Chattanooga Truck Accident Attorneys

Representing Victims of Truck Accidents in Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama

Have you or a loved one been hurt in a trucking accident? Anyone who has been injured in any kind of auto accident should seek prompt legal assistance to help them recover damages. When a collision involves a tractor-trailer or any other large commercial vehicle, however, the stakes can be much higher, and the case is likely to be far more complex than a straightforward car crash. Truck accidents come with additional complications such as multiple layers of ownership, insurance coverage, and liability, which can sometimes exceed the scope of what a traditional personal injury lawyer is prepared to handle. You need to hire an attorney who is deeply familiar with trucking law and will fight to get you just compensation.

At The Hamilton Firm, we have a proven track record of successfully taking on negligent truck drivers, trucking companies, and their insurers in Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama. Much of our firm’s work is focused on this area, and we are committed to helping injured victims and their families hold responsible parties accountable and recover the compensation they need to get their lives back on track. Our Chattanooga truck accident lawyers have nearly a century of combined legal experience and have recovered over $100 million for our clients through settlements and judgments.

Through our aggressive, strategic, and ethical representation, we aim to ensure you receive all of the compensation you deserve after suffering harm in a truck accident. We also emphasize a personal touch in our practice, meaning your case will have our full attention, and you will communicate directly with one of our attorneys from beginning to end.

Not only is there no upfront cost to you if we take your case, but our firm only gets paid if we win or if you receive a favorable settlement. Contact us online or call (423) 454-3288 to schedule a free case evaluation today.

Choosing the Right Truck Accident Attorney
Types of Truck Accident Cases We Handle
Common and Dangerous Areas for Truck Accidents in Chattanooga
What Damages Can I Recover for Truck Accident Injuries?
How Are Truck Accident Claims Different from Other Personal Injury Cases?
Who Is Liable for a Truck Accident?
Localized Resources for Truck Accident Victims in Chattanooga, TN

Free Case Evaluation

Trucking and car accidents can take a toll on your life. Our attorneys are here to help you get the compensation you deserve.

Get Started Today

Choosing the Right Truck Accident Attorney: Experience Matters

In the United States, any licensed attorney is authorized to represent a person in a case arising in the state where the attorney practices. Of course, you would not ask your family doctor to perform brain surgery on yourself or a family member, and you should not expect your “family” lawyer, or the lawyer who prepared your will or handled your divorce, to have the level of knowledge and experience required to successfully navigate a complex trucking lawsuit. An optimal truck accident attorney is a seasoned trial attorney who focuses on serious and complex cases involving tractor-trailers and other commercial vehicles, and they should ideally have the credentials and track record to back it up.

Beware of solicitations from unqualified lawyers! We cannot stress enough how important it is to be wary of and avoid lawyers who may be unqualified or act unethically. This applies to their qualifications and the manner in which they offer their services to injured clients. In some cases, individuals may pose as investigators but are really soliciting on behalf of an attorney or law firm. While accidents on the road are a matter of public record, an attorney should not be contacting you in person, over the phone, or by email unless you reached out to them first.

When you are considering whether to hire an attorney to assist with your truck accident claim, review their case results and ask questions. Are they prepared to advance the money necessary to hire an accident reconstruction expert early in the case? Do they know who to call to get the ECM data from the car? Do they know how to obtain post-accident inspection reports from state authorities? Are they prepared to travel all over the country to take necessary depositions of the driver, the safety director, or the company CEO? Do they know how to find and retain such other experts as the case may require, such as conspicuity experts, bio-mechanical experts, and safety experts? How many such truck accident cases has the law firm handled? What is their track record? Are they prepared to go to trial if a sufficient settlement can't be reached, and do they have a history of high compensation for their clients whether by settlement or verdict?

