Answers To Common Questions About Motor Vehicle Accidents
Auto accidents happen every day. But when it happens to you or a loved one, it is quite overwhelming. You may quickly realize there are multiple issues and a lot you don’t know.
The personal injury attorneys of The Kennedy Law Firm, PLLC, answer some frequently asked questions here to get you started. We can also address your unique situation and specific concerns in a free initial consultation.
Won’t my insurance company handle my car accident claim?
In a state with no-fault insurance, your own insurance company would pay your claim regardless of who caused the crash. Tennessee is an at-fault state. If another driver was chiefly at fault for the crash, you must bring a claim against that individual. In a minor accident, you might resolve this through your own insurance agent or directly with the other driver’s insurer. But, are you sure you’ll get all of the compensation to which you are entitled? If you suffered serious injuries in your car accident, seek legal representation to recover full compensation.
How can a lawyer help me after a car crash?
An insurance company’s first allegiance is to its bottom line. They will try to pay out as little as possible. An attorney – by law and by oath – serves your best interests. An experienced personal injury attorney can:
- Explain and protect your rights under Tennessee law
- Make sure your get proper medical treatment
- Investigate your accident and establish the other driver’s negligence
- Document and calculate your damages
- Negotiate the best possible settlement
- Represent you at trial if the defendant and the insurance company will not admit liability or settle for a fair amount
See our FAQ on personal injury for more insight on how a knowledgeable lawyer can help.
Who is responsible for a rear-end accident?
The driver behind is usually presumed to be at fault. The most common causes of rear-end accidents are tailgating, not paying attention or driving too fast. However, that presumption is not always correct. Did the driver in front of you suddenly break for no reason, abruptly change lanes or “brake check” you in an aggressive manner? Were their brake lights working? Did another car farther ahead cause a chain reaction? If you are accused of causing a rear-end accident, you need an attorney who can oversee a proper investigation or even an accident reconstruction to dispute who was at fault.
What if I was partially at fault for a car accident?
You may still be eligible for compensation. When liability is disputed, a judge or jury assigns a percentage of fault to each driver or pedestrian. Tennessee uses modified comparative fault, aka the 50% rule. As long as your fault is 49% or less, you can be compensated. But if you are found 50% or more at fault, you are not entitled to any damages. Compensation is tied to the percentage of your fault. For example, if you were 20% at fault you could collect 80% of your total damages.
Decades Of Experience Tackling These Questions
Founding attorney Kevin Kennedy brings more than 30 years of experience to your case. He and his accomplished team of trial lawyers have dealt with every motor vehicle accident scenario, including fatal car accidents. We know what steps to take to protect your rights and maximize your recovery. Let us take care of the details so you can focus on healing and getting your life back on track.
Get Answers In A Free Consultation With Our Lawyers
You likely have many questions after a serious accident. The Kennedy Law Firm, PLLC, can address your concerns and skillfully pursue your compensation. Based in Clarksville, we represent individuals and families throughout Tennessee. To arrange a free initial consultation, call 931-444-5620 or reach out to us online.
We handle car, truck, motorcycle and other vehicle accidents on a contingency fee. This means we collect no attorney fees unless we secure compensation for you.
