Being involved in a car accident is a traumatic experience. Not only do you have to deal with the emotional fallout of the accident, but you also have to deal with the legal fallout as well. It’s important to know your rights and what to expect after an accident. Tennessee Accident Law is here to assist you with your car accident case.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Tennessee
Tennessee is a beautiful state, but it’s also home to some of the most dangerous roads in the country. In 2018, there were nearly 1,200 fatalities on Tennessee roadways. That’s an average of more than three deaths per day. So what are the most common causes of car accidents in the Volunteer State?
One of the leading causes of car accidents in Tennessee is distracted driving. With so many drivers using cell phones and other devices behind the wheel, it’s no wonder that distracted driving is such a problem. Data from the Tennessee Highway Safety Office shows that distracted driving was a factor in nearly 20% of all car accidents in 2018.
Drunk driving is another major cause of car accidents in Tennessee. According to THSO data, there were nearly 10,000 DUI arrests in 2018. That works out to an average of almost 28 per day. Drunk drivers put themselves and others at serious risk of injury or death every time they get behind the wheel.
Speeding is also a major contributor to car accidents in Tennessee. In 2018, speeding was a factor in more than 25% of all car accidents in the state. And when you combine speeding with other risky behaviors like distracted driving or drunk driving, the risks only increase.
Common Car Accident Injuries
Car accidents are unfortunately all too common, and they often result in serious injuries. Some of the most common car accident injuries include whiplash, broken bones, and concussions. Whiplash occurs when the head is suddenly thrown forward or backward, causing the neck muscles and ligaments to stretch beyond their normal range of motion.
This can lead to pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. Broken bones are another common car accident injury, particularly in high-impact collisions. Concussions are also a risk in car accidents, as a blow to the head can cause the brain to collide with the inside of the skull.
Symptoms of a concussion can include headache, nausea, dizziness, and light sensitivity. If you have been in a car accident, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible to assess your injuries and begin the road to recovery.
About Car Accident Claims
Tennessee is a “fault” car insurance state. This means that the at-fault driver (or their car insurance company) is responsible for paying the damages caused by the car accident. If you were hit by another driver and suffered injuries or property damage, you have the right to file a car accident claim against the at-fault driver.
To do this, you will need to prove that the other driver was negligent (i.e., they did not exercise a reasonable level of care on the road). You will also need to prove that their negligence was the cause of your injuries or property damage.
Once you have established these elements, you can begin pursuing compensation for your losses. If you are successful, you may be able to recover damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage.
Who is Responsible for My Car Accident Injuries?
Many car accident victims are uncertain about who is responsible for their injuries. In some cases, the other driver may be clearly at fault, but in other cases, the responsibility may be less clear.
If you have been involved in a car accident, it is important to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you understand your legal options. An attorney can review the facts of your case and determine who may be held liable for your injuries.
In many cases, car accident victims can recover compensation from the other driver, but in some cases, other parties such as the car manufacturer may also be held liable. If you have been injured in a car accident, contact a personal injury attorney today to learn more about your legal rights.
What Does Tennessee Law Say About Car Accidents?
In the state of Tennessee, car accidents are governed by a few different laws. First and foremost, all drivers are required to follow the rules of the road and use reasonable care when operating their vehicles. This means driving at a safe speed, maintaining a safe following distance, and yielding the right-of-way when appropriate. If a driver breaches this duty and an accident occurs, they can be held liable for any resulting damages.
Additionally, Tennessee is a comparative negligence state. This means that if you are found to be even partially at fault for an accident, you may have your damages reduced accordingly. For example, if you are involved in an accident that caused $10,000 in damage but the other driver is determined to be 80% at fault, you would only be able to recover $2,000 from them.
If you have been involved in a car accident in Tennessee, it is important to seek legal counsel as soon as possible to ensure that your rights are protected. An experienced car accident attorney will be able to advise you on how best to proceed and help you recover the compensation you deserve.
How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit?
The statute of limitations for car accident lawsuits in Tennessee is one year from the date of the accident. This means that you have one year from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. If you do not file a lawsuit within this time period, you will be barred from recovery.
This may seem like a long time, but it is important to remember that car accident lawsuits can take months or even years to resolve. Therefore, it is important to consult with an experienced car accident attorney as soon as possible after your accident. An attorney can help you investigate your accident, gather evidence, and file your lawsuit within the applicable time 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
If you’re ever in a car accident, the first thing you should do is find a lawyer. Don’t talk to anyone on the other side before speaking with a lawyer. The insurance companies will try to take advantage of you if you don’t have a lawyer. They will try to lowball you on the settlement and they will use anything you say against you. So make sure you speak to a lawyer before you say anything to the other side.
How are We Different from Other Firms?
If you’ve been involved in a car accident, you know how frustrating and overwhelming the process can be. Dealing with insurance companies, car repairs, and missed work can be a full-time job. At our law firm, we understand what you’re going through and we’re here to help.
We’re different from other personal injury law firms because we’re not afraid to fight for what you deserve. We have a team of experienced attorneys who will work tirelessly to get you the compensation you need to get your life back on track. Don’t let the insurance companies take advantage of you. Contact us today for a free consultation. We’re here to help.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Car Accident Case?
If you’ve been in a car accident, you may be wondering if you need a lawyer. The answer depends on the severity of the accident and the injuries involved. If there was significant property damage or someone was injured, you’ll likely need to hire an attorney.
However, if the accident was minor and there were no injuries, you may be able to handle the case yourself. Get in touch with a car accident lawyer to discuss your options and decide whether or not hiring an attorney is right for you.
How Much Do We Charge?
We charge a car accident case on a contingency basis. That means we don’t get paid unless we recover money for you. And if we do recover money for you, our fee is a percentage of the total amount recovered.
The percentage varies depending on the stage at which the case settles. If we settle the case before filing a lawsuit, our fee is usually one-third of the total amount recovered. If we settle the case after filing a lawsuit, our fee is usually 40%.
Of course, these are just rough estimates. The actual percentage in any given case will be determined by agreement between you and your attorney. But these percentages give you a general idea of how car accident cases are typically charged.
Where Do I Start This Process of Pursuing a Recovery for My Loss?
If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, you may be wondering what the next steps are in terms of pursuing recovery from your losses. While every car accident case is unique, there are generally a few key steps that should be followed to give yourself the best chance at success.
First, you must seek out medical attention as soon as possible after the accident. This will not only ensure that you get the treatment you need, but it will also provide documentation of your injuries which can be used as evidence in your case.
Next, you should reach out to an experienced car accident attorney who can help you navigate the legal process and ensure that your rights are protected. Your attorney will be able to discuss your options with you and help you determine the best course of action for your particular situation.
Finally, once you have gathered all of the evidence and information necessary to support your claim, you will need to file a formal complaint with the appropriate insurance company or court. This can be a complex process, so it is important to have an experienced professional by your side throughout the entire process. Pursuing a recovery after a car accident can be difficult, but following these steps will give you the best chance at success.
We’re here to help! Contact Tennessee Accident Law today for a free consultation.