Our Chattanooga truck accident attorneys at The Hamilton Firm can confidently answer all of these questions. We understand how to effectively approach a wide range of truck accident and commercial vehicle cases. We take pride in the recognition and awards our team has received from the people we have helped as well as from our peers in the legal profession. Patrick A. Cruise is one of only four attorneys who has been Board Certified in Truck Accident Law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy and is a member of both the American Association for Justice (AAJ) Trucking Litigation Group and the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys. Annette T. Kelly joined the firm in 2012 after years of defending insurance companies, and she has achieved outstanding results by bringing her knowledge of how defendants in these cases operate to our practice.

Hear From Our Past Clients

"Patrick is the embodiment of everything you want in an attorney. He is very responsive to the needs of his clients & fights for you with the tenacity of a bulldog. Don't be fooled by other attorneys who have their names plastered all over billboards & tv. Patrick is the consummate professional that you want on your side!" - Richard Frailley
"The team at the Hamilton Firm are exceptional to work with. The knowledge they have about the cases that they work on combined with superior client service is above and beyond most firms." - Traci Kaas
"I do not have words to express my appreciation for the best of the best attorney. In my opinion, Patrick Cruise is an absolutely excellent attorney. He was able to help me, a 60-year-old plus client who had never been injured in an accident, through all my questions and anxiety in dealing with insurance to an effective solution that was stress free. He navigated settlement and all discussions in an amazing manner. I do not have words to express my appreciation for this attorney." - Debby

We know that injuries resulting from a serious accident can render you unable to travel, which is why one of our Chattanooga truck accident lawyers will visit you in your home or the hospital if you are unable to come to us. Call (423) 454-3288 or contact us online to schedule an initial consultation today.

Free Legal Consultation

No Fees Until We Win For You

First Name
Please enter your first name.
Last Name
Please enter your last name.
Phone
Please enter your phone number.

This isn't a valid phone number.
Email
Please enter your email address.

This isn't a valid email address.
Are you a new client?
Please make a selection.
How can we help you?
Please enter a message.
By submitting, you agree to be contacted about your request & other information using automated technology. Message frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. Text STOP to cancel. Acceptable Use Policy

"Absolutely excellent attorneys."
They were able to help me, a 60-year-old client who had never been injured, navigate all my questions and anxiety with insurance to a stress-free solution.

- Debby
"Exceptional knowledge and client service."
The team at The Hamilton Firm LLC is exceptional to work with. Their knowledge about cases combined with superior client service is above and beyond most firms.

- Traci Kaas
"Empathic and understanding service"
My experience with The Hamilton Firm LLC could not have been better. They were very empathic and understanding, always keeping me updated. Even after relocating 3000 miles away, everything went smoothly. Five stars all the way for their team!

- Stephanie Monday
"Compassionate and tough attorney"
The Hamilton Firm LLC is amazing, compassionate with clients and tough with opposing counsel. They recently co-counseled my case and were thorough in finding details to settle favorably. I'm very touched by the genuine kindness with which they treated me and my husband.

- Christine Raines
"Compassionate and tough."
The Hamilton Firm LLC is amazing and compassionate with clients while being tough with opposing counsel. They were thorough in finding details to help settle my case favorably and treated us with genuine kindness. I think highly of this business.

- Christine Raines
"Compassionate and thorough representation"
The Hamilton Firm LLC is amazing, showing genuine kindness and tough advocacy. They were thorough in finding details to help settle my case favorably, and treated us with compassion. I will always think highly of this firm.

- Christine Raines
"Words can’t express my gratitude"
Beyond everything thank you! Thank you for taking the chance representing me. Thank you for believing me and the evidence available. Thank you for your knowledge and expertise. Thank you for being a caring person. Words can’t express my gratitude and

- Former Client
"Tenacity of a Bulldog"
Patrick is the embodiment of everything you want in an attorney. He is very responsive to the needs of his clients & fights for you with the tenacity of a bulldog

- Richard Frailley

View All Reviews

Types of Truck Accident Cases We Handle

For decades, our team at The Hamilton Firm has been helping clients hold the trucking industry accountable. Much of our experience has been gained through investigating and filing claims and lawsuits against U.S. Xpress and Covenant Transport, two of the nationwide interstate carriers based in Chattanooga.

