transmission defects
We work with mechanical engineers and accident reconstruction specialists to identify when a defect contributed to the crash. If proven, the manufacturer or distributor can be held financially responsible for all resulting damages.
5. The Maintenance or Repair Provider
Trucking companies often outsource vehicle maintenance to third-party service centers. When these providers fail to perform proper inspections or repairs, they too may be liable.
For example, if a service technician failed to replace worn brake pads or overlooked a steering defect, and that failure leads to an accident, the maintenance company can be sued for negligence.
Maintenance records and invoices are critical pieces of evidence in these cases — and our attorneys move fast to secure them before they’re altered or destroyed.
6. The Broker or Shipping Company
Large retailers and logistics networks often hire freight brokers to arrange shipments between carriers and manufacturers. These intermediaries have a legal duty to vet the trucking companies they contract with.
When brokers hire unsafe or unqualified carriers to cut costs, they can share liability for resulting accidents. Tennessee courts have increasingly recognized negligent hiring and supervision claims against brokers and shippers, especially when the carrier’s safety record was known to be poor.
7. The Corporation or Client Behind the Shipment
In cases involving major corporations like Amazon, Walmart, or FedEx, the parent company may share responsibility if it exerted control over the driver or dictated unsafe delivery schedules.
Even if the driver was technically a contractor, Tennessee courts will look at the degree of control exercised by the corporation. If evidence shows the company dictated routes, imposed tight deadlines, or ignored safety policies, it may be treated as an employer and held directly liable.
Comparative Fault in Tennessee
Tennessee’s modified comparative fault rule (T.C.A. § 29-11-103) means multiple parties can share liability based on their percentage of fault.
Here’s how it works:
- You can recover damages as long as you are less than 50% at fault.
- Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.
Example: If you are awarded $1,000,000 but found 10% at fault, you would receive $900,000.
This rule allows you to pursue compensation even when several defendants contributed to your injuries — a common scenario in truck accident litigation.
The Role of Evidence in Proving Liability
Proving who’s responsible requires meticulous evidence collection. At Tennessee Accident Law, we preserve and analyze:
- Driver logs and Hours-of-Service data
- Black box (EDR) records showing vehicle speed, braking, and GPS location
- Maintenance and inspection reports
- Hiring and employment records
- Cargo manifests and communication logs
We often work with accident reconstructionists, trucking experts, and former industry insiders to expose patterns of corporate negligence and safety violations.
Potential Damages You Can Recover
Victims of truck accidents in Tennessee can recover both economic and non-economic damages, including:
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost income and reduced earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
- Loss of consortium
- Punitive damages (for gross negligence or reckless misconduct)
When multiple defendants share liability, we pursue compensation from each — ensuring victims receive the maximum recovery available under law.
Why Choose Tennessee Accident Law
At Tennessee Accident Law, we specialize in holding powerful corporations and trucking companies accountable. We’ve built a statewide reputation for handling complex cases that other firms turn down.
Our advantages include:
- Over two decades of experience in truck accident litigation
- Plaintiff-only representation — we never represent insurers
- Proven results in seven-figure settlements and verdicts
- Relentless advocacy backed by compassion and integrity
We fight for people — not profit.
Take Legal Action Today
If you’ve been injured in a Tennessee truck accident, determining who to sue is not your job — it’s ours. We’ll identify every liable party, gather the evidence, and build a case designed for success.
Contact Tennessee Accident Law today for a free case evaluation or call 615-212-9866. We’ll fight to hold negligent drivers, companies, and corporations fully accountable for your injuries.
Sources
- Tennessee Code Annotated § 29-11-103 — Comparative fault statute governing shared liability.
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) — Regulations on commercial trucking operations and Hours-of-Service rules.
- Tennessee Product Liability Act (T.C.A. § 29-28-101) — Manufacturer and distributor liability for defective products.
