Winchester, TN Car Accident Attorney

Chaos, pain, stress, financial catastrophe – these are just a few of the consequences of a serious car accident. You might feel like there’s no way you can overcome the devastation that has been thrown at you by someone else’s bad decisions. We’re here to tell you that you don’t need to carry that burden alone. An experienced Tennessee car accident lawyer, like TN personal injury lawyer John R. Colvin will competently and compassionately represent your interests and ensure that you receive the maximum compensation for your losses.

If a careless driver caused you harm, you deserve to be paid for the costs you’re facing. John R. Colvin holds bad drivers and their insurance companies accountable for the money they owe you. He has been helping clients with car accident cases in Tennessee for more than 20 years, and he knows how to get results.

Contact Winchester Car Accident Lawyer John R. Colvin today to schedule a free consultation. Reach him online or call:

(931) 962-1044.

Common Injuries in Car Accidents

One single wreck can change many lives. The injured car accident victim could face great pain and suffering, in addition to costly medical expenses and the inability to do their job. But the consequences of these crashes also impact loved ones, and it’s often true that entire families are disrupted because of one bad driver. Family members may be faced with loss of income, the added stress and financial burden of managing their loved one’s care, and the emotional devastation of seeing their child, spouse, or parent in pain.

Some of the most common injuries we see are…

  • WHIPLASH.When you’re in a car crash, your body is forced into sudden and forceful movement, which can strain muscles, ligaments, tendons, and soft tissues and cause extreme pain.
  • CUTS AND SCRAPES. The impact of the accident itself or flying objects in your vehicle may cause you to sustain superficial injuries like scrapes, cuts, and bruising. But even minor injuries can lead to more serious consequences like infection if not treated properly.
  • BROKEN RIBS. Your fragile ribs are highly susceptible to fracture in the impact of a car accident. This painful injury can require long periods of rest, rendering you unable to work.
  • BROKEN BONES. Ribs are not the only bones you have to worry about in a motor vehicle wreck. The amount of force your body endures in a collision can be enough to break arms, legs, and other bones.
  • MENTAL/EMOTIONAL INJURIES. If you experience post-traumatic stress disorder or depression in the wake of your accident, that can be just as debilitating as a physical injury. You may require counseling and other types of treatment.

Tennessee Car Accident Lawyer

What the Statistics Tell Us About Road Safety

Tens of thousands of people die in motor vehicle accidents in the United States every year. Many more are injured, often seriously. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration tracks fatalities with its Fatality Analysis Reporting System, which is available to the public online.

Anti-lock brakes, air bags, and overall design improvements have made many modern cars safer than their predecessors. In fact, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety notes an overall decline in fatal crashes in late-model vehicles. But there are still many dangerous vehicles – and drivers – on the roadways.

Many fatal and serious crashes could be avoided if drivers followed the rules of the road and exercised caution. But drivers who are careless or reckless continue to cause car accidents; when they do, the people they hurt may be entitled to compensation.

IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU LOVE HAS SUFFERED INJURIES IN A CAR ACCIDENT CAUSED BY A NEGLIGENT DRIVER, YOU MIGHT BE ABLE TO COLLECT DAMAGES. FIND OUT WHETHER YOU HAVE A CASE. CONTACT WINCHESTER CAR ACCIDENT LAWYER JOHN R. COLVIN TODAY. CALL (931) 962-1044.

Do You Have an Accident Case?

Ask yourself these questions…

  • Were you injured in a car accident?
  • Were those injuries costly, painful or disruptive to your life?
  • Was another driver at least partially at fault for the car accident?
  • Has an insurance company offered you less than you deserve?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you should explore your legal options. Each case is unique, so it’s in your best interest to consult an attorney who handles vehicle wreck cases to find out whether you have a case.

Car accident attorney John R. Colvin has years of experience standing up for his clients to make sure they’re taken care of. If you’re considering filing a personal injury claim in Tennessee, don’t hesitate to contact his office to schedule a free case evaluation.

Damages in a Car Accident Claim

If you’ve been in a car accident and another driver is at fault, you may be eligible to receive compensation — or damages — for your losses. Typically, victims may receive damages for the following:

  • Cost of repairs to their vehicle
  • Property loss or repair — for example, phones, laptops, and other personal possessions damaged in the wreck
  • Ambulance fees
  • Medical expenses and bills
  • Medical accessories: crutches, heating pads, etc.
  • Reimbursement for physical and mental therapy
  • Lost wages due to the incident
  • Loss of earning potential
  • Cost of in-home services needed due to the accident
  • Loss of consortium
  • Pain and suffering: mental or physical distress suffered as a result of the wreck.

