1. NST Law
Practice Focus: Truck accidents, 18-wheeler accidents, semi-truck collisions, commercial vehicle accidents, car accidents, motorcycle accidents, wrongful death, catastrophic injuries, personal injury
Case Types Handled: Tractor-trailer accidents, semi-truck collisions, commercial truck accidents, delivery truck accidents, rollover accidents, jackknife accidents, rear-end truck collisions, driver fatigue accidents, hours of service violation accidents
Legal Services: Trucking company negligence claims, driver negligence investigation, FMCSR violation investigation, Tennessee state trucking regulation analysis, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, wrongful death claims, catastrophic injury claims, medical expense recovery, lost wage claims
Background: NST Law has been advocating on behalf of truck accident victims and grieving families in Memphis and across the South since 1990. Over 30 years of experience handling trucking cases. Attorneys are nationally recognized for their commitment to clients and ability to achieve top results in truck accident cases. Content reviewed by Attorney A. Parker Trotz, who has handled injury cases involving auto accidents, slip and fall, premises liability, and negligent security. Not afraid to take on powerful trucking companies and insurance adjusters.
Location: Memphis, Tennessee (serves throughout Tennessee and the South)
Contact: https://www.nstlaw.com
Consultation: Free consultation, contingency fee arrangement
2. The Gold Law Firm
Practice Focus: Truck accidents, 18-wheeler accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, car accidents, motorcycle accidents, wrongful death, catastrophic injuries, personal injury
Case Types Handled: Semi-truck collisions, tractor-trailer accidents, big rig accidents, commercial truck accidents, box truck accidents, delivery van accidents, flatbed accidents, tanker truck accidents, driver fatigue accidents, failure to yield accidents, distracted driving accidents
Legal Services: Trucking company negligence claims, driver negligence investigation, federal regulation violation analysis, Tennessee Highway Patrol Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division regulations, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, wrongful death claims, medical expense recovery, lost wage claims, pain and suffering damages
Background: The Gold Law Firm has over 25 years of experience handling personal injury claims. Has successfully handled more than 5,000 personal injury claims. Secured tens of millions of dollars in compensation for clients. Over 165 five-star reviews and hundreds of client testimonials. Memphis-based attorneys understand Tennessee’s modified comparative fault rules and one-year statute of limitations. Thorough investigation to uncover responsible parties and prove liability.
Location: Memphis, Tennessee (serves Shelby County and surrounding areas)
Contact: https://www.dgoldlaw.com
Consultation: Free consultation, contingency fee arrangement
3. Dunk Law Firm
Practice Focus: Truck accidents, 18-wheeler accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, car accidents, motorcycle accidents, wrongful death, catastrophic injuries, personal injury
Case Types Handled: Semi-truck collisions, tractor-trailer accidents, commercial truck accidents, delivery truck accidents, rollover accidents, underride accidents, driver fatigue accidents, driver intoxication accidents, defective parts accidents, improper cargo loading accidents
Legal Services: Trucking company negligence claims, driver negligence investigation, cargo loading investigation, vehicle maintenance investigation, federal regulation violation analysis, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, wrongful death claims, catastrophic injury claims, medical expense recovery, lost wage claims, property damage claims
Background: Dunk Law Firm has handled countless auto accident cases for the last 15 years. Attorneys know what evidence to look for to hold at-fault drivers and other parties accountable. Takes not only emergency expenses into consideration but future costs of care as injuries from truck accidents can be long-lasting and permanent. Ready to stand up against insurance adjusters, trucking companies, and more on behalf of clients. Recovered millions of dollars in medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage for clients.
Location: Memphis, Tennessee
Contact: (901) 231-4779 | https://www.slamdunklawyer.com
Consultation: Free consultation, contingency fee arrangement
4. The Law Office of David E. Gordon & Elissa M. Coombs
Practice Focus: Truck accidents, 18-wheeler accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, car accidents, wrongful death, catastrophic injuries, personal injury
Case Types Handled: Highway truck accidents (especially I-240), tractor-trailer accidents, semi-truck collisions, commercial truck accidents, driver fatigue accidents, freight broker negligence accidents, shipper negligence accidents, overloaded truck accidents
Legal Services: Trucking company negligence claims, driver negligence investigation, freight broker liability investigation, shipper liability investigation, federal regulation compliance analysis, Tennessee law and insurance regulation analysis, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, wrongful death claims, pain and suffering damages, medical expense recovery, lost wage claims
Background: The Law Office of David E. Gordon & Elissa M. Coombs has years of experience handling serious highway truck accidents, especially those on Interstate 240. Attorneys know how the regulations of truck companies work and ensure these corporations follow the letter of the law. Every detail is managed professionally from start to finish. Individual attention to each case. Known for victories in negotiated settlements and at trial. Available 24/7 to serve clients. Treats clients with utmost compassion and care.
Location: Memphis, Tennessee
Contact: https://www.davidgordonlaw.com
Consultation: Free consultation available
5. Chiozza Law Firm
Practice Focus: Truck accidents, 18-wheeler accidents, tractor-trailer accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, car accidents, wrongful death, catastrophic injuries, personal injury
Case Types Handled: Semi-truck collisions, tractor-trailer accidents, commercial truck accidents, rollover accidents, rear-end truck collisions, driver fatigue accidents, speeding truck accidents, reckless driving accidents, improper maintenance accidents
Legal Services: Trucking company negligence claims, driver negligence investigation, road condition analysis, police report evaluation, federal and state trucking regulation investigation, driver licensing verification, accident reconstruction, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, wrongful death claims, psychological damage claims, physical damage claims, emotional damage claims
Background: Chiozza Law Firm understands the legalities and regulations related to trucking law. Investigates all aspects of trucking law from the trucking company and the driver to the road conditions and any additional parties involved. Committed to achieving a just outcome on behalf of clients. Attorneys help clients find out what factors led to the trucking accident, gather evidence, and pursue reimbursement. Evaluates traffic volume, weather, visibility, police reports, driver fatigue, distraction, speeding, and reckless driving.
