No one knows what to do after being in a car accident. You’re probably feeling scared, helpless, and alone. On top of that, you have to deal with the legal aftermath of the accident. That’s why it’s important to know your rights and what to expect after an accident in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Tennessee Accident Law is here to assist you with your car accident case so that you can focus on healing both physically and emotionally
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Tennessee
Murfreesboro, Tennessee is picturesque, yet its roads are some of the most reckless in America. In 2018, close to 1,200 people died on Tennessee roadways. To put that into perspective: that’s an average of more than three deaths per day. So what usually causes car accidents in the Volunteer State?
Data from the Tennessee Highway Safety Office indicates that in 2018, distracted driving was a leading cause of car accidents in the state, with nearly 20% of all accidents involving at least one driver who was using a cell phone or other device.
Alcohol-impaired driving is a leading cause of car accidents in Tennessee. According to the state’s highway safety office, there were nearly 10,000 DUI arrests in 2018 – that’s almost 28 per day. When drunk drivers get behind the wheel, they endanger themselves and others on the road.
In Tennessee, speeding is a major cause of automobile crashes. In 2018, speeding was a factor in more than 25% of all vehicle accidents in the state. When you add in speeding and other hazardous actions like distracted driving and driving while intoxicated, the dangers become even greater.
Common Car Accident Injuries
Car accidents are ubiquitous and frequently induce severe injuries. Some of the most everyday car accident injuries encompass whiplash, fractured bones, and concussions. Whiplash materializes when the head is hurled forward or backward rapidly, compelling the neck muscles and ligaments to overextend their typical range of motion.
If you’re in a car accident, you could end up with pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. Broken bones are another common injury from car accidents, especially in high-impact collisions. Concussions are also a risk when you’re involved in a car accident because a blow to the head can cause the brain to collide with the inside of the skull.
If you have been in a car accident, you must see a doctor as soon as possible. However, many people do not realize they have sustained a concussion until hours or days after the initial injury. Symptoms of concussions can be extremely mild, such as headache and light sensitivity, while others can cause nausea and dizziness.
About Car Accident Claims
Tennessee is a “fault” car insurance state, implying that the driver who caused the accident is responsible for paying for the repairs. The driver who caused the accident (or their vehicle insurance provider) is responsible for covering the losses incurred as a result of it. You have a right to file a personal injury claim against an at-fault motorist if you were hit by another motorist and suffered bodily harm or property damage as a result of their negligence.
To hold the other driver accountable, you will need to demonstrate that they were negligent while driving (i.e., they did not take reasonable care on the road). You must also show that their negligence led to your injuries or property damage.
After you have gathered the information needed, you can start applying for reimbursement of your losses. If all goes well, you could receive compensation for items such as medical fees, missed salaries, and damage to any property lost.
Who is Responsible for My Car Accident Injuries?
When you get into a car accident, it’s not always straightforward to determine who is to blame for your injuries. In some circumstances, the other driver may be clearly at fault, but there are also grey areas where responsibility isn’t quite so clear.
Time is of the essence if you’ve been in a car accident. The faster you contact a personal injury attorney, the better. They will be able to access your case and work out who might be held responsible for any injuries you incurred.
If you have been injured in a car accident, you may be able to sue the other driver for compensation. In some cases, though, the car manufacturer may be held responsible. Contact a personal injury lawyer right away to find out more about your legal options.
What Does Tennessee Law Say About Car Accidents?
In Murfreesboro, Tennessee, traffic laws apply to all drivers. First and foremost, drivers are required to follow the road rules and exercise appropriate caution while driving. This implies obeying the speed limit, maintaining a safe following distance, and yielding the right-of-way when due. If a driver breaches their duty and an accident occurs as a result, they may be held accountable for any injuries caused.
In Tennessee, we use the comparative negligence standard. Your compensation might be reduced if you are 20% responsible for an incident. For example, if a collision causes $10,000 worth of damage but you are only 20% at fault, the other driver’s most you could get is $8,000.
Being in a car accident is painful and confusing, so you’ll want an experienced lawyer to help guide you through the process and get you the compensation deserve.
How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit?
The law in Tennessee states that for car accident cases, you have one year from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. If you don’t take legal action within this time frame, then you’re not able to receive any money as compensation. This is referred to as the statue of limitations.
It’s vital to note that vehicle accident claims might take months or even years to be resolved. As a result, you should contact a knowledgeable car accident lawyer as soon as possible following your incident. An attorney can assist you in investigating your accident, gathering evidence, and filing a claim within the legal time limit.
An experienced car accident attorney can help you if you’ve been in a car accident – don’t wait until it’s too late to get the help you need.
Don’t Talk to Anyone on the Other Side Before Speaking with a Lawyer
After being in a car accident, the primary thing you should do is look for legal assistance. It’s not advisable to speak with anyone on the other side before consulting an attorney. If you don’t have proper representation, insurance companies will try to give you less than what you deserve. They will also use anything you say against you in court. Therefore, ensure that all conversation is had through your lawyer to avoid any conflict later down the line.
How are We Different from Other Firms?
If you have had the unfortunate experience of being in a car accident, then you know how incredibly frustrating it can be to deal with everything that follows. From insurance companies to car repairs, to missed work; it can feel like a full-time job just dealing with the fall-out. Here at our law firm, we understand exactly what you’re going through because we’ve helped so many people in your situation before. Let us help take some of the burdens off of your shoulders.
At our personal injury law firm, we are dedicated to getting you the compensation you need and fighting for what you deserve. Don’t let insurance companies push you around – contact us today! We offer free consultations so that we can help get your life back on track as soon as possible.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Car Accident Case?
After a car accident, you might be questioning whether or not you need an attorney. The answer fluctuates based on the intensity of the accident and any injuries that resulted from it. If there was extensive property damage or someone received wounds, you’ll probably have to hire legal counsel.
If the accident was minor and there were no injuries, you may be able to handle the case yourself. Attorney consultations are free, so it doesn’t hurt to speak with a car accident lawyer about your options and decide whether or not hiring an attorney is right for you.
How Much Do We Charge?
We don’t receive any payment unless you do, and even then, our fee is only a percentage of what we manage to get for you. This is referred to as a contingency fee agreement.
The fee is determined by the stage at which the case is resolved. Our cost is usually one-third of the total amount recovered if we settle a case before bringing forth a claim. If we settle a case after bringing forward a legal action, our charge is generally 40%.
These percentages are only sketchy estimates. In any given instance, the exact percentage will be determined by agreement between you and your attorney. However, these rates give you a decent sense of how vehicle accident claims are usually handled.
Where Do I Start This Process of Pursuing a Recovery for My Loss?
After a car accident, you may be feeling distraught and wondering what to do next. While it is essential to assess each case separately, there are some general steps you can take to improve your chance of receiving compensation for your damages.
You must obtain medical assistance immediately following the accident to not only make sure you receive proper care but also to create a record of your injuries, which can help support your claim.
Don’t forget to reach out to a qualified car accident lawyer as soon as possible after the accident. Your attorney will be able to talk with you about your alternatives and advise you on the best course of action for your unique scenario.
Pursuing a car accident recovery can be tough, but by taking these steps, you increase your chances of succeeding. After collecting all the evidence and information that support your claim, file a formal complaint with the related insurance company or court. Because this process can be complex, it’s crucial to have an experienced professional assisting you every step of the way.
Murfreesboro, Tennessee, we’re here to help! Contact Tennessee Accident Law today for a free consultation.