A Chattanooga car accident, causing damage to both vehicles.

Were You Injured in a Car Accident?

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Chattanooga, the consequences can be life-altering. At our law firm, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll an accident can take. With over 20 years of experience as Chattanooga car accident lawyers, we are committed to helping you navigate the legal complexities and fight for the compensation you deserve. Let us be your advocate in this challenging time, ensuring your rights are protected and your voice is heard.

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While car accidents happen every day, no one ever expects one to happen to them. Being hurt in a car accident is a traumatic experience that can cause you to feel alone if you don’t know how to proceed. That’s where our team of car accident attorneys in Chattanooga comes in. With over 20 years of experience fighting for Chattanooga car accident injury victims, it is our mission to secure the compensation you need and deserve for your injuries.  

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 car accident attorneys are here to help you through this difficult time and ensure your rights are upheld.

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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!

Potential Compensation for Your Car Accident Injuries

Compensation for your car accident injuries is determined by the extent of damages you’ve suffered as a result of the accident. Factors such as the severity of your injuries, the effects your injuries have had on your life, and your insurance coverage will all influence what your total compensation is.  

The total compensation for your car accident claim should include both economic and non-economic damages. 

Economic Damages

Economic damages in car accident claims refer to any damages that can be easily calculated, and that you can put a specific dollar amount on. Depending on your unique injuries, this may include current expenses and future expenses. 

Common economic damages in car accident cases include:

  • Medical Expenses
  • Property Damage
  • Lost Income
  • Lost Earning Capacity

Non-economic Damages 

Non-economic damages in car accident claims refer to any damages that cannot be easily calculated, and that can be quite difficult to put an objective dollar amount on. This may include current and future expenses.

Common non-economic damages in car accident cases include:

Step-by-Step Guide on the Car Accident Case Process

Your health and safety are the top priority. Immediately after a car accident, seek medical attention regardless of how severe your injuries are. In a high-adrenaline situation like this, it can be easy to underestimate the true extent of your injuries without a medical professional.

Aside from helping ensure your health and well-being, getting medical attention will also create a documented record of your injuries, which will be critical for your car accident injury claim. 

Collecting evidence from the scene of the accident is crucial. If you are able, take pictures and videos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any property damage. Be sure to also collect contact and insurance information from the other parties involved in the accident. If there are any eyewitnesses, ask for their contact information as well. 

After leaving the scene of the accident, be sure to keep all medical records, bills, receipts, etc. related to your injury.   

Report your car accident to the authorities. Speak with police officers to file an accident report. The police report for your car accident will be an important piece of your case going forward.

At this point, you’ll want to consult with a car accident attorney. Now that the immediate to-dos have been completed, a car accident attorney will be able to collect this information about your case and provide a clear path forward to securing compensation.  

 

Your attorney will take all the information you provide about your accident, carry out further investigation into the circumstances surrounding your accident, and then use all the evidence they’re able to collect to determine liability and estimate a fair settlement.

Determining that the other party’s negligence was the primary cause of your injuries is the most important piece to win your car accident case. Having an experienced car accident attorney working on your behalf provides a major advantage here. 

When you file an insurance claim, your insurance company will do its own investigation into the accident and make a decision based on the evidence they are able to collect. Once their investigation is complete, the insurance company will likely make a settlement offer to you. 

You can accept this initial settlement offer, or choose to negotiate by making counteroffers and submitting additional evidence. If you accept the insurer’s settlement, you waive your right to file a civil lawsuit.

**It’s important to consider that the insurance company’s goal is to pay you the lowest settlement amount they can.  

Your lawyer will handle negotiations with the at-fault party’s insurance company. Their goal is to secure a fair settlement to cover all your associated damages. If a settlement offer is agreed on, you’ll be able to resolve your case without having to go to trial.  

If settlement negotiations are unsuccessful, you may need to file a lawsuit. Your attorney will be able to provide expert guidance on if/when this is the best option for your case. Your attorney will also be able to handle all the necessary steps to file a lawsuit on your behalf. 

**Most personal injury claims do not go to trial. Going to trial can be a long and expensive process for everyone involved, so all parties tend to do their best to avoid going to trial, if possible.  

If your case goes to trial, your attorney will be able to guide you through this process. At the end of the trial, a verdict will be reached. If the verdict rules in your favor, the court will determine the compensation amount. 

Tennessee Car Accident Laws

Tennessee Statute of Limitations

The “statute of limitations” is a state law that sets a time limit on your right to file a lawsuit. The Tennessee statute of limitations for car accident injuries is one year after the accident. 

Is Tennessee a fault or no-fault state for car accidents?

Tennessee state law follows a “fault” system for car accidents. This means the person who was at fault for the accident (and their insurance company) is also responsible for covering any damages/losses from the accident.  

Minimum Car Insurance Requirements in Tennessee

Tennessee does not require vehicle owners to carry auto insurance. However, under Tennessee Financial Responsibility Law, you must establish your ability to pay for losses resulting from any car accident you cause; most Tennessee residents comply with this law by purchasing car insurance.

Tennessee Comparative Negligence 

Tennessee is a “modified comparative negligence” state. This means if you share some of the fault (or negligence) for the accident that caused your injuries, the amount of money you can be awarded will be reduced by the percentage of fault you share.

For example, if the total compensation for your damages is determined to be $10,000, but you are determined to be 10% responsible for the crash, your total compensation will be reduced by $1,000 (10% of $10,000), leaving you with a total compensation of $9,000.