Location: Memphis, Tennessee
Contact: (901) 526-9494 | https://www.chiozzalaw.com
Consultation: Free consultation, contingency fee arrangement
Truck Accident Laws and Regulations in Tennessee
Statute of Limitations: Under Tennessee Code Section 28-3-104, personal injury claims arising from truck accidents must be filed within one year from the date of the accident. This is one of the shortest statutes of limitations in the country. Wrongful death claims must also be filed within one year of the date of death under Tennessee Code Section 28-3-104. Missing this deadline typically results in case dismissal and loss of the right to compensation.
Fault System: Tennessee is an at-fault (tort) state for motor vehicle accidents, meaning the party responsible for causing the accident is liable for resulting damages.
Comparative Negligence: Tennessee follows a modified comparative fault rule under Tennessee Code Section 29-11-103. An injured party can recover damages as long as they are less than 50% at fault for the accident. If the claimant is 50% or more at fault, they are barred from recovery. Damages are reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to the claimant.
Minimum Insurance Requirements: Tennessee requires minimum liability coverage of $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $15,000 for property damage (25/50/15). Uninsured motorist coverage is required unless rejected in writing.
Commercial Truck Insurance Requirements: FMCSA regulations require commercial trucks to carry minimum insurance based on cargo type: $750,000 for general freight, $1,000,000 for oil transport, and up to $5,000,000 for hazardous materials.
Federal Regulations Applicability: FMCSA regulations (49 CFR Parts 390-399) apply to commercial motor vehicles in Tennessee, including hours of service rules, driver qualification standards, vehicle maintenance requirements, and electronic logging device (ELD) mandates. The Tennessee Highway Patrol Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division also oversees compliance.
Vicarious Liability: Under respondeat superior doctrine, trucking companies can be held liable for the negligent acts of their employee drivers when acting within the scope of employment. Tennessee courts also recognize negligent hiring, training, supervision, and entrustment claims against motor carriers.
Multiple Liable Parties: Tennessee law allows claims against multiple potentially liable parties including the truck driver, trucking company, vehicle manufacturer, maintenance providers, cargo loaders, freight brokers, and shippers.
Punitive Damages: Tennessee allows punitive damages in cases involving intentional, fraudulent, malicious, or reckless conduct. Under Tennessee Code Section 29-39-104, punitive damages are generally capped at two times compensatory damages or $500,000, whichever is greater, though caps do not apply in certain circumstances.
Black Box Evidence: Tractor-trailers contain electronic control modules (ECMs) or black boxes that record data about the truck’s operation. This evidence is admissible in Tennessee courts and can be critical in proving negligence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the deadline to file a truck accident lawsuit in Memphis, Tennessee?
A: Under Tennessee Code Section 28-3-104, you have only one year from the date of the truck accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This is one of the shortest statutes of limitations in the country, and Tennessee courts will accept no excuses for missing the deadline. For wrongful death claims, the one-year period runs from the date of death. Given this extremely limited timeframe, it is critical to consult with an attorney immediately after a truck accident to preserve evidence and protect your rights.
Q: How does Tennessee’s comparative fault rule affect my truck accident claim?
A: Tennessee follows a modified comparative fault system under Tennessee Code Section 29-11-103. If you are found partially at fault for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. However, if you are determined to be 50% or more at fault, you are completely barred from recovering any damages. For example, if you were awarded $500,000 but found 10% at fault, your recovery would be reduced to $450,000. Trucking companies and insurers often attempt to shift blame to accident victims, making experienced legal representation essential.
Q: What makes truck accident cases in Memphis different from regular car accident cases?
A: Truck accident cases involve significantly greater complexity due to federal regulations (FMCSA rules), multiple potentially liable parties (driver, trucking company, cargo loaders, maintenance providers, manufacturers, freight brokers, shippers), larger insurance policies, and more severe injuries. Memphis is a major trucking hub with interstates I-40 and I-240 running through the city, carrying significant commercial truck traffic. Evidence such as electronic logging device (ELD) data, black box information, driver qualification files, and maintenance records must be preserved quickly. Tennessee’s one-year statute of limitations makes prompt action essential.
Q: Can I sue the trucking company if their driver caused my accident in Memphis?
A: Yes. Under Tennessee law and the doctrine of respondeat superior, trucking companies can be held vicariously liable for the negligent acts of their employee drivers when those drivers are acting within the scope of their employment. Additionally, trucking companies can be held directly liable for negligent hiring, negligent training, negligent supervision, negligent entrustment of the vehicle, and violation of federal safety regulations. Freight brokers who assign freight inappropriately and shippers who overload or improperly load cargo may also be liable.
Q: What types of damages can I recover in a Memphis truck accident case?
A: Tennessee law allows recovery of economic damages (medical expenses past and future, lost wages, lost earning capacity, property damage), non-economic damages (physical pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, disfigurement, loss of consortium), and in cases involving intentional, fraudulent, malicious, or reckless conduct, punitive damages. Punitive damages are generally capped at two times compensatory damages or $500,000, whichever is greater, under Tennessee Code Section 29-39-104, though exceptions exist.