What to do if a Truck Hit You and Caused Injuries — A Practical Tennessee Guide
Disclaimer: This is educational information, not legal advice. Consult a licensed Tennessee attorney to get advice specific to your case.
Short answer — the steps you should take right away
If a truck crashed into you and you were injured, take these high‑priority steps: get immediate medical care, report the collision to law enforcement, preserve evidence, and contact your insurance company. Then, promptly consult a Tennessee personal injury attorney who handles trucking cases to evaluate liability and begin a claim or lawsuit if appropriate. Deadlines and special rules apply, so act quickly.
Detailed answer — filing a claim after a Tennessee truck crash
1. Get medical care and preserve medical records
Your health is the top priority. Seek emergency treatment if needed, then follow up with your primary care provider and specialists. Keep all medical records, bills, prescriptions, therapy notes, and imaging. These documents form the core evidence of injuries and damages.
2. Report the crash and obtain the official crash report
Ask law enforcement to respond and create a crash report. In Tennessee, law enforcement crash reports are critical evidence to help document what happened and who was involved. You can request a copy of the motor vehicle crash report from the investigating agency or via Tennessee’s Department of Safety and Homeland Security resources on accident reporting: https://www.tn.gov/safety.
3. Collect and preserve evidence at the scene
- Take photos of vehicle damage, skid marks, road signs, intersection layout, weather, and your injuries.
- Get contact info for the truck driver, the trucking company, and any passengers or witnesses.
- Keep a copy of the truck driver’s license, registration, and insurance information if available.
- Preserve items of clothing and gear that show damage or bloodstains.
4. Notify your insurance company — but be careful with statements
Give prompt notice to your insurer as required by your policy. Provide facts, but avoid admitting fault or giving recorded statements without talking to a lawyer. Insurance companies (including the trucker’s insurer) will start investigating quickly.
5. Identify potentially responsible parties
Trucking crashes can involve multiple potentially liable parties, including:
- The truck driver (negligent driving, distracted driving, intoxication).
- The trucking company (negligent hiring, supervision, or failure to maintain the truck).
- The vehicle owner or leasing company.
- Maintenance shops or parts manufacturers (defective parts, poor repairs).
- Freight brokers or shippers if loading or scheduling contributed to unsafe conditions.
6. Federal and state rules that can affect trucking claims
Commercial trucking is heavily regulated. Federal rules enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) cover driver hours, carrier safety fitness, and vehicle maintenance. Investigators often seek driver logbooks, electronic logging device (ELD) data, maintenance records, and driver hiring files. You can review FMCSA regulations at https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations.
7. Document your damages
Typical damages in Tennessee truck-crash claims include:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and lost earning capacity
- Pain and suffering, emotional distress
- Property damage (vehicle repair or replacement)
- Rehabilitation, home modification, long‑term care if needed
8. Tennessee liability rules and timelines
Tennessee law governs how fault and recovery are handled. Tennessee recognizes comparative fault, meaning your recovery can be reduced by any percentage of fault attributed to you. Deadlines to file a lawsuit are strict; Tennessee’s statutes that set time limits for bringing civil claims are located in the Tennessee Code Annotated. For example, consult the Tennessee Code and court resources at the Tennessee General Assembly and courts pages to confirm applicable deadlines: https://www.capitol.tn.gov and https://www.tncourts.gov. Because time limits vary by claim type and by defendant, talk to an attorney promptly so you do not lose legal rights.
9. When to hire an attorney
Consider hiring an attorney if any of the following apply:
- You suffered significant injuries, surgery, or long recovery.
- Liability is disputed or multiple parties are involved.
- The trucking company or its insurer offers an early low settlement.
- There is evidence of regulatory violations (hours‑of‑service, maintenance, or driver qualifications).
A lawyer with trucking accident experience can preserve evidence, coordinate with accident reconstructionists, obtain ELD and maintenance records, negotiate with insurers, and file suit if needed.
10. Typical claims process
- Immediate medical treatment and evidence gathering.
- Investigation: obtain crash report, witness statements, truck logs, maintenance records, and photos.
- Demand package to the insurer: statement of facts, medical records, bills, and demand for compensation.
- Negotiation and settlement discussions. If no fair offer, file a lawsuit in the appropriate Tennessee court.
- Discovery, depositions, expert reports (accident reconstruction, medical experts).
- Settlement or trial. If a judgment is won, collect from the liable parties/insurers.
Helpful Hints
- Prioritize treatment: timely medical care supports both recovery and your claim.
- Write a contemporaneous account of what you recall about the crash while memories are fresh.
- Ask police for the crash-report number and the investigating officer’s name.
- Take clear photos of injuries and vehicle damage every few days during recovery.
- Preserve phone records, navigation data, and any dashcam or surveillance footage.
- Don’t sign releases or accept a full settlement until you understand future medical needs.
- Keep a pain and symptom journal — note how injuries affect daily life and work.
- Ask an attorney to send a written preservation demand to the trucking company so critical evidence isn’t destroyed.
- If a truck company or driver claims the ELD or log is missing, an attorney can subpoena records quickly.
Where to find Tennessee statutes and resources
Official Tennessee legislative and court resources can help you confirm legal deadlines and procedural rules. Useful sites include:
- Tennessee General Assembly (statutes): https://www.capitol.tn.gov
- Tennessee Courts (procedures and resources): https://www.tncourts.gov
- Tennessee Department of Safety — driver services and accident information: https://www.tn.gov/safety
- FMCSA — federal trucking regulations: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations
Final advice
Trucking collisions are complex and often involve multiple liable parties and technical evidence. Act quickly to protect your rights: get medical care, preserve evidence, obtain the crash report, notify insurers, and consult a Tennessee personal injury attorney experienced with truck cases.