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Car Accident Lawyer in Nashville
Nashville, Tennessee, is a busy city with thousands of residents commuting every day and driving their cars. In addition to the travelers and truck drivers passing through, the city also experiences significant congestion during the morning and evening commutes as local commuters fill the roads. This has sadly led to Nashville being listed as America’s 16th most dangerous city for drivers, a ranking based on several factors, including the total number of traffic fatalities/ accidents and the fatalities/ accidents based on population size.
The city’s roads are shared by pedestrians and bicyclists, who are especially vulnerable to collisions with vehicles due to the lack of protection in these types of accidents. Nashville’s crash statistics encompass incidents involving all types of road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists.
Nashville Accident Statistics
In 2022, there were over 24,300 car accidents in Nashville and Davidson County, with the evening commute in Nashville being statistically the most dangerous time to drive. A total of 5,087 car accidents occurred between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., accounting for approximately 20.9% of the city's total, despite these three hours making up only 12.5% of the day.
Traffic accidents are more common on weekdays than on weekends. Tennessee car accident statistics show that weekends average 3,172 traffic crashes in Nashville, while weekdays see a higher average of 3,597 accidents. This indicates a nearly 12% decrease in crashes when the weekend arrives.
The biggest causes of car accidents in Nashville are distracted drivers, drunk/drugged drivers, and people speeding. Distracted drivers were the cause of 1,388 crashes in the Nashville metro area, while speeding was the result of 14.7% of fatal crashes. There were 49 pedestrian fatalities in Nashville, the deadliest year for pedestrians. Shockingly, 60% of pedestrian fatalities occur on only 2% of roads.
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Causes of Car Accidents in Nashville, TN
Distracted driving
Distracted driving remains a major concern in Nashville and is one of the leading causes of accidents. With the increasing use of technology, distractions behind the wheel are becoming more prevalent. Activities such as texting, talking on the phone, eating, adjusting the radio, or using GPS divert a driver’s attention from the road. Texting while driving is illegal in Tennessee, yet many drivers continue to engage in this hazardous behavior.
Speeding
Speeding in Nashville is another significant factor contributing to car and truck accidents. When drivers exceed the speed limit, they have less time to respond to unexpected changes or hazards on the road, raising the chances of a collision.
Speeding has far-reaching consequences, including:
An increased risk of losing control of the vehicle
Reduced effectiveness of safety features like airbags
Longer stopping distances when hazards arise
More severe collisions, leading to greater injuries
Economic consequences from accidents caused by speeding
Higher fuel consumption and increased costs
Drunk driving
Drunk driving remains a serious issue in Nashville, with statistics revealing that there were close to 5000 DUI accidents in 2022. Crashes involving an impaired were 15 times more likely to result in a fatality. Nearly 13% of fatal crashes involved both alcohol and drugs. With these and other statistics, a Forbes advisor ranked Tennessee the 12th worst state for drunk driving and puts Nashville drivers in a high bracket for being involved in potential road accidents.
Weather conditions
Nashville is known for its unpredictable weather and experiences a variety of weather conditions, each affecting road safety in different ways. Summer in Nashville often brings heavy rain and thunderstorms, which can make roads slippery.
While Nashville doesn't frequently see heavy snowfall, even a small amount of snow or ice can create hazardous driving conditions. Also, Nashville can sometimes get dense fog, especially during the spring and fall mornings, severely limiting visibility and possibly causing accidents.
Nashville Car Accident Law
Nashville, along with the entire state of Tennessee, operates under an at-fault system for car accidents. This means that the driver who is determined to be responsible for the accident is legally liable for the damages incurred by the other driver.
The state of Tennessee is also a “modified comparative negligence” state, meaning you can still recover damages from an auto accident lawsuit, but your award will be reduced according to your share of negligence. Also, your share of liability must be less than 50 percent to recover from other at-fault parties.
In addition, drivers in Tennessee are required to maintain a minimum amount of liability insurance coverage to help cover these damages. If involved in an accident, you have one year from the accident date to file a lawsuit for any injuries or damages sustained. This time frame is important, as missing the deadline may prevent you from pursuing legal action.
Car Accidents and Lawsuits
Each year, approximately 38,000 people tragically lose their lives in auto accidents, while many others suffer from serious injuries that result in financial and emotional distress.
It’s estimated that auto crashes result in a staggering $55 billion in medical expenses and lost earnings annually. These statistics underscore the important role that Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) lawsuits play in securing justice and compensation for the victims and helping them cope with the aftermath of such life-altering events.
