Do you need a Tennessee car accident lawyer? When you have injuries from a car accident that wasn’t your fault, you shouldn’t have to deal with the financial burden of medical expenses. Our Tennessee car accident lawyers at Meyers Personal Injury Law are committed to helping you recover the maximum compensation for your injuries. Leading attorney Chadwick Meyers has been recognized as part of the Top 40 Under 40 by the National Trial Lawyers Association and is regarded as one of the top personal injury attorneys in Tennessee.
Traffic Collision Legal Services in Tennessee
Being in even a minor accident can ruin your week, but if you have injuries from an accident, the medical consequences can have a much longer effect—sometimes even a permanent one. Car accident victims who have injuries caused by negligent drivers are entitled to damages for their medical bills, lost wages, vehicle damage, and pain and suffering.
However, to get the full and fair compensation you deserve from an insurance company, it’s in your best interest to hire a car accident lawyer to handle your claim. We are here to help. As a Tennessee car accident lawyer, Chad Meyers of Meyers Personal Injury Law works on a contingency basis, meaning he represents personal injury victims for free until they receive a settlement or court award.
If you’re a car accident victim with injuries in Tennessee, contact Meyers Personal Injury Law today for the help you need. The statute of limitations in Tennessee is one year from the date of the car wreck—the shortest in the nation—so call today for your free case evaluation before it’s too late.
The Four Elements of Proving a Car Accident Case
In order to recover compensation for your injuries in a car accident claim, Tennessee car accident attorneys like Chad Meyers must establish the following four elements of liability. During your free case evaluation, we will go over these key factors.
- Duty of Care
All drivers have a duty of care to operate their vehicles safely. This means obeying traffic laws and avoiding accidents. If a driver fails to do so, they are likely at fault. You simply need help proving it. - Breach of Duty
Once your car accident attorney establishes that there was a duty of care, they must show that the defendant breached that duty by causing your injuries. Did the other driver violate a traffic law, such as speeding or running a red light? Were they intoxicated at the time of the accident? These actions constitute a breach of duty. - Causation
Your attorney must then prove that the breach of duty directly caused the accident and your resulting injuries. A personal injury lawyer will demonstrate that the defendant’s actions led to the harm you suffered, including any medical treatment required. - Damages
For there to be a valid claim against the responsible insurance company, there must be measurable damages. Even if the injuries were not severe, vehicle damage still constitutes a loss. Proving these damages is essential, and we can help you do so.
These are the factors that Tennessee car accident lawyers evaluate before accepting a case. During your free case evaluation with attorney Meyers, he will examine the viability of your claim. If all four elements are present, he can begin representing you against the insurance company to pursue the compensation you deserve.
Damages in Car Accident Cases
The state of Tennessee recognizes three types of damages in personal injury cases. Economic and non-economic damages are considered compensatory damages because they compensate the victim for the accident. In some cases, the court may also award punitive damages to punish the defendant if the injuries are severe and warrant sending a message.
To help you better understand, here is a breakdown of each type of damage:
Economic Damages
These cover all medical expenses incurred from the crash, including hospital bills, follow-up medical treatment, lost wages from missed work, future lost earnings, property damage, and other financial losses. Many car accident victims only consider a portion of the money they’re losing due to their injuries, which is why it’s always best to hire a Tennessee law firm to handle your injury claim. There are no caps on economic damages in Tennessee.
Non-economic Damages
Not all losses are tied to medical expenses, and you deserve compensation for more than just your bills. The financial cost of a car crash is only part of the impact. Victims also endure intangible losses such as physical pain, emotional trauma, and inconvenience. In wrongful death cases, families may also seek damages for loss of companionship and financial support. These non-economic damages—often referred to as pain and suffering—are capped at $750,000 in Tennessee. This cap increases to $1 million if the plaintiff has suffered catastrophic injuries.
Punitive Damages
During your free case evaluation, we will discuss whether punitive damages apply. Tennessee car accident lawyers can sometimes seek punitive damages in a lawsuit, but the standard is high. The attorney must prove that the accident was caused by egregious or reckless behavior or was an intentional act. Punitive damages in Tennessee are capped at $500,000 or two times the amount of compensatory damages, whichever is greater.
