Lewisburg, TN Car Accident Attorney

In recent years, the vehicles that we drive have become incredibly safe, with lots of new technology designed to prevent accidents. Yet despite these features, Tennesseans continue to be injured – and even killed – in car accidents at an alarming rate. In fact, in 2020 alone, there were 2,894 crashes in the state of Tennessee that caused serious injury or death.

If you have been hurt in a motor vehicle accident, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver and their insurance company. Through this type of claim, you can recover compensation for your full range of damages, including medical bills, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, emotional distress and more.

With offices in Winchester and Tullahoma, John R. Colvin, Attorney at Law, represents clients throughout the state of Tennessee – including in Marshall County. Our legal team aggressively advocates for the rights of injury victims, working hard to get them maximum compensation for their injuries.

What Types of Car Accident Cases Do We Handle?

Across the United States, car accidents happen every day. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the most common cause of car accidents is driver error. 94% of all automobile accidents are attributed to something that a driver did – or failed to do.

Our law firm has experience handling all types of car crashes, including those involving:

We also represent family members whose loved one has been killed in a fatal accident. In these situations, our legal team may help survivors file a wrongful death lawsuit to seek compensation for their losses, including funeral expenses.

When another driver causes an accident through negligent or reckless conduct, they may be held responsible for the injured party’s losses. These losses, known as damages, may include compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, scarring, disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life, and emotional trauma. In rare cases, such as those involving a drunk driver, punitive damages may be available.

Each of our cases starts with a free consultation, where we will listen to your story and offer you legal advice on your options. If you choose to hire our law firm, we will get to work immediately, investigating the facts of the case, identifying all responsible parties, and performing legal research.

Next, we will send a demand letter to the at-fault driver’s insurance company. This letter sets out the facts of the case, the reason why their insured is liable, and a demand for compensation. In most cases, the insurance company will respond to this letter with a counteroffer, beginning the negotiation process.

The majority of personal injury claims are resolved via settlement. However, if the insurer refuses to offer you fair compensation for your injuries, it may be necessary to file a lawsuit in the local circuit court. Negotiations typically continue throughout the pre-trial process, up through the morning of trial.

Going to court can be stressful for most people. Our law firm works hard to get you an appropriate settlement for your injuries. When necessary, we will make our case to a jury – and ask them to find in your favor.

What Should I Do After a Lewisburg, TN Car Crash?

Being in a car accident can be incredibly scary. It can be hard to know what to do after another vehicle slams into your car, truck, or SUV. Keeping these tips in mind can help preserve your legal rights.

First, and most importantly, you should seek medical attention for any injuries that you may have suffered – even if you think that you weren’t hurt. Getting a prompt diagnosis and treatment can help you recover physically. It also establishes a link between the accident and your injuries, which can be important for your legal claim.

Second, if you are able to do so, gather information. Get the other driver’s name, contact information, and insurance info. If there are any witnesses, get their names and contact information as well. Do not admit fault or offer any information other than what is necessary.

Third, take pictures and videos of the accident scene, your vehicle, and your injuries. These images may be important in proving your case in the coming months.

Fourth, if someone else has not already done so, call 911. When the police officers and first responders arrive, cooperate with them and answer their questions to the best of your ability. Eventually, the accident report written by law enforcement may be used to support your claim.

Fifth, contact a personal injury law firm to schedule a free consultation with an attorney. During this appointment, you can tell your story and get advice from the lawyer about your legal options. Do not talk to the adjuster for the at-fault driver’s insurance company or sign any paperwork without first consulting with a Tennessee car accident attorney.

Taking these steps can help to ensure that you get what you need to recover physically from your injuries. It will also help to protect your legal rights as you move forward with a claim against the responsible party.

How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit for a Tennessee Car Accident?

In Tennessee, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is 1 year. This means that – with a few exceptions, such as for a minor child – you have just 12 months to file a lawsuit after an accident. If you don’t do so, then your claim will likely be barred.

Because of this strict time limit, it is important that you reach out to personal injury lawyers as soon as possible after an automobile accident. Your attorney will aggressively advocate for your rights and will work hard to get justice for you and your loved ones.

Is There a Limit on Damages in a Tennessee Car Accident Case?

Yes. In Tennessee, there is a cap on non-economic damages of $750,000 for most personal injury claims. Non-economic damages are meant to compensate a person for intangible losses, such as pain and suffering and emotional distress. For cases involving catastrophic injuries, such as severe burns, amputations, wrongful death of the parent of a minor child, and paralysis, this cap is increased to $1,000,000.

In addition, Tennessee limits punitive damages to the greater of $500,000 or twice the amount of compensatory (economic plus non-economic) damages. Punitive damages are not available in most personal injury cases but may be awarded in certain types of cases, such as drunk driving accidents. If you have questions about the value of your case, reach out to a Lewisburg, TN car accident attorney to schedule a free initial consultation.

Can I Recover for My Car Accident If I Was Partially at Fault?

Depending on the facts of your case, you may be able to recover compensation for your injuries even if you were somewhat to blame for a car accident. Tennessee follows a modified comparative fault rule. Under this rule, as long as you were 49% or less responsible for the crash, you can still recover. If you were 50% or greater responsible, then you cannot seek compensation for your injuries.

Under the comparative fault rule, your total recovery will be reduced by the percentage that you were at fault (if 49% or less). These types of cases can be complicated. An experienced Marshall County car accident attorney can help you determine if you are able to pursue a personal injury claim based on your specific situation.

Hurt in a Car Accident? We’re Here to Help

After a car crash, you may not know where to turn or what to do next. Our law firm understands how difficult this time can be. We’ll stand by your side throughout the process, working hard to get you the compensation that you deserve.

John R. Colvin, Attorney at Law, is a skilled personal injury attorney who offers high-quality representation to accident victims in Marshall County. Our law firm offers free consultations and handles all personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis – which means that you’ll never pay a fee unless we recover money for you. To learn more or to schedule a free initial consultation with a Lewisburg, TN car accident attorney, call our law office at 931-962-1044 or fill out our online contact form.

Licensed to Practice in Tennessee & Alabama