Memphis Car Accident Attorney

Avoiding Car Accidents in Tennessee

These are some nationwide statistics you should know about car accidents, gathered from examining claims data at Titan Insurance and industry resource statistics in 2013:

• 18% of accidents occur between the hours of 12 a.m. and 1 a.m.
• 15% of accidents occur between the hours of 12 p.m. and 1 p.m.
• Accidents are more likely in the morning-12 a.m. through 11 a.m.-than the afternoon and evening-12 p.m. through 11 p.m.
• Drivers are two times more likely to get in a car crash making a left turn than a right turn
• Drivers are three times more likely to get in a rear-end accident than a backing accident, according to claims data from Titan insurance

It's important to be aware of the dangers you face on the road. From keeping your care properly maintained to paying attention to road signs and signals to using safety measures such as a seatbelt, there are steps you can take to lower your risk of a car accident. Unfortunately, some auto accidents are largely or entirely the fault of a negligent, reckless, or aggressive driver. If you were the victim of an accident caused in whole or part by another driver, you should speak with a lawyer about legal action.

How Long Do You Have to Report a Car Accident in Tennessee?

Your report must be submitted to the Department within twenty (20) days from the crash. You can satisfy this  
requirement by completing the reverse side of this from and mailing it to the Tennessee Department of Safety and  
Homeland Security, P.O. Box 945, Nashville, TN 37202. If the car accident caused someone’s death, and their family or a representative wants to bring a wrongful death claim, that case is subject to the same one-year filing deadline. The only difference is that for these cases, the "clock" starts running on the day of the accident victim’s death, which could be later than the date of the accident itself. Finally, if anyone had their vehicle or other property damaged as a result of a car accident in Tennessee, they must get their lawsuit filed against any potential defendant within three years of the date of the accident.

What is the Minimum Car Insurance Coverage in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, the minimum car insurance coverage for each driver is:

• Property damage liability: $15,000 per accident
• Uninsured motorist bodily injury: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident*
• Uninsured motorist property damage: $15,000 per accident*
• Bodily injury liability: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident

Even though those are the minimums, your insurance needs could be different so take your lifestyle into account when purchasing car insurance.

Compensation for Car Accident Injuries

Tennessee is one of the states that has a no-fault system for car accidents. If you are injured in a car accident, regardless of fault, your medical expenses and lost wages can be covered by your auto insurance policy. However, you may also be able to receive compensation from the at-fault driver's insurance company. In such cases, you must prove that the other driver was liable for the accident and that your injuries are significant enough to warrant compensation. You may also be eligible for punitive damages in some cases. The best way to determine the compensation you may be entitled to is to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer who can assess your case and help you get the total compensation available.

Depending on the accident's specifics, you may receive compensation for physical pain and suffering, mental anguish, medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and other costs associated with the incident. It is important to keep detailed records of any expenses incurred from the accident, photos or videos that depict the scene, and relevant documents such as hospital bills. This can help your attorney prove that you are entitled to compensation.

You should also provide details regarding your injuries and how they have affected your ability to work and complete daily activities. The severity of your injuries will determine the amount of damages you can recover. Even if you think the amount offered by an insurance company is fair, it is still important to consult a lawyer before accepting an offer to make sure no money is left on the table and that all losses are accounted for.

If you or a loved one was hurt in an accident, speak with a Memphis car accident attorney from our office about the legal angle of your case. Our firm takes a reasonable, measured approach to legal advice. We tell you the truth, give you the facts, and ensure you have all the information necessary to make the right choice. The Law Office of Stephen R. Leffler, P.C. combines a big firm experience with a small firm feel.

How Can a Memphis Car Accident Lawyer Help You?

Our car accident attorney in Memphis will help you file the paperwork involved in your case and ensure that everything gets to the appropriate parties at the right time. This will also prevent you from making costly mistakes that could prolong the process of receiving your compensation.

Here are some ways that a car accident lawyer can help you:

Our Memphis car accident attorney has the skills and experience that are important for helping to gather valuable evidence to help support your claim. Only go through the repercussions of a car accident with professional help. Contact us today for more information on how we can help you! 

Suggested Reading:

• Can I Drive After a DUI Conviction?

Contact the Law Office of Stephen R. Leffler, P.C. today to schedule a FREE consultation with our car accident attorney in Memphis!