Tennessee Car Accident Statistics
The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security keeps comprehensive statistics about car accidents. Unsurprisingly, Davidson County leads the state in most categories of car accidents, including those involving property damage.
- Davidson County had 32,998 total crashes in 2019.
- 23,197 involved property damage only.
- 9,695 resulted in injuries to one or more parties.
- 106 accidents involved one or more fatalities.
Distracted driving remains one of the most common causes of car accidents in Tennessee. While cell phone usage plays a role, other distractions—including eating, reading, and talking—account for 62.1% of these crashes.
Steps to Take After a Car Accident
After ensuring everyone’s safety and contacting emergency services, it’s crucial to understand the potential legal ramifications of the accident. If you find yourself facing a lawsuit as a result of the incident, you’ll want to be prepared. Learn more about navigating a lawsuit following a car accident by reading our detailed guide, which explains what to expect and how to protect your rights.
Do Not Place Yourself in Danger
This may mean remaining in your vehicle, leaving the vehicle, or moving your car to a different location. All situations are different, so you will have to assess your personal safety on the scene.
Call 911
Call for medical help; the EMTs are there to help you. Do not take any chances. It’s important that you or a reliable person on the accident scene call 911 as soon as possible. The dispatcher will require the following information: location, the direction of travel, a description of the vehicles involved, the types of injuries that have occurred, etc.
Talk to Witnesses
Others who see the crash can help as well. Eyewitness testimony is often critical to an auto accident claim. For example, in an intersection crash, it might come down to your word vs. that of the negligent driver. An independent witness may be able to tell the police which car actually ran the red light.
Witnesses will frequently want to leave once they realize there are no serious injuries, so it’s important to get their contact information so the police and your car wreck attorney can gather evidence and speak to them later. Additionally, ensuring a police report is properly filed after a collision is equally crucial, as it provides an official account of the accident and can serve as vital evidence in your claim.
Take Pictures of the Crash Scene
You never know what evidence will be of help to a Tennessee car accident law firm, so take photos or a video of the accident scene, vehicle damage, debris on the roadway, skid marks. You may also want to take pictures of geographic indicators like street signs. If you have these, please show us at your free case evaluation. When your law firm hires an accident reconstruction expert, this evidence will be invaluable.
Allow the EMTs to Examine You on Scene
Many people are hesitant to allow paramedics to examine them because they believe it will adversely affect their auto accident case, but most Tennessee car accident lawyers agree that it will not hurt your insurance claim. On the contrary, it may establish a baseline for your injuries.
If the paramedics recommend that your injuries are severe enough to go to the hospital for medical attention, take the ambulance ride, or drive yourself there if you’re able. If not, follow up with your primary care physician as soon as possible.
Do Not Accept a Settlement from the Insurance Company Before Speaking to a Tennessee Car Accident Attorney
Insurance company adjusters can be very tricky. Oftentimes, they will contact you within hours of the accident because they’ve already received a report from the at-fault driver. Their goal is to get you to accept a settlement before you can find legal representation. They work for the insurance company, not for you. They may point out that if you hire a car accident attorney, the law firm will take a portion of your settlement.
What they leave out is that their initial settlement offer is often a fraction of what you’re entitled to under the law. Additionally, you will have to sign a waiver of liability as a condition of the settlement, preventing you from seeking further compensation. Do not let them take advantage of you—speak with an attorney before accepting any offer.
At Meyers Personal Injury Law, we offer a free case evaluation without commitment in order to help people like you. We have have been able to recover funds like this for many years. If you have received a car accident settlement offer, you can discuss it with our attorney. As long as you have not signed a waiver of liability and are within the statute of limitations, we can handle your personal injury claim.
The Most Common Types of Car Accidents in Tennessee
Approximately two in five car crashes involve a rear-end collision. In most cases, another driver in the rear vehicle is at fault. This is usually the result of some sort of distracted driving. Angle crashes and vehicles colliding with non-vehicle objects account for more than half of all motor vehicle accidents. These types of accidents can also be the result of distracted driving.
Legal Concepts for Car Accident Claims
Even if you plan to hire a Tennessee car accident law firm to handle your claim, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the laws that affect your ability to receive compensation.
