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 help and support you need to recover compensation for your losses. 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 Massey & Associates, 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 find out if you may have legal options? Reach out to us today to discuss your situation with one of our licensed attorneys. We offer a free consultation to determine how we may be able to help you, and there are no upfront fees or costs to hire our services.
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The Massey Promise
We promise to work aggressively for you with honesty and compassion.
Honest
We are always honest with our clients about their cases and how we can help them.
Selective
We choose cases that we believe in, so you know we are ready to fight for you.
Loyal
We are committed to pursuing the best results for our clients throughout the legal process.
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.
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 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.
Case Results
We make sure to hold an aggressive representation on all cases as well as communicate effectively and demonstrate a high level of professional ethics for the rights of our clients.
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$268,000,000
Product LiabilityThis was a national case covering hundreds of plaintiffs when an implanted heart defibrillator malfunctioned, injuring many and even killing some people.
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$2,000,000
Medical MalpracticeHusband of a young mother who died due to the failure to diagnose a pulmonary embolism
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1,311,750
Motor Vehicle AccidentBoy injured in a jet ski accident
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.
“If anyone in Chattanooga needs an attorney, Mr. Massey is your man”
Tonda H.
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.
Injured?
Contact Massey & Associates, P.C.
You do not need to feel intimidated by the insurance company. The law gives you the right to seek compensation for damages after an injury caused by another’s negligence. The law also allows you to hire an experienced lawyer to help level the legal playing field and seek a favorable result.
Massey & Associates, P.C. has many years of experience securing justice and compensation for the injured in the Tampa area. There are no fees unless we win your case, either through a settlement or in the courtroom.
Call (423) 396-0720 to get legal help today..
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What if the At-Fault Driver Is Uninsured?
A car accident with an uninsured driver
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.
Representing the People of Tennessee and Georgia
Massey & Associates consistently earns repeat business and referrals due to our success. We often win cases other attorneys deemed hopeless, turning them into victories for our clients.
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Gary Massey
Read Bio: Gary MasseyGary Massey, Jr., is a well-known courtroom advocate practicing law in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Gary is a native of Tennessee who began practicing law in 1998. He graduated from Cumberland School of Law where he was ranked in the top 3% of his class and was an editor of the Cumberland Law Review.
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.
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Common Injuries From Car Accidents
Car accidents can result in a range of injuries, some of which may have long-term effects on your health and quality of life. You may be able to file a claim if you suffered any of the following injuries after a car crash:
- Whiplash: This neck injury occurs due to the violent and sudden back and forth motion caused by the impact of a crash. Whiplash can cause victim’s to suffer chronic pain and decreased range of motion. Crash victims with whiplash often require physical therapy and medications for pain management.
- Broken Bones: Fractures can occur in various parts of the body, such as arms, legs or ribs, depending on the impact of the crash. Recovery from broken bones may involve surgery, prolonged immobilization and rehabilitation. Lengthy recoveries may limit or prevent your ability to work or engage in daily activities during the healing process.
- Head Injuries: Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can result from direct blows to the head or violent shaking. These injuries can cause cognitive impairment, headaches and emotional disturbances. Head injuries often require careful monitoring and ongoing medical treatment and rehabilitation.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: These devastating injuries can lead to partial or complete paralysis. Spinal cord injuries may require extensive medical care, including surgery, physical therapy and long-term rehabilitation. In addition to dramatically impacting your mobility and independence, victims with spinal cord injuries may also experience secondary complications.
- Internal Injuries: Damage to internal organs, such as the liver or spleen, may be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Treatment for internal injuries often involves emergency surgery and intensive care. Victims may also need a prolonged recovery period that may include ongoing medical supervision and lifestyle adjustments.
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.
Call For a FREE CONSULTATION