Best Car Accident Lawyers in Brentwood

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Brentwood, Tennessee?

  Dial 615-371-0160 to contact the Brentwood Police Department for non-emergency matters.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Brentwood, Tennessee?

  Copies of police incident reports and accident reports are available for free at the Records window at the Brentwood Police Department headquarters. Copies are typically accessible five to seven business days after the incident is reported. You may also obtain a copy of the accident report from https://www.crashdocs.org/#/reports?state=TN&agencyORI=TN0940300.

• Can you receive compensation if you were partially to blame for the Brentwood car accident?

  Yes. In Tennessee, a person can be up to 50% liable and receive partial damages under modified comparative negligence. However, the claimant cannot receive damages in Brentwood if deemed 51 percent or more liable. The granted payment will be computed based on the final declaration of fault percentage. In an automobile accident scenario, determining the percentage of fault becomes critical. You must acquire evidence to demonstrate that you were not entirely to blame.

• What happens if you don't have car insurance but were not at fault in the Brentwood car accident?

  Tennessee is a fault state, which means the driver is responsible for damages in a Brentwood car accident. However, reimbursement from a third-party insurer can take some time, and you may need to use your own medical insurance for emergency care and follow-up treatment. It may be possible for you to recover compensation for your accident damages from the insurance company of the other driver, the driver of your car, or a personal injury lawsuit.

• Where in Brentwood do car accidents usually happen?

  In Brentwood, Interstate 65 is the common scene of car accidents due to the magnitude, volume, and speed of the traffic in the area. Serious car accidents have also occurred on roads like Cloverland Drive, Holt Road, Franklin Road, Lynnwood Way, Old Hickory Boulevard, Concord Road, Wilson Pike, Holt Road, and Corondelet Place.

• What should you tell the insurance adjuster about your Brentwood car accident?

  When you speak with an insurance adjuster, only give basic information, such as name, address, marital status, and phone number. In addition, you can discuss Brentwood car accident details like where, when, type of collision, vehicles involved, and witnesses. Tell them your inquiry is ongoing and you will discuss everything later. Avoid detailing your injuries since some car accident injuries may appear later.

• How long after a Brentwood car accident can you sue?

  T.C.A. Section 28-3-104(a) allows most Brentwood car accident victims one year to sue. The personal injury starts the clock on the day of the wreck. However, some circumstances may allow you to initiate a claim after one year, which applies to minors injured in motor accidents. When the minor turns 18, the person filing a lawsuit for the child has one year to do so. Additionally, a person unable to make legal decisions might file a lawsuit after recovering from a mental or physical disability.

• How do I choose a car accident lawyer?

  To select a car accident lawyer, consider the lawyer's experience, focus, and reputation. While nearly any attorney can negotiate with insurers for a settlement, not all attorneys have amassed experience litigating a claim in a court of law. Choose an attorney with a background that includes car accident claimants; it's helpful if the attorney is focused on personal injury law. Lastly, read reviews from previous clients to get a feel for the attorney's helpfulness and responsiveness to clients. The best lawyer for your case is one that you feel comfortable and confident working with.

• What steps should I take after a car accident?

  Immediately following a car accident, get out of traffic as soon as possible and dial 9-1-1. Exchange car insurance information with any other involved drivers and get a police report as soon as possible. Be truthful about what happened, even if you are at fault, but stick to reporting the facts of the accident without offering an opinion on who is to blame. If possible, take photos of your car, other cars at the scene, and the scene itself.

• (When) Do I need a lawyer after a car accident?

  Start working with a car accident lawyer as soon as possible following your car accident (some attorneys even make hospital visits). By reaching out for legal help early on, you avoid some of the pitfalls of trying to handle your claim on your own. Your attorney can also get the ball rolling on reimbursement for your medical bills and lost wages while awaiting the outcome of your claim.

• How long after a car accident can you claim an injury?

  The length of time you can file a claim for an injury following a car accident is governed by the statute of limitations in your state. Although it varies, most states set the statute of limitations for injured parties to seek compensatory damages at three years following the accident or three years after you discover your injuries. In cases where children are injured, the statute of limitations may be longer.

• What do I do after a car accident that I'm not responsible for?

  After an accident that's not your fault, seek immediate medical help if you are injured. Once it's safe to do so, obtain the other driver's contact and insurance information, any statements from witnesses, and photos of the scene. Obtain a police report and contact your insurer and the at-fault party's insurer. If you are injured, schedule a consultation with a car accident attorney to discuss your legal options.

• What happens if someone sues you after a car accident?

  If you have car insurance in force at the time of the accident, your insurance is contractually bound to represent you on any claims that arise, indemnifying you against loss up to the limits of your policy. You can help your insurance company by cooperating fully. If the plaintiff in any lawsuit obtains a judgment above your policy limits, then you can be held personally responsible for any damages awarded.

• What/how much can I expect from a car accident settlement?

  According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average bodily injury claim in 2018 was $15,785. The amount of any particular car accident settlement hinges primarily on the severity of the injuries sustained as a result and whether or not any partial or total permanent disability was caused by the accident. Claims that involve broken bones or nerve damage likely settle for more than claims where soft tissue injuries are present.

• How do I arrange a rental car after an accident?

  To arrange a rental car after an accident, first consider whether your insurance or the other party's insurance will be paying for the rental. If another driver is found to be at-fault for the accident, that driver's insurance may pay the costs. If you are responsible, your insurance may pay if your policy covers such expenses. Speak with your insurance adjuster to determine if you have benefits available.

• How long does it take for car insurance to go back down after an accident?

  Post-accident rate spikes can last anywhere from three to five years, depending on your insurer. However, if damages incurred during the accident are less than $2,000, your rate may not go up at all. Three years is typical for collision and property damage claims. Five years is not uncommon in accidents involving bodily injury claims, DUI or DWI, reckless driving, or serious violations at the time of the accident.

• How to settle a car accident claim without a lawyer?

  To negotiate a car accident settlement without a lawyer, you'll have to prove that the other party was to blame for your damages. Gather evidence at the scene to support your claim, including witness statements and photos. Seek medical treatment for your injuries immediately. Notify the other driver's insurer of your intent to file a claim. If you reside in a no-fault state, you will need to use your personal injury protection (PIP) benefits first before filing a claim against the other party for medical expenses and bodily injury. Be prepared with medical records, police reports, receipts for out-of-pocket accident-related costs, and proof of lost income due to the accident before beginning negotiations.