Car Accident Attorney Gallatin
Were you injured due to someone else’s negligence in a car accident in Gallatin, TN? Do you need to file a personal injury lawsuit, but don’t know where to start? At Mitch Grissim & Associates, our car accident attorneys know exactly how to recover compensation for our clients who were involved in a car wreck, faced high medical bills, and—possibly—sustained serious injury.
And we’re ready to help you, too.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Gallatin, TN
Car accidents in Gallatin can happen at any time—if you’re unfortunate enough to be involved in one, always remember to follow these essential steps:
Seek Medical Attention
Always seek medical treatment right away, even if symptoms appear minor: some injuries may be invisible or worsen over time. Additionally, consulting with a qualified healthcare provider and a Gallatin car accident attorney can help ensure proper treatment—and the medical bills and medical evidence can help as you deliberate fault and recover damages.
Call 911
After receiving medical treatment, call 911. The Gallatin Police Department will be notified of the accident, which is helpful for you because you’ll need a report of the incident.
Collect Witness Contacts
Obtain statements from witnesses after your Gallatin car accident to significantly strengthen your personal injury claim and provide valuable evidence to support your version of events. Witness statements may also provide an objective account of the accident from a third-party perspective.
Gather Evidence
Take video footage with your phone to document the effects of the accident. Gathering evidence after a car accident, including video evidence, is crucial for proving your case and protecting your legal interests. Video evidence, such as footage from dash cams, provides visual documentation and can be particularly compelling in corroborating your account of events.
Contact a Gallatin Car Accident Lawyer
Get in touch with our Gallatin car accident lawyers ASAP to learn how to recover damages in your personal injury case. Call 615-255-9999 or contact us online to schedule your free case evaluation for reliable, quick legal help.
Causes of Car Crashes in Gallatin, TN
Various factors contribute to car accidents and subsequent personal injury lawsuits. Here are some of the most common causes according to our Gallatin personal injury lawyers:
- Distracted Driving: Activities like texting, talking on the phone, eating, or adjusting the radio divert attention from the road, leading to accidents.
- Speeding: Driving at speeds higher than the posted limit reduces reaction time and increases the severity of accidents.
- Impaired Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction time, significantly increasing the risk of accidents.
- Reckless Driving: Aggressive behaviors such as tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, and ignoring traffic signals contribute to accidents.
- Weather Conditions: Adverse weather conditions like rain, fog, or snow reduce visibility and traction, making driving more hazardous.
- Drowsy Driving: Fatigue impairs concentration and reaction time, leading to an increased risk of accidents, especially during late-night or early-morning hours.
- Failure to Obey Traffic Laws: Running red lights, disregarding stop signs, and failing to yield right-of-way contribute to collisions at intersections.
- Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, uneven pavement, and inadequate signage contribute to accidents, particularly when drivers are caught off guard.
- Inexperienced Drivers: Lack of experience and familiarity with driving conditions can lead to errors in judgment and an increased likelihood of accidents.
- Mechanical Failures: Faulty brakes, tire blowouts, and other mechanical issues can lead to loss of control and accidents on the road.
Car Accident Statistics for Sumner County
In Sumner County, auto accident statistics reveal significant insights into the frequency and nature of road incidents. In 2020, Sumner County witnessed 2,177 reported crashes, resulting in 733 injuries and 15 fatalities. [1]
Common Car Accident Injuries
Car accidents in Gallatin can result in various injuries ranging from minor to severe that most commonly include the following:
- Whiplash: Whiplash occurs when your head is suddenly jerked forward and then backward, straining the neck muscles and ligaments.
- Fractures: Car accidents can cause fractures or broken bones, particularly in your arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis.
- Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): The force of impact in some Sumner County car accidents can cause your brain to strike against your skull, resulting in concussions or more severe traumatic brain injuries.
- Back Injuries: Back injuries, such as herniated discs or spinal cord injuries, can occur due to the sudden jolt of a car accident.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Soft tissue injuries, including sprains, strains, and contusions, are common in car accidents.
- Internal Injuries: The blunt force trauma sustained in a car accident can cause internal injuries to organs such as the lungs, liver, spleen, or kidneys—these usually require immediate medical attention.
