Tennessee Auto Accidents
Auto accidents are on the rise in Tennessee. Fatalities caused by traffic accidents increased by 1% from 2006 to 2007. Such a small percentage may not sound like very much, but that 1% represented an additional 17 deaths – a statistic that is hardly insignificant to the families who lost loved ones.
If you have been injured in an auto accident in Tennessee, the attorneys at Terry, Terry & Stapleton in Morristown, TN will aggressively represent you to recover full compensation for your injuries. Contact us today by calling 1-800-518-3779. For the past 48 years, we have helped our clients recover some of the largest legal settlements and courtroom verdicts in East Tennessee and the Southeast, including Hamblen, Hawkins, Greene, Sevier, Knox, Washington, Sullivan and Cocke counties.
Many of us assume that if we follow traffic laws and obey posted speed limits, we are safe. However, even if you drive responsibly, you cannot control the actions of another driver – and you may face additional factors such as construction sites or commercial vehicles that are difficult to anticipate.
What are the most common threats on Tennessee roadways?
- Speeding. The leading cause of fatal auto accidents continues to be speeding. Even if you obey speed limits, other drivers who don't can quickly lose control of their vehicles and cause a collision.
- Fixed objects. About 43% of fatal auto accidents involved a fixed object, such as guard rails or telephone poles. These hazards are compounded by the speeding problem, as fixed objects can cause increased damage when hit at high speeds.
- Drunk driving. 40% of those killed by auto accidents died as a result of drinking and driving – despite tough laws, this dangerous practice continues to threaten Tennessee drivers and their passengers.
- Increased interstate traffic. As commercial and tourist traffic around Knoxville and nearby attractions such as Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and the Smokey Mountains grows, more vehicles share our roadways. When you combine peak rush hour conditions with drivers who are unfamiliar with local traffic patterns, accidents are bound to happen.
- Construction. East Tennessee roads are under almost constant road work, creating dangerous driving conditions on a daily basis. Construction vehicles operated by inexperienced or speeding drivers can represent real dangers to other drivers.
- Commercial vehicle traffic. The highways of East Tennessee are shared by passenger vehicles, dump trucks, coal trucks, and others. When they crash into passenger cars, tremendous damage is often the result.
Regardless of the cause of your accident, if you are seriously hurt in a car crash, you face a series of challenges. First, you must endure the physical difficulties of recovery which may affect your ability to perform routine tasks – and sometimes even your ability to work. Second, you must deal with the overwhelming claims process to receive insurance benefits. The same car insurance companies that charge you monthly premiums often try to deny benefits after an accident or pay only the minimum amount – and insurance adjusters won't hesitate to try and obtain a release from you before you understand the full extent of your injuries.
Experienced personal injury attorneys, like those at Terry, Terry & Stapleton, can negotiate with the insurance company to obtain a fair settlement on your behalf. However, there are specific time limits for filing auto accident cases in Tennessee, so it’s important to act promptly. If you don’t file within the deadline, you lose the opportunity to bring a legal action against the driver or company responsible for your injuries.
At Terry, Terry & Stapleton, we review each auto accident case carefully to determine fault. If a commercial vehicle was involved, you may have grounds to bring legal action against the company who hired the driver responsible for your injuries. Our attorneys will consider carefully the extent of your injuries and any long-lasting damage – and we will build a case strategy designed to help you and your family rebuild your lives.
If you or a loved one has suffered serious injury as the result of a car crash, the Morristown, Tennessee auto accident attorneys at Terry, Terry & Stapleton can help. For legal assistance with an auto accident claim, or to schedule an evaluation of your case, contact us by calling 1-800-518-3779. We represent clients throughout Tennessee, including Rogersville, Newport, Morristown, Knoxville, Kingsport, Johnson City, Jefferson City and Greeneville.
