Get Real Justice with Commercial Vehicle Accident Attorneys Serving Clients in Nashville & Throughout Tennessee
When you are injured or a loved one is killed in a commercial vehicle crash, you need a Nashville commercial vehicle accident lawyer with the experience, compassion, and drive to pursue Real Justice. Our team at Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers sees the devastation these accidents cause for victims and their families every day. If someone else’s negligence was at the root of the crash, they need to be held accountable for the losses you’ve suffered.
Your recovery isn’t just about covering medical bills; it’s about reclaiming stability and peace of mind. That means addressing not only your immediate health needs but also your lost income, future care costs, emotional well-being, and ability to live on your own terms. You can count on our steadfast Nashville commercial vehicle accident attorneys to Keep It Real by focusing on how this crash has affected your life.
Were you hurt or did you lose a cherished loved one in an accident with a commercial vehicle? Call Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers today at 615-813-1111 or contact us online to schedule your FREE no-obligation consultation. The sooner we get involved, the closer you are to the Real Results you deserve.
What Is Considered a Commercial Vehicle in Tennessee?
In 2024, the Tennessee Department of Safety reported more than 13,000 crashes statewide involving at least one large truck or other commercial vehicle. Over 3,000 of those occurred in Davidson County. These collisions aren’t exclusively on interstates. They take place on city streets, in work zones, at neighborhood intersections, and on rural roads as well.
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But what is considered a “commercial vehicle”?
Under Tennessee Code, a commercial vehicle includes motor vehicles used in “commerce to transport passengers or property” if they meet certain criteria, such as having a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more (e.g., garbage trucks, semi-trucks, transit buses), being designed to carry 16 or more passengers, or being of any size if used to transport hazardous materials. These are the types of vehicles that typically require a commercial driver’s license (CDL) to operate.
Many smaller vehicles are also considered “commercial vehicles” (e.g., delivery vans, rideshare vehicles, service trucks). Some require special licenses or training to operate, while others do not. However, because they’re used for business and often insured under commercial policies, there can be several legal challenges when pursuing a claim.
Why does this classification matter? Because it determines which insurance applies, the coverage available, and who can be held financially responsible. On top of that, multiple layers of federal, state, and local laws may apply. Claims can become complex and contentious, especially when corporate defense teams and insurers get involved.
Examples of commercial vehicles include:
- Delivery vans
- Box trucks
- Utility trucks & service vehicles
- Tow trucks
- Construction vehicles
- Dump trucks
- Rideshare vehicles
- Shuttles
- Buses
- Government or municipal work trucks
- Corporate fleet cars
The team at Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers knows how to handle these cases. More importantly, the insurance companies know us. Our reputation as experienced, trial-ready, Real Advocates precedes us, and they’ll think twice before playing games.
Why Choose Us?
When you’re facing one of the toughest moments of your life, you need more than just a lawyer—you need a trusted ally who will stand with you and fight for your rights.
Common Types of Commercial Vehicle Accidents in Nashville
Accidents involving commercial vehicles carry risks unique to their size, purpose, and prevalence. These crashes can cause disastrous damage even at lower speeds, especially in crowded city streets. Common types of accidents include:
Collisions with Larger Commercial Vehicles
- Multi-vehicle crashes with 18-wheelers
- Rear-end collisions on city streets, highways, or interstates
- Rollover accidents from sharp turns or unsafe driving
- Jackknife accidents & underride collisions
Accidents Involving Smaller or Specialized Commercial Vehicles
- Pedestrian, motorcycle, or bicycle crashes involving delivery vans, rideshare, or service vehicles
- Work zone collisions with construction, utility, or municipal trucks
- Blind spot accidents where drivers fail to see smaller vehicles
Mechanical or Cargo-Related Failures
- Accidents caused by improper loading, unsecured cargo, or shifting loads
- Crashes due to poor maintenance, skipped inspections, tire blowouts, or mechanical failure
Types of Claims We Handle
Our Nashville commercial vehicle attorneys have the experience, skill, and determination to take on your commercial vehicle accident case. We’ve successfully and routinely handled many different kinds of claims, including those involving:
- Delivery vans
- Semi-trucks
- Service vehicles
- Rideshare vehicles
- Construction vehicles
- Utility vehicles
- Garbage & dump trucks
- Transit buses
- Motorcoaches
- Shuttles
- And more
These accidents can often involve:
- Fatigued or distracted driving
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Reckless or aggressive driving
- Unsafe company driving policies
- Defective parts
- Inadequate repairs
- Employer liability
If your accident involved a commercial vehicle, chances are there may be multiple liable parties. We know how to determine who’s responsible and fight to hold them accountable for your losses.
