Franklin Car Accident Lawyers
Get help with your accident case from our Franklin auto accident attorneys
Here at Rocky McElhaney Law Firm, we know that the aftermath of an auto accident can be overwhelming and life-altering. If you've been involved in a car crash, you're likely facing medical bills, vehicle damage, and the emotional toll that accompanies such traumatic events. Our seasoned Franklin car accident attorneys are here to guide you through this challenging time. Our Gladiators are here to help you navigate the complexities of insurance claims and legal proceedings.
What types of car accidents do your Franklin lawyers handle?
Our Franklin car accident lawyers handle a wide range of auto accidents, including:
- Rear-end collisions. Accidents where one vehicle collides with the back of another, often due to tailgating or sudden stops.
- Intersection accidents. Collisions that occur at intersections, including T-bone or side-impact crashes.
- Head-on collisions. Accidents where the front ends of two vehicles collide, often resulting in severe injuries.
- Multi-vehicle pileups. Accidents involving multiple vehicles, often on highways or busy roadways.
- Hit-and-run accidents. Cases where a driver leaves the scene of the accident without exchanging information or providing assistance.
- Distracted driving accidents. Collisions caused by drivers who are distracted by activities such as texting, talking on the phone, or using in-car entertainment systems.
- Drunk driving accidents. Collisions caused by drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Speeding accidents. Crashes where excessive speed is a contributing factor.
- Side-impact collisions. Accidents where the side of one vehicle is impacted by the front or rear of another vehicle.
- Rollover accidents. Incidents where a vehicle overturns, often due to a collision or specific road conditions.
- Weather-related accidents. Crashes caused or exacerbated by adverse weather conditions, such as rain, snow, or ice.
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist claims. Cases where the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance coverage to compensate for damages.
- Pedestrian and bicycle accidents. Our attorneys not only represent pedestrians and cyclists who are hit and injured by cars; we also represent drivers who sustain injuries in crashes when a distracted or impaired pedestrian or cyclist runs out into traffic.
We also handle taxi, Uber, and Lyft accidents, as well as construction zone accidents.
It's important to consult with a Franklin personal injury lawyer to discuss the specific details of your car accident. At Rocky McElhaney Law Firm, we can assess the circumstances surrounding the crash, investigate liability, and help pursue the compensation you deserve for injuries, property damage, and other losses.
What are some of the most serious car accident injuries?
Some people can walk away from a car accident with minimal injuries. However, in some cases, you may experience a range of serious injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Head injuries can lead to traumatic brain injuries, which may range from concussions to more severe conditions like contusions or penetrating injuries. TBIs can have long-lasting effects on cognitive function, memory, and emotional well-being.
- Spinal cord injuries. Injuries to the spinal cord can result in paralysis, such as paraplegia or quadriplegia. These injuries can have a profound impact on a person's mobility and quality of life.
- Internal organ damage. Blunt force trauma in a car accident can cause damage to internal organs, leading to internal bleeding or organ failure. It’s important to get prompt medical attention when internal damage is suspected.
- Fractures and broken bones. The force of a collision can cause fractures and breaks in various bones, including the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis. Complex fractures may require surgical intervention.
- Severe accidents may result in traumatic amputations, where a limb is severed during the collision or requires surgical removal due to irreparable damage.
- Burn injuries. Car accidents involving fire or explosions can cause severe burn injuries. These injuries may require extensive medical treatment, including skin grafts and rehabilitation.
- Facial injuries. Impact with the dashboard, steering wheel, or airbag can cause facial injuries, including fractures, lacerations, or damage to the eyes and teeth.
- A sudden, forceful back-and-forth motion of the neck, commonly associated with rear-end collisions, can cause whiplash. While often considered less serious than other back and neck injuries, severe cases can lead to long-term pain and disability.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Emotional trauma resulting from a car accident can lead to PTSD, affecting mental health and daily functioning.
- Crush injuries. In accidents where a person is trapped or pinned, crush injuries can occur, leading to damage to muscles, nerves, and blood vessels.
It's important to seek immediate medical attention after a car accident, even if injuries initially appear minor. Some injuries may not manifest symptoms immediately, and early intervention can significantly affect recovery. If you or someone you know has sustained serious injuries in a car accident, consulting with a Franklin personal injury attorney can help you explore legal options for compensation.