Don’t expect an insurance company — whose sole objective is to pay out as little as possible — to come up with an initial offer that will cover all of these expenses. They have their lawyers and adjusters, and you need a lawyer on your side to calculate the full scope of your losses.

When a Car Accident Is Fatal

If you’ve lost a family member because a driver was reckless, you can hold that driver accountable through a wrongful death claim. These types of suits are similar to a personal injury case, but differ slightly. While the plaintiff in a personal injury car accident claim is the injured person himself or herself, the plaintiffs in a wrongful death case are the victim’s survivors — generally, spouses, parents, or children.

A wrongful death claim offers compensation for…

  • The wages the deceased would have earned had the accident not occurred
  • The medical bills stemming from any care the victim received after the accident
  • Loss of companionship
  • The mental and physical pain the survivors have experienced
  • The financial expenses a family has suffered because of their loss
  • The burial and funeral expenses.

In some cases, where the behavior causing the victim’s death is deemed criminal, malicious, or egregious, families may also ask that the court compel the defendant to pay punitive damages.

No amount of money can heal the suffering of grieving family members, but it can help them withstand the financial consequences of their loss. It can also offer accountability on the part of the at-fault driver.

In Tennessee, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim is only one year from the date of death. So it’s important to contact an attorney as soon as possible after your loved one’s passing.

After an Accident, Call a Winchester Car Accident Attorney

From the moment the car accident occurs, even if you’re not at fault, your actions matter. Doing the wrong thing or saying something you shouldn’t you can make the difference between whether you receive or don’t receive the damages you deserve.

  • Make sure that you and other vehicle occupants are not in harm’s way. If you are in danger and it’s possible to get to safer ground, then do so immediately.
  • Always seek medical care if there is even the slightest possibility that you have been hurt. Don’t take risks when your health is on the line. Seek medical attention and follow the doctor’s orders. Medical records may prove important for proving your injuries later on.
  • Contact 911 and request the presence of a police officer and an ambulance. The officer will write a report that will later be useful for insurance and legal purposes.
  • Say as little as necessary to the other driver. Be respectful, but know that the words you use can be used against you. Never, ever apologize. For some people, saying “sorry” is a habit, a way to diffuse situations even if they know they have no reason to apologize. If you do this in the wake of a motor vehicle wreck, that can be considered an admission of fault.
  • If possible, take pictures of the scene, damage to the vehicles, and the other driver’s license plate. Gather contact information of any potential witnesses. Ask responding police officers for their names and badge numbers.
  • Document, document, document. In the days, weeks and months that follow the wreck, create and meticulously maintain a system for keeping track of all the expenses you encounter stemming from the accident. They add up quickly, and you could easily lose track of how much the crash has cost you.
  • If you are contacted by your own insurance company, cooperate with them, but don’t accept any offers that are less than you deserve. NEVER speak to the representative of the other driver’s insurance company. Have your lawyer do the talking for you.
  • Contact a Tennessee car accident lawyer as soon as possible. An attorney can help you maximize the compensation you receive and steer you away from making common mistakes. John R. Colvin can find out how much you are owed and make sure you get the payment you deserve. He has fought for clients across the state to make sure that insurance companies live up to their promises.

If you’ve lost a loved one in a car accident and want to learn more about wrongful death claims, contact Tennessee car accident Lawyer John R. Colvin at (931) 962-1044. Schedule your free consultation so we can learn about your case and give you an evaluation.

CONTACT US TODAY TO GET STARTED

Choose Winchester Car Accident Lawyer John R. Colvin

John R. Colvin has been practicing law since 1994. In that time, he has handled a wide range of case types and seen firsthand how important it is for clients to have a dedicated advocate when they are being taken advantage of by insurance companies.

When you work with John, you’re working with your personal lawyer, not with an attorney who will farm out your case to an associate. John’s clients know they can contact him directly with questions and that he’ll be handling their case himself.

Our previous clients say it better than we ever could. Check out our client testimonials to find out how we’ve helped the people we represent. We’re always professional, but we’re also people who care deeply about the well-being of our clients.

Contact our office today to schedule a free consultation. Let us listen to your problems and tell you how we can help. If you don’t want to move forward, you are under no obligation to do so. Call (931) 962-1044 or fill out our online form to get started.

