Murfreesboro Car Accident Lawyer

A car accident doesn’t just disrupt your day—it can leave you with significant injuries, property damage, and medical expenses and threaten to wreak havoc on your finances for years. If another person or company’s negligence caused the crash, you shouldn’t be left to shoulder the financial burden of their carelessness. Fortunately, Tennessee injury law allows accident victims to pursue damages from responsible parties.

If you were hurt in a Murfreesboro crash you didn’t cause, you may be entitled to compensation. However, car accident litigation can be complicated. Working with our knowledgeable Murfreesboro personal injury lawyers can maximize the value of your claim and improve your chances of securing a full and fair recovery.

Our hard work pays off for clients

We have helped countless clients in Murfreesboro recover the damages they deserve, and we may be able to do the same for you.

Our highly skilled legal team possesses unparalleled insight into Tennessee car accident personal injury litigation. Having previously represented insurance companies, we understand how insurers analyze, value, and handle car crash claims.

Now, we use our extensive knowledge of injury law and insurance company priorities and tactics to fight for the best possible case outcomes for our injured clients. We handle all the legal heavy lifting so that you can focus on feeling better. Here’s what you need to know about Tennessee car accident cases and the benefits of working with our accomplished attorneys.

What do I do after being in a crash?

What you do in the moments and days after an accident matters. These tips can help you protect your right to recovery.

• Trade contact and insurance information with the other drivers. Don’t place blame or accept fault.
• Gather necessary evidence at the scene of the crash. Take photos or videos of the positions of the vehicles and any visible injuries or damages.
• Get contact information from witnesses so your attorney can contact them later if necessary.
• Don’t provide a recorded statement about the accident or release your medical records to the other party’s insurer without consulting an attorney. Also, beware of early settlement offers that may not cover all your injuries and damages.
• Seek immediate medical attention and complete all follow-up visits with your doctor.
• Contact an experienced car crash attorney as soon as possible.

How much does hiring a car accident attorney in Murfreesboro cost?

At Weir & Kestner, our commitment to justice is reflected in our contingency fee structure, meaning you only incur a fee if we win your case. We offer complimentary consultations, allowing you to initiate legal processes without financial risk.

Rules for reporting a crash in Tennessee

In Tennessee, you must immediately report a crash to the police if any of the following elements are present:

• Anyone is injured or killed
• Property damage exceeds $50

You must file an Owner/Driver Accident Report within 20 days if either of the following is present:

• Anyone is injured or killed
• Property damage exceeds $400

How long do I have to file a claim?

Tennessee has a one-year statute of limitations for initiating personal injury cases. This legal provision establishes a time limit for filing a claim or lawsuit. If you postpone taking action beyond a year from the date of your injury, you may not be able to secure any compensation.

Contacting us for a complimentary consultation as soon as possible allows us more time to construct a robust claim before the deadline elapses. This enhances your prospects of obtaining the complete compensation you are entitled to.

What types of compensation can I claim for a car crash?

Depending on the facts and evidence in your case, we can help you collect compensation for economic and non-economic damages.

• All accident-related medical expenses, including the cost of future care
• Wages lost while out of work recovering from your injuries
• Loss of future earning potential (this is a measure of the reduction in your ability to earn a living if you wanted to)
• Out-of-pocket expenses
• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Scarring or disfigurement
• Reduced quality of life
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Other losses

Who’s at fault for the collision?

Determining fault in a collision can be challenging, sometimes requiring an investigation of the evidence to hold the correct person or entity responsible. Our team knows how to move past initial assessments to discover who should be held accountable. Depending on the situation, liable parties may include:

• Another driver
• The vehicle owner
• A government entity
• The distributor practicing improper loading procedures
• Auto parts manufacturers

How do you prove liability?

“More probable than not” is the burden of proof in Volunteer State civil cases, including car accident personal injury claims. This means that you and your attorney must prove that the following elements are more likely true than not:

• The defendant owed you a duty of care. Drivers are required to operate their vehicles in a safe manner to avoid injuring others.
• The defendant breached their duty of care. The person named as the defendant in your lawsuit violated their duty to drive safely.
• The breach of duty of care caused the crash. The defendant’s carelessness or negligence on the road was the proximate cause of the crash.
• You suffered losses as a result. You have physical injuries, financial damages, and other losses as a direct result of the crash.

What happens if both drivers are at fault?

Car accidents are not always the fault of one driver. Tennessee follows a modified comparative fault rule, assigning each driver a percentage of fault and deducting potential compensation based on that degree of fault. As long as you are 49% or less at fault in the collision, you can recover compensation.

Common causes of car accidents in Murfreesboro

Murfreesboro is located in Rutherford County, Tennessee. With 152,769 residents per the 2020 Census, Murfreesboro is the 10th fastest-growing city in the entire United States, for cities with 50,000 or more residents.

Murfreesboro is also home to Middle Tennessee State University, which has more than 20,000 students. With its proximity to Nashville, Murfreesboro is also a popular place for commuters to live. These commuters, along with fast population growth and a large college student population means Murfreesboro has plenty of motor vehicle accidents. Some of the most common causes of car accidents in Murfreesboro include:

• Distracted driving
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Unsafe driving practice
• Faulty or broken traffic lights

Where do most collisions happen in Murfreesboro?

While collisions can happen anywhere, there are a few spots in Murfreesboro where accidents are more likely. Take extra care at the following roads and intersections or avoid them completely.

• Memorial Blvd.
• Old Fort Parkway
• Northfield Blvd.
• Medical Center Parkway
• N. and S. Rutherford Blvd.
• Broad Street

Common car accident injuries

Following a car crash, whiplash is the prevailing diagnosis. Frequently reported injuries encompass:

• Burns resulting from airbags or seatbelts
• Injuries to the back and spine
• Fractured bones
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Lacerations from shattered glass
• Head trauma
• Internal bleeding
• Neck injuries

Even if you believe you’ve avoided injury, seeking immediate medical assistance after a car accident is crucial. Certain injuries, such as deep bruises, neck injuries, and internal bleeding, may not manifest until three days or more following the collision.

“Dos” and “Don’ts” of dealing with insurance after a crash

Navigating the aftermath of a car accident poses challenges. To safeguard your claim, adhere to the following guidelines:

• Share your automobile insurance details with all parties involved.
• Notify your insurance company about the incident.
• Refrain from consenting to record your conversation.
• Exercise caution in your statements to avoid any implications of fault.

Even seemingly innocent remarks can negatively impact your claim. Seek legal counsel from a Murfreesboro car accident lawyer for expert guidance.

Why must I go to the doctor after a crash?

You must seek medical assistance to ensure your claim is successful. Car accidents frequently result in injuries that may manifest later on, including soft-tissue damage, head injuries, and spinal injuries that don’t exhibit immediate symptoms. Delaying treatment could lead the insurance company to assert that your injuries occurred post-accident, potentially resulting in a denial of your claim.

Promptly consulting a doctor after a car crash establishes a medical record. Even if symptoms emerge later, the record will document that you experienced discomfort and sought treatment.

Our Murfreesboro car accident attorneys are ready to help

There’s no need to suffer alone due to someone else’s negligence. The experienced legal team at Weir & Kestner focuses on providing the best possible representation to victims of car accidents in Murfreesboro. Contact us online or call our office at (615) 220-4180 to schedule your free consultation.

Related articles for further reading

• Murfreesboro included in “Top 20 most dangerous cities to drive in”