Close

Prompt Investigation of Truck Accidents

Knoxville Lawyer Fighting for Big Rig Crash Victims in East Tennessee

The prompt investigation of truck accidents in East Tennessee is crucial when trying to obtain a satisfactory settlement or jury verdict. An accident victim bears the burden of proof regarding a truck driver or trucking company's negligence. The driver and trucking company are unlikely to admit to liability without a fight. However, a lot may be discovered about why a big rig crash happened by examining the scene. Knoxville truck accident attorney Mark Hartsoe has an accident reconstruction team that can come to the scene of a truck accident 24/7 to collect evidence.

Why a Prompt Investigation of a Truck Accident Matters

Crucial evidence may be lost if the reasons for a truck accident are not promptly investigated. The truck driver and trucking company's insurers know how important a prompt investigation is, and they will act immediately to secure evidence to help their policyholders avoid liability. Most insurers are motivated by profit, and having to pay the sizeable claims that result from truck accidents may cut into their profits. This means that they will likely look at the scene closely for evidence that tends to blame the victim, rather than the driver or trucking company. They may arrive while the police are still there but not record evidence that would tend to help your case.

It is important for a victim’s attorney to look for any evidence that proves that the truck driver or trucking company was more likely than not negligent. This evidence may include skid marks, information in a truck's black box, damage to your vehicle, damage to the truck and other objects, debris, the angles of the vehicles, and police findings.

Mark Hartsoe can send out an accident reconstruction specialist and issue a letter notifying the truck driver and trucking company of the claim. If months or years pass before a potential defendant is notified of a claim, evidence may be lost during the normal course of business. Witnesses' memories often fade or change with time. Sometimes truck drivers or trucking companies purposefully alter, mutilate, or conceal evidence in order to avoid liability. This is called spoliation of evidence. In Tennessee, spoliation of evidence allows a court to draw a negative inference against the party that is believed to have intentionally and improperly destroyed, altered, or hidden evidence.

Sanctions may be issued against a party or an agent of a party that hides, alters, or destroys evidence under Rule 37A.02 of the Tennessee Rules of Civil Procedure. Courts have found that these sanctions may be imposed whenever a party's destruction of evidence severely prejudices the other party's case. However, these sanctions are not guaranteed, and it is still important that we have a chance to gather all of the evidence that we can immediately after an accident.

Hire Knoxville Attorney Mark Hartsoe After a Truck Accident

The prompt investigation of a truck accident is an important part of building a strong case. Insurers for the truck driver and trucking company will be working as hard as possible to try to avoid liability, so it is important that you have Knoxville truck accident lawyer Mark Hartsoe on your side to look out for your interests. Call the Hartsoe Law Firm at 865-804-1011 or contact us via our online form to arrange a free consultation. Mark Hartsoe represents victims who need a motor vehicle collision attorney throughout East Tennessee, including in Knox, Blount, Monroe, Loudon, Jefferson, Grainger, Cocke, Campbell, Hamblen, Greene, Anderson, Cumberland, and Fentress Counties.


Client Reviews
★★★★★
I was on my way to Atlanta and a huge truck rear-ended me and knocked me off the side of the road. I was scared. Didn’t know what to do. I tried working with the insurance company. They are just difficult to work with. I had to call somebody to take care of me. So, My brother told me to call Mark Hartsoe. As soon as I called Mark Hartsoe, he let me know real quick that everything was going to be okay and that he would take care of everything. And, he did. He got me a great settlement. He took the worry off of me. Mickey Anderson
★★★★★
I was hit coming home late at night by a drunk driver who took off. And the next day I was able to track down his vehicle and get the state police involved. At that point, a family friend recommended that I talk to Mark Hartsoe. Pretty much at that point, Mark handled the police, the insurance company and the guy who hit me. Settled with the actual person that hit me. Outside of that, everything came out great. Did not have to go to court. Got a great settlement. Got my car replaced. Got a check. Mark Hartsoe is my lawyer. Nate Holder
★★★★★
I was involved in a motorcycle accident. It was a head-on collision. I broke my arm, injured by knee. I was out of work for a long time and had medical bills, other expenses. A personal friend handed me a card for Mark Hartsoe. I called Mark Hartsoe from the side of the road and he took care of everything. My case was settled out of court. I received a great settlement. Bike was totaled, motorcycle was replaced. It was easy, painless. About as painless as something like this can be. This is why my lawyer is Mark Hartsoe. John Lusinger
★★★★★
I wanted to thank you for the excellent representation and your ability to handle the situation so well with such compassion and strength. We appreciate all of your help, concern and for answering my many questions. It has been a difficult road to travel but when we come across people like you, it really helps to lighten the load. We just wanted you to know how much we appreciate what you’ve done and your ability to handle the situation so well. S. Carter
★★★★★
Thank you so much for all the work you did on our case. We received more than we expected. You were great through the whole time from the first meeting until the last. Thank you so very much. Sam & Judy Kachar
Contact Us