– you are in good hands!
Can I Seek Compensation After an Accident with a Commercial Vehicle in Tennessee?
Yes. If another party’s negligence caused your injuries, you may very well have a valid claim for compensation. But Tennessee has one of the shortest statutes of limitations in the country—just 1 year—so it’s important to act fast. To properly pursue your claim, we need to get started as soon as possible.
Even if you are concerned you may be partially at fault for the accident, you could still recover damages. Tennessee follows a modified comparative fault rule that allows you to seek compensation if you are less than 50% at fault. Your award would just be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Accident victims in Tennessee may be able to recover compensation for damages, including:
- Medical expenses
- Rehabilitation
- Physical therapy
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Household services
- Pain & suffering
- Emotional distress
- Physical impairment or disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
If your loved one was killed in the crash, you may be able to pursue damages through a wrongful death claim. Damages could include:
- Funeral expenses
- Loss of financial support
- Loss of companionship, guidance & consortium
- And more
You’ve already been through enough with the bills, the pain and stress, and the uncertainty about your future. Let our team champion your legal fight so you can focus on healing and rebuilding. Contact us today to schedule a FREE case evaluation with our compassionate and determined Tennessee commercial vehicle accident attorneys.
Who’s Liable in a Commercial Vehicle Accident?
Determining liability can be complicated in these cases because multiple parties may share responsibility. To get to the bottom of this, we will:
- Identify all possible defendants (driver, employer, maintenance provider, manufacturer, etc.)
- Collect and review maintenance logs, GPS data, driver records, and company policies
- Interview witnesses and obtain surveillance footage
- Consult accident reconstruction experts to clarify fault
Potentially liable parties include:
- The driver
- The driver’s employer or contracting company
- Vehicle maintenance companies
- Vehicle or parts manufacturers
- Government entities responsible for public transportation or road safety
When Is a Commercial Vehicle Driver Considered Negligent?
A driver may be found negligent if they:
- Drive distracted, fatigued, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Violate traffic laws
- Fail to follow federal, state, or local safety regulations
- Fail to secure cargo properly
- Speed or drive recklessly
If there’s any question about who should be held accountable, our Nashville commercial vehicle accident attorneys are ready to get to work and figure it out. We start with a FREE consultation. If your claim is viable and you decide to move forward, we work on a contingency fee basis. That means we don’t get paid until you do. Let’s talk!
Do I Really Need a Nashville Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyer To Get Real Results?
Legally, you aren’t required to hire a commercial truck accident lawyer for an injury claim. In reality, it’s often in your best interest, especially if you want to maximize your compensation.
Commercial vehicle accidents frequently involve facing off against corporations and insurers that are primarily concerned with keeping their money in their deep pockets. They don’t care about how this accident has affected you.
Having practiced and compassionate legal assistance ensures that your needs, wants, and future are prioritized. Don’t take chances when your physical, emotional, and financial health are on the line.
We believe that every victim of negligence deserves the highest standard of representation. That means Real Justice for everything you’ve been through and rekindled hope going forward. Our Nashville commercial vehicle accident attorneys will:
- Gather crucial evidence like GPS data, driver logs & company policies
- Identify every liable party to maximize your claim
- Handle all communication with insurance companies & representatives
- Work with reconstructionists & other experts to prove your case
- Utilize personalized, trial-ready strategies to keep the pressure on for a full & fair settlement
At Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers, we are well known for Keeping It Real. We stay accessible, transparent and focused on you and your goals from moment one. Contact our team today to set up a FREE case evaluation.
How Long Do I Have To File a Commercial Vehicle Accident Claim in Tennessee?
