Car Accident Attorneys Serving Johnson City and Tennessee
Our Johnson City car accident lawyers know that, with more and more vehicles crowding roads and highways, the risk of injury to motorists and pedestrians from negligent automobile drivers is greater than ever before. Motor vehicle accidents—particularly car accidents— are among the most devastating causes of injury for people living in both rural and populated areas of the state.
There are thousands of car accidents in Tennessee every year, most occurring in larger areas, like Johnson City. Some of these are minor fender-benders, but others result in serious, life-altering injuries. Tragically, several Tennessee car accidents result in death every year as well. When you are injured or a loved one is killed in one of these accidents, you need an experienced and proven legal team that can protect your interests, fight for your rights, and help you secure the compensation you deserve.
What should I do immediately after a car accident in East Tennessee?
Right Away:
- Move to a safer spot if you can.
- Call 911, ask for law enforcement and medical help.
- Check yourself and others for injuries, even if you initially feel okay.
At the Scene:
- Take photos and video of vehicle positions, damage, skid marks, debris, road conditions, traffic signs/lights, and injuries.
- Get witness info, including names and phone numbers.
- Exchange basics with the other drivers, such as names, plate numbers, and insurance info.
- Do not admit fault or guess at what happened. Keep things formal and factual.
After You Leave:
- Get checked by a medical provider the same day.
- Keep a crash file documenting symptoms, missed work, receipts, meds, and appointments.
- Avoid posting about the wreck on social media.
- Contact a Tennessee car accident lawyer quickly to protect your rights.
Bear in mind that, while there are steps that can be taken on the scene of a car accident in Tennessee, injuries may prevent any action at all. Don’t fret if that’s the case. At The Haynes Firm, our Johnson City car crash attorneys can work with experts like crash reconstruction specialists to gather the information needed to proceed with your claim.
What if I was partially at fault for a car crash in Tennessee?
Being partly at fault for a car crash in Tennessee can reduce what you recover in damages, but it doesn’t automatically bar you from seeking compensation.
In Tennessee, fault is compared between the people who contributed to the crash. If you are found to be 50% or more at fault, you may be barred from taking legal action. But if you are less than 50% at fault, your compensation will simply be reduced by the percentage of blame you are assigned.
Examples of “partial fault” in a Tennessee car accident include:
- You were speeding a little, but the other driver ran a red light.
- You changed lanes, but the other driver was distracted and didn’t brake.
- You did not see a car at night because of poor visibility, but the other driver had no headlights.
While there are multiple examples of shared fault, it’s important to remember that determining fault after a car accident is not something you are responsible for. Protect your rights by not suggesting you’re to blame and get help from a car accident lawyer as soon as possible. Your lawyer will investigate the cause of your crash to determine how it happened and help you seek the compensation you’re entitled to based on the facts of the wreck.
What if the at-fault driver was uninsured or underinsured?
If you are involved in a car crash in Tennessee with an uninsured or underinsured driver, you may be able to file a claim through your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. If the other driver has insurance, but not enough, you may be able to access underinsured motorists (UIM) benefits. These are typically tied to your UM coverage.
Tennessee requires insurers to offer uninsured motorists coverage to all policyholders. The state does not, however, require drivers to carry it. If you reject UM coverage, your path to recovery can become much more difficult.
Options like collision coverage can cover vehicle damage. MedPay or your own health insurance may cover medical expenses. However, as with UM coverage, collision and MedPay are not required and can be declined. But all hope is not lost. If you don’t have these coverages and the uninsured driver has personal assets, you may still be able to seek compensation through a personal injury lawsuit.
Regardless of your insurance coverage, when you are hurt in a car crash in Tennessee, talking to an experienced lawyer is the best way to understand your rights. The Haynes Firm has over 70 years of collective experience handling complex car wreck claims. We can assess your case free of cost and obligation to help you determine the most effective course of action.
What happens if the other driver flees the scene of a car crash in Tennessee?
If you are the victim of a hit-and-run in Tennessee:
- Call 911 immediately.
- Write down everything you can about the other vehicle, like the make/model, color, damage, direction of travel, and any numbers you can remember from the license plate.
- Look for cameras at nearby businesses, gas stations, ATMs, and doorbells. Dashcam footage and traffic cameras can help as well.
- Talk to witnesses and write down anything they saw.
- DO NOT chase the other driver.
