A car accident in Fayetteville, Tennessee, can leave you with expensive medical bills, lost wages, and a lengthy recovery time. The financial and emotional strain of a car accident can be overwhelming. While you should not be left paying the tab for an accident someone else caused, pursuing compensation for your injuries and other losses can be challenging, especially while you’re still healing. Fortunately, you don’t have to navigate the legal system alone.
At the law firm of Morris, King & Hodge, P.C., our lawyers proudly advocate for the rights of accident victims in Fayetteville, TN. For over 50 years, we have helped clients secure justice and compensation for their injuries and other accident-related losses. Our firm has a track record of success, securing many verdicts of over a million dollars for clients in federal and state courts.
Find out what we can do for you when you contact our office today for a free case review with a car accident lawyer in Fayetteville, TN.
Do You Have a Car Accident Claim in Fayetteville?
If you were injured in a car accident in Tennessee, you might be able to file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance policy or a personal injury lawsuit in civil court to pursue compensation.
Under the Tennessee Financial Responsibility Law, all vehicle owners must establish their ability to pay for losses in an accident. Most motorists comply with the law by purchasing auto insurance, even though it is technically not required in Tennessee. If the at-fault driver has car insurance, you can file a claim with their carrier to be compensated for your injuries and vehicle damage.
You may also be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against an at-fault driver who injures you to seek compensation for your financial and personal losses. Our car accident attorneys can evaluate your case and advise you on whether you have a claim and your legal options.
Common Types of Car Accidents in Fayetteville, TN
The most common types of car accidents include the following:
- Rollover accidents – A vehicle can tip or roll over when a sudden change in direction or momentum occurs. SUVs are especially prone to rolling over because they have a higher center of gravity than passenger cars.
- Head-on collisions – Head-on accidents are often fatal because the force of a direct impact can cause significant injuries, including brain injuries.
- Multi-vehicle collisions – Accidents involving more than two vehicles are often the result of a chain reaction and tend to occur in dense traffic or on busy highways.
- T-bone accidents – T-bone crashes, also called broadside accidents, occur when the front end of one vehicle collides with the side of another. A driver who runs a red light or stop sign at an intersection may hit the side of a turning car.
- Rear-end collisions – Tailgating or following too closely is a common factor in rear-end collisions. Motorists who are distracted or tired often have trouble braking in time to avoid a crash if they follow too closely.
- Single-car accidents – Crashes involving one vehicle often occur when a driver swerves to avoid hitting an object or debris on the road, or a driver may swerve to prevent a collision with a pedestrian or bicyclist.
How Car Crashes Happen in Tennessee
Car accidents often result from driver error, although poor road conditions and inclement weather can also be factors.
Common examples of how car crashes happen are:
- Driving under the influence – Alcohol and drugs interfere with a person’s ability to focus on the road ahead, comprehend traffic signs, and react appropriately to dangerous conditions.
- Failure to yield – Motorists must yield to other road users under specific circumstances, such as when the other driver has the right-of-way. Failure to do so increases the likelihood of broadsides and other crashes.
- Driver fatigue – Research shows that driving while overly tired is as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol because it impairs a person’s reflexes and judgment.
- Distracted driving – Distractions like texting or talking on a cell phone require drivers to take their eyes off the road. An accident can happen in a matter of seconds, and distracted drivers cannot react quickly enough to avoid a crash.
- Speeding – According to the National Safety Council, nearly 30 percent of traffic deaths in the United States in one recent year involved speeding.
- Tailgating – Drivers who follow vehicles ahead of them too closely do not have enough time or space to brake or swerve if traffic ahead suddenly stops or slows down.
Injuries from Car Wrecks in Fayetteville
Some of the most common types of injuries from car wrecks include:
- Lacerations
- Burn injuries
- Nerve damage
- Internal bleeding
- Torn ligaments and tendons
- Broken and dislocated bones
- Pulled and strained muscles
- Back and neck injuries
- Hip and pelvic fractures
- Whiplash
- Amputation
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Tennessee Statute of Limitations on Car Crash Claims
In Tennessee, the statute of limitations gives you just one year from the date of a car accident to file a personal injury lawsuit against an at-fault party. If you miss the one-year deadline, the court will likely dismiss your case, and you will give up your chance to seek compensation in civil court. You should talk to our attorneys immediately to get your case started as soon as possible to ensure you meet the deadline.
How Our Lawyers Help People Injured in Car Accidents
The attorneys of Morris, King & Hodge, P.C., help people injured in car accidents in Fayetteville in many ways, such as:
- Investigating the accident to gather evidence proving the other party is at fault
- Identifying all potential sources of compensation to maximize your settlement
- Answering your questions and explaining your legal options
- Negotiating with the insurance companies and other parties on your behalf
- Taking your case to trial if litigation is the best way to pursue the compensation you deserve
Contact Our Experienced Fayetteville Car Accident Attorneys Today
If you were injured in a car crash someone else caused, contact the experienced Fayetteville car accident attorneys at Morris, King & Hodge, P.C., today. We have represented injured clients for over 50 years and helped them seek the compensation they deserve. Our legal team believes everyone deserves compassionate, effective legal representation, and we work tirelessly to get every client the best possible outcome.