Unfortunately, Tennessee has one of the shortest filing deadlines in the country. The statute of limitations on personal injury claims, including motor vehicle claims, is just 1 year from the date of the accident. If a government-owned or operated vehicle is involved, you may have even less time to give formal notice of your claim.
These deadlines are strict, and building a strong case takes time. Evidence must be located and analyzed before it disappears or is destroyed. Witnesses need to be interviewed while memories are still fresh, and accident reconstruction or expert review can require much preparation.
Acting quickly gives our commercial truck crash attorneys the best chance to protect your rights and pursue the maximum compensation you’re entitled to under the law. Were you injured or did you lose a loved one in a commercial vehicle accident? Contact us today to schedule a FREE case evaluation. We’re ready when you are.
Frequently Asked Questions About Commercial Vehicle Accidents
Here’s a quick and simple checklist to help you protect your health, your rights, and your Nashville commercial vehicle accident claim. Remember, your safety comes first.
- Get to safety & call 911. Request police, EMS, and a crash report number.
- Get medical care. Even if you feel okay, some injuries may not be immediately evident.
- Photograph the scene. Get photos/video of vehicles, plates, injuries, cargo, skid marks, and surroundings.
- Exchange information. Get the driver’s name, insurance info, their employer’s name, DOT/unit numbers, and statements and contact info for witnesses.
- Collect company & vehicle info. Photograph logos, USDOT and trailer numbers, and any contractor markings.
- DO NOT DISCUSS FAULT. Keep conversations brief and decline making statements to company representatives or insurers until you’ve spoken with an attorney.
- Hold on to all records & evidence. Save dashcam footage, phone videos, damaged items, bills, a symptoms journal, etc.
- Notify your insurer & open a claim. Refer any calls from the commercial carrier’s insurer to us and decline recorded statements.
- Move fast to preserve the company’s data. We send requests immediately to stop the deletion of black box data, driver logs, GPS, dispatch notes, and maintenance records.
- Call Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers now so we can build a solid claim before Tennessee’s 1-year statute of limitations expires.
Once you’re safe, contact our Nashville commercial vehicle accident lawyers. We can take it from there, protecting your rights, preserving key evidence, and helping you get the medical and financial support you need to recover.
Evidence in commercial vehicle cases can disappear fast, which makes acting quickly so important. Our team will step in and send preservation letters to the driver’s employer, the trucking or transport company, and any other potentially responsible parties.
Key evidence may include:
- Black box (ECM/ELD) data
- GPS & telematics records
- Driver logs & hours-of-service records
- Dispatch communications
- Trip sheets
- Maintenance & inspection reports
- Employment, training & supervision files
- Cargo manifests & bills of lading
- Photos & video from the scene
- Witness statements & contact information
- Your medical records & bills
The more evidence preserved early, the stronger your claim becomes. Tennessee’s 1-year statute of limitations means there’s no time to waste. Contact us as soon as possible so we can secure what’s needed before it’s lost or destroyed.
No. In fact, it is usually best not to.
Insurance representatives often reach out asking for a “quick statement” to “speed up the claim.” What they’re really doing is trying to gather information that limits their company’s liability. You’re not legally required to give a recorded statement to the other side’s insurer. Doing so without guidance could hurt your case if your words are taken out of context.
Let us handle that communication for you. When you work with Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers, we deal directly with insurers on your behalf, ensuring your rights and your story are protected from day one.
At Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers, you pay nothing up front. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means our payment depends entirely on your success. If we win compensation for you, our fee is a percentage of that recovery.
Our goals are completely aligned with yours. We invest in building your case by hiring investigators, expert witnesses, and reconstruction specialists without adding to your financial stress. You focus on healing while we focus on getting the Real Justice and Real Results you deserve.
Yes. If you’re less than 50% at fault, you may be eligible to seek compensation. Tennessee follows a modified comparative fault rule, which allows you to recover damages as long as your portion of fault doesn’t exceed 50%.
However, your total compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were found 20% at fault and your total damages were $100,000, you could still recover $80,000.