If the other driver can be located, you can file a lawsuit against them. If they can’t be located, you often have the same options as you do in an accident with an uninsured motorist: filing a claim through your own insurer for UM/UIM, collision, and/or MedPay coverage. There are certain requirements that must be met in order to proceed with a claim under your uninsured motorist coverage when the at-fault party leaves the scene and is unidentified. You should speak with a knowledgeable lawyer regarding these legal requirements.
Remember that you don’t have to try to navigate these claims alone. The East Tennessee car accident lawyers at The Haynes Firm are here to listen to your story, help you assess your options, and assist you in deciding how to move forward.
Can I pursue compensation if I was injured as a passenger in a car wreck in Tennessee?
Passengers who are injured in a car crash in Tennessee often have strong claims because they usually cannot be blamed for the collision, although there are exceptions to this rule. If you were injured while riding in someone else’s car, you may be able to pursue compensation from:
- The at-fault driver of another vehicle
- The driver of the vehicle you were riding in (if they contributed to the crash)
- Multiple parties if more than one driver shares fault (common in multi-car pileups)
It is advisable to have an experienced car accident lawyer on your side when you are injured as a passenger. This helps to ensure all liable parties and all applicable auto insurance policies are identified, and you can pursue the full compensation you are entitled to.
Can I file a claim if I’m injured in a rideshare accident in Tennessee?
If you are injured while riding in a rideshare, like Uber or Lyft, you can seek damages for your injuries through legal action. However, these claims can be incredibly complex, involving layers of insurance depending on what the driver was doing on the app at the time.
Tennessee recognizes three rideshare periods:
- The driver is logged in and waiting for a ride request
- The driver accepted a ride and is enroute to pick the passenger up
- A passenger is in the vehicle
Depending on when a crash happens, the claim may involve the driver’s insurance, coverage provided by the transportation network company (Uber, Lyft, etc.), or a combination of the two. If someone else caused the wreck, a claim against their insurer may be an option as well.
At The Haynes Firm, our Tennessee car crash attorneys investigate rideshare accidents thoroughly to determine where coverage should come from. Passengers of rideshares, like passengers of most vehicles, are rarely responsible for a crash, meaning they are typically entitled to full compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
What can I do if I’ve lost a loved one in a car crash in East Tennessee?
If you have lost a family member in a car crash in Tennessee, you may be entitled to file a wrongful death lawsuit. The right to file these claims generally passes first to the surviving spouse, then to children or next of kin. The best way to determine if you are entitled to seek compensation is through a free and confidential consultation with a qualified attorney.
Damages in a wrongful death claim may include:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Medical bills related to the injury before death
- Lost income and benefits the person would have likely earned
- Loss of companionship, care, and support
The Haynes Firm has been carefully handling wrongful death claims in Tennessee for decades. We are here to listen, provide actionable advice, and help you seek the justice your family deserves.
What areas of Tennessee do the car accident lawyers at The Haynes Firm serve?
The Haynes Firm represents clients from all areas of Tennessee, not just Johnson City. This includes:
Tri-Cities and Surrounding Communities
- Johnson City, Kingsport, Bristol
- Elizabethton, Jonesborough, Greeneville
- Erwin, Unicoi, Mountain City
- Bluff City, Blountville, Gray, Piney Flats
Knoxville Metro and Nearby Areas
- Knoxville, Farragut, Maryville, Alcoa
- Oak Ridge, Powell, Halls, Clinton
- Lenoir City, Loudon, Kingston, Harriman
The Smokies and Tourist Corridors
- Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg
- Newport, Dandridge, Jefferson City
I-81 and I-40 Corridor Towns
- Morristown, Blountville, Fall Branch, Rogersville
- Dickson, Lebanon, Crossville
Chattanooga and Southeast Tennessee
- Chattanooga, Red Bank, Ooltewah, Collegedale
- Cleveland, Athens, Soddy-Daisy, Sweetwater
If you have been injured in a car crash anywhere in Tennessee and you are looking for an experienced, client-focused, and award-winning law firm, we welcome the opportunity to meet with you for a cost-free, no-risk case review where we can help you understand your options and decide what steps to take next.
Over 70 Years of Combined Experience Helping Car Wreck Victims in Tennessee
To schedule a FREE consultation with one of the Johnson City car accident lawyers at The Haynes Firm, call 423-928-0165 today. Our attorneys have more than 70 years of combined experience helping victims of car accidents seek justice. We represent clients from all areas of Tennessee.
