Best Car Accident Lawyers in Oak Ridge

FAQs

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

  People can reach the Oak Ridge Police Department by calling (865) 425-3504 for non-emergencies, or (865) 425-4399 for calls made after-hours.

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

  One can visit the Oak Ridge Police Department's records division for accident reports. It is located at the Municipal Building on 200 South Tulane Avenue and is open from Monday to Friday. People can also contact the division at (865) 425-3512 for additional inquiries.

• Are car accidents common within Oak Ridge?

  Statistics from the Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security show that the counties of Anderson and Roane, where Oak Ridge is located, see an annual average of 1,800 and 1,200 traffic accidents, respectively. In 2022 alone, Anderson County tallied up to 1,883 crashes with 398 injuries, while Roane County saw 1,270 accidents with 262 injuries. In addition, there were 1,474 and 995 recorded instances of car accidents resulting in property damage in each respective county.

• What is the minimum auto insurance coverage that is required for drivers in Oak Ridge?

  As per Tennessee law, drivers in Oak Ridge are required to carry at least $25,000 in insurance coverage for each injury or death in a potential accident. For total injuries or deaths per accident, the minimum required is $50,000. In addition, each driver must also have at least $15,000 as coverage for any resulting property damage.

• How is liability determined in a multi-vehicle accident in Oak Ridge?

  Due to the complexity of multi-vehicle accidents in Oak Ridge, liability is apportioned to involved parties based on how they breached their duty of care on the road. This can involve instances of negligence, such as the failure to slow down, yield the right of way, or obey traffic lights and signs. An accident reconstruction expert can work alongside law enforcement personnel and legal teams to assess reports, eyewitness accounts, and physical evidence to expedite the investigation process.

• Are partially liable victims barred from recovering damages in car accident cases in Oak Ridge?

  Plaintiffs in car accident cases in Oak Ridge are only barred from receiving compensation for damages if they are found to be over 50% at fault for an accident. This falls within Tennessee's laws on modified comparative negligence. In addition, any settlements that they are entitled to receive are reduced based on the percentage of fault that is assigned to them in court.

• What is the statute of limitations for a car accident case in Oak Ridge?

  In line with Tennessee's statute of limitations on personal injury cases, car accident victims in Oak Ridge have only one year to take legal action against at-fault parties. The statute starts on the date the victim is harmed, at the time they first notice an injury, or on the date when they should have reasonably discovered it. The same one-year deadline applies for claims involving wrongful death, which begin the day a victim passed away.

• 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.