Understanding A Trucking Accident Lawsuit in Nashville
At Sexton & Wykoff Law, we hope you never need to file a truck accident lawsuit in Nashville, as the consequences of being in an accident with a truck are often tragic. But when you have suffered injuries from a truck crash, this information on the Nashville Litigation Process should be useful to you as you prepare a trucking accident lawsuit in Nashville.
Litigation steps to an accident lawsuit in Nashville
Beat the deadline
Due to the Tennessee statutes of limitation, you cannot wait indefinitely to file a Nashville trucking accident lawsuit. While you generally have 12 months from the date of the incident to bring a lawsuit, the amount of time you have to file differs based on the type of case you are filing. With the variables involved, and the importance of making sure that you get your date in court, contact Sexton & Wykoff Law for guidance if you believe you have a legitimate case for a Nashville truck accident lawsuit. In our no-cost evaluation of your case, we analyze your situation and apply the appropriate deadline.
We file a complaint on your behalf
When representing you, the first step we take is to file a complaint, which identifies to the court certain key facts:
- Defines you as the plaintiff—the one filing the complaint
- Defines the defendant(s)—the party or parties are that you are suing
- Makes a short statement of the facts
- Explains your legal claims
- States the types of damages you have incurred from the defendant's negligence
Defendant is served
Now that we have filed your lawsuit, the defendant is served—notified that they are being sued, and given a copy of the lawsuit.
Defendant answers the suit
Once the defendant is served they have a period of time to answer—to file their response to your complaint.
Discovery begins
During what is called the discovery phase, each party to the suit gets time to discover the other's claims and defenses using tools of discovery, such as depositions, interrogations, medical evaluations, production requests (i.e., to make available a fact or piece of evidence), and subpoenas. The time length of discovery varies greatly, depending on the complexity of the case, your attorney's intervention in the case's forward motion, the willingness of the defense counsel or other parties to cooperate, the court's willingness to get involved to force forward momentum with a schedule, and on many other factors.
Pre-trial conference
Usually, a pre-trial conference occurs, during which the judge and attorneys work to resolve any disputes about certain aspects of the case. A pre-trial conference often speeds up the trial process, saving costs and time for all.
Trial or out-of-court settlement
If we do not reach an agreement with the defense before the trial date, which is set by the court, the trial is the next step. However, most cases are settled out of court. In Tennessee, roughly five percent of lawsuits ever go to trial.
Get help with your Nashville truck accident lawsuit
Our personal injury lawyers enjoy a highly respected reputation throughout Tennessee. We work tirelessly with you to expeditiously file your legal claim so that you can receive financial compensation for your trucking accident injuries. We welcome the opportunity to successfully represent you. Contact us online for a confidential consultation with one of our personal injury attorneys, or call us toll free at 888.878.7186.
Sexton and Wykoff, PLLC maintains convenient offices in Nashville so we may meet and discuss your legal needs if you are involved in a trucking accident. Please contact us to set an appointment.
