Hit by a Truck in Memphis?

Truck accidents frequently cause catastrophic injuries — traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, crushed limbs, and internal organ damage. Call 911 right away, even if you think your injuries are minor. You need both emergency medical care and an official police response documenting the scene.

Tennessee law requires reporting any accident involving injury, death, or property damage. The responding officer's crash report will be one of the most important documents in your case. For truck accidents, the report may also note the trucking company's name, the truck's DOT number, and whether the driver appeared impaired or in violation of any regulations.

If you are physically able, collect as much evidence as possible before vehicles are moved or towed. Photograph the truck from every angle — capture the company name, DOT and MC numbers displayed on the cab, the license plate, and any visible damage. Photograph the road conditions, traffic signals, skid marks, debris, and your own injuries.

Get the truck driver's name, employer, insurance information, and CDL number. Write down the names and phone numbers of witnesses. Commercial truck accidents often involve disputes over fault, and witness statements can be critical.

Do not admit fault or apologize. Tennessee's modified comparative fault rule means that any admission could be used to increase your percentage of responsibility and reduce — or eliminate — your compensation.

This step is uniquely important in truck accidents. Trucking companies are required to maintain electronic logging devices (ELDs), driver logs, maintenance records, inspection reports, and black box data. But this evidence can be overwritten, lost, or destroyed quickly — sometimes within days.

If you've been seriously injured, having an attorney send a spoliation letter to the trucking company within the first few days can legally require them to preserve this critical evidence. Waiting even a few weeks can mean losing data that proves the driver was fatigued, speeding, or violating hours-of-service regulations.

Truck accident injuries are often severe and require specialized treatment. In Memphis, Regional One Health is the region's only Level I adult trauma center and handles the most critical injuries. Baptist Memorial Hospital, Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare, and St. Francis Hospital also serve accident victims throughout Shelby County.

Follow up with all recommended specialists — orthopedists, neurologists, surgeons, physical therapists. Complete documentation of your injuries, treatments, and prognosis is essential for establishing the full value of your claim. Keep every medical record, receipt, and bill.

After a truck accident, you may be contacted not just by an insurance adjuster but also by investigators working for the trucking company. They may try to interview you while you're still in the hospital or recovering. Their goal is to gather statements that minimize the company's liability.

You are not legally required to speak with them. Politely decline and direct them to your attorney. Do not sign any documents, authorizations, or releases without legal advice.

Truck accident cases are more complex than car accidents because multiple parties may share responsibility. Potentially liable parties include the truck driver (for negligence, fatigue, impairment, or distracted driving), the trucking company (for negligent hiring, inadequate training, pressure to violate hours-of-service rules, or poor vehicle maintenance), the cargo loading company (for improperly loaded or secured freight), the truck or parts manufacturer (for defective equipment like brakes, tires, or steering), and government entities (for dangerous road design or inadequate signage).

An experienced truck accident attorney will investigate all potential sources of liability and insurance coverage — which often means significantly more compensation than a standard car accident claim.

Under Tenn. Code Ann. § 28-3-104, you have only one year from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Tennessee. This is one of the shortest deadlines in the nation. For truck accidents — where investigations are complex and evidence must be preserved quickly — this deadline makes early legal consultation especially critical.

If criminal charges are filed against the truck driver, the deadline may extend to two years (Tenn. Code Ann. § 28-3-104(a)(2)), but you should not rely on this exception.

Truck accident cases involve federal regulations (FMCSA rules on hours of service, weight limits, drug testing, and maintenance), corporate defendants with aggressive legal teams, and potentially multiple insurance policies. This is not a case to handle on your own or wait on.

Most truck accident attorneys offer free consultations and work on contingency — you pay nothing unless they recover compensation for you. Given the complexity and Tennessee's short filing deadline, early legal involvement can make the difference between a strong claim and a missed opportunity.