Automobile accidents involving injury or death have become an unfortunate part of our fast moving and highly mobile society. Statistics show that the majority of automobile accidents are caused by persons who are careless and/or reckless in the operation of their motor vehicles at the time of an accident. Often accidents are the result of illegal conduct such as alcohol consumption, excessive speeding, and the use of a cell phone while driving in violation of a local ordinance or statute. In Tennessee, automobile accidents and the liability therefrom are determined pursuant to comparative negligence standards that utilizes the law of comparative negligence, wherein the injured may sue the other motorists whether or not their own negligence played any role in the accident. However, recovery for damages for the injured party is reduced by the percentage of fault contributable to them. The first thing to remember when involved in an accident is that you should never leave the scene of an accident and you should avoid statements of apology or admissions of fault due to fact that often there are other factors involved in the crash that the injured may not be aware of at the time. Also, individuals involved in automobile accidents should not move their vehicles unless the accident is minor, and if they have the ability you should try to secure the names and telephone numbers of witnesses. First and foremost, you must always be truthful to investigating officers.

Many times people are involved in an accident and are not immediately aware that they are injured because some injuries do not manifest themselves immediately. Therefore, it is always a good idea in the first days following the accident to make daily notes of all the pain and discomfort your injuries may be causing. This will help you later to describe your injuries adequately. Also it may help your doctor diagnose your condition and determine whether or not such injuries were caused by the accident.

Most importantly, please remember that if you are contacted by the other party’s insurance company and they request a recorded statement it is a good idea to speak with an attorney prior to giving the recorded statement. Also, you should never sign a release without first consulting an attorney so you that are protected and you are not releasing any rights or causes of action that you do not intend to release.

If you would like more information regarding the legal services our office offers for individuals injured in automobile accidents, please contact us for a free initial consultation.