No one leaves the house in the morning planning to be involved in a motor vehicle accident. The odds, however, tell us that most of us will be the victim of a car accident at some point in our lives. If you were recently injured in a Tennessee motor vehicle accident you are undoubtedly suffering physically, emotionally, and financially as a result of the collision. You may also be unsure what steps you need to take next to protect your right to compensation if another party caused, or contributed to, the collision.
Given the unique set of facts and circumstances that surround a motor vehicle accident, you should consult with an experienced Tennessee car accident attorney if you have specific questions or concerns regarding your situation; some of the more common questions, along with answers, relating to car accidents can be found below. If you have additional questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the personal injury attorneys at Bennett, Michael & Hornsby.
1. What should I do immediately after a car accident?
Unless you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident before, you will likely be confused and unsure what to do next after the accident. There are a number of important steps you should take following a car accident; however, the most important two are to submit to a thorough medical examination as soon as possible and to consult with an experienced Tennessee personal injury accident attorney at your earliest convenience. Learn more about the steps you should take following an accident.
2. How is fault determined in a car accident?
Although we commonly use the word “accident” to describe a motor vehicle collision, the reality is that more often than not it was not truly an “accident.” Instead, most collisions are the result of negligence on the part of one, or more, of the parties involved in the collision. If your injuries were the result of negligence on the part of another party you may be entitled to compensation for those injuries. Learn more.
3. What if I was partially to blame for the accident?
Sometimes, a car accident is clearly caused entirely by one party. When a drunk driver plows into another vehicle, for example. Other times, however, more than one vehicle may share the blame, or negligence. If you were partially to blame for your accident that does not necessarily preclude you from recovering damages because Tennessee uses the doctrine of Comparative Negligence. Learn more about Comparative Negligence.
4. Will my medical bills and related expenses be paid by the at-fault party?
The aftermath of a car accident often leaves a victim suffering financial hardship as a result of the inability to work. In addition, the medical bills relating to injuries sustained in a collision can add up quickly. Fortunately, if another party’s negligence caused, or contributed to, the collision that party should be responsible for covering your economic damages, including things such as lost wages and medical bills. Learn more about economic damages.
5. Am I entitled to compensation for pain and suffering?
As you have undoubtedly learned, a car accident often leaves a victim with more than just physical injuries. A victim also frequently suffers “non-economic damages” as a result of the collision. “Non-economic damages” is the legal term for what most people refer to as “pain and suffering.” As a victim, you may be entitled to monetary compensation for your pain and suffering if it was caused by the negligence of another party. Learn more.
6. How long after the accident do I have to file a claim or lawsuit?
The State of Tennessee, like all states, has enacted what are referred to in legal terms as “statutes of limitations” that determine how long the victim in a personal injury case has to file a lawsuit. Although the lawsuit need not be litigated within the statute of limitations time frame, failing to file in time will result in your claim being forever barred. Learn more
7. How do I find the right personal injury attorney?
If you have never needed a personal injury lawyer before you may be wondering how to find the right one for your case. Ultimately, only you can decide which attorney is the right one for your case; however, there are a number of steps you can take to help you locate an attorney to handle your case. Learn moreabout the steps you can take to find the right attorney for you.
8. How long will it take to resolve my car accident case?
Understandably, one of the most common questions victims of a car accident have is “How long will it take to resolve my case? Because every case is unique, there is no “standard” time frame for resolving a car accident claim. There are, however, a number of common factors that typically determine how long it will likely take to bring your case to conclusion. Learn more about the factors that impact how long it will take to resolve your case.
Contact Us
If you are the victim of a Tennessee car accident, you need an experienced Tennessee personal injury accident attorney on your side. Contact the team at Bennett, Michael & Hornsby today by calling 615-898-1560 to schedule your appointment.
