When you have been injured in a car wreck, the future can look alarmingly uncertain. You may not be able to work. Medical bills may pile up while the loss of income drains your savings. You need some sense of getting out of this challenging situation. You need a skilled Clarksville car accident attorney on your side. You need Pete Olson.
In the comprehensive guide below, our car accident lawyer in Clarksville, TN, discusses everything you should know about crashes and collisions, from common causes and injuries to determining fault and dealing with insurance companies.
Common Causes of Car Wrecks in Clarksville
At Pete Olson Injury Law, we represent clients who have been injured in car accidents caused by:
- Speeding
- Drunk driving
- Negligent drivers
- Defective auto parts
- Distracted driving (including texting)
- Poor infrastructure or road conditions
We consider it important that our clients understand how we are going to help them, what steps to expect, and how the process works. Our clients appreciate knowing the game plan in advance. Every step of the way, you will be kept updated on the status of your case because we refuse to leave our clients in the dark.
We Have Won Compensation for Clients Who Suffered a Range of Injuries
Car wrecks are a leading cause of injury and death worldwide. The severity and type of injury sustained in a car accident depend on various factors such as the speed of impact, the angle of collision, and the size differences between the vehicles. Our team has secured compensation for victims who sustained the following types of injuries:
- Whiplash. This neck injury occurs when the head suddenly jerks forward and then snaps back, causing damage to the neck muscles and ligaments. Symptoms include neck pain, stiffness, and headaches. Long-term effects can include chronic neck pain and limited range of motion.
- Head injuries. These can range from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries. Symptoms may include headaches, dizziness, and confusion. Long-term effects can include cognitive impairment and personality changes.
- Broken bones. Fractures are common in car accidents, especially in the arms, legs, and ribs. Long-term effects can include chronic pain and limited mobility.
- Spinal cord injuries. These can result in partial or complete paralysis, depending on the severity of the injury. Symptoms may include numbness, tingling, and loss of sensation. Long-term effects can include chronic pain and disability.
- Internal injuries. These can occur when the body is subjected to sudden impact or force, including damage to internal organs such as the liver, spleen, or kidneys. Symptoms may include abdominal pain and difficulty breathing. Long-term effects can include organ failure and chronic pain.
It is important to seek medical attention immediately following a car accident to assess and treat any injuries, even if you think the other driver was at fault and someone else should pay. Get your injuries taken care of, and then GET PETE! to take care of the rest.
How is Fault Determined After a Car Accident
In certain instances, establishing fault for an accident is straightforward. Yet, for other incidents, determining the responsible driver can be more intricate. Various factors and specific documentation may be employed to ascertain whether negligence played a role in causing the accident.
Below are some of the factors that are taken into account when determining fault after a car accident in Clarksville:
- Police reports
- Photo evidence
- Eyewitnesses
- Hospital records
- Traffic laws
To learn more about any of the fault-determining factors listed above, we’ve got you covered.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Clarksville
Remaining calm and taking the proper steps after a car accident in Clarksville, TN, is crucial for ensuring everyone's safety and protecting your rights. Below, we discuss eight important steps to follow to improve your chances of receiving compensation.
- Keep Calm and Be Safe: If possible, move to a safe area away from traffic and call emergency services if anyone is injured. Remember that you should move yourself, not the vehicle. It’s best to wait until the police arrive before moving your car.
- Warn Oncoming Drivers: Turn on your hazard lights and set up warning cones or flares if necessary.
- Get the Other Driver’s Insurance Info: Exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver(s) involved.
- Documentation is Key: Take photographs of the accident scene, damage to vehicles, and any visible injuries.
- Witness Accounts: Obtain contact information from any witnesses present.
- Get Medical Attention ASAP: While some of the steps listed above may not be possible if you’re badly injured, even if you don't feel injured, some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and it’s imperative that you seek medical attention as soon as you are able.
- Talk to Your Insurer: It’s important to notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. However, you should not sign a settlement until you’ve spoken to an experienced Clarksville car accident attorney.
- Seek Legal Assistance: Contact an experienced car accident lawyer. From handling insurance conversations to obtaining justice for your injuries, it’s never a good idea to go at it alone unless you have a vast knowledge of Tennessee law.
Why You Should Hire a Clarksville Car Accident Attorney
When you’re in a car crash, it’s tempting to handle everything yourself. You may think that you’ll get back to normal as quickly as possible if you comply with the insurance company and follow their instructions. While that’s the ideal, it’s rarely the reality. The truth is that you probably shouldn’t negotiate a car crash by yourself.
Making Mistakes
A lot goes into a successful car accident claim. You need all the right evidence, a police report, a medical report, and verified information, among other things. Collecting all the right evidence is difficult and time-consuming on its own, but can be even worse when you’re recovering from a serious injury.
You also need to be extremely careful when speaking to the insurance company. Tenessee is a comparative negligence state, meaning that each driver in the crash is assigned a percentage of the fault. If you say something as simple as, “I didn’t see them coming” or “I tried to swerve away.” the insurance company might redistribute your fault, leaving you with a smaller settlement or even no settlement at all.
Obtaining Justice
Hiring an attorney eliminates a lot of the risk involved in negotiating a car accident. An experienced Clarksville car accident attorney knows what evidence to collect and how to present it to give clients the best possible chance of a fair settlement.
According to certain studies, 85% of successful car crash claimants are people represented by an attorney. Not only that, but the compensation they receive is typically triple that of the successful injured who represent their own case.
Most important is that injury attorneys work on a “contingency fee” basis. That means their services are free until they have secured their clients the justice they deserve.
How to Find the Best Car Accident Attorney in Clarksville?
Finding the right lawyer to handle your crash plays a major part in the outcome. After all, not all injury attorneys are the same. Some specialize in wrecks, while others specialize in slip and falls. Experience matters.
Below, we offer tips that can make finding the best car accident attorney in Clarksville, TN, a little bit easier.
- Talk to your loved ones. There's a good chance that you trust your family and friends more than anyone else, so start there. Ask around and see if any of your loved ones have had positive experiences with car accident attorneys.
- Read online reviews. See what former clients had to say about their representation. And we're not suggesting that you read reviews on the attorney's website, those can be hand-selected. Go to an attorney's Google business profile and read honest reviews from past clients.
- Do some interviewing. Most personal injury firms will offer a free case evaluation. That means you can get a feel for representation before committing. Think of some questions that would be helpful for your unique case, and call around and make sure the car accident attorney you hire has everything you want.
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Our Clarksville Car Accident Lawyer Will Deal With Insurance Companies
Our Clarksville Car Accident Lawyer Will Deal With Insurance CompaniesToo often, people end up in discussions with insurance companies after an accident. The adjusters will try to convince people to take settlements that are worth a fraction of the actual value of the case.
You should never discuss your case with insurance companies. Leave that to a lawyer who has experience in case valuation. Our car crash lawyer in Clarksville, TN, can accurately assess the level of compensation you need to cover your medical bills and other current losses while also ensuring your future needs are met.
Pete Olson Injury Law Secures Multimillion-Dollar Settlements and Verdicts
At Pete Olson Injury Law, our firm is committed to helping people secure the compensation they need to put their lives back together.
Clarksville car accident attorney Pete Olson has over 30 years of experience and has built a record of success by obtaining favorable results in thousands of cases and multimillion-dollar settlements and verdicts.
Contact Our Proven Personal Injury Law Firm for a Free Case Evaluation
You do not have to face life's challenges after an automobile accident without support. Instead, turn to Pete Olson Injury Attorneys. We collect attorney's fees only if we secure compensation for you. To schedule a free initial consultation, call 877-GET-PETE or click the button below.
