What is the statute of limitations for truck accidents in Tennessee?

Tennessee has one of the shortest deadlines in the nation—only 1 year from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit under Tenn. Code Ann. § 28-3-104. This applies to both personal injury and wrongful death claims. Immediate legal consultation is critical.

How does Tennessee's fault system affect my truck accident claim?

Tennessee uses modified comparative negligence with a 50% bar. If you are found 50% or more at fault, you recover nothing. If you are less than 50% at fault, your damages are reduced by your fault percentage.

Are there damage caps in Tennessee truck accident cases?

Yes, Tennessee caps non-economic damages (pain and suffering) at $750,000 in most cases. For catastrophic injuries like paralysis or severe brain injury, the cap increases to $1,000,000. Economic damages are not capped.

What is the average truck accident settlement in Tennessee?

Tennessee truck accident settlements typically range from $100,000 to over $1,000,000 depending on injury severity. The damage caps affect non-economic recovery, but economic damages for lost wages and medical expenses are unlimited.

How long do truck accident cases take in Tennessee?

Most Tennessee truck accident cases settle within 9-18 months. Nashville, Memphis, and Knoxville courts handle significant trucking cases. The short statute of limitations requires faster case preparation.

What should I do after a truck accident in Tennessee?

Call 911 immediately, seek medical attention, document the accident scene with photos including the truck's company name and DOT number, gather witness contacts, and contact a truck accident attorney immediately. Tennessee's 1-year deadline requires urgent action.

What makes Tennessee truck accidents unique?

Tennessee's central location makes it a major trucking hub. Interstates 40, 24, 65, and 81 all converge in the state. Memphis is one of the largest freight distribution centers in the nation, and Nashville's growth has increased truck traffic substantially.

Why do I need a truck accident lawyer in Tennessee?

Tennessee's extremely short 1-year statute of limitations and 50% fault bar make immediate legal representation essential. An experienced Tennessee truck accident lawyer can file quickly and counter defense tactics to minimize your fault allocation.

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Tennessee Truck Accident Attorney

State-specific legal information for truck accident cases in Tennessee. Find attorneys who understand Tennessee law, statute of limitations, and fault rules.

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Last updated: January 15, 2025

Statute of Limitations

1 year

Personal injury claims

Wrongful death: 1 year

Fault System

Modified Comparative 50

Tennessee uses modified comparative negligence with a 50% bar. If you are 50% or more at fault, you ...

Damage Caps

Yes

$750,000 ($1M catastrophic)

Tennessee caps non-economic damages at $750,000 in most cases, or $1,000,000 for...

Settlement Calculator

Estimate your potential case value for Tennessee

Medical Expenses$50,000

Past and future medical costs

Lost Wages$25,000

Lost income and earning capacity

Pain & Suffering Multiplier3x

Based on injury severity (1 = minor, 5 = catastrophic)

Your Fault Percentage0%

Tennessee uses modified comparative 50 negligence system, your 0% fault may prevent recovery. Consult an attorney immediately to review your options.

Economic Damages:$75,000

Non-Economic Damages:$150,000

Total Before Fault Adjustment:$225,000

Estimated Settlement Range:

$135,000 - $225,000

Actual settlements vary based on evidence, defendant conduct, and case-specific factors

Note: Your state has damage caps that may limit non-economic damages

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Tennessee Statute of Limitations

Personal Injury Claims

1 year

From the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline bars your claim permanently.

Wrongful Death Claims

1 year

From the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Family members must act quickly.

Legal citation: Tenn. Code Ann. § 28-3-104

Don't Wait Until the Deadline

Even though you have 1 year, trucking companies can legally destroy ELD data and logs after 6 months. Contact an attorney immediately to preserve evidence. Read more about statute of limitations exceptions.

Tennessee Fault System

Modified Comparative 50

Tennessee uses modified comparative negligence with a 50% bar. If you are 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover any damages. Below 50%, your recovery is reduced proportionally.

What This Means for Your Case

Under Tennessee's modified comparative negligence rule, insurance companies will fight to assign you enough fault to bar recovery. Your attorney must effectively prove the truck driver's greater responsibility for the accident.

Legal citation: Tenn. Code Ann. § 29-11-103

Tennessee Damage Caps

Damage Caps Apply

Tennessee caps non-economic damages at $750,000 in most cases, or $1,000,000 for catastrophic injuries. There is no cap on economic damages.

Non-Economic Damages Cap

$750,000 ($1M catastrophic)

Pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment

Frequently Asked Questions: Tennessee Truck Accident Law

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Content cross-referenced against expert guidance

Primary Sources:

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Tennessee Statute of Limitations

Personal Injury Claims

1 year

From the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline bars your claim permanently.

Wrongful Death Claims

1 year

From the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Family members must act quickly.

Legal citation: Tenn. Code Ann. § 28-3-104

Don't Wait Until the Deadline

Tennessee Fault System

Modified Comparative 50

Tennessee uses modified comparative negligence with a 50% bar. If you are 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover any damages. Below 50%, your recovery is reduced proportionally.

What This Means for Your Case

Legal citation: Tenn. Code Ann. § 29-11-103

Frequently Asked Questions: Tennessee Truck Accident Law