Leading Causes of Car Accidents in Tennessee
The Johnson City car accident attorneys at The Haynes Firm can assist with all types of crashes, including those caused by:
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a known factor in several car crashes. Because distraction can include using a handheld device, changing the radio station, eating and drinking, applying makeup, talking to a passenger, or literally anything else that does not have to do with the task of driving, distraction is likely a factor in most car accidents.
Speeding
Traveling faster than the speed limit or going faster than surrounding traffic is incredibly dangerous. Almost one-third of all fatal car wrecks have speeding as a factor. High speeds reduce reaction time and increase the force of impact, both of which can prove catastrophic during an accident.
Intoxication
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (including OTC and prescription drugs) places everyone on the road in danger. Thousands of DUI-related car wrecks happen in and around Johnson City every year, resulting in multiple injuries and deaths.
Failure to Yield
Failing to yield the right of way is a common cause of accidents in Tennessee. This often occurs at intersections—particularly when drivers are making left turns—and while merging onto highways and similarly busy roadways.
Reckless and Aggressive Driving
Tailgating, unsafe lane changes, weaving in and out of traffic, running red lights, and other forms of aggressive driving contribute to hundreds of accidents across Tennessee every year. These behaviors are most dangerous (and most common) in high-traffic areas and can lead to multi-car accidents.
Vehicle Failure
Vehicle defects—including faulty airbags, brakes, pedals, and engine components—can cause problems while driving. When a driver loses control of a defective vehicle, an accident is often unavoidable.
Inadequate Road Maintenance
The rural highways and backroads of Tennessee often have poor lighting, sharp curves, and uneven surfaces. They may also be poorly maintained, strewn with debris or trash, and otherwise made dangerous by factors beyond a driver’s control.
Inclement Weather
Tennessee’s varied climate, with heavy rain and occasional snow and ice, can make driving particularly dangerous. Drivers who are unprepared for these conditions or who fail to adjust accordingly are more likely to cause a crash.
Determining who is liable for a car crash requires establishing its root causes. In some cases, this will be another driver. In others, it may be a state or local municipality. In others still, liability may fall to an auto manufacturer, mechanic, or parts distributor. Knowing who is liable for a car wreck is essential when seeking compensation.
At The Haynes Firm, our Johnson City car accident lawyers are thorough in their investigations. Working with accident reconstruction specialists and other experts as needed, we take the time necessary to review all possible causes and identify all liable parties, enabling us to seek maximum compensation for our clients.
Hurt in a car accident? Call our Johnson City attorneys at
or contact us online today to Schedule your free consultation today.
Common Car Accident Injuries
There are several different injuries that may follow a car crash. Some of them—due to things like shock or latent onset—may not present symptoms immediately. It is very important that you visit your doctor for a full exam after a car wreck, even one that occurred at low speeds. Swift detection allows for prompt treatment, which may reduce your risks of long-term or permanent complications.
Common car crash injuries include:
- Whiplash
- Broken bones
- Head and brain injury
- Back and spinal cord injury
- Soft tissue injury
- Internal injury
Some of these injuries will require extensive medical intervention, prevent you from working, and forever alter your quality of life. Even things like whiplash can become deadly when not properly treated.
When you are the victim of a car wreck, you should not be forced to cover the cost of medical care or left to deal with a diminished earning capacity. However, in most instances, your medical care must be paid by you or your healthcare insurance until your case has been resolved, at which point the auto insurer will compensate you for those losses.
You deserve compensation for the damages you have suffered. Our Johnson City car accident lawyers are here to help. During your cost- and obligation-free consultation, we will listen to how your injuries have impacted your life and help you determine if legal action is the best solution.
What are the Symptoms of Shock after a Car Accident?
When you are involved in a car accident, it can be very traumatizing. Immediately after a crash, people may experience a variety of symptoms that are related to shock. These emotions may take the form of any of the following:
- Feeling numb
- Irritability
- Anger
- Guilt
- Anxiousness
- Hopelessness
Shock is a trauma response. Following a traumatic injury, shock works to constrict blood vessels, conserving blood flow to vital organs by slowing down things like pain response. This may also serve to delay more obvious symptoms of some of the most common car accident injuries. Talking to your physician after a car crash helps to ensure the injuries you sustained—including those tempered by the initial shock—are diagnosed and treated.
