Best Car Accident Lawyers in Franklin

FAQs

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

  The Franklin Police Department may be reached for non-emergency assistance at (615) 794-2513.

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

  For accident reports, you may contact the Records Section at (615) 791-3234 or drop by its office at 109 Second Avenue South during business hours. You may also purchase a Tennessee crash report at https://apps.tn.gov/purchasetncrash/warning.jsp for $10.

• Do traffic accidents often happen in Franklin?

  Road accidents are not as common in Franklin in comparison to other areas in the state, based on Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security reports released in 2022. Williamson, whose county seat is Franklin, was ranked low in terms of accidents resulting in injuries and fatalities, including alcohol-impaired crashes. It is ranked higher in factors like speeding (51st) and senior driving (36th) out of 95 counties.

• What kind of information should you keep after being injured in a Franklin car accident?

  Record as much information as you can to strengthen your case. At the accident scene, get the names and contact numbers of drivers and witnesses. Exchange insurance information, keep license plate numbers, take photos or videos, and jot down a personal recollection of the events while your memories are still fresh. Note medical information like prescriptions and doctors’ names. Keeping a journal after a Franklin car crash is a good idea to capture the context of its impact on your life.

• How does at-fault insurance affect a car crash claim in Franklin?

  Since Tennessee’s at-fault insurance rules apply to Franklin car accident cases, the persons held responsible for causing the crash must pay damages to injured parties. Victims usually file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurer. However, since each insurance policy has limits, the compensation provided may not be enough to cover life-altering injuries. Sometimes the crash limit must be divided among three or more injured parties.

• What should you do if the at-fault driver’s insurance is not enough to cover your Franklin car accident claim?

  You may pursue compensation from other avenues to bridge the gap between at-fault insurance and your Franklin car accident expenses. Under Tennessee law, you may collect damages from your policy after exhausting the other driver’s insurance. You can also utilize your uninsured motorist coverage or additional products you have purchased, like MedPay or collision coverage. If there are several at-fault parties in a crash, you may seek damages from each of them and their insurance carriers.

• Should you discuss your Franklin car accident case with an insurance adjuster?

  You should not speak with insurance adjusters about your case because their interest is in minimizing or denying your claim. Politely decline if they ask for a recorded statement from you or agree to a settlement offer. Advise them that you would like to consult a lawyer first. Likewise, do not sign a HIPAA release form or medical authorization, which insurers could leverage to reduce your 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.