How Can an Attorney Help After a Car Accident?

The most fundamental way an attorney can help after you’ve been in a car accident is by providing expert legal guidance and peace of mind. Hiring a car accident attorney significantly improves your chances of being fully compensated for all of the damages you’ve suffered, while allowing you to focus on recovery instead of needing to deal with all the complex legal processes yourself. 

What Our Clients Are Saying About Us

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5 Star Reviews

I want to thank you again for representing me. The McMahan Law Firm is not only a good law firm; [the staff and lawyers] are good people as well. I would recommend you to a friend or enemy. Thank you again.

-G.W.
5 Star Reviews

I just wanted to thank you for the all the hard work that the McMahan Law Firm has done for me. I appreciate your patience and determination, and of course your super skills in the courtroom. This has been life changing for me and my family, God bless all of you!! Thanks again and take care.

-W.J.
5 Star Reviews

I feel that the McMahan Law Firm put me first. I’m very satisfied with the results that I received from them, and I would recommend them to anyone. I thank you very much.

-B.C.
5 Star Reviews

Guys listen! My Attorneys Jill Crouch and Brent who run the place are the most proficient accident attorneys I've ever witnessed! No lie, I got awarded an amount bigger than a yearly salary from an 18 wheeler accident settlement through them!! (If you know, you know!) I get paid sometime this month! It took less than a year to settle and the ONLY reason it took that long was because the treatment was extensive and needed months to complete. If you're EVER in an accident in the state of Tennessee, MCMAHAN LAW FIRM NEEDS TO BE YOUR FIRST CALL AFTER THE AMBULANCE!!! THIS GROUP OF ATTORNEYS ARE CHANGING, SAVING AND REVIVING LIVES!! TRUE STORY!

-P.T.
5 Star Reviews

Your team makes the clients feel like their case is important no matter how small the case may be or how small the benefits may be.

-R.M.
5 Star Reviews

Jay [is] a very good lawyer, and he was also concerned about my well-being. Janice was always there to answer any questions that we had.

-T.G.
5 Star Reviews

Very impressed and thankful for the manner in which you do business… most certainly for the people… from greeting [me] at the door throughout all business handled. Please never fail to keep up the good work. Thanks again.

-L.P.
5 Star Reviews

Brent was always honest, thoughtful and understanding. We are grateful for the time you spent on us.

-R.D.
5 Star Reviews

Julie Gee did an outstanding job for me and I greatly appreciate it. I would recommend her and the law firm to anyone. Thanks for everything.

-B.K.
5 Star Reviews

I want to thank each and every one involved in my case. I have no doubt I would not have succeeded on my own. I’m glad I listened to my sister advising me to use an attorney. The McMahan Law Firm is tops. Thanks again.

-S.C.

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Tennessee Car Accident Statistics

In 2022, the Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security reported 5,456 vehicle accidents led to serious injuries or fatalities. According to the same source, this has already been surpassed as of October 2023.

From 2021 — November 17, 2023, the breakdown of crashes resulting in serious injuries or deaths is as follows:

  • Distracted driving was a factor in 907 crashes.
  • Drowsy driving contributed to 275 crashes.
  • Drinking or drunk driving was involved in 1,547 crashes.
  • Drug influence was a factor in 1,210 crashes.
  • Speeding was involved in 1,267 crashes.

This data indicates that out of all the accidents in Tennessee from 2021 to November of 2023 that resulted in serious injuries or death, there were at least 5,206 instances where negligence played a role. Each instance of negligence signifies a potential claim for victims to receive compensation for their losses.

If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Tennessee, consulting with a Nashville car accident attorney can significantly enhance your ability to pinpoint negligence on the other driver and ensure you receive full compensation for the damages you’ve endured.

Common Causes of Auto Accidents

As you can see from the data above, negligence is a very common cause of auto accidents in Tennessee. 

Some of the most common forms of negligence leading to car accidents include:

  • Distracted driving
  • Driving while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol 
  • Speeding
  • Reckless driving
  • Failure to yield
  • Failure to stay in lane
  • Improper lane change
  • Running a red light or failing to stop at a stop sign

Common Injuries in Auto Accidents

Car accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, from very minor bumps and bruises to permanently life-changing physical trauma. The most common injuries we see in car accident injury cases include:

  • Facial injuries
  • Wrist & hand injuries
  • Back & neck injuries
  • Leg injuries
  • Broken bones
  • Soft tissue injuries
  • Burns
  • Traumatic brain injuries & concussions 

Do I Have a Car Accident Case?

There are 3 basic requirements for a car accident claim:

    1. The responsible party was negligent. Negligence could be ignoring traffic signals, speeding, distracted driving, etc. 
    2. The responsible party’s negligence led to injury or death.
    3. The crash caused legally recognizable damages. Legally recognizable damages commonly include injuries, medical bills, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, etc. 

What is My Case Worth?

Every car accident case is different. Accurately estimating a fair settlement for any case requires consideration of its unique details and circumstances. Contact our Chattanooga car accident lawyers today for a free case review. If you have a case, we’ll be able to estimate a settlement 

Our Results Speak For Themselves!

Motorcycle Accident

$1,250,000.00

Motorcycle Accident

$1,000,000.00

Brain Injury

$950,000.00

Truck Accident

$850,000.00

Motorcycle Accident

$800,000.00

Truck Accident

$500,000.00

Motorcycle Accident

$500,000.00

Car Accident

$230,000.00

Workers’ Comp

$225,000.00

Truck Accident

$200,000.00

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.