Defective Vehicles

When a vehicle malfunctions while in motion, the results can be deadly. Many of these problems can be avoided through regular maintenance. A driver who fails to take good care of his vehicle could be at greater risk for an accident, and at risk of being found negligent if he causes a crash with injuries.

Some crashes result from a manufacturing defect, and those defects may be unknown until a pattern of similar incidents emerges. There have been cases of a manufacturer’s issuing a recall of a vehicle model or part years after a car was originally built.

Common vehicle defects include…

  • Faulty tires
  • Brakes
  • Defective airbags
  • Headlights or tail lights
  • Ignition switches
  • Top-heavy vehicle designs.

In one of the most notable and widespread recalls, 11 automotive companies that use Takata airbag inflators in their vehicles had to issue recalls. The inflators caused airbags to rupture without warning, sending metal shrapnel into the interior of the cars.

Even more alarming, there have been cases of counterfeit airbags’ being manufactured and sent to car dealers. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has found in testing that counterfeit airbags consistently malfunction in potentially deadly ways and that people who buy used vehicles and don’t know the vehicle’s history could be at risk. The NHTSA has compiled a list of vehicles for which counterfeiters have designed compatible airbags.

Even with Defects, Someone Is at Fault

Just because a crash or serious injury is caused by a defective vehicle part, this does not mean there’s no one to blame. In fact, manufacturers can and should be held responsible for the harm their vehicles and vehicle parts have caused. John R. Colvin can help you hold negligent manufacturers responsible for the costs you’re facing. Contact our Tennessee car accident attorney today to learn more.

How Bad Drivers Cause Us Harm

Tennessee Car Accident Attorney

Negligence comes in many forms on our roads. A driver might be liable for injuries if they are…

  • Impaired by drugs or alcohol
  • Fatigued
  • Distracted
  • Aggressive
  • Speeding
  • Failing to follow the rules of the road.

We all have a responsibility to keep our fellow motorists safe. When a driver causes you harm, they have failed in that responsibility. We make sure you don’t foot the bill for their mistakes. Contact Winchester car accident lawyer John R. Colvin today to learn more about your legal options.

Carelessness Behind the Wheel

Most people understand that driving while under the influence of drugs and alcohol is extremely dangerous. But they might not recognize the potential consequences of other, seemingly harmless behaviors. For example, sleep-deprived drivers may have slow reaction times and impaired judgment. A person who has been awake for 24 hours experiences the same level of impairment as someone with a blood alcohol content of 0.10 percent (higher than the Tennessee legal limit of 0.08 percent).

Drivers may overestimate their own ability to pay attention to the road while handling other tasks. Particularly when tired, when using a cell phone, or when eating, drivers might be increasing their risk of a crash. All of those behaviors fall under the broad definition of distracted driving, which causes approximately 10 percent of fatal car accidents and 18 percent of injuries.

TEXT MESSAGING WHILE DRIVING IS KNOWN TO INCREASE A DRIVER’S CRASH RISK, ESPECIALLY FOR TEEN DRIVERS.

Every year, thousands die and even more are injured due to someone’s decision to text while driving.

Some states and municipalities have laws prohibiting teens from texting while driving or restricting the use of cell phones, in general, for any motorist. Texting while driving is illegal in Tennessee and is punishable by a fine of $50. But if a texting driver causes an accident that injures others, the costs and consequences can be much higher.

Why You Need a Car Accident Lawyer

Usually, there are several underlying causes for a car accident. When you are injured in a crash, John R. Colvin will find out what those causes are and whether someone is liable for your injuries. After conducting an investigation, we’ll determine how much money you are owed, and we will fight relentlessly to get you the payment you deserve.

We don’t take it easy on insurance companies. People too often leave money on the table, money that they desperately need to cover the costs of their injuries, simply because they are too overwhelmed by the prospect of filing an injury claim.

When you work with auto accident attorney John R. Colvin, you get an attorney with a reputation for winning real results for his clients. All you need to do to get started is to schedule a free consultation with our firm. If you don’t want to move forward, you don’t have to. Let us tell you more about your legal options.

There is a statute of limitations of one year for personal injury claims in Tennessee, so if you or a family member has been injured in a car accident, don’t wait. Call Tennessee car accident lawyer John R. Colvin today at (931) 962-1044 or fill out our online contact form.

