Fayetteville, TN Car Accident Lawyer

Each day, thousands of Tennesseeans are involved in motor vehicle accidents. Here in Lincoln County, there are an average of 793 car crashes each year. Of those collisions, an average of 188 accidents will cause injuries – and 6 will be fatal.

If you have been hurt in a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Through a personal injury lawsuit, you can recover money for your medical bills, property damage, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and more. If a loved one died in a fatal car accident, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim.

Attorney John R. Colvin represents injury victims in Fayetteville, TN and the surrounding areas who have been hurt by the careless actions of others. Our law firm offers free initial consultations, and handles all personal injury  claims on a contingency fee basis – which means that you never pay a fee unless we recover money for you.

Proving Fault in a Tennessee Car Accident Case

Car accident claims fall under the broad category of personal injury law. With a few exceptions for intentional or reckless conduct (such as drunk driving), these cases are based on a theory of negligence. Under the law, a person is considered negligent if they fail to use the care that a reasonable person would use in a similar situation.

Negligence is demonstrated by proving four elements: duty, breach, causation, and damages. When you hire a personal injury lawyer, they will investigate the facts of your case and research the applicable law to put together a strong case to show that the other driver was negligent.

For example, John was involved in an automobile accident when Peter merged onto the interstate without yielding. Peter owed John (and everyone else on the road) a duty to use reasonable care while driving. He violated this duty by failing to yield, and his actions caused the crash. John suffered broken bones in the accident. He can seek compensation from Peter and any other responsible parties.

After a car accident, your personal injury attorney will send a demand letter to the at-fault party’s insurance company.​ This letter will lay out the facts of the case, the reason that their insured is financially responsible for your losses, and a demand for fair compensation (damages). Depending on the facts of the case, your lawyer may seek damages for:

  • Lost wages
  • Medical bills
  • Future medical expenses
  • Reduced earning capacity
  • Property damage
  • Pain and suffering
  • Scarring
  • Disfigurement
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Emotional distress

In rare cases, punitive damages – which are meant to punish a wrongdoer – may be available. Most often, this occurs in drunk or drugged driving cases, where the at-fault driver wasn’t just negligent. Your Fayetteville, TN car accident lawyer can advise you about the potential to recover punitive damages during a free initial consultation.

Common Types of Car Accidents in Fayetteville, TN

As experienced personal injury attorneys, we handle all types of car accident claims. Most frequently, we handle personal injury claims involving:

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the overwhelming majority of car accidents – 94% – are caused by driver error. This may include everything from failing to yield when merging to running a red light to simply not paying full attention to the road.

These types of accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, ranging from relatively mild to catastrophic. Our law offices represent clients who have suffered all types of injuries in car crashes, including:

We also work with family members whose loved one died as a result of a fatal car accident. In these cases, our legal team will pursue a wrongful death lawsuit to ensure that the survivors get the compensation that they need to move forward with their lives.

In addition to physical injuries, motor vehicle accidents can be incredibly traumatic. When filing a personal injury claim with the at-fault driver’s car insurance company, we will include claims related to intangible losses, such as scarring, disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.

Is It Worth Getting a Lawyer for a Minor Car Accident?

As a general rule, it is a good idea to retain a personal injury law firm to represent you after a car accident. The negligent party’s insurance company has a team of lawyers and adjusters to handle claims like yours. Having your own legal representation is the best way to ensure that you get fair compensation for your injuries.

Of course, there are situations where it may make sense to handle the car accident claim on your own – such as after a relatively minor collision with minimal property damage and no injuries. If you have suffered any injuries – no matter how slight – or more serious property damage, you should reach out to a Fayetteville, TN car accident lawyer to schedule a free consultation about your claim.

What Is a Reasonable Settlement for a Car Accident?

It depends. The value of any car accident case is based on a number of factors, including the nature and severity of your injuries, the amount of insurance coverage the responsible party has, and whether there is any question as to fault. A fair settlement for a car accident claim that led to a catastrophic injury will typically be much higher than one for a relatively minor injury, like a broken bone that is expected to fully heal within a few months.

After a motor vehicle accident, a Fayetteville, TN car accident lawyer can advise you of your options for pursuing a personal injury claim and an estimate of the value of the case during a free consultation. As the case develops, this ballpark figure may increase or decrease. Working with an attorney is the best way to recover maximum compensation for your injuries.

When Should You Get a Lawyer for a Car Accident?

In Lincoln County and throughout Tennessee, there is a 1-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. With a few exceptions, this means that you have just 12 months from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. If you fail to do so, then your claim will be barred entirely.

For this reason, it is vital that you contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible after your car accident. Your lawyer will fight for your best interests – and make sure that all deadlines are met to protect your legal rights.

Hurt in a Car Accident? Reach Out Today

After being injured in a motor vehicle accident, you may be overwhelmed with physical pain, emotional trauma, and mounting bills. Pursuing legal action may seem like more than you can handle. Fortunately, you don’t have to do it by yourself – our law firm is here to help.

John R. Colvin, Attorney at Law, represents accident victims throughout Lincoln County. With decades of experience representing clients in all types of personal injury claims, from products liability to bicycle accidents to slip and falls car crashes, we have the skill that you need to get maximum compensation for your losses. To learn more or to schedule a free initial consultation, call our office at 931-962-1044, or fill out our online contact form.

Licensed to Practice in Tennessee & Alabama