How long do I have to sue after a car accident in Clarksville, TN?
One year. In Tennessee, you have one year to initiate a personal injury lawsuit, and the clock starts ticking on the day the accident happened. This is also referred to as the statute of limitations. If you miss the limitations deadline, you may be barred from filing a claim.
When should you hire an attorney for car accident injuries after a crash?
As soon as possible. Once you’ve obtained representation, your attorneys can begin to communicate on your behalf and start negotiations with the insurance company so that you can focus on your recovery.
How much does a car accident lawyer cost?
When we represent you or other loved ones involved in a wreck, we work on what’s called a contingency fee basis, which means that you don’t ever pay out of pocket – ever. We only get paid if you do.
How long does a car accident settlement take?
When trying to understand how long a car accident settlement will take, it’s important to understand that each case is different. Factors that a Clarksville car accident lawyer will evaluate are the extent of your injuries, how serious they are, and how long you may need to recover. Additionally, an experienced attorney will aim to ensure you receive every dollar you deserve, rather than rush to settlement. Some claims can be settled quickly, however it is important to speak with a personal injury lawyer that can help provide you with more information on what to expect in your unique situation.
How much is my case worth?
There is no online case calculator that some firms try to put out there that can estimate the worth of your case. The best way to understand the value of your situation is to discuss your injuries and other damages with the car accident lawyers on our team. Some things that are considered in valuation include:
- How serious are your injuries, and did you require hospitalization?
- Will you need rehab in order to reach a full recovery?
- Is a full recovery possible?
- Did injuries you sustained prevent you from going to work, and if so, for how long?
- How will your injuries impact your daily life?
- Did your car accident result in losing the ability to perform daily tasks, such as bathing, eating, or getting dressed?
- Did your injuries leave you permanently disfigured or paralyzed?
- How has the accident has affected you emotionally?
- Has the wreck brought you anxiety, Amaxophobia (Fear of Driving), or other mental distress?
- How much damage was caused to your vehicle or other property items as a result of the crash?
As you can see, there is a lot to factor into evaluating a case and how much yours can be worth. The best way to determine how much your case is worth is to contact a Clarksville car accident attorney who has the experience to determine a fair value. Let us ensure you get fair compensation so you can focus on the most important thing – getting better.
What if the other driver is uninsured or underinsured?
All drivers in Tennessee are required to be insured. However, some drivers don’t have insurance or are underinsured, which can make things even more stressful for your situation.
If you’ve obtained uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, this can help you but may not cover all your costs.
If you don’t have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, you can file a lawsuit against the other driver. Keep in mind, though, that even if you’re successful, you can only recover what the other driver can pay, and if they don’t have insurance, this often means that they do not have the resources to pay you what you deserve.
Fortunately, the uninsured driver may not be the only one on the hook for your injuries. A car accident lawyer can investigate your situation to recover money from all parties that may have a role in your compensation.
Should I call a lawyer after a minor car accident?
Yes. Even minor car accidents can cause major problems that may just seem minor in the moment. Having legal representation can benefit you even in a seemingly minor crash. According to research, hiring a personal injury attorney can also get you up to 3.5 times more money.
Will my case settle or go to trial?
A lot of cases end in a settlement; however, we approach each case as though it will be litigated. If needed, we will not hesitate to take your case to court.
What is comparative negligence?
Each state’s car accident laws are unique in certain ways. Tennessee follows a comparative negligence law which states that each party will receive a portion of fault for the accident.
Can I still collect damages if I was partially at fault in the accident?
Yes, in shared fault accidents, each driver may pursue the other for the share of the damages that correspond with the other driver’s fault. For instance, imagine another driver rear-ended you, but since your brake lights were out, you receive 10 percent of the blame and the other driver 90 percent. Your damages come to $10,000. You are eligible to recover $9,000, or 90 percent of your total damages, from the other driver.
Your liability share could bar you from recovering compensation
The law also holds that you cannot recover compensation if you are more than 49 percent at fault for the accident.
Let us return to the above scenario for a moment. Now suppose the other driver, the one who rear-ended you, convinces the police and a judge that you slammed on your brakes in a fit of road rage. As a result, you receive 75 percent of the blame, and the other driver receives 25 percent.
Since your share of the fault exceeds 49 percent, you would not be able to pursue the other driver for any of your accident-related damages. Moreover, the other driver could come after you for 75 percent of their damages.
As you can see, the law is somewhat complex. An attorney from Hughes & Coleman Injury Lawyers will help you navigate it, protect your rights, and fight for the damages you deserve.
Can someone sue you for a car accident if you have insurance?
Yes, you can still be held liable if you have insurance after a car accident for property damage and injuries. It’s important to speak with an experienced accident lawyer that can help reduce your share of liability if you were involved in a wreck that resulted in injuries.
If you have any other questions, reach out to us at any time.