Auto Accident Injury in Chattanooga, TN

Have you suffered an injury due to a car accident in Chattanooga? If so, your life may never be the same again. Injuries from a car accident can interfere with your ability both to work and to enjoy everyday activities. They can also be incredibly painful. As such, you need an auto accident attorney who understands the laws in and around Chattanooga, that will fight for your legal rights and help you receive the financial compensation you deserve.

Auto Accident Injury Statistics in Chattanooga, Tennessee

According to the National Safety Council, in 2019 about 4.4 million people suffered serious injuries in motor vehicle accidents and an estimated 38,000 were killed. According to the Tennessee Highway Safety Office, distracted driving and speeding are the primary causes of Chattanooga auto accidents. Drivers impaired by drugs or alcohol also cause significant numbers of accidents. The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security reports that the Chattanooga area averages over 14,000 auto accidents per year. While some are minor, almost 3,000 of those accidents involve injuries. Fortunately, proper seat belt use can significantly reduce the risk of serious injury.

What to Do After an Auto Accident

It’s important to be prepared in the event you are a victim of a car accident. Below are the steps to remember immediately after your crash.

Receive Immediate Medical Attention

What is the most important step that you need to take after an auto accident? You need to receive immediate and proper medical treatment. You may believe that the injuries sustained after an auto accident are minor. Proper medical treatment helps ensure that you have not sustained any internal injuries that you may not be aware of.

File a Police Report

Even if no one sustained injuries, you still need to call 911 and request law enforcement assistance. When officers arrive, jot down each one’s name and badge number. Answer their questions honestly, but don’t volunteer any unasked for information, especially your thoughts on exactly what happened or who caused the car accident. Be sure to ask the officers for the number of their police report. Also ask when and where you can get a copy of it, including how much it will cost you.

Serious accidents in Chattanooga, especially involving injuries or alcohol, should be reported immediately by calling 911. Minor accidents can be reported to the Chattanooga Police Department. In addition, you may be required to report the accident to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. Accidents involving property damage over $1500 or any injuries are subject to this rule. The report must be in writing, and submitted within 20 days of the accident.

Gather the Appropriate Documentation

While waiting for officers to arrive after a car accident, collect information from all other drivers involved in the accident, including the following:

• Full name, address, phone number and email address
• Driver’s license state and number
• Auto insurance company name, policy number and phone number

Use your cell phone to take pictures of each driver’s license, auto insurance card, your vehicle and each additional vehicle involved in the car accident. Don’t rely on verbal communication. Having as much information as possible will only help you and your case later on. Try to keep this exchange as civil and friendly as possible. However, do not apologize for causing the accident or indicate in any way that you think you may have caused it. 

Recovering Damages After an Auto Accident Injury

After surviving a car accident, the emotional and economic toll it takes can be staggering. You are not only dealing with the mental anguish that comes with being involved in a crash, but you may also be experiencing severe physical harm as well.

Common injuries associated with motor vehicle accidents include:

• Burn injuries
• Back and neck injuries, such as whiplash
• Brain and head injuries
• Broken bones
• Spinal injuries
• Soft tissue injuries

The Tennessee Department of Health reports that auto accidents are a leading cause of death for Chattanooga residents. In total, the CDC reports that Tennessee auto accidents cost around $14 million in medical bills and $1.52 billion in lost work per year. According to the National Safety Council, the average costs per accident range from $12,000 to almost $100,000.

Your potential compensation for an auto accident can often include payment for medical care, or car repair bills. However, there may also be less clear costs like lost wages or loss of quality of life. A Chattanooga attorney can best help you recover all of the damages that you are entitled to after an auto accident.

Hiring a car accident lawyer ensures you have the financial ability to cover any losses that have occurred as a result of a crash. An auto accident attorney will also help you handle the paperwork that you will have to complete from insurance companies. This boosts your odds of receiving the insurance compensation you deserve.

Auto Accident Laws in Tennessee

Liability Laws for Chattanooga

When car accidents happen, it is essential to determine who bears responsibility for the resulting damage and medical bills. Determining fault impacts everything from your insurance claim and level of liability to the amount of confusion you may endure during the claims process. 

Liability insurance is required for all Chattanooga motorists. Tennessee insurance companies use a fault system, so the at fault driver’s insurance company typically pays the damages. If a lawsuit is filed, Tennessee courts apply a modified comparative negligence standard. This means that if you were less than 50% responsible for the accident, you can recover damages. However, your damages will be reduced by the percentage that you were at fault.

Statute of Limitations in Chattanooga

Each state has its own tort laws that determine the statute of limitations on a claim. In some states, this gives you just one year to file a claim in court, while some others may give you up to six years. Chattanooga drivers have only 1 year from the date of the accident to file a claim for injuries. However, claims for property damage can be filed for up to 3 years after the accident date.

This is why it is important to consult with an attorney immediately after your car crash. Don’t wait and risk losing out on any compensation they can recover.

Work With an Experienced Auto Accident Lawyer Near Chattanooga, TN

After a car accident, you have enough to worry about. We can help you find an auto accident attorney for your unique case. Get the financial restitution that you deserve if you’re the victim of someone else’s conduct. We can even help you connect with legal help across Tennessee state lines.

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an attorney in your area!