Our Chattanooga truck accident attorneys are prepared to represent you in cases involving:

We understand that time is of the essence when it comes to investigating a truck accident on your behalf. When we take your case, our dedicated legal professionals will cover every aspect of the accident investigation, from gathering and preserving evidence to interviewing witnesses, police, and emergency response personnel.

Our team at The Hamilton Firm understands how to strategically navigate these matters and has a proven track record of successfully fighting the trucking industry. No matter your circumstances, we will act fast while maintaining meticulous attention to detail. attention to detail.

Call (423) 454-3288 today to get started on your case

Common and Dangerous Areas for Truck Accidents in Chattanooga

Chattanooga, situated at the crossroads of several major highways and interstates, experiences a significant amount of truck traffic. Certain areas are particularly prone to truck accidents due to high traffic volumes, complex roadways, and other factors. Here are some of the most common and dangerous areas for truck accidents in Chattanooga:

I-24 Corridor: The I-24 corridor, especially around the "Ridge Cut" section near Missionary Ridge, is notorious for truck accidents. The steep grades and sharp curves can be challenging for truck drivers, particularly in adverse weather conditions.
I-75 Interchange: The interchange between I-75 and I-24 is a busy junction where accidents frequently occur. The heavy merging traffic and frequent congestion create hazardous conditions, increasing the likelihood of collisions involving large trucks.
U.S. Highway 27: U.S. Highway 27 runs through downtown Chattanooga and is a significant route for commercial traffic. The combination of urban traffic, numerous intersections, and pedestrian activity can lead to an increased risk of accidents involving trucks.
State Route 153: State Route 153, which connects to major shopping centers and industrial areas, sees a high volume of truck traffic. The busy intersections and frequent stops and starts along this route can lead to rear-end collisions and other types of accidents involving trucks.
Amnicola Highway: Amnicola Highway is another area where truck accidents are common. This road serves industrial areas and has numerous intersections and driveways, leading to a higher likelihood of collisions, particularly during peak traffic hours.
Cummings Highway: Cummings Highway, particularly near the Lookout Valley area, is a frequent site for truck accidents. The combination of steep grades, sharp curves, and high traffic volumes can make this area particularly dangerous for large trucks.
Brainerd Road: Brainerd Road is a major commercial thoroughfare with numerous businesses and shopping centers. The heavy traffic, frequent stops, and pedestrian crossings contribute to the risk of truck accidents in this area.

What Damages Can I Recover for Truck Accident Injuries?

To recover any compensation through a truck accident claim, you must take legal action against the liable parties before the applicable state’s statute of limitations expires. The time limit will vary: In Tennessee, you have only one year from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit, while in Georgia and Alabama, you have two years. Should someone perish due to truck accident injuries, qualifying parties have one year from the date of the victim’s passing to file a wrongful death lawsuit in Tennessee and two years to bring a claim in Georgia or Alabama.

You will be barred from recovering any damages if you do not file in time, so do not wait to discuss your legal options with our team at The Hamilton Firm. As part of our investigation into your case, we will assess your damages and walk you through what you can expect to recover.

We will make every effort to get you full and fair compensation for all economic and non-economic losses, including:

Past, current, and future medical bills and expenses
Ongoing or permanent disability
Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Mental anguish
Vehicle and property damage
Loss of consortium

How Are Truck Accident Claims Different from Other Personal Injury Cases?

Wrecks involving tractor-trailers, semis, big rigs, 18-wheelers, and other commercial vehicles often cause severe injury or death. A typical fully loaded tractor-trailer is massive, often weighing up to 80,000 pounds. The energy contained in these huge vehicles is enormous, especially when they are traveling at high speeds. They are slow to accelerate and decelerate, and they require extra time and space to change lanes, complete turns, clear intersections, and maneuver.

Truck accident cases are seldom as straightforward as a car accident claim, as multiple layers of vehicle ownership and insurance coverage can complicate liability. Achieving success in these claims tends to require a higher level of hands-on experience, commitment, and resources.

