Auto Accident, Workers’ Compensation, Product Liability Attorneys in Knoxville, Tennessee

Car Accidents on the Rise in Tennessee

With close to a 20% population increase in the state of Tennessee since 1990, car accidents in Knoxville and other urban areas are becoming increasingly common. Therefore, the need for highly trained, professional auto accident attorneys is greater than ever. While most of us do our best to drive safely and act defensively on the road, collisions are inevitable and can have devastating effects on the lives of passengers and their families.

Such tragedies are sometimes purely accidental, but they are frequently caused by the careless behavior of others. Drugs and alcohol, speeding, cell-phone use and reckless driving contribute to many injuries and fatalities, often leaving victims unable to work or provide for their families. Those who escape serious injury often face struggles with insurance companies and legal battles. If you have been involved in a car accident, our auto accident lawyers in Knoxville and Memphis, Tennessee will take up your fight.

In the event that you or a loved one are involved in a car accident, it is essential to gather as much information as possible from the scene of the crash. If possible, you are advised to collect the following:

• Names, addresses and telephone numbers of drivers and passengers
• Names, addresses and telephone numbers of any witnesses
• Names and addresses of registered owners of the vehicles
• Names of insurance companies, policy numbers, and drivers license numbers
• Location and cause of the car accident
• Evidence of drug or alcohol use, injuries and damages to vehicles
• Names of police officers that responded to the scene
• Documentation of claims of responsibility for the crash

Auto Accident Lawyers Defending Your Rights in Tennessee and U.S.

Over the years, automobile defects have left a legacy of suffering, loss, and car accidents in Tennessee and the U.S. Unfortunately, the infamous cases of Ford Pintos, Firestone tires, and early-model SUV rollovers are frequently joined by newer cases like airbag failures and the recent Ford truck defective door latches. The tragedy of defects and manufacturing flaws is that they often turn relatively minor accidents into catastrophes. Automobile companies have the resources to hire top attorneys to defend them from lawsuits arising from their negligence. It is essential that you know your rights and hire an experienced and aggressive Tennessee auto accident lawyer to recover the damages you deserve. Contact one of our auto accident attorneys in Knoxville, Tennessee, for help.

Car Accident Compensation

Depending on the extent and nature of injuries sustained in an auto accident, victims may claim compensatory and/or punitive damages. Compensatory damages encompass lost wages, property damage, medical expenses, and pain and suffering, but defects in the vehicle or another’s reckless driving may “punish” offenders by requiring them to pay punitive damages. Accordingly, our auto accident attorneys in Tennessee have successfully gained millions of dollars in settlements and litigation. Depending on the location of the accident, a “no fault” liability law may require everyone involved in the crash to cover his/her own damages. Roughly half of the states in the U.S. have some sort of “no fault” law, but there may be exceptions if the cases involve serious personal injury or excessive property damage. The rest of the states utilize “at fault” liability laws, requiring that the party at fault to cover costs for all parties involved in the car accident. For more information about car accidents in Tennessee, and elsewhere, contact our auto accident lawyers in Tennessee today.

FAQs About Car Accidents in Tennessee

What should I do if I have a car accident in Tennessee?
What should I not do if I have a car accident in Tennessee?
What should I do after I have left the scene of the accident?
What if the other driver is at fault and has no insurance?
Will my policy pay for a rental car if my car is damaged?
If my car is totaled, will insurance pay off my car note?
What is the meaning of "subrogation" when applied to my automobile insurance?

What should I do if I have a car accident in Tennessee or elsewhere?

Keep calm. Call or have someone call the police. Be polite and courteous to any police or emergency personnel. The parties involved should only receive from each other the name, address, license number, plate number, insurer, date and time of accident, and the names and addresses of witnesses.

If you collide with a parked or unattended vehicle, or damage a tree or other property, try to locate the property owner and report the accident. If the owner of the damaged property cannot be found, leave a note with your name, address, and phone number. You can leave this information on a damaged car or at a house where the damage occurred. If you have questions, contact our auto accident lawyers in one of three locations in Tennessee. We can help.

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What should I not do if I have a car accident in Tennessee?

Do not say: “I’m not hurt.” It could be several days before you realize the extent of your injuries. A better response would be: “I’ll let them check me at the hospital, but I am not in any pain at this moment.”

Do not say: “I should have seen him”, or “I wasn’t looking”. We are all embarrassed by being in an accident, and tend to deny injury and accept responsibility due to this embarrassment. Our auto accident attorneys in Knoxville and Memphis, Tennessee can help you through these situations.

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What should I do after I have left the scene of the car accident?

Whether your car accident occurred in Knoxville, Tennessee, or in another state, you should immediately report the incident, however slight, to your insurance company. Your insurance company should be notified before you authorize repairs to your car.

Do not sign anything that says “Release” or “in full satisfaction of all claims”. This language is sometimes printed on checks even when only partial payment is being made.

Take pictures of the damage to your car, particularly if it was towed and is now in a storage lot. Have someone take pictures of your injuries. This could be important evidence in the future.

Your memory of “what happened when” may fade by the time you settle your case. It is a good idea to record (kitchen calendar) when the accident occurred. For more tips like these, contact one of our helpful auto accident lawyers in our Tennessee offices.

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What if the other driver is at fault and has no insurance?

If you have uninsured motorist coverage, your own insurance company will step in and pay as if they were the guilty driver's insurance company. If your case is filed in court, your insurance company will hire an auto accident lawyer to defend the other driver and will pay any amounts the court orders the guilty driver to pay. Naturally, the insurance company only has to pay amounts up to the policy limits you purchased. More questions? Contact our knowledgeable auto accident lawyers in Tennessee.

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Will my policy pay for a rental car if my car is damaged?

This varies from policy to policy, but typically auto rental is paid for the period between the car accident and repair, or until such time as the vehicle is appraised as a total loss. Insurance adjusters will typically offer to pay only the least expensive rates available for rental. Our auto accident attorneys in Tennessee can answer more of your questions.

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If my car is totaled, will insurance pay off my car note?

Not necessarily, your recovery will be for the actual cash value of the car not the amount owed. The term "actual cash value" refers to what it would cost to replace your damaged vehicle with one similar in condition and mileage. Conditions such as un-repaired previous damage and tire wear are all considered in determining actual cash value. If your car has been financed, the actual cash value may be much less than the money owed. Our auto accident lawyers in Tennessee can find out more information like this for you.

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What is the meaning of "subrogation" when applied to my automobile insurance?

When your insurance company pays you for a loss caused by another driver, the company may recover the full amount of their payments made from that other party. This also means if your insurance company pays you, you will have to cooperate with them as they sue the other party. You must repay your insurance company any amounts they have paid you if your claim against someone else is successful. There are some situations where the subrogation interests at an insurance carrier can be waived or defeated altogether. These are complex issues that require the advice of one of our auto accident attorneys in Tennessee.

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Disclaimer

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For car accidents litigation in Knoxville, contact our auto accident lawyers in Tennessee. Our tenacious auto accident attorneys will ensure you have the best representation in Tennessee.

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Knoxville | Memphis | Nashville | Sevierville

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