Germantown 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer

Your 18-wheeler accident injuries could be affecting every aspect of your life. Whether you are struggling with the physical implications of your injuries, having trouble covering the costs and out-of-pocket expenses associated with your collision, or struggling to deal with the emotional toll of the traumatic experience, when someone else is to blame, you may be entitled to financial compensation. 

Explore your legal options further when you reach out to a respected Germantown personal injury lawyer at Gatti, Keltner, Bienvenu & Montesi, PLC for a free consultation.

Time Is of the Essence

Moving forward with a lawsuit when you have suffered debilitating injuries in a tractor-trailer crash may be the last thing on your mind. However, time is of the essence. It is important for your 18-wheeler accident lawyer in Germantown, TN to get started on your case as soon as possible. According to Tennessee Code §28-3-104, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including 18-wheeler accident lawsuits, is just one year. One year is not a significant amount of time to build a powerful case against the liable party. 

You will need a skilled attorney on your side who can help guide you through the process and gather the evidence needed to prove liability in your case. The sooner we can get started, the better. It is possible that certain types of evidence may only be available for a limited amount of time. 

For example, if a nearby convenience store caught the 18-wheeler accident on video, it is important to contact that store soon after the accident to obtain footage of the collision. Otherwise, it will likely be deleted or written over in a matter of days or weeks. You can avoid any issues with the statute of limitations impacting your case by getting an attorney on your lawsuit as soon as possible after the collision.

First Steps After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Germantown

The initial steps you take after an accident involving a big rig could make all the difference in your ability to get justice and the compensation you deserve. Here are some of the first steps you should take:

Secure Supporting Evidence

Your 18-wheeler accident attorney in Germantown, TN will be responsible for opening up a thorough investigation into the cause of your collision. However, while you are still at the scene of the accident, there are some steps you can take to start building your case from the start. 

Begin by writing down or compiling a note on your phone that describes how the accident happened. Be very detailed. It is not uncommon for small details to be forgotten shortly after a traumatic event. You might also take photos of the injuries you sustained and video of the surrounding property damages.

Be Seen by Medical Professionals

As soon as emergency responders arrive at the scene of your 18-wheeler accident, it is important to obtain a medical evaluation. You might initially feel as though your injuries are minor. 

However, many victims do not feel the full impact of their injuries until later. If you want to avoid the defendant arguing your injuries were not caused by the collision, be sure to obtain a medical evaluation right after the accident. Your 18-wheeler accident lawyers can then obtain copies of your medical records and anticipated prognosis to be used as evidence in your case later.

Contact a Germantown 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney for Help 

Once healthcare providers have stabilized your condition, your next call should be to our 18-wheeler accident attorneys. Working with an attorney is not a requirement to pursue legal action after a collision. 

However, when your injuries are all-consuming, and you have little knowledge of the insurance claims process or civil court system, having a legal professional on your side could make all the difference in the outcome of your case. You may feel more confident in your ability to get justice when you have our team advocating for your rights.

Never Discuss the Details of Your Case

Do yourself a huge favor, and do not talk about your 18-wheeler accident with anyone other than your lawyer. Although you may be angry, upset, overwhelmed, and traumatized by what you have been through, if you start posting online about the accident or are otherwise making your presence in the accident known, it could have a negative impact on the outcome of your case. 

The last thing you want is for any social media posts or communication exchanges to be misinterpreted and used as evidence against you.

Proving Liability for Your Damages 

We will need to prove that another party is responsible for causing your injuries if we hope to recover compensation for your 18-wheeler accident damages. The two primary criteria that need to be met for a personal injury lawsuit to be successful include establishing liability and proving damages. Here is more:

Negligence Defined

Your lawyer will need to show that the defendant’s negligence was the cause of your injuries. Negligence involves a breach of the defendant’s duty of care. The defendant in your case must have owed you a duty of care and breached it in some way for your lawsuit to be successful.

The Value of Your 18-Wheeler Accident Claim 

We must also be able to show that your life has been significantly affected by the 18-wheeler accident you were involved in. This does not necessarily need to take the form of life-threatening injuries or catastrophic financial losses. 

However, we must be able to introduce evidence that clearly shows the judge and jury that your life has been significantly altered and affected by the collision. This might include introducing copies of your medical records, vehicle repair quotes, copies of your paystubs, photos of your injuries, and statements from your friends and family that describe firsthand accounts of how your life has been affected by your injuries.

Get Help from a Germantown 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney Today

When it feels as though your 18-wheeler accident injuries have taken over your life it is time to consider how you can make the at-fault party pay period get the financial relief and legal support you need when you contact a dedicated Germantown 18-wheeler accident lawyer at Gatti, Keltner, Bienvenu & Montesi, PLC. 

Our firm is proud to offer free consultations to 18-wheeler accident victims across Germantown and nearby cities. Claim yours when you fill out our quick contact form or call us today.