The Legal Team You Can Trust After A Middle Tennessee Car Accident
As car accident lawyers, we see firsthand the devastating effects that car accidents can have on victims and their families. All too often, these accidents could have been prevented if the driver had simply exercised a duty of care.
Drivers are responsible for operating your vehicle safely and following all traffic laws. This means driving at a safe speed, staying alert and sober, and obeying all traffic signs and signals. Unfortunately, far too many drivers choose to ignore this responsibility, putting themselves and others at risk.
If you or a loved one were injured in a motor vehicle crash, our seasoned, local car accident lawyers at Miller Injury Firm can determine if you are eligible for financial compensation. If so, we can provide you with reliable guidance throughout every step of the insurance claim and personal injury litigation process. We are based in Middle Tennessee, with offices in Brentwood, Nashville, Murfreesboro and Lebanon.
Why Choose Us For Your Car Accident Case?
If you have been injured in a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. At Miller Injury Firm, our lawyers have been representing individuals who have been injured in car accidents for more than a combined 35 years. We have a proven track record of success, recovering millions of dollars for our clients. We will protect your rights and will fight for the compensation that you deserve.
Tennessee Driving Laws
Tennessee has issued a set of rules for the road which help prevent automobile accidents. Not only are drivers required to follow all applicable traffic laws, but Tennessee Code Annotated §55-8-104 also requires drivers to follow all lawful police orders pertaining to traffic control. For example, Tenn. Code Ann. §§55-8-117 and 55-8-118 provide that vehicles must always pass on the right unless certain exceptions apply. Following another vehicle too closely is also forbidden, as stated in Tenn. Code Ann. §55-8-124.
If the other driver is found to be in violation of a traffic law at the time of an accident, this could be strong evidence of negligence in your civil claim. Our attorneys will obtain the police report from the wreck to determine if the other driver was cited for a traffic violation.
Common Injuries Our Car Accident Lawyers See
Even with modern safety equipment, personal injuries from automobile accidents still happen. Depending upon the circumstances, car collisions may cause damage ranging from minor abrasions to critical trauma. Here are some frequent injuries from motor vehicle crashes that our car accident lawyers see in clients:
- Back and neck damage
- Brain injuries
- Bruises and cuts
- Concussions and head wounds
- Fractured bones
- Internal injuries
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Whiplash
Common Types Of Car Accidents
Car accidents can happen for a variety of reasons. No matter what the cause, car accidents can be devastating. If you have been injured in a car accident, you may have a lot of questions and may not know where to turn. You may be wondering if you can sue the other driver and if you can receive damages. Some of the most common causes of car accidents include:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving accidents
- Texting while driving accidents
- Weather-related accidents
- Failure to yield
- Head-on collisions
- Hit-and-run accidents
- Rear-end accidents
- Rollover accidents
- Side-impact accidents
- Dunk or intoxicated driving accidents
We handle all kinds of accident cases across Middle Tennessee.
What Damages Can Be Recovered After A Tennessee Car Crash?
Tennessee Law permits monetary recovery for many types of damages that may result from a car accident, including:
- Medical bills
- Missed work
- Property damage
- Other accident-related expenses
- Pain and suffering
Punitive damages may also be available in some cases – such as drunk driving cases – to punish the wrongdoer. However, damage awards for noneconomic losses (including pain and suffering and punitive damages) are limited to $750,000. Our lawyers can help you calculate your total damages stemming from your auto accident.
What Happens If The Negligent Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance?
In that case, you will need to seek compensation from your own insurance, through your underinsured/uninsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. This process can be tricky, and it’s easy to get shortchanged. It’s all the more critical to work with an experienced attorney in these cases.
How Is Fault Determined In Vehicle Collision Cases?
If you’ve been in a car accident, you may be wondering how fault will be determined. Determining liability in a car crash case is not always straightforward. Our car accident lawyers at Miller Injury Firm can help gather evidence and witness statements from the scene to determine fault. We can also obtain police reports, traffic cam footage and any other information that can help prove fault.
Understanding Tennessee’s Modified Comparative Negligence Rule
In most cases, the Tennessee court will look at both your actions and the actions of the other driver to determine each person’s percentage of fault. This is because each driver is typically responsible for the same percentage of damages as their portion of fault. For example, if the defendant driver is 80 percent responsible for the wreck and you are 20 percent responsible, you will only receive compensation for up to 80 percent of the total damages.
When more than one vehicle causes a collision, Tenn. Code Ann. §29-11-107(a) will not hold any single driver liable for 100 percent of the damages. By contrast, an individual manufacturer may be fully responsible for damages if a defective auto part causes an accident.
If you have questions about how fault will be determined in your case, it’s important to speak with one of our attorneys to protect your rights. Our team will help identify all responsible parties and hold them accountable.
Steps To Take After A Car Crash
After an accident, you should:
- Call for help. A police report will be helpful for your case, and of course, it’s essential to call 911 if there are serious injuries.
- Gather the contact and insurance information of everyone involved in the accident.
- Get contact information from witnesses who may be able to help your case later.
- Get a medical evaluation, even if you feel okay initially. You might have injuries that aren’t immediately obvious.
- Keep thorough records of everything related to the accident.
As soon as possible, you should also with an experienced car accident lawyer to find out about your legal options and protect your rights.
Get Legal Help Today With A Free Consultation. If We Don’t Win, You Don’t Pay!
Seeking financial recourse on your own after a devastating vehicle wreck is extremely challenging and may result in you not being awarded the compensation you are owed. By working with our seasoned Tennessee car accident attorneys at Miller Injury Firm, you improve your chances of a favorable resolution to your case.
If you or someone in your family is hurt in an automobile crash, do not hesitate to seek legal guidance from our team. Contact our firm at 615-922-5693 for a free case evaluation today.