Vehicle Accident FAQs

Tennessee Car Accident Lawyer John R. Colvin

Being involved in a vehicle accident is a frightening experience, even if no serious injuries occur. In the immediate aftermath of a crash, you may have trouble thinking clearly, because your body releases a flood of adrenaline during scary situations. Just being aware of that fact can help you regain your composure, and you’ll feel calmer if you know what to do next.

If you’ve suffered an injury in a car crash, you could be entitled to compensation for your medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Call attorney John R. Colvin to request your free case consultation, at 1-931-962-1044.

Hopefully, you’ll never have a crash. But if you do, you can be better prepared to act when you know the answers to the most common vehicle accident questions:

What’s the first thing I should do if I’m involved in an accident?

First, see if anyone in your car is injured. Call 9-1-1 if you, your passengers, or other parties are injured. If you are uninjured and certified in first aid, think carefully about whether you can safely render aid. For example, if someone is bleeding heavily, you might be able to apply a tourniquet, if the injured party gives you permission. But it’s never wise to try moving an accident victim who is badly injured. Especially if someone has a spine or head injury, moving them could cause additional damage.

Should I call the police?

Always call the police, even if you’ve had just a “fender-bender.” The dispatchers can decide whether an officer needs to visit the crash site.

Clear the road

If your vehicle is functioning, move it safely out of traffic. If the car isn’t running, turn on the hazard lights, move all uninjured occupants to a location off the road, and ignite road flares near your vehicle, so other drivers notice it.

Can the other driver and I mutually agree to not report the crash?

Other parties in car crashes are usually complete strangers – you have no way of knowing whether they’ll stick to their promise. You may be tempted to avoid the hassle of reporting a minor crash, but accidents may cause vehicle damage and bodily harm that isn’t apparent until much later. Always report crashes.

Common Injuries in Car Accidents

Even if you think you’re uninjured, it’s still a good idea to visit your doctor as soon as you can after a crash. Internal injuries and some types of head injuries may not be immediately evident to the untrained eye. One single wreck can change many lives. The injured car accident victim could face great pain and suffering, in addition to costly medical expenses and the inability to do their job. But the consequences of these crashes also impact loved ones, and it’s often true that entire families are disrupted because of one bad driver. Family members may be faced with loss of income, the added stress and financial burden of managing their loved one’s care, and the emotional devastation of seeing their child, spouse, or parent in pain.

Do I need to see a doctor?

The adrenaline rush people experience during a crash can mask the pain and symptoms of injuries. See your doctor as soon as possible after a crash, even if you think you’re uninjured.

Is it OK to move my car off the road?

Some people assume they should leave their cars as-is, so police can determine who was at fault in a crash. But that’s not true. The police would much prefer people to move their cars out of traffic, if possible.

If your car, or another party’s car, isn’t operable, do what you can to secure the scene. Road flares or safety triangles are handy for alerting other motorists to your presence in the road.

What information do I need from the other driver(s)?

All drivers should exchange driver’s licenses, insurance cards, license plate numbers, and contact information. If any witnesses are nearby, try to get their contact information, too.

Get contact information for eyewitnesses

If onlookers are present, ask for their names and contact information.

Should I take pictures?

If it’s safe to do so, take pictures of the scene, and use your camera to photograph the information you collect from other drivers. Get images of the vehicles, debris on the road, and adjacent buildings or street signs that clearly show where the crash occurred.

When should I contact my insurance company?

Contact your insurance company when you have taken care of the immediate post-crash details. When you call, don’t say anything that could indicate you’re at fault for the crash.

How is fault determined in a vehicle accident?

Typically, insurance companies consider the accident report, photos, witness testimony, and other factors in determining who’s at fault for a crash. It’s not always cut and dried, though. For example, when one car rear-ends another, the driver of the rear-most car is usually found at fault, but if the investigation reveals the forward driver knew his brake lights weren’t working and continued driving his car, he would likely share at least some portion of fault.

In accidents involving multiple vehicles, it can take a long time to determine who is at fault, and to what degree. Several drivers may share some portion of fault in a crash.

Defective Vehicles

When a vehicle malfunctions while in motion, the results can be deadly. Many of these problems can be avoided through regular maintenance. A driver who fails to take good care of his vehicle could be at greater risk for an accident, and at risk of being found negligent if he causes a crash with injuries.

Some crashes result from a manufacturing defect, and those defects may be unknown until a pattern of similar incidents emerges. There have been cases of a manufacturer’s issuing a recall of a vehicle model or part years after a car was originally built.