Some of the other differences between truck accident claims and car wreck cases include:

Much more is at stake in a trucking accident, as the resulting injuries are generally more severe and life-altering
A driver of a commercial vehicle is supposed to be screened, qualified, and professionally trained
Additional laws apply to commercial vehicles, including the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations
Trucking companies have ample legal resources they will use to escape accountability
Truck drivers and trucking companies are subject to different insurance coverage requirements

Who Is Liable for a Truck Accident?

In a car wreck, you will typically only need to consider what role the other driver played in causing the accident, such as whether they failed to observe traffic laws, drove on too little sleep, drove while intoxicated, or behaved recklessly. Accidents involving trucks or other commercial vehicles often involve more than one at-fault party, making ascertaining liability a complex endeavor. You will need to consider who employed the driver, who owns the truck, whether its cargo was properly loaded, and whether the vehicle was adequately maintained and inspected, among other factors. Accurately determining liability in these cases typically requires a thorough understanding of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR).

In many of these cases, the driver could work for one company, the truck is owned by another company, and could have been loaded for shipping by another. All possible defendants and sources of recovery must be identified, investigated, and sued.

Parties to a truck accident claim can include:

The truck driver
The trucking company or broker
The owner of the vehicle
The shipper or warehouse involved in the truck loading
The truck or vehicle component manufacturer
Parties responsible for vehicle maintenance, repairs, and inspections
Insurance companies for various parties

A commercial truck driver can and should be held to a higher standard of care than the driver of an ordinary passenger car or pickup truck. For instance, FMCSR § 392.14 requires a commercial driver to exercise extreme caution and to reduce speed when hazardous conditions, such as those caused by snow, ice, sleet, fog, mist, rain, dust, or smoke, adversely affect visibility or traction. Additionally, FMCSR § 392.3 prohibits the operation of a commercial motor vehicle while the driver’s ability or alertness is impaired, or so likely to become impaired, due to fatigue, illness, or any other cause, so as to make it unsafe for him/her to operate the tractor-trailer.

Although federal regulations require a trucking company to be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and to display a DOT number on the tractor, the driver may not even be an employee of that trucking company. They may be an independent owner-operator, or they may be employed by someone else and just be leased to the company whose logo is displayed. Sometimes leases are arranged for one trip only.

Brokers are often utilized to match companies, drivers, and loads, and there may be several entities involved between the driver and the shipper. Shipping commodities, containers, and cargoes in interstate commerce is often a complex and confusing business involving hidden participants and unknown entities.

Such companies will use a variety of legal devices to try to shield themselves from liability for accidents on the highways. All too often, when a bad wreck occurs and someone is severely injured or killed, no one involved in the selection, training, or supervision process is willing to accept responsibility for the catastrophic event. To achieve success in such cases, working knowledge of federal law and complex federal regulations (FMCSR), as well as applicable state law, is essential, along with actual experience fighting the trucking industry. Our Chattanooga truck accident lawyers are well-versed in these matters and have the knowledge, resources, and drive necessary to identify all liable parties.

Continue Reading Read Less

Our Pledge To Our Clients

Not Just a Case Number – Personal Attention, Every Step
Our boutique firm treats you like family, providing one-on-one care and attention tailored to your unique needs.
Maximize Your Compensation
We fight for every dollar you deserve. While you focus on healing, we’re dedicated to securing the maximum recovery for you.
Specialized Accident Expertise
Our board-certified trucking attorneys bring top-tier expertise to complex cases, achieving superior results for our clients.

Free Consultations, Available 24/7
Get started with a no-cost case evaluation to learn your options—because we’re here for you around the clock.
No Fees Until We Win
You pay nothing until we secure a successful outcome. Your recovery is our top priority, and we’re committed to seeing it through.
Aggressive Representation When It Counts
We stand up to insurance companies and are ready to take your case to court—whatever it takes to get what you deserve.

