When a car accident happens in Nashville, the victims are often left to pick up the pieces of their lives. These collisions can lead to serious injuries, extensive property damage, and a host of other losses. In Tennessee, victims of motor vehicle accidents have the right to pursue an insurance claim or lawsuit against the person or entity responsible.
If you were involved in a car accident, our Nashville personal injury attorneys at Woodard Injury Law can provide the guidance and support that you need to seek justice. Our attorneys are committed to fighting for your rights and securing the compensation you need to rebuild your life, one step at a time. Contact us to seek compensation today.
Why Trust Woodard Injury Law with Your Nashville Car Accident Claim?
- With over 10,000 car accident cases handled in the last 19 years, Woodard Injury Law knows what it takes to recover a fair settlement after a collision. Our firm is well-versed in the latest legal developments and strategies to maximize your compensation.
- Our firm provides personalized attention and open communication to each of our car accident clients. You will work directly with your attorney from the first phone call through the resolution of your case.
- Woodard Injury Law has been recognized as the Best Car Accident Lawyer in Nashville for 2023 by Expertise. We are committed to excellence in car accident representation and bring this award-winning service to every case we handle.
Common Causes of Motor Vehicle Crashes in Nashville
Nashville’s busy streets and highways see their fair share of motor vehicle accidents every year. According to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, 2023 saw 4,996 serious injury or fatal car accidents in Tennessee, with 692 of these collisions occurring in Davidson County alone.
Some of the most common causes of these accidents include:
- Distracted Driving: Drivers who text, make calls, or use social media behind the wheel are far more likely to cause accidents due to their divided attention. Other distractions may include eating, drinking, grooming, or even talking to other people in the car while behind the wheel.
- Speeding: Exceeding posted speed limits or driving too fast for road conditions can be extremely dangerous. Speeding reduces a driver’s reaction time and increases the severity of collisions when they occur.
- Impaired Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is extremely dangerous and illegal. Intoxicated drivers have slower reflexes, and impaired judgment, and are more likely to engage in risky behaviors that lead to accidents.
- Poor Weather Conditions: Sudden rainstorms, fog, snow, and ice can create hazardous driving situations. Reduced visibility and slippery roads increase the risk of accidents, especially when drivers fail to adjust their speed to match the conditions.
- Dangerous Road Conditions: Potholes, inadequate signage, and poorly designed intersections can contribute to accidents. Construction zones that are not properly marked or managed may also pose major risks to drivers navigating unfamiliar roads.
- Aggressive Driving: Tailgating, weaving through traffic, and road rage incidents are common forms of aggressive driving. These behaviors often escalate quickly and can result in serious collisions from someone’s negligence.
Why You Need a Nashville Car Accident Lawyer on Your Side
When you are involved in a car accident, seeking compensation is often the last item on your mind. Dealing with painful injuries, medical bills, and overwhelming hardship can make it difficult to focus on anything else. This is where a Nashville car accident lawyer can provide valuable assistance.
At Woodard Injury Law, our car accident attorneys in Nashville possess a deep knowledge of Nashville traffic laws and have helped thousands of people navigate the aftermath of collisions. Whether you are pursuing an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit, you can trust us to guide you through the process and build a compelling case on your behalf.
We have extensive experience in dealing with auto insurance companies and their adjusters, which we can leverage to protect your best interests. During negotiations, we will fight to protect your rights and recover a settlement that accurately reflects the damages that you sustained. However, if a lawsuit becomes necessary, we have the courtroom experience to confidently represent your interests before a judge and jury.
Immediate Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Nashville
The moments after a car accident are crucial, both for your safety and for the strength of any future legal claim. Taking the right steps can help protect your health, preserve important evidence, and set the foundation for a successful case. While it is natural to feel shaken and confused, try to remain calm and follow these essential steps:
- Call for Help: First, check yourself and others for injuries. If it is safe to do so, you’re your vehicle out of traffic. Call 911 immediately to have law enforcement come to the scene and request emergency medical assistance if needed.
- Report the Accident: When the police arrive, speak to the responding officer. Stick to the facts and avoid admitting fault. At the scene, law enforcement will create an accident report that you can obtain later, which you can use as evidence in a future claim.
