With an incremental rise in fatal car accidents over the years, the victims need to know their rights. Over 25 fatal car accidents happened in Knoxville in 2017, with 40 vehicles involved.
The number of crashes was 27.8% higher in 2016 compared to the 2012 data. This includes an increase in accidents involving young drivers aged 15-24 years. Despite having one of the highest counts of licensed drivers in the state, Knoxville ranks higher in elderly and young driver crash rates.
From driver negligence to uncontrollable circumstances, anything can cause a wreck on the road. But, when it happens, you need experienced Knoxville lawyers to defend and protect your rights as a victim.
What Causes Motor Accidents in Knoxville?
Several areas in Knoxville County are high-risk zones for catastrophic car crashes. These include the intersections between Fox Road and Kingston Pike, Westland Drive and Gleason Avenue, and Fox Lonas Road between Crest Forest and Walker Springs.
Many accidents occur on Interstate 40 and Interstate 640 due to the high presence of passenger vehicles, high-speed, and commercial trucks. The commonest causes of accidents in the county include speeding, distracted driving, teen driving, texting when driving, driving under the influence, and not following traffic laws.
No matter the cause of an accident, you can seek immediate help from an attorney to get the right compensation for injuries and losses.
How to Ascertain if You Have a Strong Case?
When you get injured in a motor crash due to the negligence of another driver, your lawyer has to prove this negligence in the court. It requires attestation to the fact that the collision happened wholly or partially due to the fault of another driver.
Also, it comes upon you to prove that you sustained injuries directly due to the crash. Hiring Knoxville lawyers with a successful track record of handling similar cases will help you. Your case will be more persuasive if:
- You were in a head-on collision that occurred at high speed.
- Side-Impact collisions that result in severe injuries when a vehicle crashes into the side of your car.
- You got injured in a rear-end accident at a stoplight.
- Your car flipped over to its side due to a larger vehicle colliding into it.
Any of these circumstances can be devastating for your health and finances. Hire the best attorneys to prove your innocence and ensure fair compensation for all the losses you incur.
When Should You File Your Claim?
Tennessee laws require you to file your claim within a year after a car crash. This statute of limitations means that you have 12 months to file your lawsuit after you are injured or your car gets totaled.
There is a proper procedure to follow in this regard. Getting involved in a motor accident can be disturbing and nerve-racking. But, you should maintain your calmness and seek immediate medical and legal attention. Contact the police to provide them all the facts right from the scene to file a comprehensive police report.
If possible, take pictures from the accident site, including plate numbers, photos of the other vehicle, property damages, your injuries, road conditions, or any additional details you may want to cover.
What Happens to the Medical Bills After a Motor Accident?
Soon after your accident, when you visit a car accident doctor, you may end up with a medical bill that you can’t afford. From extended hospital stays to ER visits, therapies, or surgeries, every process puts a dent on your finances.
Here, Knoxville lawyers can help you by coordinating the medical benefits from your health insurer, auto insurance coverage, and liability insurance of the person causing the injuries. It can help cover the medical bills, but selecting the right bills for submission to insurance companies is crucial.
Any improper handling will reduce the compensation you deserve and affect your credit ratings. With the best lawyers on your side, you can avert such risks as they can manage the medical liens and ensure the desired compensation.
What Damages Can You Recover in the Claim?
Since the cause of injury or death varies with the case, it can be hard to ascertain the extent of damage recovered by the victims. During 2014, Knoxville County witnessed more than 29 fatal accidents, including drunken driving cases where seven pedestrians lost their lives.
If a drunk driver, for instance, hit you on Cumberland Avenue, the jury will reward additional damages depending on the defendant’s conduct of driving. Your attorneys can further maximize the compensation that includes lost wages, property damage, medical care, disfigurement, travel expenses, and emotional trauma with a stronger case.
When discussing your case with an attorney, cover every important detail that can prove the other party’s negligence.
