Experienced Tennessee rear end collision attorneys fighting for victims of negligent drivers. If you’ve been injured in a rear end accident, The Higgins Firm will help you recover the maximum compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.
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It happened in an instant. You were stopped at a red light, slowing down for traffic, or driving at a normal speed when suddenly—CRASH!
The impact slammed you forward, then backward. Your neck and back immediately began to hurt. Your car is damaged, you’re injured, and now you’re facing mounting medical bills, time off work, and a painful recovery.
This shouldn’t have happened to you.
Rear end collisions are among the most common types of traffic accidents in Tennessee, accounting for thousands of injuries each year. While often dismissed as “minor fender benders,” these crashes can cause serious, long-lasting injuries that impact every aspect of your life.
At The Higgins Firm, our Tennessee rear end collision lawyers understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these accidents take. We’ll fight aggressively to hold the negligent driver accountable and secure the full compensation you deserve.
Rear end accidents almost always result from negligence on the part of the following driver. The most frequent causes we see include:
In Tennessee, drivers have a legal responsibility to maintain a safe following distance and remain alert to road conditions. When they fail in this duty and cause a rear end collision, they can be held liable for the damages they cause.
The forces involved in rear end collisions can cause significant harm, even at relatively low speeds. Common injuries include:
The sudden forward and backward motion of your head in a rear end collision can strain or tear the soft tissues in your neck, causing painful whiplash injuries that may take months to heal.
The impact can damage vertebrae, herniate discs, or in severe cases, injure the spinal cord itself, potentially leading to chronic pain or even paralysis.
Your brain can strike against the inside of your skull during the rapid acceleration and deceleration of a rear end crash, causing concussions or more serious traumatic brain injuries.
Impact with the steering wheel, dashboard, or deployed airbag can cause facial lacerations, broken noses, dental injuries, or eye damage.
Bracing against the steering wheel or dashboard during impact can fracture or sprain wrists and arms.
The lower body can strike the dashboard or be compressed in the crash, leading to painful knee, leg, and ankle injuries.
Many rear end collision victims experience anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), especially when driving after the accident.
Under Tennessee law, drivers must maintain a safe following distance and be able to stop safely if the vehicle ahead slows or stops. Tennessee Code § 55-8-124 specifically states that drivers “shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of such vehicles and the traffic upon and the condition of the highway.”
When a driver violates this law and causes a rear end collision, they are generally presumed to be at fault. However, insurance companies often try to reduce their liability by claiming:
Tennessee follows the modified comparative fault rule established in McIntyre v. Balentine (833 S.W.2d 52). This means you can recover damages even if you were partially at fault, as long as your fault doesn’t exceed the defendant’s. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Our Tennessee rear end collision attorneys know how to counter these tactics and build a strong case that establishes the other driver’s liability.
If you’ve been injured in a rear end accident in Tennessee, you may be entitled to compensation for the following types of damages:
In cases involving particularly reckless behavior, such as drunk driving or excessive speeding, punitive damages may also be available.
When you choose our Tennessee rear end accident attorneys to represent you, we:
Our goal is to maximize your recovery while allowing you to focus on what’s most important—your health and healing.
Tennessee has a strict one-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims under Tennessee Code § 28-3-104. This means you must file your lawsuit within one year of the accident date, or you may lose your right to compensation forever.
This is one of the shortest timeframes in the nation, making it crucial to contact an attorney as soon as possible after your accident. Additionally, evidence such as witness memories, surveillance footage, and physical evidence from the scene can disappear quickly.
The Higgins Firm has deep roots throughout Tennessee. Our attorneys understand the local courts, judges, and insurance company tactics in Nashville, Chattanooga, Memphis, Knoxville, and surrounding areas.
We have the resources to take on major insurance companies while providing the personalized attention you deserve. Our attorneys will guide you through every step of the process, from initial consultation through settlement or trial.
A rear end collision can leave you injured, stressed, and uncertain about the future. Let our Tennessee rear end collision attorneys shoulder the legal burden while you focus on your recovery.
We offer free consultations to discuss your case and explain your options. Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win compensation for you.
Contact The Higgins Firm today or complete our online form to schedule your free case evaluation with our experienced Tennessee rear end collision lawyers.
The insurance company has a legal team. You should too.
