Best Car Accident Lawyers in Chattanooga

FAQs

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

  The Chattanooga Police Department's number for non-emergency calls is (423) 698-2525.

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

  You can obtain copies of police reports at The Police Service Center located at 3410 Amnicola Highway. You can also call 423-643-5000 to find out how a report is progressing.

• What are Chattanooga's most dangerous roads?

  Media reports list the following intersections as some of the most dangerous in Chattanooga:

  Downtown Area:

  • Market Street at 3rd Street
  • Market Street at 4th Street
  • Georgia Avenue at 4th Street

  Hixson Area:

  • Highway 153 at Northpoint Blvd
  • Highway 153 at Hamill Road
  • Highway 153 at Hixson Pike

  Brainerd Area:

  • Highway 153 at Northpoint Blvd
  • Highway 153 at Hamill Road
  • Highway 153 at Hixson Pike

  Shallowford Road Area:

  • Shallowford Road at Interstate 75
  • Shallowford Road at Gunbarrel Road

• Can you obtain compensation if you hit a deer in Chattanooga?

  No. If you hit a deer, your only option for compensation is through your insurance, and full car coverage is essential to reclaiming your property damage costs. If you have medical payment coverage on your auto insurance policy, it will often cover injuries up to the policy limits, typically $5,000. Then, medical insurance and possibly disability insurance would be required to support you.

• How long do you have to submit a Chattanooga auto accident claim?

  The statute of limitations in Tennessee is one year. This means that if you are injured in a car crash, you have one year from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. If the deadline passes without a lawsuit being filed, you lose your claim and are no longer allowed to sue as a result of the accident.

• How are pain and suffering valued in an automobile accident case in Chattanooga?

  In most cases, pain and suffering are calculated by multiplying your damages by a number that represents the extent of your pain and suffering. For example, if your special damages are $50,000 and your car accident lawyer applies a two-fold multiplier because you did not suffer extreme or long-term pain, your case is worth $100,000.

• What happens if you are hit by an uninsured driver in Chattanooga?

  If you are hit by an uninsured motorist, you will be unable to seek reimbursement through their insurance, and the at-fault driver is unlikely to have the funds to pay for any damages out of pocket. However, if you have uninsured motorist coverage, medical or personal injury protection, and collision coverage, and there are additional at-fault parties involved in the crash, you may still be able to obtain monetary compensation.

• 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.