Chattanooga Car Accident Lawyers

Do I Have a Valid Car Accident Case?

Before we can determine if you may have a valid car crash case, we need to look at several factors, including:

• Liability: If the other driver was at fault, you may have a valid claim. Even if you are partially responsible for the car crash, you may be able to file a claim.
• Injuries: You must be able to provide evidence, such as medical documentation, to prove the crash that injured you was caused by the other driver.
• Damages: You must show that you sustained damages, such as medical bills, lost wages and property damage as a result of the accident.

It is important to understand your legal rights after a car crash caused by someone else. This includes finding out whether you may be eligible to seek compensation for the physical, emotional and financial hardships you have endured.

Compensation cannot change what has happened to you, but it can help to significantly ease your financial burden.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are the losses caused by your crash that can easily be calculated. These damages may include things like your:

• Medical Costs: You could be compensated for your related hospital stays, surgeries, doctor follow-ups, medication, future medical care and more.
• Lost Wages: Reimbursement for lost income if you were unable to work during your recovery.
• Property Damage: Costs to repair or replace your vehicle and other damaged property.

How Can Massey & Associates Help Me?

A car accident can leave victims feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about their next steps. Our experienced and committed lawyers provide clarity in a difficult time and work tirelessly to protect your rights.

When Massey & Associates manages your case, you can rest assured you are in good hands. Our firm has extensive knowledge of car crash laws in Tennessee, and we are prepared to fight hard to get you the compensation you deserve.

If your case goes to trial, our firm has the staff and resources to be a strong advocate on your behalf, even if your case ends up in court.

Our experienced lawyers know how to accurately calculate all your damages. We consider all your losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and more.

Some of the types of car accident cases we manage include:

• Rear-End Collisions
• Head-On Collisions
• T-Bone Accidents
• Multi-Vehicle Pile-Ups
• Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents
• Hit-and-Run Accidents
• Drunk Driving Accidents

Non-Economic Damages

Losses that cannot be easily calculated, including:

• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for emotional distress and physical pain or discomfort due to the accident.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Damages awarded if your injuries prevent you from enjoying daily activities and hobbies.
• Loss of Consortium: Compensation for injuries affecting your relationship with your partner.

In Tennessee, there are no caps on economic damages. This means there is no legal limit that prevents you from recovering the full extent of your medical expenses, lost wages and other losses. You may, however, be limited by other factors, such as insurance limits.

For noneconomic damages, Tennessee law imposes a limit of $750,000 in most personal injury cases.

Is There a Time Limit To File A Case?

In Tennessee, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is generally one year from the date of your accident.

If a car accident caused the death of your loved one, the statute of limitations is generally one year from the date of his or her death.

The state provides several exceptions to the statute of limitations that can extend the time limit for filing a lawsuit. For example, if the accident victim is a minor when the injury occurs, the statute of limitations does not start tolling until he or she reaches his or her 18th birthday.

Another exception is if the defendant left the state. In that situation, the statute of limitations does not begin until he or she returns to the state.

Exceptions are rare, but no matter long you believe you may have to file a case; you should consult with a lawyer immediately. If you miss the deadline and attempt to file after the statute of limitations has passed, your case will likely be dismissed with no opportunity to recovery compensation.

What Are Tennessee’s Car Insurance Laws?

In Tennessee, drivers are required by law to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance. Liability insurance will cover the other party’s injuries and property damage. The minimum coverage amounts are as follows:

• $25,000 for bodily injury per person
• $50,000 total for bodily injury to two or more individuals
• $15,000 total for property damage

These limits are meant to protect both you and the other drivers on the road.

Comparative Fault System

Tennessee operates under a modified comparative fault system. This means that even if you are partially at fault for an accident, you may still be able to recover damages. However, you must less than 50 percent liable. If you are assessed with some fault for the crash, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are assessed with 20 percent fault and your total damages are $10,000, you would receive $8,000 ($10,000 – 20 percent).