Common vehicle defects include…

  • Faulty tires
  • Brakes
  • Defective airbags
  • Headlights or tail lights
  • Ignition switches
  • Top-heavy vehicle designs.

In one of the most notable and widespread recalls, 11 automotive companies that use Takata airbag inflators in their vehicles had to issue recalls. The inflators caused airbags to rupture without warning, sending metal shrapnel into the interior of the cars.

Even more alarming, there have been cases of counterfeit airbags’ being manufactured and sent to car dealers. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has found in testing that counterfeit airbags consistently malfunction in potentially deadly ways and that people who buy used vehicles and don’t know the vehicle’s history could be at risk. The NHTSA has compiled a list of vehicles for which counterfeiters have designed compatible airbags.

Even with Defects, Someone Is at Fault

Just because a crash or serious injury is caused by a defective vehicle part, this does not mean there’s no one to blame. In fact, manufacturers can and should be held responsible for the harm their vehicles and vehicle parts have caused. John R. Colvin can help you hold negligent manufacturers responsible for the costs you’re facing. Contact our Tennessee car accident attorney today to learn more.

How do I know if I need a vehicle accident lawyer?

If there’s any dispute about who was at fault and you suffered a serious injury, or if your crash involved multiple drivers, you should talk to a lawyer as soon as possible.

Should I try to be my own lawyer?

After being injured in a vehicle accident, you’ll no doubt be under stress. You’ll probably also have bills or other issues that are likely to take up your time. Even lawyers who have been in accidents go to other lawyers because it simply makes more sense.

Will an accident lawyer be able to win my case?

Because every situation and case is different, your lawyer in Tennessee will need to know the specifics of your accident to recommend whether or not to pursue legal action.

How much will retaining an attorney cost?

There is not a general retainer standard for personal injury lawyers. However, in many personal injury cases, a lawyer will represent a client on a contingency basis. If this is the case, the client pays nothing until a settlement has been reached with the defendant, at which time the lawyer receives a previously agreed-upon percentage and/or amount of the total compensation dollars.

Monitoring Your Health

Your biggest concern after a crash is your health. Make sure you follow any orders your doctor gives you. You will likely be in a great deal of pain as you recover. One way of documenting the challenges you encounter is to keep a journal devoted specifically to your injuries, including the struggles you face and the progress you make in recovery.

If you end up filing a personal injury claim to receive compensation, part of the payment you’ll be demanding will be related to “non-economic damages,” which means the pain, suffering or other damages that aren’t directly related to your finances. However, these damages are no less real than economic ones.

Take your pain seriously and remember that any claim you file must take your physical and emotional suffering into account. If you aren’t sure how to go about documenting or requesting payment for your injuries, don’t hesitate to contact John R. Colvin. We have been through this process many times, and we know how to determine non-economic damages in car accident cases.

How do I find a good car accident lawyer in Tennessee?

You want someone with a history of representing personal injury clients. John R. Colvin has nearly two decades of experience, helping people injured in accidents, and their families, get the compensation they need to move on with their lives in the best way possible.

What should I bring to an initial consultation with a lawyer?

After setting up an initial consultation with a lawyer like John R. Colvin in Tennessee, you may want to gather together all information pertaining to your vehicle accident. This could include any paperwork (e.g., medical bills, doctor’s notes) as well as a timeline of what happened. Be prepared to fully explain your experiences to the lawyer. The more specific and detailed you can be, the easier it will be for the lawyer to understand whether you have a case worth pursuing.

How long will it take for my case to settle?

First, it’s important to realize that not all cases lead to settlements. However, if yours does settle, the length of time it takes to reach that settlement could be shorter or longer depending upon the intricacies of the accident. Be assured that a Tennessee lawyer with personal injury experience will try to move your case to resolution as efficiently as he can.

Why should I call the offices of attorney John R. Colvin?

Winchester car accident lawyer John R. Colvin has represented countless clients in personal injury cases during his many years in practice. Not only is he passionate about working toward successful resolutions of his clients’ cases, but he diligently stays on the leading edge of personal injury information, cases, and laws.

If you have been hurt in a vehicle accident, whether it was a head-on collision, a rear-end crash, or another form of vehicle accident, don’t wait to ask for help. Request your free, no-obligation consultation online or by calling the law offices of John R. Colvin at 1-931-962-1044.

Licensed to Practice in Tennessee & Alabama