Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Chattanooga

FAQs

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

  For non-emergency concerns, call the Chattanooga Police Department at (423) 643-5000.

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

  You may request a copy of a Chattanooga police report at https://chattanoogatn.mycusthelp.com/WEBAPP/_rs/(S(wz4y0ruxffwksi0zneklvep2))/Supporthome.aspx.

• How can a personal injury attorney help you in Chattanooga?

  After getting involved in an accident in Chattanooga, you may be left with injuries that limit your ability to perform normal tasks, making it all the more difficult to deal with paperwork and communication to secure compensation. A personal injury attorney can take care of collecting essential information and evidence to support your claim, communicating with the other parties and their insurers, and preparing the necessary legal documents for a settlement or even a trial, so you can focus on your recovery.

• Can you still recover damages if you are partially at fault for your accident in Chattanooga?

  Yes. Because of Chattanooga’s modified comparative fault rule, you may still be able to recover damages even if you’re partly responsible for your accident, as long as you are no more than 50% at fault. Your total award, however, will be reduced according to your percentage of the blame. For instance, if you were found to be 25% to blame in a $100,000 suit, you can only collect $75,000 or 75% of the full compensation.

• Can you be awarded punitive damages in a Chattanooga personal injury case?

  It depends. If it was found that the at-fault party in your Chattanooga personal injury case exhibited grossly negligent behavior, such as driving under the influence of intoxicating substances, drag racing, or driving way above the speed limit, the court may award you punitive damages on top of the compensatory damages you will be receiving. Punitive damages mainly punish the at-fault party for particularly egregious acts of negligence and to deter others from demonstrating similar behavior.

• How do Chattanooga personal injury lawyers charge their clients?

  Most Chattanooga personal injury lawyers accept cases on a contingency fee basis. This means their professional fees are contingent upon the outcome of the case and the amount they will get is a percentage of the total award they successfully secure for their clients. In Chattanooga, contingency fees usually range from 20% to a third of the recovery. Under this arrangement, if the lawyer fails to win the client’s case, then they won’t charge anything.

• How much time do you have to file a personal injury claim in Chattanooga?

  The legal deadline or statute of limitations of Chattanooga for personal injury claims is just one year from the date of the accident. This is why it’s important to reach out to an injury lawyer immediately so you can file your claim the soonest time possible. If you fail to bring suit before this time window expires, you are likely to lose your opportunity to recover compensation for your losses.

• How to choose a personal injury attorney?

  It's crucial to find a personal injury attorney who is experienced, but it's also important to feel comfortable. Take advantage of free consultations and ask questions about how long each candidate has been practicing, how their fee structure works, and who will be handling the majority of the casework (some big firms may hand off routine tasks to paralegals). Above all, find someone who listens well and believes they can achieve an optimal outcome. Still uncertain? Ask friends for referrals and check out online reviews.

• What does a personal injury lawyer do?

  Personal injury attorneys help those who have suffered due to the negligence of others get the compensation they deserve. That may include negotiating settlements with other people, insurance companies, or even government agencies or arguing the case in court. Some attorneys specialize in a certain type of injury, such as auto accidents or birth injuries, while others advocate for almost any injured party.

• What does personal injury law cover?

  In the legal world, "personal injury" is any kind of injury, physical or psychological, that results from the negligence of a person, business, or other entity. While visible or acute injuries such as a broken leg or concussion are among the most obvious types of personal injuries, this category also covers less tangible injuries such as emotional distress and issues such as asbestos exposure that may contribute to long-term problems.

• What are the most common types of personal injury claims?

  Personal injury claims encompass a wide variety of situations ranging from accidents on privately owned property to injuries in the line of duty to whiplash sustained during a commute. These claims may include car accidents, dog bites, slip and falls, medical malpractice, defamation, product defect accidents, premises liability, product liability, workplace accidents, food poisoning at a restaurant, and boating or aviation accidents.

• How do personal injury lawyers get paid?

  Many personal injury lawyers advertise that they don't get paid unless their client does. This is called "working on contingency," meaning the attorney is compensated only if they win their case. These payments are typically percentage based, giving attorneys a predetermined portion of the court-ordered award. Other lawyers may command an hourly rate or combine an hourly rate with a smaller contingency fee.

• How much do personal injury lawyers charge?

  Personal injury lawyer fees can differ from state to state and may be subject to local regulations. In general, personal injury attorneys work under contingency agreements entitling them to 33% of any related settlement or award. Sometimes lawyers use a sliding contingency, charging 33% for awards agreed upon during pre-trial negotiations and raising the fee to 40% once the matter goes to trial.

• When do I need to hire a personal injury lawyer?

  Anytime an injury is known or suspected to be the result of negligence, it's a good idea to consult with a personal injury attorney who can offer insight into the validity of a claim and whether or not that claim is worth pursuing legally. A consultation is particularly important if someone has suffered serious injuries that have left them disabled or otherwise impacted their financial future or quality of life.

• Can I file a personal injury claim without a lawyer?

  It's possible to pursue a personal injury claim without an attorney; however, it's best to save self-representation for cases involving minor injuries or are otherwise considered straightforward. Cases that involve serious injuries that are not completely resolved or where liability has yet to be determined are more complex. Those situations can quickly become stressful and time consuming as they require an understanding of tort law, resources for gathering medical records, and time to review photographs and evidence pertaining to the injury and scene of the accident (if applicable). Bringing on an experienced personal injury lawyer could result in a higher reward while giving the injured party more time to concentrate on their physical, mental, and emotional recovery.

• How long does a personal injury lawsuit last?

  The length of time it takes to settle a personal injury lawsuit is highly dependent on a number of factors ranging from the type of case to the length of medical treatment to whether the suit is settled before court or requires a long trial. While most personal injury cases are resolved within two years, more complicated suits could take longer.

• What are the benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer?

  It's tempting to save on lawyer's fees by pursuing self-representation, but there are many benefits to hiring a personal injury lawyer including their years of experience. A good attorney will know how to properly assess your damages, including not just medical bills but other concerns, such as lost wages and pain and suffering, to craft a demand that fully reflects the compensation to which the injured party is entitled. They also have the resources and knowledge necessary to consult with experts, negotiate effectively with insurance companies, properly navigate the legal system, and otherwise ensure the best possible outcome.