Interstate 65 – Robertson County Work Zone Truck Accidents

Serving Nashville, Davidson County, and communities throughout Middle Tennessee, the Law Offices of John Day, P.C. is dedicated to helping individuals and families affected by serious truck accidents, including those occurring in hazardous work zones along Interstate 65 in Robertson County. With offices conveniently located in Brentwood, Nashville, and Murfreesboro, our legal team is committed to securing justice and full compensation for victims of truck crashes. If you or someone you love has been involved in a work zone collision on I-65, we are prepared to investigate your case, explain your rights, and advocate on your behalf. Contact us at (615) 742-4880 for a free, no-obligation consultation.

I-65 and Work Zone Risks in Robertson County

Interstate 65 is a vital transportation route that connects Indiana to Alabama, passing directly through Kentucky and Tennessee. In Robertson County, this heavily trafficked interstate frequently undergoes construction, resulting in lane closures, temporary barriers, reduced speed limits, and confusing signage. These conditions create particularly dangerous situations for large commercial trucks, which require ample space and time to maneuver safely.

Work zones are especially hazardous due to several contributing factors. Drivers are often required to make abrupt lane changes or merge into narrower paths, which is challenging for tractor-trailers with wide turning radiuses. Reduced visibility, detours, cones, flashing lights, and uneven pavement can all lead to confusion or driver error, especially at night or during adverse weather. Truck drivers operating under tight delivery deadlines may be fatigued or distracted, impairing their ability to respond quickly in these complex environments. Even with posted reduced speed limits, some drivers fail to slow down, heightening the risk of serious rear-end collisions. Additionally, if construction crews fail to properly follow state or federal work zone safety protocols, liability may extend to contractors or public entities responsible for the site.

Common Injuries in Work Zone Truck Collisions

Collisions involving semi-trucks in construction zones tend to result in more severe injuries due to the size, weight, and force involved. Victims may suffer traumatic brain injuries, such as concussions or skull fractures; spinal cord injuries that may lead to partial or complete paralysis; orthopedic injuries like broken bones, crushed limbs, or dislocations; internal organ damage from blunt force trauma; and burns or lacerations caused by vehicle fires, debris, or shattered glass. In some cases, amputation or fatal injuries occur, which may lead to wrongful death claims. These injuries often require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation and can permanently alter a victim’s quality of life. Our attorneys work to ensure that clients receive compensation that reflects the full scope of their long-term needs.

Liability in Work Zone Truck Accidents

Determining liability in a truck accident requires identifying all parties responsible for the incident. Truck drivers may be liable for behaviors such as speeding, driving while fatigued, distracted driving, or ignoring traffic signage. Trucking companies can also be held responsible under Tennessee’s doctrine of respondeat superior, and for negligent hiring, supervision, or training practices. Contractors or subcontractors may be liable if the work zone was not properly marked or maintained. If the crash resulted from poor design or maintenance of the construction zone, a claim may be brought against a government agency. Additionally, if the accident was caused by mechanical failure, such as brake issues, manufacturers or maintenance providers may bear responsibility.

Trucking Company Defense Tactics

Trucking companies and their insurers frequently use aggressive tactics to minimize or avoid paying compensation. Common strategies include blaming the injured party for reckless driving or failure to follow signs, delaying the claim process to pressure victims into settling for less, failing to preserve critical evidence such as black box data or driver logs, and shifting blame to contractors or government agencies to complicate litigation. Our firm is experienced in countering these tactics and has a proven track record of holding national carriers accountable.

Federal and State Regulations Governing Truck Drivers

Truck drivers are subject to numerous federal and state regulations, and violations of these rules can greatly strengthen a victim’s case. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) cover hours-of-service rules to prevent fatigued driving, drug and alcohol testing, commercial driver’s licensing (CDL) standards, and mandatory inspection and maintenance requirements. In Tennessee, specific statutes also apply, including Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-8-153, which mandates reduced speed limits in work zones and allows enhanced penalties for violations.. A violation of these regulations can establish negligence per se, creating strong evidence  of liability.

Evidence Collection and Legal Strategy

Success in a truck accident case depends on timely and thorough evidence collection. Our firm moves quickly to secure critical materials, including the truck’s electronic control module (black box), which records data such as speed and braking; driver logs and employment records; vehicle maintenance records; police reports and traffic citations; photographs of the scene and vehicles; witness statements; and any available dashcam or surveillance footage. We also may gather blueprints and permits related to the construction zone and issue spoliation letters to prevent the destruction of key evidence.

Damages You May Be Entitled To

Victims of work zone truck crashes may be eligible for various types of compensation, including medical expenses (past and future), lost income and reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, scarring or disfigurement, and property damage. If a loved one is killed in such an accident, wrongful death damages may include funeral expenses and loss of companionship. Under Tenn. Code Ann. § 29-39-102, Tennessee generally caps noneconomic damages in personal injury cases at $750,000, or $1 million in cases of certain catastrophic injuries.

Statutes of Limitations and Deadlines

Tennessee law imposes strict deadlines for filing claims. For personal injury, the statute of limitations is one year from the date of the accident (Tenn. Code Ann. § 28-3-104). Wrongful death claims must be filed within one year from the date of the incident causing the injuries which resulted in death. Missing these deadlines can permanently bar your right to compensation, so acting promptly is essential.

Why Work With the Law Offices of John Day, P.C.

Led by renowned trial attorney John Day, our firm is known across Tennessee for its professionalism, meticulous preparation, and compassionate client advocacy. We prepare every case as if it will go to trial, providing our clients with strong negotiating power. Our team utilizes cutting-edge technology and resources—from expert accident reconstructionists to medical consultants—to build persuasive cases. With deep community ties in Brentwood, Nashville, and Murfreesboro, we are proud to serve Tennessee families with care and integrity. We are here not just to offer legal guidance, but to provide support and clarity during what is often a deeply challenging time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a lawyer for a truck accident?
Yes. Trucking companies and their insurers immediately begin building a defense, often with legal teams already in place. Hiring a lawyer ensures that your rights are protected and that you pursue the full value of your claim.

Can I still recover damages if I was partially at fault?
Under Tennessee law, you may recover damages as long as you were less than 50% at fault. Your compensation will be reduced proportionally to your degree of fault.

What is a black box and why is it important?
A truck’s black box, or electronic control module (ECM), records data such as speed, braking, and throttle use. This objective data can provide key evidence in reconstructing how a crash occurred.

What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?
Even if the driver was classified as an independent contractor, the trucking company may still be held liable. We carefully investigate employment status and all potential avenues of liability.

Contact the Law Offices of John Day, P.C.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident on I-65 in Robertson County, particularly in a construction zone, do not delay in seeking legal representation. We offer free consultations and charge no fees unless we secure compensation for you. Let us help you pursue justice and hold the responsible parties fully accountable.