- Psychological Trauma: Car accidents can also lead to psychological injuries such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression.
- Burns: In severe accidents involving fires or explosions, occupants of vehicles may suffer burns ranging from minor to life-threatening.
Statute of Limitations for Car Accidents in Gallatin, Tennessee
Be wary of the Tennessee statute of limitations or the time limit you have to file a lawsuit. For personal injury claims related to auto accidents, you generally have one year from the date it occurred.
Don’t risk losing your legal rights to pursue compensation because you waited too long. Reach out to our law firm before the deadline.
How Our Gallatin Car Accident Attorneys Can Help
Your Gallatin car accident lawyer can provide invaluable assistance throughout the legal process, ensuring your rights are protected and maximizing your chances of receiving fair compensation. Here’s how:
Evaluating Damages
It’s important to consult a law firm following your Gallatin car accident to assess the extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. We’ll use this information to calculate the full extent of your losses and pursue appropriate compensation.
Negotiating With Insurance
Our law firm at Mitch Grissim & Associates matches you with highly skilled personal injury lawyers ready to negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to reach a fair settlement without the need for prolonged court battles. They leverage their expertise to navigate complex insurance policies and advocate for your best interests.
Representing You in Court of Law
If negotiations with the other party’s insurance company fail to yield a satisfactory outcome, your Gallatin car accident lawyer will be prepared to take your case to court. They advocate for your rights, presenting compelling arguments and evidence to secure the compensation you deserve.
Compensation for Your Car Accident Claim
When pursuing compensation for your Gallatin car accident claim, understanding the types of damages available to you and your family is crucial. Common damages can be broadly categorized and broken down into economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
These are quantifiable financial losses resulting from your auto accident, including medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and rehabilitation costs. Economic damages aim to reimburse the victim for the actual financial impact of the accident.
Non-Economic Damages
Unlike economic damages, non-economic damages are subjective and challenging to quantify. They encompass intangible losses such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. Non-economic damages compensate for physical and emotional hardships.
Who Can Be Liable for Damages in Gallatin, TN?
The answer to this question could lead to numerous parties liable for damage, including the following:
- Drivers of Other Cars: If another driver’s negligence, such as speeding, distracted driving, or reckless behavior, caused the accident, they may be held liable for damages.
- Product Manufacturers: If a defective vehicle part or component contributed to your Gallatin auto accident, such as faulty brakes or tires, the manufacturer or distributor of the defective product may be held liable for damages.
- Bad Road Conditions in Tennessee Municipalities: If your accident was caused by hazardous road conditions, such as potholes, inadequate signage, or poorly designed intersections, the municipality responsible for maintaining the road may be held liable for damages under certain circumstances.
Determining liability in a car accident case requires a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident, including gathering evidence, assessing the actions of all parties involved, and understanding applicable laws and regulations.
Consulting with a knowledgeable Gallatin car accident attorney can provide you with guidance to identify liable parties and pursue compensation for your damages.
How to Prove Negligence in Gallatin, TN
The Tennessee personal injury attorneys at Mitch Grissim & Associates will help you prove the four elements of negligence in your claim:
- Duty of Care: The first step is establishing that the defendant owed a duty of care to the plaintiff.
- Breach of Duty: Next, you must demonstrate that the defendant breached this duty of care by failing to act reasonably under the circumstances.
- Causation: You must show that the defendant’s negligent actions directly resulted in the accident and the plaintiff’s injuries.
- Damages: Finally, you must prove that the plaintiff suffered actual damages as a result of the accident.
During your free consultation with our law firm, our car accident lawyers will walk you through these elements with you.
Contact the Car Accident Lawyers at Mitch Grissim & Associates
At Mitch Grissim & Associates, we operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay any up-front fees for our legal services. Instead, we only get paid when we successfully recover compensation for you. This arrangement ensures that our interests are aligned with yours—we only get paid if we help you win your case.
Our law firm has a proven track record of securing favorable outcomes for car accident victims in Gallatin and throughout Tennessee. We understand the complexities of car accident cases and are committed to providing personalized attention and experienced representation to achieve the best possible results for you and your family.
Call (615) 255-9999 or schedule online for your free consultation.
References: [1] TN.GOV