Car accidents are, unfortunately, a reality of everyday life and can happen at any time. Despite all the improvements in safety features deployed in cars made in recent years, as well as the overall improvements in roadway construction and maintenance throughout the state, car accidents still happen quite frequently. Consulting with a Clarksville car accident lawyer may help you avoid the types of mistakes that many car accident victims make following an accident. Speak with a compassionate personal injury lawyer that could advocate for you.
Car Accident Laws In Clarksville
In Clarksville, Tennessee, state personal injury law establishes that the person who caused an accident may be held liable for the injuries and losses incurred by other drivers, passengers, or pedestrians due to the defendant’s actions. As a result, anyone who is injured or suffers losses because of the negligence of another driver in Clarksville can file a claim with that driver’s insurance company or initiate a lawsuit against that driver with the help of a Clarksville car accident lawyer.
That being said, Tennessee has adopted the modified comparative negligence rule when it comes to car accidents. What that means is that any award for damages that an accident victim might otherwise receive will be reduced by the percentage of fault they bear for their own accident. For example, someone determined to be 30 percent responsible for a car crash would have any eventual damage award from the other party or parties involved in that crash reduced by 30 percent.
If the accident only involved personal injuries, any claim by a party involved must be filed within one year of the accident. However, if the accident also involved property or vehicle damage, the statute of limitations deadline extends to three years.
Causes of Vehicle Accidents
The overall trend regarding vehicle crashes throughout the state of Tennessee has steadily increased over the last decade, with accidents rising by 31 percent and injuries and fatalities by 10 percent each between 2008 and 2017.
Though there is some variation from state to state—and, in some states, from county to county—the most common causes of vehicle accidents tend to be fairly consistent. Driving while distracted, drowsy, drunk, or under the influence of drugs commonly leads to car accidents in Clarksville, as do reckless driving, road rage, running red lights or stop signs, and failure to compensate for poor weather conditions.
Steps to Take Following a Car Accident
Anyone involved in a car accident has several legal obligations and safety-related measures that they must adhere to under penalty of law. First and foremost, all involved parties are required to stop their vehicles and, if possible to do so safely, move them out of the way of other traffic in the area. Leaving the scene of an accident can result in a driver’s license and/or vehicle registration suspension, and potential criminal charges.
After stopping and moving their vehicles as required, drivers should provide help to any injured parties and call 911 if anyone needs medical assistance. They should also exchange information with anyone else who was involved in the accident, including their name, address, contact information, driver license number, plate number, make and model of vehicle, and insurance company.
If there is more than $50 of property damage after a car accident in Clarksville, those involved should report the accident to local law enforcement. The accident should also be reported to the Tennessee Department of Safety within 20 days of the incident if it involves a fatality, a personal injury, or more than $400 of property damage.
How A Clarksville Car Accident Lawyer Could Help
If you are involved in a vehicle accident, call a Clarksville car accident lawyer as soon as possible. A qualified attorney could help to protect your rights and work to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
Your insurance carrier is not obligated to protect your rights; nor is the insurance carrier of anyone else who was involved in the accident. In order to recover fully for any damages or losses you suffered in a car accident, you may need an experienced legal advocate on your side. Contact a Clarksville car accident attorney today to schedule an initial consultation.
The insurance company has a legal team. You should too.
