Being in a car crash is awful for numerous reasons. You not only have to face the emotional repercussions of the accident, but you also must manage any legal matters that arise from it. It’s critical that you understand your rights and what will happen next after an accident occurs in Columbia, Tennessee. Tennesee Accident Law can help guide you through your decision-making process if you’re unfortunate enough to experience a car collision.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Tennessee
According to data from 2018, Tennessee sees an average of over three car accidents each day, amounting to nearly 1,200 deaths on roadways throughout the state. But what causes these accidents?
In 2018, nearly 20% of car accidents in Tennessee were caused by drivers who were distracted. This is unsurprising when you consider how many people use cell phones and other devices while driving. The Tennessee Highway Safety Office has collected data that shows just how big of a problem this can be.
DUI is one of the leading causes of car accidents in Tennessee. According to state data, there were nearly 10,000 DUI arrests made in 2018 – that’s almost 28 per day. When intoxicated drivers get behind the wheel, they’re not only putting themselves at risk but also everyone else on the road.
In Tennessee, speeding also contributes to a significant number of vehicle accidents. More than 25% of all automobile accidents in the state were caused by speeding in 2018. When you add in other dangerous behaviors like texting while driving or driving under the influence, the danger factor rises even higher.
Common Car Accident Injuries
Whiplash, broken bones and concussions are some of the most common car accident injuries. Whiplash occurs when the head is suddenly thrown forward or backward beyond its normal range of motion, causing the neck muscles and ligaments to stretch.
Exercising in this position puts strain on your lower back and can result in pain, stiffness, and a decreased range of motion. Another frequent vehicle collision problem is broken bones, especially those that are low-impact. Injuries caused by concussions are also prevalent during automobile accidents, as the brain may strike the skull’s interior when struck by a blow to the head.
Headaches, nausea, dizziness, and light sensitivity are all possible symptoms of a concussion. If you’ve been in a vehicle accident, you should go to a doctor as soon as possible to determine your injuries and begin your path to recovery.
About Car Accident Claims
In Tennessee, the driver (or their car insurance company) who is responsible for causing the accident must pay for any damage done. If you were in an accident that wasn’t your fault and now have injuries or property damage, you can file a claim against the at-fault driver.
You will need to show that the other driver did not act with a reasonable level of care and that their actions led to your injuries or property damage.
If you can identify these components, you’ll be able to start seeking compensation for your losses. If you are successful, you might be able to recoup medical expenses, missed income, and property damage.
Who is Responsible for My Car Accident Injuries?
After being involved in a car accident, some people are unsure of who to hold accountable for their injuries. while the other driver may be principally to blame in certain cases, there are also occasions when identifying the guilty party is more difficult.
Auto accidents are unfortunately all too common, but if you have been in one, you must speak with a licensed personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. They will be able to evaluate your situation and apportion the fault accordingly.
After a car accident, you may be able to receive money from the other driver. In some situations, though, you could also get compensation from someone else such as the company that made the car. If you were hurt in an automobile collision, speak with a personal injury lawyer now to go over your options.
What Does Tennessee Law Say About Car Accidents?
A few different laws in Tennessee govern car accidents. First and most important, all drivers must follow the rules of the road and be reasonably careful 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 which then causes an accident, they can be held responsible for any resulting damages.
Also, in Tennessee, we practice comparative negligence. This states that if you are partially to blame for an accident through any fault of your own, the number of damages you can recover from the other driver may be reduced. For example: If $10,000 worth of damage resulting from an accident but the other driver is now determined to be 80% at fault, then you would only be able to recover $2,000 compensation directly from them.
If you were in a car accident in Tennessee, getting quality legal counsel should be one of your priorities. A good car accident attorney will know the best steps for you to take care of and also help get you the money that is rightfully yours.
How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit?
You only have one year from the date of a car accident to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver in Tennessee. If you don’t take legal action within this time frame, you’re not eligible for compensation. This is referred to as the statute of limitations.
It may appear to be a long wait, but it is critical to keep in mind that automobile accident claims take months or even years to resolve. As a result, you must consult with an experienced vehicle accident lawyer as quickly as possible following your incident. An attorney can assist you in investigating your accident, gathering evidence, and filing a claim within the designated period.
Don’t put it off until it’s too late – if you’ve been in a vehicle accident, contact a qualified automobile accident lawyer right away.
Don’t Talk to Anyone on the Other Side Before Speaking with a Lawyer
First and foremost, if you’re in a car accident, look for a lawyer instead of speaking with anyone else involved. The other party’s insurance company will try to give you an unfair amount for your damages (lowballing) if you don’t have proper representation. Anything you say can and will be used against you by the opposing side, so someone who knows the law must be present during negotiations.
How are We Different from Other Firms?
The whole process of filing a claim after being in an accident can be time-consuming and stressful. Dealing with insurance companies, automobile repairs, and lost income is a full-time job. We understand what you’re going through at our law firm and are ready to assist.
Many personal injury law firms are afraid to stand up against insurance companies, but we’re different. Our experienced attorneys will fight for you until you get the compensation need to put your life back together. Don’t let them take advantage of you- call us today for a free consultation about your case.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Car Accident Case?
After a car accident, you might be questioning whether or not you need a lawyer. The answer to that question depends on how severe the accident was and if anyone got injured. If there was extensive property damage or someone sustained injuries, it would be in your best interest to hire an attorney.
If the accident caused little damage and no one was hurt, you might be able to manage the case on your own. Talk to a car accident lawyer about what options are available to you and whether or not it would be beneficial to hire an attorney.
How Much Do We Charge?
We charge car accident cases on a contingency basis, which means we only get paid if we recover money for you. If we are successful in recovering damages, our fee is a percentage of the total amount recovered.
The fee we charge you is usually one-third of the total amount recovered if we settle the case before filing a lawsuit. Usually, however, if we settle the case after filing a lawsuit, our fee is 40%.
Keep in mind that these are only estimates. Your attorney and you will agree on the percentage they will receive in your specific case. But this gives you a basic understanding of how attorneys typically charge for car accident cases.
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 to do next. Here are a few key steps to take to improve your chances of success:
After an accident, you should go to the hospital right away. This will help you get better and have records of your injuries for legal purposes.
Then, you should contact a car accident attorney with experience to help guide you through the legal process and protect your rights. After discussing your situation, they will be able to tell you what steps to take next.
Finally, once you’ve gathered all of the evidence and information necessary to back your case, you’ll need to submit a formal complaint with the relevant insurance company or court. This may be a time-consuming procedure, so it’s critical to retain the services of an expert counsel throughout the process. Recovering from a motor vehicle accident might be difficult, but if you follow these steps, you’ll have a better shot at success.
Columbia, Tennessee, we’re here to help! Contact Tennessee Accident Law today for a free consultation.