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423-928-0165
423-928-0165
It’s not uncommon to feel overwhelmed after a crash, particularly one that results in serious injury. When you’re dealing with medical treatment and are unable to work, thinking about legal action might be the farthest thing from your mind. Unfortunately, waiting too long can have an impact on your right to file a claim. It may even make it impossible to seek the compensation you need to cover the costs of your injury.
Contacting an experienced Johnson City auto accident lawyer as soon as possible helps to protect your rights.
There are thousands of auto accidents in Tennessee each year. Some are minor, tens of thousands are not. In 2024 alone, 44,355 of these accidents resulted in injury. A tragic 1,196 of them were fatal. When auto accidents result in serious or fatal injury, the consequences on victims and their families are often profound. From medical bills and missed paychecks to pain that changes day-to-day life, expenses and losses can quickly add up. The sooner you talk to an auto accident lawyer, the higher your chances of recovering financially, which can make it much easier to move forward and heal.
The lawyers at The Haynes Firm have more than 70 years of combined experience helping victims of serious injury from car, truck, and motorcycle accidents seek justice. If you have been harmed in an auto accident, call us at 423-928-0165 to schedule your FREE consultation today, and let our Johnson City auto accident lawyers help you pursue the fair and full compensation you deserve.
In Tennessee, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally one year from the date the injury occurred. This means, for auto accidents that result in injury, victims typically have only 12 months from the date of the crash to begin the process of seeking compensation.
If you miss the deadline, the court can dismiss your case, even if the evidence supports your claim. Acting quickly is the best way to preserve your right to file suit and maintain your ability to recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. You should never assume that the statute of limitations has expired on your claim without first talking to an experienced attorney.
Discussing your options with a Johnson City auto accident lawyer as quickly as possible does more than protect your right to seek compensation. Even when the deadline is months away, waiting can impact your case:
There are exceptions to the statute of limitations for auto accidents in Tennessee for people who were under 18 at the time of the crash and for those who lack the capacity to file a claim due to a legally recognized disability. Another important exception can apply if the at-fault driver is charged with a crime.
Exceptions are rare and should never be relied on as a safety net. Talking to an experienced auto accident attorney as soon as possible remains the safest way to ensure your rights are protected.
The statute of limitations is a court deadline. It governs how long you have to file a lawsuit, not how long you have to file an insurance claim. Insurance policies have their own notice requirements. It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with your policy to ensure you do not miss these deadlines.
Bear in mind, once you accept an offer from an insurance company, you will not be able to take further action. You should talk to a lawyer before you accept an insurance settlement to make sure you are not taking less than you are owed.
Your Johnson City auto accident lawyer will play a key role in how your case is handled and the amount of compensation you recover. Their job is to protect your claim from the two things that ruin cases most often: missed deadlines and avoidable weak points. This often includes:
Most auto accident claims settle before they require a trial, but those involving disputed fault, catastrophic injury, or similarly complex issues may proceed to court.
It is very important to choose a lawyer who has a proven track record in trial settings. There are a lot of auto accident attorneys. Not all of them are established trial lawyers. When selecting a lawyer, look both at their past verdicts and settlements and their recognitions from trusted sources like National Trial Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell, Avvo, and Super Lawyers to make sure you are working with someone who can represent you regardless of the direction your claim takes.
The Haynes Firm has been helping victims of auto accidents in Johnson City and throughout Tennessee recover maximum compensation for over 40 years. Our established and award-winning trial attorneys focus entirely on personal injury and have secured millions in verdicts and settlements for our clients.
Recognized by Best Lawyers as one of the Best Law Firms in America, we are tireless advocates for victims of serious injury. Straightforward, available, and involved, we are here to listen to your story, help you understand your options, and take swift action to protect your rights and interests. We only get paid after we have secured compensation on your behalf, and offer a cost- and obligation-free case review where you can evaluate your options. The only thing you have to lose by calling us is your uncertainty about how best to proceed.
If you have been hurt in a crash, use our online contact form to schedule your FREE consultation today. Tennessee’s deadline for filing an auto accident claim may have already started ticking down. The sooner you reach out, the faster we can work to protect your rights. Based in Johnson City, we serve clients living throughout Tennessee.
1009 East Watauga Ave.
Johnson City, TN 37601
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207 East Main Street
Johnson City, TN 37604
Appointment only
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