What are common causes of car accidents in Franklin?
Car accidents can occur due to various factors, often involving a combination of circumstances. Common causes of car accidents include:
- Distracted driving. One of the leading causes of accidents involves distractions such as texting, talking on the phone, eating, or adjusting in-car entertainment systems while driving.
- Exceeding the speed limit or driving too fast for road conditions reduces the driver's ability to react quickly to obstacles or changes in traffic.
- Impaired driving. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs significantly impairs a driver's judgment, coordination, and reaction time.
- Reckless or aggressive driving. Aggressive behaviors such as tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, or road rage can lead to accidents.
- Weather conditions. Adverse weather conditions, such as rain, snow, ice, or fog, can contribute to reduced visibility and slippery road surfaces, leading to accidents.
- Drowsy driving can impair a driver's concentration and reaction time, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Failure to obey traffic signals. Disregarding traffic signals, stop signs, and other road signs can lead to collisions at intersections or along roadways.
- Poor road conditions. Potholes, uneven road surfaces, and inadequate signage can contribute to accidents.
- Vehicle defects. Mechanical failures, such as brake malfunctions or tire blowouts, can lead to accidents. Defective vehicle parts or manufacturing errors may also play a role.
- Inexperienced drivers. Lack of experience or inadequate driver training may contribute to poor decision-making on the road.
- Failure to yield right-of-way. Accidents can occur when drivers fail to yield the right of way at intersections, merge lanes, or make turns.
- Following too closely (tailgating). Insufficient following distance increases the risk of rear-end collisions, especially in sudden braking situations.
- Unsafe lane changes. Failing to signal, improper lane changes, or merging without checking blind spots can lead to collisions.
- Poor visibility. Limited visibility due to factors like heavy rain, fog, or nighttime conditions can contribute to accidents.
Understanding these common causes can help drivers ensure safety on the road. Preventative measures, such as avoiding distractions, obeying traffic laws, and practicing defensive driving, can contribute to reducing the risk of car accidents.
Who is liable for my Franklin car accident?
Determining liability in a car accident depends on the specific circumstances of the collision. Liability is typically assessed based on negligence, which involves establishing that a party failed to exercise a reasonable standard of care, leading to the accident. The liable party is generally the one whose negligence contributed to the accident. Here are some common scenarios for determining liability:
- Negligence of another driver. If another driver's actions, such as speeding, running a red light, or driving drunk, contributed to the accident, that driver may be held liable.
- Vehicle defects. If a car accident is caused by a defect in one of the vehicles, the manufacturer or the party responsible for maintenance may be held liable.
- Poor road conditions. If the accident was caused by hazardous road conditions, the entity responsible for road maintenance may be held liable.
- Government liability. In some cases, accidents involving government vehicles or due to poor road maintenance may lead to liability on the part of the government entity.
If you've been involved in a car accident, consulting with a Franklin auto accident attorney can help assess the specific circumstances of your case and determine liability. An attorney can guide you through the legal process and help you seek compensation for your injuries and damages.
How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, the statute of limitations for filing a car accident claim is generally one year from the date of the accident. This means that you have one year from the date of the collision to initiate legal proceedings against the at-fault party for personal injury or property damage.
However, in cases where the accident involves a government entity, such as a city or county vehicle, there may be specific notice requirements and shorter time frames within which to take legal action.
Remember, failing to file a lawsuit within the specified timeframe may result in the loss of your right to seek compensation for your injuries and losses. There are certain exceptions to this general rule, depending on the specific circumstances of the case, so it's recommended to consult with a Franklin car accident lawyer to understand how the statute of limitations applies to your situation.
Talk to our skilled Franklin car accident lawyers today
If you've been injured in a car accident, don't face the complexities of insurance claims and legal battles alone. Our seasoned team of car accident attorneys is here to stand by your side, fighting tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve. Time is of the essence, so act now to protect your rights. At Rocky McElhaney Law Firm, our Franklin auto accident attorneys are committed to delivering the advocacy and results you need. To schedule a meeting with an experienced lawyer, call our offices or fill out our contact form today.