STANDING UP FOR VICTIMS OF MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENTS
Negligent motorists on Tennessee roads put lives at risk every day. When careless driving leads to an auto accident injury, victims have the right to pursue compensation for the losses they have suffered.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motor vehicle accident in Tennessee, the attorneys at Boston, Holt & Hoffmeyer, PLLC, are here to provide you with the experienced legal representation you need.
With law offices in Lawrenceburg, we handle motor vehicle accident claims for clients throughout Tennessee.
HOLDING NEGLIGENT DRIVERS ACCOUNTABLE
Interstate 65, U.S. 64, U.S. 43 and other roads in Middle Tennessee are busy with local traffic and commercial vehicles passing through. A single act of negligence is all it takes to shatter or end the life of an accident victim.
Our personal injury lawyers thoroughly investigate motor vehicle accident claims to determine how the accident occurred and who is at fault. Our investigations often uncover evidence of negligence, such as distracted driving, drunk driving, speeding, reckless driving and other traffic violations.
We are prepared to represent you in any type of motor vehicle accident claim, including those arising from:
- Automobile accidents
- Car wrecks
- Tractor-trailer truck crashes
- Motorcycle accidents
- Bicycle and pedestrian accidents
- ATV accidents
- Bus, train and public transportation accidents
- Farm vehicle accidents
- Farm animals on the roadway
Our clients include those who have suffered life-altering injuries in motor vehicle accidents as well as those who have lost loved ones in fatal accidents and are pursuing wrongful death claims. We are committed to helping you obtain maximum compensation for the losses you have suffered due to the negligence of another motorist on a Tennessee road.
Types Of Compensation Available After A Tennessee Car Accident
Depending on the facts of your case, a car accident claim may cover far more than a repair bill, including:
- Medical expenses: Hospital bills, surgical costs and rehabilitation, plus future treatment your physicians anticipate
- Lost income: Wages missed during recovery and diminished earning capacity if injuries restrict later employment
- Property damage: Repair or replacement of your vehicle and the belongings inside it
- Pain and suffering: Payment for physical pain, emotional distress and lost enjoyment of life
- Punitive damages: Additional awards when clear and convincing evidence shows the other driver acted recklessly or maliciously
Tennessee usually caps punitive awards at twice the compensatory damages or $500,000, whichever is greater, although that limit disappears when an impaired driver causes the crash.
The Claims Process: What To Expect
Most personal injury claims arising from car accidents follow a similar path, so understanding each stage ahead of time can make the process feel less overwhelming. A typical claim moves through the following stages:
Initial Investigation
Our attorneys can gather police reports, photos, witness statements and any available video to establish responsibility for the crash.
Dealing With Insurance Companies
Because Tennessee is an at-fault state, the other driver’s insurer usually pays, yet adjusters may push for a quick settlement before you know the full cost of your injuries. You hear directly from your attorney throughout these negotiations.
Documentation Needed
Keep your medical records, bills, paystubs, repair estimates and a journal documenting your pain and daily limitations.
Timeline Expectations
Many claims settle after treatment ends, when the full value of your losses becomes clear, while cases that go to court can take a year or longer.
Settlement Vs. Trial
Most cases resolve through settlement, but when an insurer refuses to pay fair value, we are prepared to take the case to court. Under Tennessee’s comparative fault rule, you can recover damages only if you were less than 50% at fault, with your award reduced by your share.
How Long Do You Have To File A Car Accident Claim In Tennessee?
Usually, you have one year from the date of the accident under Tennessee Code § 28-3-104, although that window extends to two years if authorities bring criminal charges against the at-fault driver for the conduct that caused the crash, such as a DUI. Property damage claims have three years. Because evidence fades quickly, speaking with an attorney early protects your options.
TALK TO AN EXPERIENCED ATTORNEY
When you are ready to discuss your claim with an experienced motor vehicle accident attorney, Boston, Holt & Hoffmeyer, PLLC will be here for you. Contact us today online or by telephone at 931-201-9452 to arrange your free initial consultation.