Even if you think you might share some responsibility, it’s important not to assume the worst or admit fault before speaking with an experienced attorney. Often, the evidence will tell another story. It could indicate that other parties (e.g., driver’s employer, maintenance contractor, parts manufacturer) bear the majority of the blame. Our job is to uncover the full story and advocate for your rights, needs, and goals.
Yes, but the caps depend on the circumstances of your commercial vehicle accident claim. Under Tennessee law, non-economic damages (like pain and suffering) are generally capped at $750,000, or $1,000,000 if the injuries are catastrophic (such as paralysis, amputation, or severe burns).
Punitive damages, which are designed to punish “malicious, intentional, fraudulent, or reckless” behavior, are capped at two times the amount of compensatory damages or $500,000, whichever is greater.
Note that there are exceptions when caps may not apply, especially if the at-fault party acted intentionally, falsified records, or was under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The steadfast commercial vehicle accident lawyers at Bernheim Kelley will evaluate every detail of your claim to ensure you are seeking the full and fair compensation allowed by law.
Accidents involving government-owned vehicles (e.g., city buses, maintenance trucks, public utility vehicles) fall under the Tennessee Governmental Tort Liability Act (GTLA). These claims follow different rules than standard personal injury cases.
You typically have just 1 year to file under the GTLA, but notice requirements can be as short as 120 days in some situations. Government entities also have limits on the damages they can be required to pay.
These cases can get complicated fast. Our Nashville commercial vehicle accident lawyers know how to handle the GTLA process, file the necessary paperwork, and hold public entities accountable when their negligence causes harm.
The term “independent contractor” doesn’t automatically shield a company from liability. We will need to look at how much control the company had over the driver’s work, the vehicle’s ownership and insurance status, and whether the driver was representing the business at the time of the crash.
In some cases, the employer or carrier can still be held responsible through vicarious liability or for negligent hiring, training, or supervision. Our diligent attorneys investigate those relationships thoroughly because labels do not always accurately reflect who is truly at fault.
Every case is different. The timeline of yours depends on factors like the severity of your injuries, the number of parties involved, and whether liability is disputed. Some cases may resolve in a few months through settlement negotiations, while others may take a year or more if litigation is necessary.
What’s most important is building the strongest possible claim before entering negotiations. Rushing can leave you short of the money you need to move forward with financial security and hope.
If you’ve lost a loved one in a commercial vehicle accident, you may have grounds for a wrongful death claim under Tennessee law. Eligible family members, such as spouses, children, or parents, may be able to seek compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost financial support, and the loss of companionship and guidance.
We know no amount of money can replace someone you love. A wrongful death case can help your family seek accountability and secure financial stability after your terrible loss. At Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers, we handle these cases with compassion and respect, guiding you through every step with care and dedication to Real Advocacy and Real Justice.
Real Advocacy, Real Experience, Real Justice—Start Today!
Your claim is more than paperwork and should be treated that way. This is your life, your health, your stability, your future. When you work with Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers, you get a commercial truck accident law firm that treats you and your case with the urgency, respect, and care it deserves.
Here’s what you can expect when you choose to work with us:
- No Fee Unless We Win: You won’t pay any upfront legal fees. We only get paid when we secure compensation for you.
- 20+ Years of Trial Experience: We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. Insurance companies know we’re serious.
- Comprehensive Investigation: From securing maintenance logs to interviewing witnesses, we investigate thoroughly.
- Client-Centered Representation: We want you to tell us your story so we can tailor our approach to your needs and goals.
- Clear Communication: You’ll always know where your case stands and what comes next.
- Compassionate Support: We understand the strain you’re under, and we’re here to help shoulder that burden.
Contact Our Nashville Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyers Today for a FREE Consultation
Commercial vehicle crashes can leave you facing serious injuries, steep medical bills, and an uphill fight with insurance companies. At Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers, we Keep It Real. Our team of Nashville commercial accident lawyers listens, gets you answers, and provides unwavering support while we pursue the compensation you need and deserve.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a commercial vehicle accident in Tennessee, don’t wait. Call 615-813-1111 or reach out online today for your FREE, no-obligation consultation. The path to Real Justice may seem uncertain, but we know the way.