Car accidents can be distressing. They can cause injuries, property damage, and emotional distress, and bringing a personal injury claim for compensation can be daunting. Knowing when to seek legal guidance is crucial for protecting your rights and securing fair compensation.
If you have been in a car accident in Nashville, TN, you may be wondering whether you need to consult with a lawyer. A car accident lawyer can be helpful in the following situations.
Injuries or Property Damage
If your car accident has resulted in injuries or property damage for either party, it is wise to consult with a car accident lawyer. If you have sustained injuries and damage to your property, a car accident lawyer can help you identify possible injuries and calculate damages.
If the other party has sustained injuries or property damage, a car accident lawyer can help you defend against those claims or limit your payout.
Liability Is Unclear or Disputed
Liability means legal responsibility, including responsibility for paying any damages. If liability is unclear, a car accident lawyer can gather evidence to determine the liability of the parties. Your car accident lawyer can also help you make a case to avoid or limit liability.
Insurance Companies Offer Inadequate Settlements
If you are injured, you may have the ability to obtain compensation from your insurance company. However, insurance companies often employ a range of tactics in order to avoid paying out. If you hire a car accident lawyer, they can negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to obtain a fair settlement. They can litigate on your behalf if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
Types of Car Accidents
Different types of car accidents can cause different kinds of injuries. Understanding the types of car accidents can also aid in determining fault and liability.
Common types of car accidents include the following:
- Rear-end collisions: These collisions can occur when a driver is distracted and runs into the rear of another car. They can also occur when the car in front stops short suddenly, causing the car behind to collide with it. Rear-end collisions often cause whiplash injuries.
- T-bone accidents: These collisions take place when the front of one car collides with the side of another. For instance, when cars do not follow right-of-way rules, a distracted driver may fail to yield and enter the intersection during another car’s turn. T-bone accidents can cause severe injuries to passengers because the car door is insufficient to absorb the impact.
- Head-on collisions: Head-on collisions occur when the front of one car runs into the front of another car. These kinds of collisions can also cause whiplash.
- Sideswipe accidents: These collisions occur when a car driving parallel to another car swerves or otherwise gets close enough to hit the other car. In these kinds of accidents, passengers in both cars involved may be injured because of the impact.
Car accidents can involve a single car and a pedestrian or obstacle. They can also involve multiple cars, in which case there can be injuries to multiple parties. The more parties involved, the more complicated the determination of liability can get.
Common Causes of Car Accidents
Accidents can happen on the road, even to the most cautious drivers. Understanding the common causes of car accidents can help you identify potential causes and take preventive steps or mitigate harm.
Distracted driving
Distracted driving includes texting, listening to loud music, engaging in distracting conversations, and even eating while driving. When a driver is distracted, their reaction time is affected, and they may not be able to avoid pedestrians, obstacles, or other cars.
Speeding
Speeding can endanger both the driver and other cars on the road. Like distracted driving, speeding affects a driver’s reaction time. Speeding can also cause drivers to lose control of their cars, causing them to swerve or spin out and collide with other cars.
Drunk Driving
Driving under the influence is not only dangerous, but it is also punishable by jail time, fines, and suspension of one’s license. Whether under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, it is never a good idea to get behind the wheel while intoxicated.
Weather Conditions
Poor weather conditions can make it challenging to drive. Rain, hail, and fog can limit drivers’ ability to see cars and other obstacles on the road. Ice can make the roads slippery, causing cars to skid and collide with one another.
Car Malfunctions
Car malfunctions are rare but not out of the realm of possibility. When a car or truck malfunctions or tires are blown out, drivers should pull over immediately and seek roadside assistance. Continuing to drive in the face of a malfunction comes with a risk of serious injuries.
These are just a few of the common causes of car accidents. Recognizing the causes of car accidents can not only promote safe defensive driving practices but also aid in determining liability.
How Much Is My Car Accident Settlement Worth?
The value of a car accident settlement depends upon several factors.
These are some of the most common damages that factor into the value of a settlement:
- The severity of the injury
- The duration and costs of medical treatment
- Lost wages during the recovery period
- Whether the injury caused a loss in earning capacity
- Damage to property
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of daily life
This is not an exhaustive list of factors. A car accident lawyer may be able to identify additional factors present in your case to evaluate damages accurately.
How Much Does a Car Crash Lawyer Cost?
Most car accident lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis. That means that they only receive payment if they win your case. Their payment is contingent upon your recovery. If you do not win, you do not owe legal fees. You may owe standard case costs such as document copying costs and expert witness fees.
A contingency fee structure ensures that legal representation remains accessible without having to pay upfront costs.
How Long Do I Have to Get a Lawyer After a Car Accident?
Each state has a statute of limitations, which is a law specifying deadlines for filing different kinds of claims. Tennessee’s statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is 1 year from the date of the injury. Consulting a lawyer promptly can give your lawyer the time needed to gather evidence, build a strong case, and file a claim before the deadline. Failure to file by the deadline can mean that you lose your right to sue.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Our Nashville Car Accident Lawyer
If you have been in a car accident, knowing when to engage a car accident lawyer in Nashville, TN, is pivotal. Having experienced car accident lawyers in your corner helps ensure that your rights are protected and that you are fairly compensated.
Labrum Law Firm Personal Injury Lawyers, recognized as Expertise’s Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Nashville and Franklin, boasts years of combined experience in advocating for individuals affected by car accidents. Our experienced lawyers are dedicated to assisting you through the complexities of car accident claims and ensuring fair outcomes for your case. For tailored legal guidance or representation after a car accident, contact us at (615) 685-8546.