- Get Medical Treatment: After the collision, you may feel completely fine and uninjured. However, you may have hidden or internal injuries that could become serious later on. Do not take a risk—seek medical care as soon as possible and document your injuries. These records will also serve as important evidence in your case.
- Collect as Much Evidence as Possible: If you are able to move around safely, document the scene of the accident. Take photos of vehicle damage, injuries, road conditions, and any relevant traffic signs or signals. Gather contact and insurance information from all involved parties as well as any witnesses.
- Contact an Attorney: Once you have received medical care for your injuries, it is important to speak with a Nashville car accident attorney as soon as possible. Do not discuss your case with the at-fault party, an insurance representative, or anyone else. Instead, schedule a free legal consultation to plan your legal strategy.
What Types of Compensation Can I Recover?
In Tennessee, the law allows injury victims to seek total compensation for both economic and non-economic losses, as well as receive punitive damages in certain cases. Here are some of the most common types of damages you could be entitled to after a car accident:
- Economic damages – These damages compensate for financial losses directly tied to the accident, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. For example, costs for hospital visits, vehicle repairs, or missed workdays would be included. These damages should be calculated based on actual expenses and future anticipated costs.
- Non-Economic damages – Non-economic damages address the emotional and psychological effects of the accident, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. For instance, if the accident limits your ability to participate in activities you once enjoyed, these damages should reflect that loss. Although subjective, Tennessee courts recognize these damages as a critical part of personal injury claims.
- Punitive damages – In cases involving gross negligence or intentional misconduct, courts may award punitive damages to punish the at-fault party and deter similar behavior in the future. For example, these damages might apply if the at-fault driver was excessively speeding or driving under the influence. Tennessee Code § 29-39-104 describes the conditions under which punitive damages may be awarded.
Recovering compensation typically involves filing an insurance claim or pursuing a personal injury lawsuit. Insurance adjusters may attempt to minimize payouts, making it important to provide thorough documentation, such as medical records, receipts, and witness statements. In cases where the at-fault driver’s insurance is insufficient or disputes arise, a lawsuit can offer you a chance to secure additional compensation through a court judgment.
How is Fault Determined in a Nashville Car Accident?
Establishing fault is essential in Tennessee car accident cases, as the state follows a modified comparative negligence rule under Tennessee Code § 20-1-119. This means you can recover damages as long as you are less than 50% at fault for the collision. Below, we go over the factors and evidence used to determine fault in Nashville car accident cases:
Police Reports
Law enforcement officers who respond to the scene of an accident often create a detailed police report. This report may include observations about vehicle damage, road conditions, and any apparent violations of traffic laws.
Eyewitness Accounts
Witness statements provide valuable insights into what occurred before and during the accident. These accounts can corroborate your version of events or identify negligent actions by the other party. Eyewitness testimony often carries significant weight in both insurance claims and court proceedings.
Physical Evidence
Evidence such as skid marks, vehicle damage, and debris at the scene can help reconstruct the events leading up to the collision. Traffic camera footage or photos taken at the scene can also provide a clearer picture of what happened.
How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Tennessee
Tennessee imposes a strict one-year statute of limitations for filing personal injury lawsuits, as outlined under Tennessee Code § 28-3-104. This means you typically have one year from the date of the accident to file a claim for damages. If you fail to file within this timeframe, you may lose your right to recover compensation entirely.
Exceptions to this rule may apply in specific circumstances. For instance, if the injured party is a minor, the statute of limitations may be extended until they are legal adults. Additionally, if the injuries were not immediately apparent, the filing deadline may begin from the date the injury was discovered or reasonably should have been discovered.
Start Your Road to Recovery: Schedule Your Free Consultation Today
The aftermath of a car accident can be intense and scary. With Woodard Injury Law on your side, you can navigate the journey ahead with confidence and knowledgeable legal guidance. Our car accident lawyers in Nashville will work tirelessly to secure the compensation that you deserve. Contact us by call or text us at (615) 216-5757 to schedule your consultation and start building your case today.