Sevierville Car Crash Attorney Prepared To Zealously Help Victims
Last updated on April 22, 2024
A car wreck can be a devastating or even tragic setback for you and your family. You may be facing overwhelming medical bills and the inability to work for an extended time. Some collisions are permanently life-changing or fatal, making it essential for victims or the families left behind to obtain every dollar of financial compensation available.
You can turn to me, attorney George R. Garrison in Sevierville, Tennessee, for guidance and dedicated representation after a serious motor vehicle accident. I help accident victims recover and get back on track after serious bodily injury caused by others’ negligence. My clients are throughout East Tennessee, including Sevierville, Cocke County, Jefferson County and the surrounding areas near Sevier County.
Versed In Personal Injury Or Wrongful Death
My staff and I strive to consistently treat our clients as we would our own families. I will meet with you personally and evaluate your case thoroughly, applying more than 30 years of experience covering:
- Car accidents caused by basic driving mistakes as well as drunk driving, distracted driving and other forms of recklessness
- Accidents involving commercial trucks, as well as motorcycle accidents, which often result in serious injuries and raise complex, disputed legal issues
- On-the-job auto accidents that sometimes require a personal injury lawsuit
- Fatal car accidents that require families to file wrongful death lawsuits
Even if you are certain that another driver caused your car accident, the fault may be contested. Your accident attorney must be diligent in tracking your insurance claims and medical treatment, demonstrating the overall impact of the crash on your life. Ultimately, you need an accident lawyer who is willing and able to take your case through trial if no fair settlement offer comes forward. I will do that for you.
What Steps Should You Take After A Car Wreck?
After a car wreck, you should immediately take the following steps:
- Ensure safety: Move to a safe area if possible and check for injuries. Call 911 for immediate medical help if needed.
- Report the accident: Contact the police to file a report. This document is essential for legal and insurance purposes.
- Exchange information: Collect names, contact details, insurance information and vehicle registrations from all parties involved.
- Document the scene: Take photos of the vehicles, damage and surroundings. Note the time, location and weather conditions.
- Gather witnesses: If there are witnesses, get their contact information; they can provide crucial statements later.
- Seek medical attention: Even if you feel fine, some injuries manifest later. Medical records also serve as important evidence.
- Contact an attorney: An experienced Tennessee car accident attorney can guide you through the claims process, negotiate with insurance companies, and help ensure you receive fair compensation for damages and injuries. Legal advice can be pivotal in protecting your rights and interests following an accident.
What Damages Can You Recover In A Tennessee Car Accident Claim?
In Tennessee, you can recover compensation for the harm that you suffer in a car accident, with some limitations. There are two main types of damages: economic and noneconomic damages. Economic damages mean the direct harm that you suffer from the accident, such as medical bills and lost income from being out of work. Noneconomic damages are those that are not representable by a direct pecuniary loss, such as pain and suffering or mental anguish. You are always permitted to sue for the full economic damages you suffered, however, you are limited to $750,000 for noneconomic damages related to your injuries.
Common Bodily Injuries Sustained In A Car Crash
When a car crash occurs, the human body is vulnerable to a variety of injuries, some of which can be life-altering. Understanding these common injuries can help in recognizing the importance of seeking immediate medical attention and legal support:
- Whiplash: Often occurring in rear-end collisions, this injury results from the rapid back-and-forth motion of the neck, akin to the cracking of a whip.
- Concussions: A type of traumatic brain injury caused by a blow to the head or a sudden jolt, possibly leading to long-term cognitive issues.
- Broken bones: High-impact crashes can lead to fractures in the arms, legs, ribs and other areas, requiring extensive recovery time.
- Spinal cord injuries: These can range from herniated discs to more severe spinal damage, potentially resulting in paralysis.
- Internal bleeding: Not always immediately apparent, internal bleeding can be life-threatening and requires urgent medical attention.
- Psychological trauma: Car accidents can also lead to mental health issues like PTSD, anxiety and depression, impacting long-term well-being.
This is a sobering reminder of the risks involved in vehicular accidents and underscores the importance of safe driving practices, as well as the need for experienced legal and medical assistance when accidents occur.
How Much Does A Consultation With A Sevierville car Wreck Attorney Cost?
Most personal injury law firms, including mine, offer free initial consultations to the injured party in car wreck. I can help you understand your rights and legal options without cost or obligation. I also take cases on a contingency fee basis. You won’t owe any legal fees until and unless I help you recover money.
What Are The Most Common Causes Of Car Accidents?
Most car wrecks can be attributed to human error or negligence. Specific causes include:
- Distracted driving: When drivers are texting, eating, interacting with their vehicle’s “infotainment” system or even talking to passengers, their lack of focus can lead to a collision.
- Speeding: Driving over the speed limit reduces the driver’s ability to react to sudden obstacles or changes in traffic. Additionally, high-speed collisions are more likely to result in severe injuries.
- Drunk driving: Driving under the influence is a significant factor in a large number of traffic accidents because alcohol impairs judgment, reaction time and motor skills.
- Reckless driving: Aggressive driving behaviors put everyone on the road at risk. Examples include making lane changes without signaling, running stop signs and red lights, and tailgating.
- Running red lights and stop signs: Ignoring traffic signals is a dangerous offense that can lead to side-impact collisions or cause drivers to lose control as they try to avoid a crash.
- Teenage drivers: Inexperienced drivers are more likely to make mistakes that seasoned drivers would avoid.
- Vehicle defects and inadequate maintenance: Sometimes, a defect in the car itself can lead to accidents. In other cases, an otherwise functioning vehicle experiences mechanical issues because the owner failed to invest in repairs and maintenance.
When you hire my firm, I will thoroughly investigate the details of your crash to determine its cause and identify the at-fault driver.
What Is Tennessee’s Modified Comparative Negligence Rule?
When you’re involved in an accident where multiple people might be at fault, including yourself, your compensation may be impacted by Tennessee’s modified comparative negligence rule.
Here’s how it works: The court will look at everyone’s actions, decide how much each person contributed to what happened and assign fault percentages accordingly. The person who is less at fault can collect damages that are offset by their percentage of fault.
Let’s say you were injured in Knox County when someone else ran a red light and hit your car. The liable party was 90% responsible for running the red light, but you share 10% of the blame because you were speeding. If you win your case, you can collect 90% of the total damages you were seeking.
As your lawyer, my job will be to both prove that the other driver was primarily at fault and minimize any fault assigned to you. Doing so will allow me to maximize your available compensation.
Call For A Free Consultation Today
I work rigorously to build the strongest possible cases for my clients. Insurance companies and their attorneys know that they must negotiate in good faith or go to court against a formidable opponent. If you want a genuinely caring, respected lawyer on your side, fighting for your family and your future, please contact me, George R. Garrison in Sevierville, Tennessee, at 865-280-0680. I offer free initial consultations at my law firm, and you pay no attorney fees unless I take your case and earn a settlement or verdict in your favor.