Car accidents can cause serious injury to Hamilton County residents. Chances are, you or someone you know has been affected by a crash at some point. According to the Tennessee Highway Safety Office, 10,534 car crashes occurred across Hamilton County in 2024.
While these numbers reflect broader regional trends, serious collisions on major roads, such as I-24, TN-153, and Brainerd Road, occur in Chattanooga every day. If you were involved in a crash, no matter the location, your case deserves a thorough review.
If you’ve been injured in a car crash, contact Gary Massey Injury Lawyers for a free consultation to discuss potential compensation for your losses. Our experienced Chattanooga car accident attorneys have secured millions in settlements for our clients.
Have You Been Injured in a Car Crash?
If another driver was responsible, you may be able to seek compensation for your medical costs and other losses.
A car accident can dramatically change your life in just a few seconds. Contacting a lawyer plays a crucial role in helping you get the support you need to recover compensation. An experienced Chattanooga car accident lawyer at our firm is ready to guide you every step of the way, from investigating your crash and helping you navigate the complex legal process to negotiating with insurance companies and ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. We are here to help you.
At Gary Massey Injury Lawyers, our track record speaks for itself. We have successfully secured millions in settlements for our clients. Founding attorney, Gary Massey, has built a strong reputation in the courtroom as an advocate for the injured.
Are you ready to explore your legal options? Contact us today to discuss your situation with one of our licensed attorneys. We offer a free consultation to determine how we can assist you. There are no upfront fees or costs associated with hiring our services.
What Car Accident Injuries Should I Watch Out For?
Car crashes in Chattanooga, especially on I‑24, I-75, TN-153, and congested downtown streets, often cause serious injuries. Common injuries to watch for include:
- Whiplash and Soft Tissue Damage: Whiplash can cause neck pain, stiffness, and headaches. Other soft tissue injuries may not show up right away but can lead to chronic discomfort.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Herniated discs, nerve damage, and spinal trauma are common after high-speed crashes. Some cases result in long-term disability or require surgery and rehab.
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): TBIs may cause memory loss, dizziness, or confusion. These are serious injuries that can worsen without medical treatment.
- Broken Bones: Fractures are especially common in car accidents. Arms, ribs, and legs are most often affected.
- Internal Injuries: Damage to organs or internal bleeding may not be obvious right away. Always seek medical care if you feel faint, weak, or experience abdominal pain after a crash.
- Emotional Trauma: Many car accident victims experience PTSD, anxiety, or depression. Mental health matters in your recovery and your case.
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 still may be able to file a claim.
- Injuries: You must be able to provide evidence, such as medical documentation, to prove that the other driver caused the crash that injured you.
- Damages: You must show that you sustained damages, such as medical bills, lost wages, and property damage, because 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.
How Do I Know if the Other Driver Was at Fault?
One driver’s negligent behavior is often to blame in many Tennessee car accidents. If you suspect the other driver caused the crash, here are some common signs of fault to look for:
- Distracted Driving: Texting, talking on the phone, adjusting GPS, or eating behind the wheel are leading causes of crashes, especially on busy Chattanooga roads like Amnicola Highway and Gunbarrel Road.
- Drunk or Drugged Driving: Driving under the influence is illegal. If the other driver was impaired, they may be fully liable for the crash.
- Speeding or Reckless Driving: Excessive speed, tailgating, or weaving in and out of traffic can lead to serious collisions.
- Failure to Obey Traffic Signals: Running red lights, ignoring stop signs, or failing to yield the right of way are common causes of intersection crashes across Hamilton County.
- Improper Lane Changes: Failing to use a turn signal or abruptly cutting across lanes can lead to sideswipes or multi-vehicle accidents.
If you’re unsure who was at fault, the team at Gary Massey Injury Lawyers can investigate the crash, gather evidence, and determine liability so you don’t have to go it alone.
What Is the Value of My Car Accident Case?
The value of your car accident case depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries and the extent of your economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are losses resulting from your crash that can be easily 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.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are losses that cannot be easily calculated, including:
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for emotional distress and physical pain 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
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 be less than 50% liable. If you are assessed with some fault for the crash, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
How Can Gary Massey Injury Lawyers Help Me?
A car accident can leave victims feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about their next steps. Our experienced and committed car accident lawyers provide clarity during difficult times and work tirelessly to protect your rights.
When Gary Massey Injury Lawyers 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.
Some of the types of car accident cases we manage include:
- Rear-end collisions
- Head-on collisions
- T-bone accidents
- Multi-vehicle pileups
- Pedestrian injuries
- Bicycle accidents
- Hit-and-run accidents
- Drunk driving accidents
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 their death.
Exceptions are rare, but no matter how 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 recover compensation.
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 911 to report the accident.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you do not feel any pain, seek medical care right away.
- Gather Information: Collect as much information as possible at the scene.
- Notify Your Insurance Company: Inform your insurer about the accident as soon as you are able.
- Get a Copy of the Accident Report. Contact the Chattanooga Police Department to request a certified copy of your accident report.
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 often try to offer quick settlements that are significantly lower than the value of your claim. We do not recommend accepting any offer without first speaking with an attorney.
What Are Tennessee’s Car Insurance Laws?
Tennessee drivers are required by law to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance. The minimum coverage amounts are:
- $25,000 for bodily injury per person
- $50,000 total for bodily injury to two or more individuals
- $15,000 total for property damage
What if the At-Fault Driver Is Uninsured?
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is designed to protect you if the at-fault driver lacks insurance. This type of insurance can cover your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages related to the accident.
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. Contact Gary Massey Injury Lawyers now.