If You Are Injured in an Accident
Being injured in a car accident can be a life-altering experience. Along with the physical and emotional toll, you may face lost wages and significant medical expenses, leaving you feeling overwhelmed and uncertain. In the case of an accident like this, a skilled attorney can help you. They will protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
If you've been injured in a car accident, Care for the Injured offers the help you need. We can connect you with a broad network of experienced car accident attorneys who will work diligently to secure the compensation you're entitled to.
After an accident, you need the right legal representation. An experienced car accident lawyer will help you understand your rights and how to structure a disclaimer, especially if you were not at fault. They will fight on your behalf to maximize your compensation and protect your best interests.
The Need for a Car Accident Attorney
A lawyer will be best equipped to navigate the legal procedures posed by insurance companies, who often aim to reduce their payouts to as low a figure as possible. With expertise in personal injury law, a lawyer can negotiate the best possible settlement on your behalf.
While you focus on recovering, your lawyer will handle the complex aspects of motor vehicle accident (MVA) lawsuits, which involve time-consuming tasks such as determining fault, understanding state-specific insurance laws, and calculating appropriate settlements. They will also ensure that all costs, including lost wages, property damage, and both short-term and long-term medical expenses, are accounted for.
By entrusting these intricate legal matters to your attorney, you can focus on your healing without the added stress of dealing with the legal process.
Understanding Statutes of Limitations in the U.S.
The statute of limitations sets the time limit within which a legal claim must be filed after a car accident. This time frame varies by state, typically ranging from 2 to 3 years from the date of the accident. Missing this deadline could result in forfeiting the right to seek compensation.
In Nashville, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit after a car or motorcycle accident is one year from the accident date. This applies to all personal injury cases, including car accidents, slip and falls, and medical malpractice claims.
Are there any exceptions to the statute of limitations?
Minors: Minors may have an extended time frame to file, up to one year after they turn 18. This only applies if the medical bills aren't in a parent or guardian's name.
Incapacitated people: If an accident incapacitates you, the time limit begins when you regain your faculties or the court assigns you a guardian.
Wrongful death claims: The deceased's representative has one year to file a claim after the individual's death.
At-fault party faces criminal charges: You may have two years to file a civil case.
At-fault party is out of state: You may get an extension.
Why it’s important to act quickly
The longer you wait to hire an attorney after an auto accident, the harder it can be to obtain the compensation you need for the period you suffered, your medical bills, lost wages, and the disruption this has caused to your life.
Delays in legal action can also harm your chances of bringing positive results and securing a fair settlement. Information and evidence such as eyewitness testimonies, medical records, and police reports, are most valuable when gathered soon after the accident. As time passes, this evidence may disappear or become harder to obtain. Insurance companies may also delay settlements or attempt to minimize payouts.
Finally, filing your claim promptly ensures that it is not dismissed due to time constraints or expiration of legal deadlines, protecting your rights and maximizing your chances for a favorable outcome.
Let Care for the Injured Help
When dealing with legal issues, a lawyer specialized in practice areas related to personal injury can bring years of experience to your case.
All car accident lawyers in the Care for the Injured network understand the complexities of the legal system and can navigate it much more effectively than someone without any formal training. As your advocate, they will use their skills to protect your rights, help you understand your legal options all the way, and fight for a fair outcome.
Whether building a strong defense, negotiating top settlements in civil disputes, or representing your interests in any legal issue, a lawyer is dedicated to pursuing justice on your behalf. That’s not all, though. The legal experts we work with are also compassionate advisors who prioritize your well-being throughout the process.
Care for the Injured is not a law firm. With a lawyer from our trusted network, you will gain more than just guidance; you will gain a dedicated lawyer focused on your pursuit of justice. They are here to ensure your rights are protected and your case is handled with the utmost care. They will work toward securing the best possible outcome for you. In short, a lawyer provides the legal strength needed to give their clients the best chance of success.
If you've been involved in a car accident and sustained injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for pain, suffering, financial losses, and property damage. Whether dealing with medical bills, lost wages, or the emotional toll of the accident, the personal injury attorneys in our network will help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you worth.
We understand how overwhelming this situation can be and are committed to providing the support and guidance you need. Reach out today and book a free consultation to learn how the injury lawyers we work with can fight on your behalf for a fair and just outcome for your case.
Contact Care for the Injured today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Remember, you pay nothing unless we win your case!
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if you don't file within the statute of limitations in Nashville?
If you don't file a lawsuit within the one-year time limit, the accident case will be dismissed, and you won't be compensated. You will also be barred from filing a lawsuit for the car accident.
What damages can I recover in a Nashville car accident lawsuit?
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, ongoing pain, suffering, and property damage.
How much compensation can you get after a Nashville car accident lawsuit?
The amount you can receive for your car accident injuries varies depending on different factors, including the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and the impact on your quality of life.
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