If you or a loved one have suffered injuries caused by an automobile accident due to someone else’s carelessness, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the other driver, however, time plays an essential role in these types of cases. As Tennessee roads continue to increase in traffic, so will accidents.
Auto accidents can happen in an instant and can have life-changing effects on an individual and their family. Although you may be a conscientious driver, you can still fall victim to a car accident. If you’re a victim of a collision, you can sue the other driver for the damages and injuries you suffered, but you have a limited time. It’s important to be aware of how long after a car accident you can file a claim.
Our car accident lawyers at The McMahan Law Firm know the laws surrounding these types of cases and can help you fight for the compensation you rightfully deserve.
What Is The Statute of Limitations?
The statute of limitations is a law that gives an individual a set amount of time to file a lawsuit against another individual. Every state has a law regarding the amount of time you have to file a lawsuit after an injury. In Tennessee, you have exactly 1 year to file after the date the accident occurred. In order to better understand the statute of limitations in Tennessee, you can review Section 28-3-104, which contains further details.
Statute of limitations disclaimer: Claims and legal matters have statutes of limitations and other deadlines that injured victims must heed to if seeking compensation for damages. If an individual fails to comply with the set time periods, their claim may be dismissed. For this reason, it’s imperative to speak with an experienced attorney immediately after an accident to know the time periods for your specific situation.
The Danger of Waiting To File a Lawsuit
Waiting to sue for the damages and injuries you have suffered as a result of someone else’s careless actions is risky. If you wait to sue the other driver and miss the deadline to file a lawsuit, you will likely lose your chance of obtaining a compensation award. This is a dangerous decision when you’ve been injured in a car wreck.
Compensation can cover a wide variety of expenses, which is why it’s in your best interest to file a claim before the deadline. Our personal injury lawyers can review every aspect of your case and see what legal options are available.
The Difference Between Economic Damages and Non-Economic Damages
Insurance companies know victims of a car wreck usually hope to settle their case immediately, so they tend to offer lowball settlements initially in hopes that the victim will feel pressured to accept. In some cases, the initial offer will not be equivalent to the damages and injuries you endured.
In a car accident claim, there are typically two types of damages you can file for. These are economic damages and non-economic damages.
Economic damages include:
- Lost wages
- Medical expenses
- Loss of earning capacity
- Property damage
Non-economic damages include:
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Mental anguish
- Physical impairment
Our car accident attorneys can review your case and calculate the amount of compensation you deserve for any damages and injuries caused by your accident.
Is My Case Worth Pursuing?
This is the most frequently asked question among injured victims. In order to accurately calculate the extent of the damages and conclude whether or not you have a strong case, we must review the specifics of your accident. This can include medical expenses, time away from work, property damage, and future medical bills.
Need Legal Guidance? Contact Our Law Office Today
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries or wrongful death due to a motor vehicle accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. We understand how devastating and challenging it can be when you’re a victim of an auto accident, and we want to help. We have dedicated our practice to helping those who have suffered injuries caused by a wreck.
Our team of knowledgeable and trusted attorneys will handle the insurance company while you focus on recovering. We are available to answer any questions you have about your car accident case. Call The McMahan Law Firm today or fill out our free consultation form. No one should suffer injuries due to another driver’s recklessness. Don’t wait–call our firm today.