Statute of Limitations to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Tennessee
You don’t have years to decide what to do. Tennessee has a one-year statute of limitations for most personal injury claims. This means you have one year from the date of the motor vehicle accident to file a lawsuit against the responsible parties and their insurance company. While this may seem like plenty of time, it is the shortest statute of limitations in the country.
Tennessee car accident attorneys encourage victims to begin their pursuit of justice as early as possible. The sooner you start, the better your chances of maximizing compensation, as this allows time for a law firm to properly build your case.
Damage Caps for an Auto Accident Lawsuit
Many states limit the compensation you can receive after an auto accident. As previously mentioned:
- There are no caps on economic damages (e.g., medical bills, lost wages, and property damage).
- There is a $750,000 cap on non-economic damages such as pain and suffering.
- Punitive damages are capped at $500,000 or two times the total of economic and non-economic damages, whichever is greater.
Modified Comparative Negligence
Under Tennessee’s modified comparative negligence law, injured victims can seek compensation as long as they were less than 50% responsible for the accident.
For example, if you sustained severe injuries in a car accident, the court may find you 30% responsible because the police report shows you were speeding, while the other driver is 70% responsible for running a red light. In this case, you can still recover 70% of your total damages from their insurance coverage. However, if you are 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover any compensation.
FAQs About Auto Accidents
The following questions are commonly asked by people injured in a crash. Contact Meyers Personal Injury Law for a free consultation and specific legal help about your case, physical injuries, and what result you can expect.
What to Do After an Accident in Tennessee
Experiencing an accident can be overwhelming, but taking the right steps immediately afterward is crucial to protect your health and legal rights. Here’s what you should do:
#1 Ensure Safety: Move to a safe location if possible and check for injuries. Call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance if needed.
#2 Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, some injuries may not be immediately apparent. A medical professional can document your condition, which is important for any future claims.
#3 Report the Accident: Notify the police and file an accident report. This official documentation can be vital when filing a claim.
#4 Gather Evidence: Collect as much information as possible. Take photos of the scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. Exchange contact and insurance information with the other parties involved and get contact details from any witnesses.
#5 Notify Your Insurance Company: Report the accident to your insurance provider as soon as possible. Provide them with the necessary details but avoid making any statements that could be used against you later.
#6 Consult an Attorney: Navigating the aftermath of an accident can be complex. An experienced attorney can help you understand your rights and options, ensuring you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
For expert guidance, reach out to Meyers Personal Injury Law. Our team can assist you in protecting your rights and navigating the claims process effectively. We offer free consultations to help you understand your legal standing and the best course of action. Don’t hesitate to contact our personal injury attorneys to ensure your interests are safeguarded during this challenging time.
Common Accident Types in Tennessee
Tennessee’s roads and highways see a variety of common accident types. Understanding these can help residents and visitors stay vigilant and protect themselves.
- Rear-End Collisions: These are prevalent, especially during rush hours when traffic congestion is high. Drivers often follow too closely or become distracted, leading to rear-end accidents.
- Side-Impact Collisions: Also known as T-bone accidents, these occur frequently at intersections. They usually happen when a driver fails to yield the right-of-way or runs a red light, striking the side of another vehicle.
- Head-On Collisions: Although less common, head-on collisions can be particularly severe. These often result from drivers veering into oncoming traffic due to distraction, impairment, or attempting to overtake another vehicle unsafely.
- Single-Vehicle Accidents: These accidents involve only one vehicle and can occur due to various reasons, such as swerving to avoid an obstacle, losing control on a slick road, or driving under the influence. Tennessee’s winding roads and occasional poor weather conditions contribute to these incidents.
- Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents: With many pedestrian-friendly areas across Tennessee, accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists are unfortunately common. These often occur at crosswalks, intersections, and areas with heavy foot traffic, usually due to driver inattention or failure to yield.
- Multi-Vehicle Pile-Ups: These accidents typically happen on busy roads and highways, where a single collision can quickly involve multiple vehicles. Factors such as fog, heavy rain, or sudden stops in traffic can contribute to these dangerous pile-ups.
If you’ve been involved in any of these common accident types in Tennessee, it’s crucial to understand your rights and the claims process. Contact Meyers Personal Injury Law for expert assistance in navigating accident claims and ensuring your rights are protected. Our experienced team can provide the guidance you need to achieve fair compensation and peace of mind.
