A multi-car crash on Tennessee’s busy highways can quickly spiral out of control, leaving a trail of destruction and chaos for every driver and passenger involved. If you have ever found yourself in such an accident, you know how frightening and disorienting it can be. But even after the dust settles, you suddenly face a complex web of questions and uncertainties. Who is responsible for this mess? How will insurance companies handle the claims? And most importantly, how can you protect your rights?
In most cases, courts determine the degree of fault for every driver involved in a multi-car crash based on the evidence. However, in Tennessee, it is not as straightforward due to the state’s modified comparative fault rule. Understanding how this affects your case is crucial to protecting your rights to fair compensation after a multi-vehicle collision.
How fault is determined in Tennessee
When it comes to car accidents, insurance companies will investigate every angle, searching for any reason to spread the blame among multiple drivers. For example, if you were the last car in a five-vehicle collision, the insurer might argue that you were following too closely or did not break in time. These accusations can significantly impact your ability to recover damages.
Under Tennessee’s modified comparative fault system, your potential compensation could decrease based on your degree of fault in the accident. And if the court finds you to be 50% or more at fault, they could bar you from recovering any compensation.
Crash course: Protecting your rights in a multi-car accident
Remember, in car accidents, your actions immediately after and in the following days can play a crucial role in protecting your rights and well-being. Document everything you can about the crash scene, including photos, witness statements and your own recollection of events. Be cautious about what you say to other drivers or insurance representatives. Most importantly, being well-informed about the state’s fault determination process can be your first step toward advocating for yourself effectively.