Compensation After a Car Accident
Victims and their families often face tremendous physical, emotional, and financial hardships. In fighting on behalf of injured motor vehicle accident victims, the personal injury attorneys at The Haynes Firm have obtained many substantial recoveries for clients and helped injured victims and their families restore their quality of life.
We can help you file a claim to receive compensation for any of the following:
- Lost wages due to time taken off work
- Damage to your vehicle or personal property
- Medical treatment or rehabilitation
- Physical and emotional pain and suffering
In the state of Tennessee, you can seek dollar-for-dollar compensation for economic damages such as lost wages, medical and rehabilitation costs, home modifications, and similarly provable costs. However, you are limited to $750,000 in non-economic damage compensation under most circumstances. Tennessee’s non-economic damages cap can increase to $1 million in cases involving catastrophic injury. Non-economic damages cover things like pain and suffering, loss of consortium, and physical disfigurement.
How Much Is Your Car Accident Case Worth?
The value of any case is based on how much a jury would likely provide by way of a verdict if the case were to be tried. Insurance companies place value on a case based on how much exposure they believe they and their insured may have. That is, insurance companies usually won’t pay any more to resolve your claim than they believe they are exposed to pay if the case is tried.
Plaintiffs’ lawyers also value cases based on what a jury would likely provide by way of verdict. Innumerable factors can motivate a jury to provide a strong verdict. Likeability of the parties, the seriousness of the injuries involved, the amount of medical expenses incurred, whether any injuries are permanent, the likeability and/or capability of the lawyers, the culpability of the defendant (was the defendant texting, drunk, or a habitual offender?), and many other factors can affect a jury’s verdict.
While you may find “damage calculators” on the internet, no formula or equation will provide an accurate calculation of what a jury may provide by way of a verdict. The most effective way to learn what your car crash claim is worth is through a private, one-on-one consultation with a Johnson City car accident lawyer at The Haynes Firm. Our attorneys have extensive experience handling car accident claims throughout Tennessee.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Claims in Tennessee?
In the state of Tennessee, the statute of limitations for car accident claims is one year from the date of the injury (Tenn. Code Ann. § 28-3-104(1)). This means that if an injury claim is not filed within this time frame, the case will not be heard. There are exceptions to this rule, so please talk with an experienced auto crash lawyer before determining that it is too late to file your claim.
While you are usually provided one year from the date of a crash to file a claim for compensation, it is often best to take action more swiftly. Waiting to file can complicate the investigative process and may interfere with your ability to seek full compensation. Talking to a car accident lawyer from the Johnson City office of The Haynes Firm as soon as possible after your crash can help to reduce these complications.
Is it Worth Getting an Attorney After a Car Accident?
Yes. If you were seriously injured in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence, an experienced car accident attorney can help you get the financial compensation you are entitled to.
A car accident lawyer can:
- Help you understand your legal rights and options
- Investigate your accident to establish liability
- Review your damages to accurately assess the worth of your claim
- Attempt to settle with insurance companies during negotiations
- Take your case to trial if a settlement cannot be reached
Your car accident attorney will also take care of paperwork, make sure things are filed on time and in order, and handle the practical aspects of your claim. They will provide emotional support, protect you from the predatory tactics insurance adjusters and defense attorneys may use to force a settlement, and fight to ensure your compensation is reflective of both your immediate and future needs. When you choose to seek compensation without a lawyer, you may receive less than your injury demands.
Why Choose Our Johnson City Car Accident Lawyers?
The award-winning lawyers at The Haynes Firm have decades of combined experience helping car crash victims seek justice. It is our firm belief that every client deserves an attorney who genuinely cares. We provide compassionate and personalized counsel at every step, making sure our clients are heard and protected throughout the process.
In our relentless pursuit of justice, we approach each case with a fierce dedication to achieving the best possible outcome. Whether through negotiations or trial, we are committed to fighting for every penny you are due.
At The Haynes Firm, we pride ourselves on building lasting relationships with our clients. We are committed to providing the guidance and support you need while you recover and rebuild
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Contact a Johnson City Car Accident Lawyer for FREE
To schedule a FREE case review with one of our Johnson City car accident attorneys, contact The Haynes Firm online or call us at 423-928-0165. We are proud to help individuals and families seek justice and compensation through swift and effective legal action.