These complex insurance laws make each case unique. We recommend speaking with a lawyer to discuss your situation – and how any fault you are assessed with may affect your ability to seek compensation.

What if the At-Fault Driver Is Uninsured?

A car accident with an uninsured driver ​​can raise numerous concerns about whether you may be able to recover medical expenses, repair costs and other damages.

Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is designed to protect you in the unfortunate event that the at-fault driver lacks insurance. This type of insurance can cover your medical bills, lost wages and other damages related to the accident. While Tennessee law does not require drivers to carry UM coverage, we recommend you consider the extra coverage. It is a small price to pay for added peace of mind.

If you do not have UM coverage or if the damages exceed policy limits, you may need to take legal action against the at-fault driver. Our car accident lawyers have in-depth knowledge of car accident claims involving uninsured motorists. We are prepared to pursue legal action on our behalf.

Dealing With Auto Insurance Companies

Navigating interactions with auto insurance companies after filing a claim can be challenging.

Be careful when speaking with insurance companies when reporting your accident. Just stick to the facts. Insurers are well known for taking victims’ words out of context and using it against them to undermine their claim.

Insurance companies may often try to offer quick settlements. While this is perfectly legal, these offers are typically significantly lower than the value of your claim. So soon after your crash, it is impossible to know the full extent of your damages. This is especially true if you are still receiving medical care for your injuries.

We do not recommend accepting any offer without first speaking with an attorney. Our lawyers at Massey & Associates are prepared to review your situation and provide legal guidance that is in your best interest.

What Steps Should I Take After a Car Crash?

As with any car crash, your first steps are critical to protecting your health and any legal claim you may later pursue.

• Contact the Authorities: Immediately call police to report the accident. A police report will be useful for your insurance claim and any potential legal action.
• Seek Medical Attention: Even if you do not feel any pain, seek medical care right away. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent but could have long-term or life-threatening consequences.
• Gather Information: Collect as much information as possible at the scene. This includes the other driver’s contact details, vehicle information and any witness statements. Photographs of the scene, vehicle damage and any visible injuries can be invaluable.
• Notify Your Insurance Company: Inform your insurer about the accident as soon as you are able. Provide all the gathered information and details to initiate your claim.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Chattanooga

Some of the most frequent causes of car accidents in Chattanooga include:

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving, such as texting, eating or taking selfies, significantly increases the risk of accidents. When drivers divert their attention from the road, they are more likely to cause collisions that can result in serious injuries or even fatalities.

Speeding

Going over the speed limit not only reduces a driver’s reaction time but also increases the severity of collisions. Speeding drivers may be unable to avoid obstacles or stop in time. Others may slam on the brakes and lose control of their vehicles. Speeding is a leading cause of severe traffic accidents resulting in critical or fatal injuries.

Driving Under the Influence

Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs or other substances severely impairs a driver’s judgment and reaction time. Drivers who are impaired pose a significant danger to everyone on the road, including themselves. These crashes often cause devastating, life-altering accidents.

Reckless Driving

Reckless driving behaviors, such as aggressive lane changes and tailgating, create unpredictable and hazardous situations. These actions can quickly escalate into severe single or multi-vehicle crashes, resulting in extensive injuries for innocent drivers and passengers.

Not Adjusting Driving to Accommodate Bad Weather

Adverse weather conditions, such as heavy rain, snow or fog, significantly impacts road visibility and traction. Drivers who do not adapt their driving to accommodate such conditions increase the risk of causing accidents that may lead to severe or fatal injuries.

Each of these negligent behaviors can significantly contribute to car accidents, leaving victims to deal with serious, life-changing injuries. 

Call Our Chattanooga Car Accident Lawyers Today

If you have been involved in a car accident, it is crucial to seek legal advice as soon as possible. The sooner you contact us, the better we can protect your rights.

Let us help you on the road to recovery. We are conveniently located just west of I-75 by Janta Farmers Market.

Massey & Associates. Call (423) 396-0720 today.