How Much Is My Tennessee Car Accident Case Worth?
Every car accident claim is different, and compensation amounts vary based on several factors. Naturally, settlements in wrongful death or catastrophic injury cases tend to be significantly higher than those for less severe injuries like whiplash or shoulder strains. Other factors influencing compensation include the extent of property damage, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
However, you should receive compensation for your economic costs, including medical expenses, property damage, and lost wages, as well as additional compensation for pain and suffering. This compensation is typically pursued from the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
What Is Whiplash?
Whiplash is one of the most common injuries in car accidents throughout Tennessee and the nation. It occurs when the head snaps backward and then suddenly forward, damaging the muscle tissue in the neck. This type of injury is particularly common in rear-end collisions, where the driver of the impacted car may not anticipate the crash.
Whiplash injuries often require extensive treatment, including physical therapy and pain management, which can be costly. If you’ve suffered whiplash in a car accident, you may wonder about typical settlement amounts. Understanding what influences these settlements can help you better prepare for your claim.
What If My Family Member Died in a Tennessee Car Accident?
If you are the spouse, child, or parent of the person who died in the accident, you may be able to file a claim with the responsible insurance company. If no immediate family member is available to file, the personal representative of the estate can pursue damages.
Unlike most personal injury cases, the statute of limitations for wrongful death claims in Tennessee is one year from the date of death—not the date of the accident. The plaintiff can seek damages for medical expenses accrued before death, lost wages, future lost earnings, funeral expenses, pain and suffering of the deceased, the suffering of the survivors, loss of companionship, and more.
Will My Case Go to Court?
Insurance companies prefer to avoid court, just as car accident victims do. While you may be involved in a Tennessee car accident lawsuit, it is more likely that your case will settle before going to trial. Both auto insurance companies and personal injury law firms typically negotiate settlements to avoid the cost and uncertainty of a courtroom battle. The stronger your case and the more severe your injuries, the more likely the defendant’s insurance company will settle rather than risk losing in court.
Can I Still Receive Compensation If I’m Partially to Blame for an Accident?
Yes. Under Tennessee’s modified comparative negligence law, you can receive compensation as long as you are less than 50% responsible for the accident. Insurance companies may argue that you were partially at fault, but as long as your liability remains under this threshold, you are still eligible for a reduced settlement.
What If the At-Fault Driver Was Drunk?
Sadly, despite strict laws, drunk driving accidents continue to occur. When police arrive at the scene, they will investigate the accident and determine whether the at-fault driver was intoxicated. A DUI charge or conviction can significantly impact your personal injury settlement.
First, courts are much more likely to award punitive damages in drunk driving injury cases. Second, the clear fault of the other driver may compel their insurance company to settle quickly rather than risk a higher payout in court.
What If Another Driver Hit and Ran?
If the at-fault driver fled the scene, the police or private investigators hired by Tennessee car accident lawyers may be able to locate them. However, if the other driver cannot be identified, you may need to file a claim against your own uninsured motorist coverage. The compensation available in hit-and-run cases depends on the terms of your insurance policy.
How Can I Afford Legal Representation?
If you’ve suffered personal injuries, Meyers Personal Injury Law works on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. When we settle your claim or win in court, we receive a predetermined portion of the compensation from the at-fault driver and their insurance company. If you don’t win, you don’t pay. Whether you hire Meyers Personal Injury Law or another firm, always request to review the contingency fee agreement before committing.
Car Accident Personal Injury Lawyer in Tennessee
Let us put our years of experience fighting insurance companies to work for you. If you’ve been injured in a car accident, time is limited—Tennessee law gives you only one year from the date of the accident to file a claim. Don’t wait—speak to an attorney today.
Insurance companies are not on your side. Chad Meyers of Meyers Personal Injury Law has an established track record of success among Tennessee car accident lawyers. Call today for a free consultation.
You have suffered enough. After your consultation, the Tennessee car accident attorneys at Meyers Personal Injury Law will work tirelessly to seek justice on your behalf. Every year, we recover millions in financial compensation for our clients. Contact us today so we can start building your case and recovering the funds you need to move forward.
