Injured in a Semi-Truck Accident on the 45 Bypass? Here’s What You Need to Know About Your Legal Rights in Jackson, Tennessee
Truck accidents are often devastating and disastrous. When these types of accidents involve smaller vehicles, they can cause severe and life-threatening injuries, catastrophic vehicle damage, mental and emotional problems, and other long-term consequences.
Most people are well aware of how dangerous and damaging an accident with a semi-truck can be, making it one of the most feared accidents for drivers across Jackson, TN and the rest of the country. However, if you have been injured in one of these accidents, it is important to know that you have legal rights and steps you can take to obtain the justice and compensation you deserve with help from a Jackson truck accident lawyer.
Recent accident on 45 Bypass involving a semi-truck in Jackson, TN
According to WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News, there was a severe accident involving a semi-truck and a small sedan in late August. The accident happened on 45 Bypass close to Passmore Lane in Jackson, Tennessee. The semi-truck and sedan collided, causing the sedan to slam into the guardrail on the side of the busy roadway. Unfortunately, the driver of the sedan was airlifted to the nearest hospital with life-threatening injuries. The cause and condition of the driver have not been mentioned since.
What legal rights do truck accident victims have?
As a truck accident victim involved in an accident on the 45 Bypass or any other roadway in Jackson, TN, you have several legal rights that you should be aware of. We will go over some of these rights below.
- The right to obtain medical treatment for your injuries: Even if you feel completely fine and do not see immediate signs of injuries, you still have the right to obtain medical treatment. It is highly recommended that you at least visit a hospital or physician and be examined for potential injuries after experiencing a truck accident. Sometimes, serious injuries can be difficult to see, causing accident victims not to learn about them until it is too late. A few examples of difficult-to-see injuries are traumatic brain injuries, internal bleeding, and organ damage.
- The right to access and retrieve evidence related to your accident: If you file a lawsuit, you have the right to access and retrieve evidence related to your accident. During the discovery phase, both sides can request information such as medical records, witness statements, surveillance footage, black box data, GPS information, cell phone records, and more. Your attorney can use this information to help you build a strong and convincing case against the defendant.
- The right to file a claim: Filing a claim gives you the opportunity to potentially recover some of the losses and hardships you have experienced since the accident.
- The right to hire a truck accident attorney: While it is not a requirement to hire an attorney, an experienced truck accident attorney can increase your chances of winning your case and securing the financial recovery you deserve.
- The right to hold the liable party accountable for their negligence: Another legal right that you have is to hold the liable party accountable for their negligence. Regardless of whether the truck driver, the trucking company, or a manufacturer is responsible for your accident, they should be held accountable for their reckless and careless behaviors. This makes sure that they pay for their negligent actions and do not put anyone else through the same or similar situations.
- The right to seek and potentially obtain justice and compensation for your losses: One of the most important rights that you should be aware of is your right to seek and potentially obtain justice and compensation. After a truck accident, you may have severe injuries, medical bills, chronic pain, mental trauma, emotional distress, rehabilitation fees, permanent disability, scarring and disfigurement, and other life-altering losses. To help you recover these losses and cope with your new reality, you have the right to seek and, if successful, potentially receive compensation.
Do I have to hire a truck accident lawyer for my case?
Hiring a truck accident lawyer is a personal choice, which means you have no obligation to hire one for your case. However, having an attorney can be extremely helpful.
For example, truck accidents typically involve horrific injuries, multiple liable parties, government rules and regulations, maintenance issues, cargo loading problems, and large blind spots. Having a truck accident lawyer in your corner, helping you navigate and identify each of these factors that could be part of your case, could improve your chances of a successful outcome.
In addition, trucking and insurance companies can make truck accident cases extremely challenging. Trucking companies often try to conceal or hide certain information to avoid being found liable for their truck driver’s actions or the lack of maintenance performed on their trucks. Insurance companies often use tricks and tactics to diminish accident claims, protect their clients, and reduce the amount of money they have to give to victims. To help you overcome these challenges, hold every responsible party liable, and secure a fair compensation amount, you should strongly consider hiring a lawyer as soon as possible.
The Jackson truck accident lawyers at Bailey & Greer are dedicated to helping clients protect their rights and advocate for the compensation they are entitled to. Our team is known to be compassionate, understanding, and respectful toward every accident victim who walks through our doors. If you want a law firm that focuses on each case and makes sure that each client receives the individualized attention they need and deserve, please call our office or complete our contact form today.
Since graduating magna cum laude in 2005 from the University of Memphis School of Law, Thomas has helped make a difference in the lives of victims of serious personal injury, wrongful death, and professional negligence. Thomas has extensive trial experience in both state and federal court. Among other victories in the courtroom, Thomas obtained several impressive jury verdicts and settlements
Read more about Thomas R. Greer