Chattanooga Car Accident Lawyers

Car accidents can be physically and emotionally jarring. They often leave individuals grappling with injuries, vehicle damage and insurance claims. In such stressful times, having the guidance of a knowledgeable legal advocate can make a difference in the outcome of your personal injury case.

In the heart of the Tennessee Valley, Harriss and Hartman Law Firm, P.C., provides representation to those affected by car accidents in the Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Rossville, Georgia, areas. With more than 100 combined years of experience and a commitment to client advocacy, our seasoned team understands the challenges that you may be facing after a collision and will provide you with strategic legal representation.

With offices in Rossville and Chattanooga, we serve clients in northwest Georgia and southeast Tennessee. We offer free initial consultations and charge no fee unless you recover compensation. Contact us at 706-406-1649 or through our online form for guidance on how to seek maximum compensation for your losses.

What Kinds Of Auto Accident Cases Can Harriss and Hartman Law Firm, P.C. Handle?

At Harriss and Hartman Law Firm, P.C., our car accident lawyers handle various auto accident cases, including:

• Pedestrian accidents: These involve pedestrians injured or killed due to driver negligence while walking, running or standing on sidewalks, crosswalks or roadways.
• Truck accidents: Our attorneys handle complex cases involving 18-wheelers, semi trucks and other commercial vehicles. Common causes of accidents are driver fatigue, improper loading and mechanical failures.
• Motorcycle accidents: These involve injured motorcyclists who face inherent vulnerabilities, such as lack of protection and biased perceptions.
• Bicycle accidents: Our team represents bicyclists injured in collisions with cars, trucks and other vehicles, navigating disputes over right of way, helmet laws and road hazards.
• Rideshare accidents: Our attorneys handle cases involving Uber, Lyft and other rideshare services, including accidents caused by driver negligence, inadequate vehicle maintenance and company policies.

From the moment you first come to our office until your case is resolved, you will be communicating directly with our Chattanooga car crash attorneys. They understand the consequences of auto accident injuries and will help you hold responsible parties accountable.

How Can A Chattanooga Car Wreck Attorney Help With Your Car Accident Claim?

After a car accident, everything can feel overwhelming. Whether it involves dealing with insurance companies or understanding your legal options, the process can seem daunting. During this stage, a car accident lawyer can take on the burden of handling your case. That can help allow you to focus on your recovery.

Below are the various ways our Chattanooga car accident lawyers can be of help:

• Extensive legal knowledge: Our attorneys are well-versed in personal injury law and can easily navigate the complexities of your case.
• Investigation and the gathering of evidence: They thoroughly conduct investigations to gather evidence, including police reports, medical records and witness statements, to strengthen your claim.
• Negotiation skills: Our lawyers can negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to pursue fair compensation for your injuries, medical expenses and other damages.
• Litigation support: If necessary, our team is prepared to take your case to court and advocate for your rights before a judge and jury.

If you are facing various legal and logistical challenges, an attorney can provide invaluable support during this difficult time.

Can You File A Car Accident Claim In A Different State Than Where You Live?

Yes. You can file a car accident claim in a state different from the one you live in. If you commute between Tennessee and Georgia and get into an accident in either state, you may be eligible to file a claim in that state.

What Steps Should You Take After A Car Crash?

After a car crash, it is crucial to prioritize your safety. Among the critical steps to take are the following:

• Move to a safe location, if it is possible.
• Call 911 or report the accident to the authorities.
• Document the scene, your injury and any property damage with photos and videos.
• Exchange information with the other parties involved.
• Do not say sorry or admit fault to anyone at the scene.
• Contact a car accident attorney as soon as possible.
• Seek medical attention, even if you think you are not seriously injured.

It is vital to seek medical attention right away because the injuries resulting from vehicle accidents can be extremely severe. Injuries to the spinal cord can be long-lasting and brain injuries can be permanent. Untreated injuries may also lead to serious health conditions and even wrongful death.

How Long Do You Have To File A Car Accident In Tennessee And Georgia?

The statute of limitations for filing a car accident claim varies between Tennessee and Georgia. It is essential to know these limits, as failing to file a claim within the specified period can lead to losing your right to seek compensation.

Statute Of Limitations In Tennessee

In Tennessee, you have one year from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. This means that you must file a lawsuit within 12 months of the accident, or you may be barred from pursuing compensation.

Statute Of Limitations In Georgia

In Georgia, you have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury claim. While this provides a longer time frame than the one in Tennessee, it is still important to take prompt action to protect your rights.

Is Tennessee A No-Fault State?

