Smyrna Car Accident Attorney
Request Free ConsultationYou were driving down Enon Springs Road and the Old Nashville Highway on your commute home from work when it happened. The roads were congested, and you left plenty of stopping distance between yourself and the vehicle you were following, but that did not stop the aggressive driver behind you who thought their destination was more important than your safety. When they crashed into the back of your car, you suffered a concussion, whiplash, and severe neck injuries. Overwhelmed by the trauma of the experience, you had no idea where to turn for help.
After everything you have been through, getting the legal support you need should not be a hassle. You should be able to recuperate without the burdens of insurance negotiations or litigation. If you were injured in a motor vehicle wreck, a highly experienced Smyrna car accident lawyer from Selvidge Injury Law may be able to help you get through these trying times. Contact our Smyrna personal injury lawyers today for a free consultation and learn more about the steps you will need to take to recover the fair compensation you deserve.
Motor Vehicle Accidents Can Take Many Forms
The type of car accident you were involved in can help your car accident lawyer in Smyrna determine who is responsible for causing the collision. We will need to establish liability based on a preponderance of the evidence as described under Rule 116: Standard of Proof. by the Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts to ensure the at-fault party is found liable for your damages. The most common types of car accidents reported by our clients include:
- Sideswipe accidents
- Commercial trucking accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Drunk driving accidents
- T-bone accidents
- Rear-end collisions
- Pedestrian accidents
- Uber accidents
- Head-on collisions
- Distracted driving accidents
These are only a few of the different types of collisions that may have grounds for legal action. The type of injuries you sustained and the severity of your injuries could influence how much compensation you are awarded. You can learn more about the value of your damages after we have reviewed your losses in extensive detail.
Smyrna Car Accident FAQ
How long do I have to file my lawsuit?
The Tennessee statute of limitations determines how long you have to file your Smyrna car accident lawsuit. According to Tennessee Code § 28-3-104, personal injury and car accident claims must be filed in the civil court system within one year of the accident date. You may have concerns, particularly if you were not diagnosed with injuries related to the collision until a later date. Fortunately, there are several situations where the statute of limitations could pause temporarily. This is commonly known as the statute of limitations being “tolled.” However, it is important to remember that if the statute of limitations passes, it is likely the court system will refuse to hear your case.
Will I have to go to court?
Not every car accident case needs to go to trial. Most car accident cases involve filing a claim with the insurance company. When you do this, the liable party’s insurer will be expected to compensate you for a portion of your damages, as Tennessee follows fault-based insurance laws as described by the Tennessee Financial Responsibility Laws.
If this insurance settlement fully covers the value of your economic and non-economic damages, you may not need to go to court. However, this is unlikely. Insurance settlements are designed to cover only medical bills, property damages, and other listed covered losses. Any damages that are not covered by the policy will not be compensated for. For this reason, it is almost always in your best interest to prepare to bring your case to trial. If we can get the insurance company or liable party to settle outside of court, great. Otherwise, we will be prepared to advocate for maximum compensation for your damages and suffering.
Can I sue for my injured child?
Absolutely. The statute of limitations will temporarily pause its countdown for a minor child. It will not technically resume until the child reaches the age of 18 and expires one year later. However, you may need to cover the cost of their medical expenses as they may require additional support after the car accident. Filing a personal injury lawsuit on their behalf may be in your best interests. Not only can you help your child access the financial compensation they need now, but you will not be stuck paying out of pocket for all the expenses related to their injuries if your claim is successful.
Will sharing the blame impact my settlement?
Sharing the blame could have a significant impact on your settlement. Tennessee operates under modified comparative fault laws per the Tennessee Supreme Court’s Mcintyre decision. If you are 50% or more at fault, you are not allowed to receive a settlement. If you are less than 50% at fault, your settlement will be reduced by your percentage of blame.
Who is liable in most car accident cases?
The type of car accident you were involved in will help us determine who is liable. Many car accidents are caused by reckless or negligent drivers. They may be speeding, driving while intoxicated, distracted driving, or otherwise driving in an unsafe manner. However, car accidents can also be caused by a number of other factors, and your personal injury attorney will help you identify who is responsible and why for the incident you were involved in.
Trust In a Trial-Proven Smyrna Car Accident Attorney Today
Your car accident injuries may have a debilitating impact, but they do not need to take over your life. When you have a high-powered Smyrna car accident lawyer from Selvidge Injury Law advocating for your rights, you can take the time you need to heal while we handle the legalities. You should be able to worry about your health and well-being while our team investigates, establishes blame, and figures out the best course of action to maximize your financial compensation.
We may need to file a claim with the insurance company and bring your case to court to get the most out of your case. Learn more about how you can make the liable party pay when you contact our law office to schedule a no-cost, risk-free consultation. Fill out our quick contact form or call our office to get started as soon as today.