What Is an Average Car Accident Settlement in Tennessee?

The average car accident settlement in Tennessee depends on medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses. Each case is different, and various factors will decide what your car accident case in Nashville, TN may be worth.

Factors That Determine an Average Car Accident Settlement in Tennessee

There is no single factor that determines the average car accident in Tennessee. Below are some of the factors that can dictate this settlement amount:

• Severity of a Victim’s Injuries: Those who’ve been diagnosed with a spinal cord injury (SCI), traumatic brain injury (TBI), or other catastrophic injuries are more likely to get a high payout than those who are dealing with bruises and other minor trauma.
• Medical Bills: Past, current, and future medical costs from injuries suffered in a car accident are important considerations in determining the value of a settlement.
• Lost Wages: How much an accident victim earns can play a role in car accident settlement negotiations.
• Property Damage: The costs of repairing a car that was damaged or destroyed in an auto accident can impact a settlement amount.
• Comparative Fault: Per Tennessee Code § 20-1-119, modified comparative fault applies to auto accident cases. If you’re found to be partly liable for your auto accident, what you receive in a settlement may be reduced based on your percentage of fault.
• Legal Representation: Those who receive legal guidance and support from car or truck accident lawyers in Tennessee may be better positioned than others to get a fair settlement. 

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Tennessee Car Accident Settlement Ranges

How much money you get in a car accident settlement in Tennessee may be largely dependent on how badly you were injured. Here are settlement ranges for auto accident cases in Tennessee:

• Minor Injuries: Whiplash, broken bones, and other minor car accident injuries can lead to a settlement totaling several thousands of dollars. This settlement may give you enough money to cover your short-term medical costs.
• Moderate Injuries: Fractures, sprains, strains, soft tissue injuries, and other moderate car accident injuries may result in settlements of tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars.
• Catastrophic Injuries: Spinal cord damage, brain injuries, and other catastrophic car accident injuries may lead to settlements of up to $1 million.

Steps to Take to Get a Tennessee Car Accident Settlement

File a claim after your Tennessee car accident and let a personal injury attorney in Nashville negotiate a settlement with an insurance company on your behalf. Follow these steps to improve your chances of getting a car accident settlement:

1. File Your Claim in Alignment with Tennessee Law: You generally have up to one year from the day of your car accident to submit your claim, according to Tennessee Code § 28-3-104. If this window closes, you will lose the right to seek compensation from anyone at fault for your car accident.
2. Gather Evidence for Your Claim: Collect accident scene photos, witness statements, police reports, and other proof to support your claim.
3. Negotiate a Car Accident Settlement: Allow your lawyer to handle your settlement negotiations. Your attorney will keep you updated about these negotiations and let you know if a settlement offer is made.

If your insurance settlement negotiations are unsuccessful, your lawyer may advise you to file a lawsuit. With this, your injury lawyer in Nashville can argue to a judge or jury why you deserve economic and non-economic damages based on your auto accident losses.