Localized Resources for Truck Accident Victims in Chattanooga, TN

Emergency Services

In the unfortunate event of a truck accident, immediate access to emergency services is crucial. Here are some key contacts and locations in Chattanooga, TN:

Chattanooga Police Department

Location: 3410 Amnicola Hwy, Chattanooga, TN 37406
Phone: (423) 698-2525
Website: Chattanooga Police Department

Chattanooga Fire Department

Location: 910 Wisdom St, Chattanooga, TN 37406
Phone: (423) 643-5600
Website: Chattanooga Fire Department

Erlanger Health System

Location: 975 E 3rd St, Chattanooga, TN 37403
Phone: (423) 778-7000
Website: Erlanger Health System

CHI Memorial Hospital

Location: 2525 de Sales Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37404
Phone: (423) 495-2525
Website: CHI Memorial Hospital

Support Organizations

Victims of truck accidents often need more than just medical attention. Various organizations in Chattanooga provide support for physical, emotional, and financial recovery:

Partnership for Families, Children and Adults

Services: Counseling, crisis intervention, victim advocacy
Location: 1800 McCallie Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37404
Phone: (423) 697-3791
Website: Partnership for Families, Children and Adults

Chattanooga Area Brain Injury Association (CABIA)

Services: Support groups, resources for brain injury victims
Location: 1400 McCallie Ave #110, Chattanooga, TN 37404
Phone: (423) 634-1572
Website: CABIA

Legal Aid of East Tennessee

Services: Free legal assistance for low-income individuals
Location: 535 Chestnut St #360, Chattanooga, TN 37402
Phone: (423) 756-4013
Website: Legal Aid of East Tennessee

Tennessee Department of Human Services

Services: Financial assistance, rehabilitation services
Location: 5600 Brainerd Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37411
Phone: (423) 634-6200
Website: Tennessee Department of Human Services

Chattanooga's Trusted Legal Support for Semi-Truck Accidents

Navigating the aftermath of a semi-truck accident in Chattanooga can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with serious injuries and complex legal matters. At The Hamilton Firm, we understand the unique challenges faced by our local community. Whether you're commuting on I-24 or traveling through the busy intersections of downtown Chattanooga, accidents involving large commercial vehicles can have devastating consequences.

Our team is well-versed in the local regulations and resources that can impact your case. We are familiar with the procedures of the City of Chattanooga and the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT), ensuring that we can efficiently obtain necessary post-accident inspection reports and other critical data. This local knowledge allows us to build a strong case on your behalf, leveraging every available resource to support your claim.

Chattanooga's unique geography, with its mix of urban and rural roads, presents specific challenges for semi-truck accident victims. The winding roads and frequent construction zones can increase the risk of accidents, making it crucial to have a legal team that understands these local pain points. Our attorneys are prepared to address these issues head-on, providing personalized support tailored to the needs of our Chattanooga clients.

We know that dealing with the aftermath of a semi-truck accident can be stressful, especially when you're trying to recover from serious injuries. That's why we offer to visit you in your home or at the hospital if you're unable to come to our office. Our commitment to the Chattanooga community means we can support you every step of the way.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a semi-truck accident in Chattanooga, don't hesitate to reach out to us. Call (423) 454-3288 to schedule an initial consultation.

Commonly Asked Questions

Can The Hamilton Firm's attorneys assist me if I'm unable to travel due to my injuries?

Yes, The Hamilton Firm's attorneys can assist you if you're unable to travel due to your injuries. Understanding the challenges faced by those who have been seriously injured, the firm offers to visit clients in their homes or at the hospital. This ensures that all individuals, regardless of their mobility or health status following a semi-truck accident, have access to high-quality legal representation and can receive the necessary support to pursue their claims effectively.

Why is it important to avoid unqualified lawyers for my truck accident claim?

It is important to avoid unqualified lawyers for your truck accident claim because these cases often involve complex legal and technical issues that require a high level of knowledge and experience. Unqualified lawyers may lack the necessary skills to navigate these complexities, potentially jeopardizing your case. Ethical concerns also arise if lawyers solicit your business unethically or without proper qualifications. Choosing a qualified and ethical attorney ensures that your case is handled professionally and increases the likelihood of a favorable outcome.