If you've been injured in a car crash, you likely have questions about your rights, your options, and what to expect next. As an experienced car accident lawyer in Knoxville, TN, we have worked with countless individuals navigating the aftermath of a serious accident. Understanding the damages to which you may be entitled and how Tennessee law applies to your specific situation is the first step toward protecting your rights.
As an experienced car accident lawyer in Knoxville, TN, here are a few of the things you should know if you have been injured in an accident.
Who Can Recover Damages Following An Accident?
One of the most common questions we are asked as a car accident lawyer in Knoxville, TN, is whether someone is eligible to recover damages following a car accident. In general terms, if you have been injured or suffered property damage, you should be eligible to recover damages from the at-fault driver. This applies to both drivers and passengers. Since Tennessee operates under comparative fault, even if you were partially to blame for the accident, you may still be entitled to damages as long as you are apportioned less than 50% of the blame. The same percentage will reduce any damages awarded, as you are found to be at fault. If you're eligible to seek compensation, a skilled car accident lawyer in Knoxville can assist you in pursuing damages for:
- The cost of essential medical treatment and rehabilitation
- Lost wages resulting from time away from work due to your injuries
- Ongoing physical discomfort and emotional distress
- Lasting scars or visible injuries
- A diminished ability to enjoy everyday activities
- Compensation for lasting impairments or disabilities
- The cost of repairing or replacing damaged property, such as your vehicle
How Much Can You Expect To Recover?
The next question we are usually asked is how much the damages are likely to be. However, there is no 'one size fits all' answer here. Medical expenses, lost earnings, and other losses need to be calculated on a case-by-case basis. These will be calculated mathematically based on the financial cost to the injured party. However, there is no quantitative measurement for other elements, such as pain and suffering. Therefore, these are awarded based on what the court finds to be reasonable based on the evidence submitted by your car accident lawyer in Knoxville, TN.
Under Tennessee law, non-economic damages, including pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life—are usually capped at $750,000. However, when catastrophic injuries are involved, that limit increases to $1,000,000. Punitive damages, which are intended to punish particularly reckless or malicious behavior, are restricted to either $500,000 or double the amount of compensatory damages, depending on which is greater. Importantly, there is no cap on economic damages, including medical bills and lost income.
When Can I Recover Damages?
If you’ve suffered injuries in a car accident, it’s in your best interest to speak with a car accident lawyer in Knoxville, TN, as early as possible. The statute of limitations on personal injury is one year from the date of the accident or, in certain circumstances, the date of discovery for injuries that emerge later. Submitting a claim once the statute of limitations has elapsed will almost certainly lead to its dismissal. It may take longer than one year to settle the lawsuit, especially if the insurance provider requires that your medical treatment has been completed before making a settlement, but as long as the case is filed in court before the deadline, this is not an issue. Property damage has a slightly longer statute of limitations of three years.
Why Choose Butler, Vines & Babb As Your Car Accident Lawyer in Knoxville, TN?
When you choose Butler, Vines & Babb as your car accident lawyer in Knoxville, TN, you're choosing a firm with decades of proven experience and a strong reputation for results. Our team is dedicated to delivering personalized, compassionate legal representation while vigorously pursuing the compensation you deserve. We understand the complexities of Tennessee car accident laws and have the resources to handle even the most challenging cases. Whether you're facing mounting medical bills, lost wages, or long-term injuries, we're here to guide you every step of the way. Let us fight for your rights so you can focus on recovery.
Being injured in a car accident can have a lasting impact on your health, finances, and quality of life. That's why it's crucial to act quickly and seek professional legal guidance. An experienced car accident lawyer in Knoxville, TN, can help ensure you recover the full compensation you're entitled to—whether for medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, or other damages. If you’ve been injured in an accident, time is critical. Take the first step toward securing your future—contact us today.
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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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