A car accident can change your life instantly, leaving you with significant injuries and jeopardizing your financial stability. But you do not have to cope with the stress of navigating this difficult time alone. An experienced automobile accident attorney can help you seek compensation for your losses.
Arrington Schelin is a respected car accident law firm in Bristol, TN. Our lawyers have more than 40 years of experience handling motor vehicle accident claims and getting our clients the money they need to move on with their lives. We know how to play hardball with large insurance companies and won’t hesitate to take your case to court if an insurer refuses to negotiate in good faith. We aim to help you recover the money you need to rebuild your life.
If you suffered injuries in a collision with a careless driver, contact Arrington Schelin today for a free consultation with a car accident attorney in Bristol.
How Our Attorneys Help People Hurt in Car Crashes in Bristol, TN
Managing the details of a car accident claim can be time-consuming and complicated. A skilled car accident attorney can lift this burden off your shoulders, giving you more time to focus on your recovery. Our legal team will:
- Review your legal options for recovering compensation at no charge
- Investigate the cause of the crash
- Gather evidence to support and strengthen your claim
- Manage communication between you and the insurer
- Calculate the value of your claim
- Negotiate aggressively for a car accident settlement that accounts for the full extent of your losses
- Prepare your case for court (if necessary)
We will also provide clear communication during every step of the claims process, answering your questions and advising you on how to achieve the best possible outcome.
Common Types of Car Accidents in Bristol
The Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security reported more than 163,500 crashes statewide in a recent year. Over 10,400 of those collisions occurred in Sullivan County. Some of the most common types of car accidents in Bristol and the surrounding area include:
- Rear-end collisions
- Head-on crashes
- Sideswipe accidents
- T-bone crashes
- Rollover accidents
- Left-turn accidents
- Multi-vehicle or pile-up accidents
- Hit-and-run collisions
How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Bristol?
Tennessee gives car accident victims a limited time to file a personal injury lawsuit. Individuals have one year from the date of an accident to pursue compensation for their financial losses in court.
If you miss the deadline to file a personal injury claim, you may have limited options for recovering compensation. Cases filed after the statute of limitations expires will generally be dismissed as untimely.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Bristol, TN
Carelessness and driver error contributes to most car accidents on U.S. roads today. Common causes of car accidents in Bristol include:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Tailgating
- Drunk driving
- Drugged driving
- Fatigued driving
- Unsafe lane changes
- Failure to yield
- Aggressive driving
- Faulty auto parts
- Negligent road design
Proving that another driver is at fault for a collision can be challenging and takes strong evidence. A knowledgeable car accident attorney can launch a detailed investigation into the cause of a car crash and collect persuasive evidence to support your claim.
Who is Liable for a Car Accident in Bristol, TN?
In Tennessee, the party responsible for causing a traffic accident is responsible for compensating its victims. In most crashes, victims file insurance claims with the at-fault driver’s insurance provider. The insurer is ultimately responsible for compensating you for your injuries.
But what if more than one person is at fault for a car accident in Bristol? Tennessee law says you can still recover compensation even if you are partly at fault. However, your share of the blame must be less than 50 percent to recover money from the other driver. Also, your compensation will be reduced based on your percentage of fault for the crash. Suppose a jury finds you 10 percent liable for a T-bone accident, and your losses add up to $100,000. Your compensation will be reduced by 10 percent, and you’ll get $90,000.
Insurance companies are not bound to the same rule as the courts. However, an adjuster might use the same method to shift blame for the crash onto your shoulders and try to justify a lowball settlement offer. A Tennessee car accident attorney can protect your rights and help you seek maximum compensation for your injuries at the negotiating table or in court.
Types of Injuries Associated with Car Accidents
Car accidents are traumatic and violent events that often cause serious injuries. Types of injuries associated with Bristol car accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Neck injuries, including whiplash
- Spinal cord injuries
- Back injuries
- Broken bones
- Soft tissue damage
- Internal bleeding
- Deep cuts and lacerations
- Burns
- Amputation
Debilitating or disfiguring car accident injuries can also trigger mental health conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is normal for some car accident victims to experience depression and anxiety following a car collision.
How Much is my Car Accident Claim Worth?
At Arrington Schelin, we recognize every car accident claim is unique. Clients often ask about the “average” car accident settlement for cases like theirs. Unfortunately, there’s no such thing. You deserve compensation that covers the entire range of your losses, and no single case is the same. However, a Bristol, TN car accident lawyer from our firm can carefully evaluate your case and estimate its value based on many factors, including the severity of your injuries and their impact on your life.
A successful car accident claim could provide compensation for the following types of losses:
- Medical bills
- Rehabilitation
- Property damage
- Lost wages
- Reduced future earning capacity
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
We are committed to helping you understand the value of your car accident claim and pursuing the maximum compensation you deserve.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer in Bristol, TN Today
At Arrington Schelin, we recognize that car accidents are frightening experiences, which is why we treat everyone who walks through our door with compassion and understanding. We are ready to fight for you and help you pursue the compensation and justice you deserve.
Contact us today for a free, no-pressure consultation with a car accident lawyer in Bristol, TN.
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