CAR ACCIDENTS

Car Accident Injury Lawyer Serving Chattanooga, TN

After a car accident, the insurance company you file a claim with may not see it the same way as you, even in an accident where the other driver seems clearly at fault. Insurance companies almost never offer a reasonable amount as compensation. Car accident injuries can seriously impact your finances as well as your ability to work and lead a normal life. You should not have to fight tooth and nail with insurance company claims adjusters to get what you deserve for your injuries. But that is the unfortunate reality for many car accident victims in Chattanooga. Our experience in helping victims of car accident injuries here means we can provide the support you need and deal with aggressive insurance companies so that you can focus on recovery from your injuries.

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What Is An “at-fault” State Regarding Auto Accidents?

In an at-fault state like Tennessee, drivers found to be responsible for accidents are also responsible for the damages and injuries caused. The driver who is found at-fault for the auto accident will be legally and financially responsible for damages and injuries that resulted from the accident and if the driver is insured. The insurance company of the at-fault party must pay compensation to the victim up to the limits the insurance policy allows.

If you suffered an injury in an auto accident in Tennessee, you can file a claim in one of the following ways:

Directly with your insurance company
Against a third party’s insurance company
Against the driver (a personal injury lawsuit filed in civil court)

Before acting, discuss your options with our experienced car accident injury attorneys who can advise you on the best course of action.

How Can You Prove Fault In An Auto Accident?

Before taking any action, your lawyer will need to determine who was at fault for the accident. This is usually done by examining the relevant evidence, including:

Photos and videos
Copies of police reports
Witness statements
Inspection of the accident scene
Inspection of your injuries
Copies of medical reports

Fault is sometimes not as simple as apportioning blame to one driver for an accident. Two or more drivers may have contributed to an accident.

In such cases, Tennessee applies the “modified comparative negligence system”. Under this system, an injured victim must prove that they are 49 percent or less responsible for the accident to be eligible to receive compensation.

The amount of compensation you receive will be reduced in proportion to the degree of fault you hold for the accident.

If you are 50 percent or more responsible for an auto accident, you will not be eligible to receive any compensation for your injuries or damages.

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What Is “no-doubt” Liability?

The type of collision is important in determining liability for an accident. In certain accident situations, there should be no question who is at fault.

Unfortunately, insurance companies are rarely willing to concede liability even in rear-end collisions and will often claim the accident is not the fault of their insured. Even when they do accept fault, In these so-called no-doubt liability cases, the insurance company generally will not argue who was at fault but that doesn’t mean that you will be offered the compensation you deserve.

Typically, the following two types of collisions are generally thought to be no-doubt liability situations:

Violating State Traffic Laws

Knowledge of state traffic laws can help support your claim for compensation if you were injured in an auto accident in Tennessee.

The mention of a traffic law violation such as speeding or dangerous driving by another driver in the police report is often a helpful piece of evidence when you claim with the insurance company.

If it is not mentioned in the police report, your lawyer may need to research the various statutes to identify a violation. Remember, there are also local Chattanooga traffic laws that may impact your case and which your lawyer can advise you on.

What Are Common Injuries After A Car Accident?

The types of injuries that victims of car accidents suffer are many and varied. Some common types of injuries we see in Chattanooga include:

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): damage to the brain caused by a blow or a piercing injury to the head.
Spinal cord injuries: these can cause long-term disability, such as quadriplegia and paraplegia.
Back injuries: impact in a car accident can cause serious back injuries, such as disk injury or cervical dislocation, greatly limiting mobility.
Burns: car accidents can result in fires or the release of hot liquids that can lead to serious burn injuries that require surgery or skin grafts.
Disfigurement: facial injuries and scarring from broken glass or impact with the steering wheel, windshield, window, airbag or dashboard are common.
Internal injuries: impact from a crash can cause damage to internal organs or internal bleeding that may not be immediately apparent.
Fractured or broken bones: you can break almost any bone in a car accident, but injuries to legs, ribs, arms, ankles, pelvis, and wrists are most common.
Loss of limb or digit: whether it is severed or needs to be amputated due to irreparable damage, the loss of a limb or digit can be devastating for victims.
Whiplash: when muscles, ligaments or tendons in the neck are damaged, it can lead to painful whiplash injuries.
Soft tissue injuries: sprains, strains, bruises, and damage to muscles, tendons, and ligaments are common and may be more painful and long-lasting than they sound.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): mental and emotional problems after car accidents are common, impacting your ability to work and carry out everyday tasks.

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Looking For A Car Accident Lawyer In Chattanooga, TN?

If you’ve been injured, physically or emotionally, in a car accident, it is in your best interest to consult with an experienced attorney immediately.

Call (423) 267-6715 or request a free case evaluation today.

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How Can I Prove Emotional Distress After An Auto Accident?

Post-traumatic stress disorder is a real consequence of car accidents suffered by many victims.

While the insurance company may try to dispute it, our car accident injury lawyers are experienced at proving emotional or psychological distress suffered by victims.

If there is facial disfigurement after an accident, it is easy to see how this could affect a person’s emotional wellbeing, but it is not always so obvious.

A car accident that a car accident injury attorney needs to assess in Chattanooga, TN

It’s best to seek treatment for any emotional or psychological suffering as you would with a physical injury so that there are medical records to refer to and which a judge or jury can consider.

If necessary, testimony from the treating doctor or your primary care physician can aid your case. Testimony from family members or work colleagues may also be useful in proving emotional distress.

What Type Of Compensation Can I Receive In Tennessee?

The compensation you may be awarded in Tennessee includes the following:

Reimbursement of all medical bills
Lost wages and future lost earnings
Property loss or damage
Emotional distress
Pain and suffering

Call Us Before Accepting A Settlement

Many people make the mistake of assuming that their own auto insurance will cover their losses after an accident. In fact, insurance companies are notorious for not paying as much as they should in car accident cases. They may try to make you settle early, on terms favorable to themselves. Without experienced legal representation, you may not get adequate compensation for your losses, including injuries, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

If your insurance company or a negligent driver’s insurance company refuses to pay for your property damage or provide the compensation you need for medical care or rehabilitation therapy, we are prepared to advocate for you. Our goal in your case will be to help you recover the maximum available compensation.

Serious Injury And Wrongful Death Cases

Houston & Alexander, PLLC represents people in all types of auto and trucking accident cases, ranging from relatively minor accidents to those resulting in serious injuries and death. Whether you suffered a soft tissue injury, a broken bone, a traumatic brain injury (TBI), or a spinal cord injury, do not rely on your insurance company to voluntarily or readily pay your medical bills and compensate you properly for your losses.

Whatever the nature of your case, we have the skills and determination it takes to recover the maximum compensation possible for your injuries. We will be your strong advocates. We want to help you get the medical care and compensation that will help you rebuild your life.