Smyrna Car Accident Lawyer
Car accident injuries can completely change the course of your life. These events can reduce your earning capacity and cause significant emotional and physical suffering.
Unfortunately, these things may happen to anyone. However, if you live in Smyrna, TN, an experienced car accident attorney from Mitch Grissim & Associates can help you return to normal life. Our lawyers will ensure you receive the compensation you deserve to recover from serious injuries.
Our professionals have helped car accident victims recover compensation in Tennessee for over forty years. Do you need help on your personal injury case? Contact us at 615-255-9999 for a free consultation.
Continue reading, and you will see how our team of Smyrna car accident lawyers protects Rutherford County neighbors in legal cases.
Types of Car Accidents in Smyrna, TN
In 2023, a lot of Smyrna car accidents have occurred involving injured people, with many car accidents happening on Interstate 24 between Smyrna and Nashville. In Rutherford County, there were 39 people killed in fatal car crashes in 2023, and 2,504 were injured [1]. These are the most common causes of Smyrna car accidents.
Distracted Driving
Our car accident lawyers have seen countless cases where diverse factors distracted drivers. Every year, more car accidents happen due to distracted driving, mostly connected to drivers looking at their phones.
However, no matter whether it was a device, a passenger, or environmental details, they did not keep their attention on driving. In Rutherford County, five people lost their lives due to distracted driving in 2023. [2]
Drowsy Driving
Drowsy driving is a severe issue with trucks and other commercial vehicles. These drivers’ companies may focus only on making money rather than ensuring safe driving. Long, dark stretches of highway can cause highway hypnosis.
When this happens, the driver loses track of their surroundings, causing car accidents. Distracted and drowsy driving caused 3,052 traffic accidents in Rutherford County in 2023 [3], more than speeding and alcohol and drug use.
Speeding
Speeding caused 666 car crashes [4], and a total of 2,014 traffic accidents in Rutherford County in 2023 [5]. It is one of the most common reasons for a car accident case and personal injury claim.
When drivers start speeding, it is more difficult to control the car if an unexpected change in road conditions surges. As Smyrna car accident attorneys, we have seen this many times. Usually, this unwise behavior leads to a pile-up that leaves an accident victim with critical wounds.
Reckless or Aggressive Driving
Some rash, angry drivers hit others’ cars as revenge for minor mistakes on the road. In this sense, we provide legal assistance to injury victims of an angry or reckless driver.
Road rage cases often cause significant mental trauma for injury victims and expensive medical bills for whiplash or broken bones. We will discuss your legal options and help you make a full recovery.
Tailgating
Far from a “love tap,” rear-end crashes can result in significant injuries due to high speed and close proximity. Is there less than a car length between two vehicles? Cannot the first driver see the second driver’s headlights in their rearview mirror? The law considers these cases as tailgating.
You have legal rights if you have suffered property damage and medical issues due to tailgating. Hence, your Smyrna car accident attorney will help you get the compensation you deserve.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
In Rutherford County in 2023, there were 377 crashes involving alcohol-impaired drivers. Moreover, there are, on average, 10 DUI-caused fatalities in the county every year [6]. Typically, a drunk driver may drive well above the speed limit. Under these circumstances, a car accident victim may suffer a more grave injury.
Drinking alcohol is risky when you are behind the wheel of a car. Those who drink and drive are responsible for the mental anguish their selfishness has caused. Therefore, our Smyrna car accident attorneys will hold them.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Smyrna
Have you been injured in a car crash in Tennessee? The statute of limitations for personal injury cases is only one year here. Hence, acting quickly in such cases is critical. Here are the steps you should take after a car accident in Smyrna, TN.
- The first thing is to ensure your physical safety. Stay at the scene until medical professionals clear you.
- You are legally obligated to contact the police. If possible, gather contact details for everyone present at the car accident while you wait. These persons include police, eyewitnesses, and other drivers.
- After that, head to the hospital for medical care. The sooner you get medical attention, the more assured we are of your safety. Additionally, we will have more chances of having a strong case. Some injuries are not immediately apparent, so do not assume you are okay only because you don’t feel hurt.
- Next, contact a Smyrna car accident lawyer from Mitch Grissim & Associates. We will talk to the insurance company on your behalf. Keep in mind that insurance adjusters often try to trick you into admitting fault, lowering your compensation. Do not talk to them.
- We will gather evidence and complete the legal process on behalf of our clients. Still, we also encourage you to keep records of your medical bills, treatments, and any communication with an insurance adjuster. This measure can help us immensely in making a strong case.
Evidence and Liability in Car Accident Cases
The lawyers at Mitch Grissim & Associates have strong connections throughout Rutherford County and beyond. Thanks to this advantage, we are specialists at gathering evidence needed to prove fault. We will create a strong narrative based on valuable evidence such as:
- Surveillance footage
- Crash scene photos
- Debris fields
- Accident reconstructions
- Police reports
- Medical reports
- Interviews with eyewitnesses
Also, we will talk to expert witnesses. As car accident attorneys in the Nashville area, we are familiar with local experts, including incident reconstruction teams. These specialists can offer professional opinions on the factors involved, helping to support your claim.
The principle of modified comparative fault rules Tennessee law. This fact means that as long as our clients are less than 50% responsible for the event, they can seek compensation. Likewise, the more liable they are for the mishap, the less money they will receive.
Hence, with the help of our experienced auto accident attorneys, you will get the evidence that warrants fair compensation.
Damages in Car Accident Settlements
Your Smyrna car accident lawyer will negotiate with the insurance company for a settlement. An insurance settlement is a payment that an insurance provider would offer you because of a claim. This company and the insured will go to court if these negotiations fail. Insurance adjusters will pay for several damages, including:
- Lost wages
- Hospital bills
- Emotional suffering
- Car replacement or repair
- Loss of income potential
- Loss of enjoyment of life
We will ensure that your future recovery needs are adequately represented in your claim so that you will have the money you need to heal.
Fatal Car Accidents in Smyrna
When Smyrna car accident victims pass away from serious injuries, our firm seeks compensation on behalf of their loved ones. The car accident lawyers of Mitch Grissim & Associates will work to compensate you for damages such as:
- Lost wages
- Medical bills
- Funeral expenses
- Property damage
- Loss of financial support
- Loss of consortium
- Emotional pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Gross negligence
- Intent to harm or hurt
We understand this is a devastating time for you. Thus, we work to reduce the impact of a claim procedure on you and your family so that you can focus on healing. During the legal process, a lawyer on our team will communicate and keep you updated on the progress of your claim.
When to Hire Smyrna Car Accident Lawyers
Insurance companies do not want to pay injury victims or their family members. They will strive to transfer their responsibility to you, even for minor car accidents.
In consequence, you should seek representation from a qualified Smyrna, Tennessee attorney, no matter what kind of injuries you have suffered,
Mitch Grissim & Associates hold those involved in a car accident accountable. Hence, we ensure they provide our clients with the compensation they deserve. We handle both personal injury and wrongful death cases on behalf of Nashville area motor vehicle accident victims.
Our Smyrna, Tennessee, lawyers are widely regarded as the best in the business. For four decades, we have been providing compassionate and effective legal representation. We provide legal services for personal injury victims in the Nashville region, including those involved in a motor vehicle accident.
Have you been injured in a vehicle? Call us today at 615-255-9999 or contact us online for a free consultation.
We work on a contingency fee basis. Therefore, you owe us nothing upfront and do not need to pay unless we win.
Resources: [1], [4], [5], [6] Department of Safety and Homeland Security; [2], [3] WGNS Radio
