While car accidents happen every day, no one ever expects it to happen to them. Being hurt in an accident is a traumatic experience that can cause you to feel alone if you don’t know how to proceed. That’s where we come in. After a car wreck that wasn’t your fault, you have legal rights. Whether you’re in Chattanooga, Red Bank, or any surrounding communities, our Chattanooga, TN, car accident lawyers are here to help you through this difficult time and ensure your rights are upheld.
Were You Injured in a Car Accident?
Getting help is easy! Call our law office and we’ll start reviewing your case right away.
Getting Help Is Easy
We strive to make getting help as easy as possible. All you have to do is give us a call and we’ll take care of the rest!
You Deserve Every Penny
After an accident, the insurance companies will do everything they can to persuade you to settle for as little as possible. Our attorneys will fight for every penny you deserve for your injuries.
No Fees Unless We Win
You CAN afford a lawyer after a car wreck. We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you won’t owe us a dime unless we win money for your case!
We Know This Is Hard. We’re Here to Help
Many of our clients are experiencing some of the worst days of their lives. Their cars are totaled, they’re in immense pain, and their medical bills are starting to pile up. We understand what you’re going through and want you to know that we’re here to help. Your challenges are our challenges and we’ll work hard to help you get what you need to move forward with your life after the accident.
We’re a people-first law firm that takes the well-being of our clients to heart. The Chattanooga, TN, car accident lawyers at McMahan Law Firm, we care about you and will fight for real results that will make a difference in your life. Call Jay and Brent to find out how we can help you!
If You Were Injured in a Car Wreck, Don’t Wait to Call Us
After an accident, the insurance companies will do everything they can to persuade you to settle for as little as possible. Our attorneys will fight for every penny you deserve for your injuries.
Did You Suffer Serious Injuries?
Car accidents frequently lead to serious injuries that can have a devastating impact on an individual’s life. While no two accidents are the same, below are some of the most common injuries we see after vehicle accidents. If you suffered one of these injuries or any injury in an accident that wasn’t your fault, you may be entitled to compensation.
Broken bones are common car accident injuries. Your ribs are particularly vulnerable due to the placement of the steering wheel and the force of the airbag. These injuries can take months to recover and may require surgery.
The shock of a car crash can cause your head to hit the side window, the steering wheel, or any number of flying objects. This can lead to a serious concussion or even permanent brain damage.
Many car accident victims deal with back and spinal cord injuries, as the human body is not equipped to handle the impact of a car crash. If you’re thrown into unsafe positions during a wreck, it can do serious damage to your back and spinal cord. These injuries are often extremely painful and require extensive medical treatment.
Whiplash is a common soft tissue injury that affects the neck and upper back. Soft tissue injuries, such as whiplash, are very common after car accidents, as your body suffers many sudden and dramatic movements during a wreck.
With broken glass and other dangerous objects flying around, you’re at risk of suffering serious lacerations. While cuts and scrapes are normal after a vehicle accident, deep lacerations can cause severe blood loss and other health concerns.
Common Reasons Car Accidents Occur
A car accident can happen for any number of reasons. Listed below are some of the most common causes we see at our office. If another driver caused your accident due to one of these reasons or any reason, please don’t hesitate to call us for help.
- Distracted driving
- Reckless driving
- Driving under the influence
- Speeding
- Car defects
Statute of Limitations in Tennessee
The statute of limitations dictates the amount of time an individual has to file a lawsuit against the other party involved in their accident. The law varies from state to state, so it’s important to be aware of the time limit in your area.
The statute of limitations in Tennessee is one year, according to the National Legal Research Group. In other words, you have one year from the time of your injury to file a lawsuit for damages. Keep in mind that most car accident claims are able to be settled before filing a lawsuit becomes necessary. However, in the event that a fair settlement cannot be reached, you may need to file a lawsuit and take your case to court. Should this happen, it’s important to abide by the statute of limitations.
Our Chattanooga, TN, car accident lawyers know the laws in Tennessee that can affect your claim. Call us as soon as possible after your accident to ensure you don’t miss any important deadlines and your chance of receiving any compensation you’re entitled to.
How to Prove Negligence
If you were injured in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. However, you must first be able to prove that the other party was responsible for your accident and injuries.