No, Tennessee is not a no-fault state. This means that fault is assigned to one or both parties involved in the accident, and the at-fault party’s insurance company is liable for damages. However, Tennessee uses a comparative negligence rule that means that you can only file for damages so long as your percentage of fault for the wreck is under 50%.

Is Georgia A No-Fault State?

No, Georgia is not a no-fault state. Like Tennessee, fault is assigned to one or both parties involved in the accident, and the at-fault party’s insurance company is liable for damages. Under Georgia’s comparative negligence laws, you can file a claim even if you are partially at fault for the wreck, so long as your degree of fault is less than 50%.

What Are Common Types Of Car Accidents?

Car accidents come in all shapes and forms, including:

• Rear-end collisions, when one vehicle crashes into the back of another
• T-bone collisions, when one vehicle strikes the side of another
• Head-on collisions, which often involve wrong-way drivers or drivers driving left of center
• Sideswipe accidents, which often occur during lane changes or merging
• Multivehicle pileups, which frequently occur on highways due to chain reactions
• Rollover accidents, when a vehicle flips over onto its side or roof, usually rounding a turn
• Hit-and-run accidents, where a driver flees the scene
• Distracted driving accidents caused by overconfident drivers who are multitasking
• Drunk driving accidents caused by drivers who are inebriated or on drugs

Uninsured and underinsured motorists are also an issue that can complicate any of these cases.

What Are Common Causes Of Car Wrecks?

The vast majority of car wrecks are caused by nothing more than simple human negligence. That can take the form of:

• Using a cell phone while driving
• Other types of distracted driving
• Aggressive or reckless driving
• Speeding or going too slow
• Failure to adjust to the weather conditions
• Fatigued or drowsy driving
• Improper lane changes or turns
• Running red lights or stop signs
• Looking at a GPS or adjusting the radio

Whatever the cause, common injuries include things like broken bones, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries and severe emotional distress.

What Types Of Damages Can You Receive In A Car Accident Claim?

It takes an experienced attorney to properly value a claim, but you can generally ask for compensation for both your economic and noneconomic losses. Economic losses are things like medical bills and lost wages, while noneconomic losses include your pain and suffering. In rare cases, when the at-fault driver acted recklessly or intentionally, you may be awarded punitive damages, which are designed to punish the driver’s bad behavior.

Is A Car Accident Settlement Taxable?

In general, personal injury settlements are not taxable because they are considered compensation for a loss, not income.

Should You Accept The First Settlement Offer From An Insurance Company?

No. You should not accept an insurance company’s first settlement offer without first speaking with a Chattanooga car accident lawyer. While insurance companies may quickly offer you a settlement, the amount can be less than adequate.

Following an auto accident, you may miss work and fall behind on your bills. Our seasoned personal injury attorneys will take away your burden of dealing with the insurance companies and will work diligently to try to secure a settlement that reflects the true value of your claim.

What Are The Most Dangerous Roads In Chattanooga?

Chattanooga has its share of dangerous roads. These include:

• I-24
• I-75
• US-27
• Ooltewah-Ringgold Road
• Apison Pike

These roads have high volumes of traffic, complex intersections and hazardous conditions. Such factors can make them prone to accidents.

Local Resources For Car Accident Victims In Chattanooga, Tennessee

If you have been involved in a car accident in Chattanooga, below are some local resources that may be helpful.

Local Hospitals

Erlanger Health System, Parkridge Medical Center and CHI Memorial Hospital are among the hospitals that provide emergency medical care and treatment for injuries sustained in car accidents.

Police Stations

A police report can serve as evidence in your car accident claim. After calling the police to the accident scene, they will create a report. You can obtain a copy of the report from the Chattanooga Police Department or Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office.

Car Repair Shops

Your vehicle may require repairs or replacement. Local car repair shops include A-1 Towing & Repair, Tire World & Auto Service and Hixson Transmission & Total Care.

Towing Services

You may also need to have your vehicle towed. Towing services include the American Tow & Recovery, Bell’s Towing and Maxi Auto Service.

Learn How To Seek Justice In A Free Consultation With A Chattanooga Car Accident Attorney

Don’t face the aftermath of a car accident alone. If you have been injured in a collision in Tennessee or Georgia, our dedicated legal team at Harriss and Hartman Law Firm, P.C., is here to help. With our attorneys’ experience and commitment to meeting your needs, they will fight to seek justice, protect your rights and pursue fair compensation. Call 706-406-1649 or complete our online form today for a free initial consultation. We also have a Spanish translator to assist in both English and Spanish.