Were You or a Loved One Hurt in a Tennessee Car Accident?

12 common causes of car accidents

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) lists the following as the most common causes of car accidents:

1. Speeding. Many people consider the posted speed limit as a suggestion, rather than a limit. The speed limit is determined based on the type of road (including safety concerns like sharp turns or hills), the amount of traffic, and the traffic patterns. If you speed, you can lose your ability to navigate curves, misunderstand another driver's actions, or be unable to compensate for an unexpected situation.
2. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The NHTSA reports that more than 12% of drivers involved in fatal crashes were found to have a blood-alcohol content (BAC) higher than legal limits.
3. Dangerous lane changes or swerves. There can be a variety of reasons why a driver might swerve unexpectedly. Among them are distracted driving (for example, driving while texting), drowsy driving, or a medical event. About 8.5% of the recorded crashes were attributed to a driver having swerved into another vehicle or off the road.
4. Failure to yield. Nearly 7% of fatal crashes were because a driver failed to yield the right of way. A driver who's driving defensively will yield even if they have the right of way in order to avoid a crash.
5. Distracted driving. You've probably heard about the dangers of driving while using a mobile phone, but there are lots of ways to become distracted while driving. Personal grooming, eating, dashboard controls, passenger behavior, and events outside your vehicle are all ways that your mind (and eyes and hands) can be distracted from the most important task of driving.
6. Careless driving. If you're careless, your actions might be unintentional or "accidental", but unintentional reckless action is as dangerous as intentionally dangerous driving.
7. Overcorrection. Part of driving is reacting. A quick reaction is necessary to driving safely, but sometimes a driver will react in a way that creates an outsized impact, or an overreaction. For example, if the driver wasn't paying attention and is surprised by what's ahead, they might then swerve too sharply or quickly to avoid something ahead without looking for what might be to the right or left. Overcorrection was responsible for about 4% of fatalities in traffic accidents over the past decade.
8. Failure to obey traffic signs and signals. You need to stop at a stop sign, follow traffic lights, and heed the instructions of any other sign or signal. Period. Failure to obey signs and signals is one of the major causes of traffic-related fatalities.
9. Reckless driving. Recklessness is disregard for road rules and safety. Reckless driving causes more than 3% of fatal traffic-related accidents.
10. Swerving. Most things that can cause an accident when you drive are outside your own vehicle. You might encounter a pedestrian who crosses outside the crosswalk, debris that becomes airborne from high winds, an item that falls off the back of a truck and lands in the road, or any number of other obstacles. It's probably reflexive to swerve, but it can cause an accident if there's traffic to your right or left when you leave your lane.
11. Bad weather. Rain and snow can contribute to slippery roads and difficult driving conditions, but precipitation isn't the only hazard. Fog and sun glare can also contribute to accidents because they reduce drivers' visibility.
12. Drowsy driving. You might be the kind of person who would never drive drunk. But lots of people who think they're cautious and responsible will get behind the wheel when they're too tired to drive safely. Drowsy driving is as dangerous as drunk driving. Aside from the possibility of nodding off, being too tired slows your reaction time and can make you unable to respond to what's happening around you.

Tennessee car accident laws

Each state in the U.S. is classified as either "at-fault" or "no fault." In an at-fault state, the driver who is at fault for an accident is legally responsible for the costs of damages and injuries. The at-fault driver's insurance company pays for the other driver's expenses.

If you're in a no-fault state, each driver files a claim with their own insurance company, regardless of who was at fault. However, Tennessee is an at-fault state, which means the person responsible for the crash is also responsible for covering the bills that arise as a result.

Tennessee comparative negligence

Tennessee is a comparative negligence state. Each driver is assigned a percentage of liability in an accident. A driver who is more than 50% at fault for an accident cannot recover any damages in a lawsuit.

Here's an example of how comparative fault works:

Tennessee car accident statute of limitations

You have 1 year from the date of an accident to file a legal claim. If you don't file within that time period, the court can refuse to hear your case.

Tennessee car insurance requirements

A Tennessee driver must carry the following minimum amounts of liability insurance coverage:

• $25,000 for each injury or death per accident.
• $50,000 for total injuries per accident.
• $15,000 for property damage per accident.

You have the option to add further protection including uninsured motorist, comprehensive, and collision coverage.

When to call a Tennessee auto accident lawyer

If your car accident was minor and liability is clear (and the at-fault driver is willingly taking responsibility), you might be able to handle it through the insurance company and not involve a lawyer.

But most car and truck accidents aren't so easily handled. You might never need to file a personal injury lawsuit, but you might need assistance in receiving the correct insurance settlement.

If your injuries are serious or will require future medical care or expenses, you should be sure you're recovering the amount you need to cover them. The right lawyer is experienced in calculating and negotiating a settlement that will cover an injured person's long-term needs.

The Enjuris law firm directory is a great source for finding a Tennessee car accident lawyer near you who can help you through what's likely a difficult and stressful event. Find a lawyer who will work with the insurance company to get the settlement you need and deserve, and who will take further steps to reach a resolution if necessary.