Johnson City Car Accident Lawyers

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 who can protect your interests, fight for your rights, and help you secure the compensation you deserve.

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 death.

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.

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 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 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

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.