A vehicle accident is a distressing event. You not only have to cope with the emotional aftershocks of the collision, but you must also deal with the legal consequences. It’s critical to understand your rights and what to anticipate after a car accident in Cool Springs, Tennessee. Tennessee Accident Law assists you in dealing with your automobile accident claim.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Tennessee
Although Cool Springs, Tennessee is teeming with picturesque views, it’s infamous for having some of the most dangerous roads in America. With an average of three deaths per day, 2018 saw nearly 1,200 roadway fatalities within the state borders. So, what are the root causes of these car accidents?
Distracted driving is one of the primary causes of car accidents in Tennessee. Since so many drivers use cell phones and other devices while behind the wheel, it’s not surprising that distracted driving is such an issue. According to data from the Tennessee Highway Safety Office, distracted driving contributed to nearly 20% of all car accidents in 2018.
Another major cause of automobile wrecks in Tennessee is drunken driving. THSO statistics show that there were almost 10,000 DUI convictions in 2018. That adds up to over 28 people a day on average. Every time drunk driver gets behind the wheel, they put themselves and others at danger of harm or death.
In Tennessee, speeding is a leading cause of vehicle collisions. In 2018, speeding was a factor in more than 25% of all vehicle accidents in the state. When you include speeding and other dangerous behaviors such as distracted driving or drunk driving, the dangers become even greater.
Common Car Accident Injuries
Car accidents are unfortunately all too frequent, and they usually result in serious injuries. Whiplash, fractured bones and concussions are some of the most common car accident injuries. When the head is violently flung forward or backward, causing neck muscles and ligaments to stretch beyond their normal range of motion, whiplash occurs.
This can induce discomfort and a restricted range of motion. Broken bones are another frequent accident victim, particularly in high-impact incidents. Concussions are also a concern in vehicle accidents because a blow to the head may cause the brain to collide with the inside of the skull.
Headache, nausea, dizziness, and light sensitivity are all symptoms of a concussion. It is critical to visit a doctor as soon as possible after being in a vehicle accident to assess your injuries and begin the road to recovery.
About Car Accident Claims
In Cool Springs, Tennessee, “fault” car insurance applies. This means that if you get into a car accident, the driver who is responsible for causing the accident (or their car insurance company) has to pay for any damage done. If another driver hit you and you got injured or your property was damaged, you can file a claim against the at-fault driver.
To do so, you must show that the other driver was irresponsible (i.e., did not use a reasonable degree of caution on the road). You will also need to demonstrate that the other driver’s negligence was responsible for your injuries or property damage.
If you have fulfilled the required elements, then you can start working towards being compensated for your losses. If all goes well, you might be able to reclaim things like medical bills, missed wages, and damage done to the property.
Who is Responsible for My Car Accident Injuries?
In many instances, victims of vehicle accidents are unsure who is responsible for their injuries. In some circumstances, the other driver may be clearly to blame, but in other situations, the burden of proof may be difficult to establish.
If you have been in a car collision, meeting with an expert personal injury attorney should be your next priority. After evaluating the details of what occurred, they will tell you who can legally be held accountable for the injuries you sustained.
In many cases, a vehicle accident victim can sue the other driver for compensation, but in certain circumstances, the car maker may be held responsible as well. If you’ve been injured in a car accident, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer immediately to discover more about your legal options.
What Does Tennessee Law Say About Car Accidents?
A few different laws in Tennessee govern car accidents. Primarily, all drivers must follow road rules and use reasonable care while driving. This entails driving at a safe speed, keeping a significant enough distance between other vehicles, and Yielding the right-of-way when it’s appropriate to do so. If somebody doesn’t uphold this duty and an accident happens because of it, then that person can be held accountable for any damages caused by the collision.
In addition, in the state of Tennessee, there is something called comparative negligence. This means that if you are even partially at fault for an accident, the number of damages you can recover from the other party may be reduced. For example, let’s say you are in an accident and it caused $10,000 worth of damage but the other driver is determined to be 80% responsible for the accident. In this case, you would only be able to recover $2,000 from them.
In Tennessee, car accidents are unfortunately not uncommon. If you have been in a car accident, it is highly advised that you seek legal assistance as soon as possible to make sure your rights are represented. A lawyer who has experience with car accident cases will know exactly what to do and guide you through the process while also helping you receive proper compensation for the damages done.
How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit?
The latest you can file a car accident lawsuit in Tennessee is one year after the accident occurred. If you wait longer than that, then you won’t be able to get any compensation from the at-fault driver. this is referred to as the statute of limitations.
It may seem like a lengthy time, but it is vital to note that vehicle accident claims might take months or even years to complete. As a result, consulting with an experienced auto accident lawyer as soon as possible after your incident is critical. An attorney can assist you in investigating your accident, gathering evidence, and filing your claim within the prescribed period.
Don’t wait until it’s too late – if you’ve been in a car accident, contact an experienced car accident attorney today.
Don’t Talk to Anyone on the Other Side Before Speaking with a Lawyer
After you’ve been in a car accident, the primary thing you should do is seek legal counsel. Never converse with anyone representing the other driver until you have consulted an attorney; insurance companies will try to take advantage of unrepresented individuals. They’re likely to give lowball settlements and use anything you say as incriminating evidence against you.
How are We Different from Other Firms?
A car accident is an intensely frustrating experience that can feel like a full-time job. Between insurance companies, car repairs, and missed work, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. At our law firm, we understand what you’re going through and we want to help.
We’re not like other personal injury firms in that we aren’t afraid to fight for what you deserve. We have a team of knowledgeable attorneys who will work tirelessly to ensure you receive the compensation you need to get your life back on track. Don’t let insurance companies take advantage of you. For a free consultation, contact us right now. We’re here to assist.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Car Accident Case?
If you’ve been in a vehicle accident, you may be wondering if you require legal assistance. The answer is determined by the severity of the collision and any injuries that have occurred. If there was significant property damage or someone was hurt as a result of the collision, you’ll almost certainly need to hire an attorney.
If the accident was only minor and there were no injuries, you might be able to handle the situation without an attorney. Contact a car accident lawyer so you can explore your various options and then decide if hiring somebody is right for you.
How Much Do We Charge?
If we take on your car accident case, you only pay us if we win–and our fee is a percentage of the total amount recovered. This is referred to as a contingency fee agreement.
The percentage varies based on the case’s stage of resolution. Our fee is usually one-third of the total amount recovered if we settle a case before bringing a lawsuit. If we file a lawsuit, our fee is typically 40%.
Of course, these figures are mere approximations. The precise percentage in any particular instance will be determined by negotiation between you and your attorney. These percentages, however, offer a general sense of how vehicle accident claims are typically handled.
Where Do I Start This Process of Pursuing a Recovery for My Loss?
After a car accident, you may be confused about what to do next. Although every case is different, there are normally a few steps you should take to improve your chance of success.
Immediately after the accident, you must look for medical help. This will take care of your well-being and provide paperwork for your injuries as evidence for your case.
Next, you should contact an experienced vehicle accident lawyer who can guide you through the legal process and guarantee that your rights are respected. Your attorney will be able to talk with you about your alternatives and advise you on the best course of action for your situation.
Finally, once you’ve gathered all of the evidence and information required to support your claim, you’ll need to submit a formal complaint with the proper insurance institution or court. This may be a difficult procedure, therefore it’s critical to have the assistance of an expert throughout the process. Recovering from a vehicle accident might be tough, but if you follow these steps, you’ll have a better shot at succeeding.
Cool Springs, Tennessee, we’re here to help! Contact Tennessee Accident Law today for a free consultation.