Did you know that if you are injured in a car accident or any other type of accident, you only have a limited time to bring a lawsuit to court? This is known as the statute of limitations, and if you fail to meet this deadline, your claim may be dismissed, causing you to miss out on compensation. That's why consulting a car accident lawyer in Knoxville as soon as possible following your accident is so important.

Let's take a closer look at the statute of limitations for auto accidents and how a car accident lawyer in Knoxville can help you file your lawsuit in a timely fashion.

What Is The Statute of Limitations in Tennessee?

The statute of limitations in Tennessee varies depending on the type of legal claim. In most cases, personal injury has a statute of limitations of one year from the date of the injury, but property damage carries a 3-year deadline. That means that although you only have a year to file a claim for bodily injury, you have up to 3 years to file for damage or loss of your vehicle if a negligent driver damaged it. These timeframes are critical to protecting your rights. It's always wise to consult with a car accident lawyer in Knoxville as soon as possible to ensure compliance with the applicable deadlines.

Are There Any Exceptions to the Statue of Limitations?

TAs with most areas of the law, there are exceptions regarding the statute of limitations. However, these apply to very specific situations and are relatively rare, so it is important that you consult a car accident injury lawyer in Knoxville immediately to find out if these exceptions apply to your case. One of the more common exceptions is for injured parties who are under the age of 18 at the time of the accident. In this situation, the statute of limitations does not begin until the minor turns 18; they then have the standard of one year to file the lawsuit. This same exception can also be applied if the victim is considered legally incompetent and cannot file their lawsuit within the allotted timeframe.

Exceptions for Wrongful Death

If you are filing a lawsuit because a loved one has been killed in a car accident, then the statute of limitations of one year will usually apply. However, their death may not be immediate, so there may be exceptions regarding when the clock starts to count down. Depending on the circumstances, the court may allow a 120-day extension, or they may state that the statute of limitations will begin on the date of the death. It can be difficult to handle legal matters while processing the death of a loved one, so it is essential to consult an experienced car accident lawyer in Knoxville to take care of these issues on your behalf. At Butler, Vines & Babb, we pride ourselves on handling every case with compassion and integrity. We are the attorneys you can turn to when you need support during those tough times.

Important Steps Following an Auto Accident

As you can see, with limited time to file your personal injury lawsuit, it is important to reach out to a car accident lawyer in Knoxville soon after the accident occurs. However, there are a few things that should definitely be given priority. Here are some of the immediate steps you need to take following a car accident.

  1. Ensure Everyone is Safe - If possible, Move to a safe location and check for injuries. If needed, call 911 for emergency medical assistance.
  2. Contact Law Enforcement - Contact law enforcement to report the accident and get an official police report. This document can be vital for insurance and legal claims.
  3. Document the Scene - Take photos of the vehicles, damage, injuries, road conditions, and traffic signs to provide evidence of what happened.
  4. Exchange Information - Exchange contact, insurance, and vehicle details with the other driver(s). If available, collect the names and contact information of witnesses.
  5. Seek Medical Attention - Even if you feel fine, see a doctor to rule out hidden injuries. Delayed symptoms are common after accidents.
  6. Notify Your Insurance Provider - Inform your insurer promptly about the accident but avoid admitting fault or making detailed statements without legal advice.
  7. Contact a Car Accident Lawyer in Knoxville - A lawyer can guide you through the legal process, handle insurance negotiations, and ensure you receive fair compensation.

Navigating the aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming, but acting quickly and consulting a car accident lawyer in Knoxville is crucial. With strict deadlines under Tennessee's statute of limitations, protecting your rights and securing fair compensation depends on timely action. At Butler, Vines & Babb, we're here to guide you every step of the way with expertise and compassion. Contact us today to ensure your case is handled with care and professionalism.

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Butler, Vines and Babb is a leading law firm in Knoxville, TN, with extensive litigation experience in Medical Malpractice Law Birth Injury Law, Trucking Accident Law, Personal Injury Law, and Business Law. Contact us today at www.bvblaw.com or call 865-637-3531.

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