Car Accident FAQ
Answers from an experienced Nashville lawyer
When you’ve been hurt in a Nashville car accident, you may not know what to do next. You’ve been injured, you may have to miss time from work and your car has been wrecked. You feel you deserve compensation, but right now everything seems confusing and frustrating. All you have are lots of questions.
For more than 20 years, The Law Office of Eric Beasley has been helping people find answers after they were involved in a car crash. He is completely honest with clients about what to expect and guides them through the legal process every step of the way. He fights to help them get the compensation they need and deserve.
Here are some of the questions many people have about car accidents:
- Do I need to see a doctor after a car accident?
- How do I get a copy of my police report?
- What if the accident was partly my fault?
- Do I have to report the accident to my insurance company?
- Should I accept a settlement offer from the insurance company?
- What types of damages can I get in my case?
- What is my car accident case worth?
- How long will it take to resolve my car accident case?
- Do I need a lawyer for minor car accidents?
- Why should I hire The Law Office of Eric Beasley?
Learn more about how we can help. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. We can review the details of your accident, explain your legal options and answer any additional questions you have. If we do take your case, we work on a contingency fee basis. That means you owe us nothing until we recover compensation for you.
Do I need to see a doctor after a car accident?
Yes. Following your accident, you may be shaken up but otherwise feel fine. Going to the doctor may not seem necessary. We strongly advise getting checked out, anyway. You could have suffered a head injury or internal injury but aren’t showing any outward symptoms yet. The only way to make sure you are OK is to have a doctor examine you. A doctor can also document the injuries you have. This documentation can help your case for financial compensation.
How do I get a copy of my police report?
There are several ways to get a copy of your official Tennessee car accident report. You can contact local law enforcement or the Tennessee Highway Patrol and request a copy of your Tennessee Traffic Crash Report. However, you will likely have to pay a fee for your car accident report. And understanding this document can sometimes be challenging.
Fortunately, there’s an easier way to get a copy of your car accident report. Simply contact our law firm. We will get a copy of your report and review it with you. It’s that simple.
What if the accident was partly my fault?
Comparative fault may be an issue in a lawsuit alleging negligence. Under Tennessee law, courts follow the doctrine of modified comparative fault. A defendant may allege that the injured person is responsible for some or all the damages because of his or her own negligence in causing or contributing to the accident. This means that you may not recover damages if you are found to be 50 percent or more responsible for the crash. If you are less than 50 percent responsible, however, you still may be able to receive a damages award that is proportionate to the defendant’s degree of fault.
Do I have to report the accident to my insurance company?
Yes. No matter who is at fault, you need to report a car accident to your own insurance company. If you fail to do so, it may complicate your case and result in a delay of the processing of your claim. When you report the accident, keep it simple and stick to basic information. Tell your insurance company the location of the accident happened, the time and date of the crash and the names of the parties involved. Also tell them if you suffered any injuries, but don’t answer any questions or give a statement. Instead, explain you need to talk to a lawyer first.
Should I accept a settlement offer from the insurance company?
Shortly after your car accident, you may be contacted by the insurance company with a settlement offer. They’ll make it sound like it’s the best that they can do, but they may promise quick payment. As your medical expenses and other bills pile up, it can be attempting to accept it. Not so fast. Their offer will fall far short of covering all the damages you have suffered. It’s always in your best interests to talk to an experienced car accident lawyer before accepting any settlement offer from the insurance company.
What types of damages can I get in my case?
Some damages are economic, meaning there’s an exact dollar value that can be assigned to them. Examples include the medical expenses for treating your injuries, both now and in the future. Another example is lost wages if you couldn’t work. Other damages are non-economic, and don’t have an exact dollar value. These include pain and suffering, emotional distress and any disability or disfigurement you experienced. An experienced attorney can determine the total amount of damages you have suffered and help you recover compensation.
What is my car accident case worth?
There’s no simple answer to that question as it depends on many different factors. These include the type and severity of the injuries you suffered in the crash and whether you were left with a permanent disability. Other factors include time missed from work because of injury, whether you missed time from work because of those injuries and property damage. Attorney Beasley can give you a better idea of how much you can expect to recover.
How long will it take to resolve my car accident case?
Every case is different. Some cases are more straightforward than others and can be resolved in a matter of months. Other cases are more complex and can take years to resolve. For example, a negligent party may be willing to go to court, or there may be multiple parties involved in the crash. In general, cases take longer if they are more complex and there is a lot of money at stake. Attorney Beasley can give you an honest assessment of your case.
Do I need a lawyer for minor car accidents?
You might think you don’t need an attorney because your car accident was a crash was a “minor” one. But the reality is many car accidents – even seemingly minor ones – turn out to be complicated legal cases. Your costs may be higher than you think, and the at-fault driver’s insurance company will often do everything they can to reduce or deny your injury claim. This is why it’s critical that you have an experienced car accident lawyer handling your settlement claim or lawsuit on your behalf.
Why should I hire The Law Office of Eric Beasley?
Our firm has helped thousands of clients in the Nashville are recover the compensation they deserve after a car accident. You can expect an honest assessment of your case. If we represent you, you can expect us to put in the hard work needed to resolve your case in a way that meets your needs. Attorney Eric Beasley continues to receive referrals from former clients. Read our testimonials to learn about their experience with us.