In order to prove negligence, you must:
- Prove that the other party owed a duty of care.
- Prove that the other party breached their duty of care by acting in a way that disregarded the safety and concern of others.
- Prove that your accident was a direct result of the other party’s negligence.
- Prove that your injuries and other damages were a direct result of the accident.
Proving negligence without legal representation can be difficult. Our attorneys have years of experience handling car accident claims. We’ll strive to build the strongest possible case on your behalf so you can focus on your recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re hurt in an accident, it can be difficult to know what to do next. However, it’s important to know that your actions can either support or damage your claim, even if the accident wasn’t your fault. Keep these tips in mind to protect any amount of compensation you may be entitled to:
-
- Never apologize or admit fault.
- Seek medical attention and follow your doctor’s orders.
- Don’t sign anything from the insurance company unless you’ve spoken with an attorney.
- Find a car accident attorney who can help you like Jay & Brent.
You should always call the police after an accident so that a police report may be filed. A police report can act as an important piece of evidence that may support your claim. Insurance adjusters commonly look at police reports to help them determine who’s at fault.
This is one of the first questions people ask when they call our law firm. However, no two cases are the same, so it’s difficult to determine how much your case may be worth without first reviewing all of the details. When calculating the worth of your case, we’ll review your medical bills and other expenses from the accident, as well as the impact your injuries have had on your day-to-day life. There are many factors that go into evaluating how much you may be entitled to. Call our office today to get started!
While hiring an attorney isn’t required by law, having experienced legal representation on your side can make the process easier for you and your family and increase your chances of receiving the maximum amount of compensation possible. Insurance companies will try to convince you to settle for less than you deserve. Our attorneys will fight for your best interests and ensure the insurance company doesn’t take advantage of you.
Every case and client is unique, so it’s difficult to know exactly how long it may take to settle your case. However, we understand that many of our clients need money to help pay for their medical bills and other expenses as soon as possible. That’s why we strive to work quickly and efficiently towards the best resolutions for our clients.
Most car accident cases do not require a courtroom trial. At McMahan Law Firm, we work hard to get you the settlement you need as quickly as possible through fierce negotiations with the insurance companies, so you never have to step foot in a courtroom.
But if a fair settlement cannot be reached and going to court becomes necessary, we’ll be there for you every step of the way.
Hiring an experienced car accident lawyer won’t cost you a dime upfront. There are no hidden fees and no cost for your initial consultation. The best part is that there will be no fees of any kind unless we put money in YOUR pocket. With McMahan Law Firm, you never have to worry about whether or not you can afford quality legal representation.
You may be entitled to compensation for a wide range of losses you suffered as a result of the accident. Compensation can help cover financial losses, such as your doctor’s bills, medical costs, physical rehabilitation, lost wages, and more. You may also be entitled to compensation for losses that don’t have a dollar amount, such as physical pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and loss of comfort and companionship. Our Chattanooga, TN, car accident lawyers can give you a better idea of what you’re owed during your free case review.
Punitive damages are a special kind of compensation you can be awarded that represent a punishment for the worst kinds of gross negligence. Usually, punitive damages are only awarded in instances where the other driver committed an act with deliberate malicious intent or was driving under the influence of a substance. Your attorney can help you determine whether or not you’re eligible for punitive damages.
You shouldn’t sign any paperwork regarding your case unless you have first consulted with your attorney. If you sign an offer of compensation from an insurance adjuster, you may be signing away your rights to further compensation. Even if they try to threaten you, strong-arm you, or bully you, don’t sign. Instead, direct them to your attorney at McMahan Law Firm. We’ll take it from there and ensure you’re being treated fairly.
Before negotiations begin, we’ll sit down with you and determine the value of your case. From there, our team will negotiate with the other party’s insurance company on your behalf until a fair amount is settled upon.
You’d be surprised how easy it is to make a simple mistake that can be very costly in the long run. Something as small as saying “I’m sorry” at the scene of an accident can turn the tables on your claim. However, everyone makes mistakes and it’s important to contact our Chattanooga, TN, car accident lawyers at McMahan Law Firm as soon as possible so we can help you avoid making further mistakes that can prevent you from getting the money you need and deserve. You can leave everything to us while you focus on getting better.