Sometimes, you don’t need an attorney to settle a car accident claim. Fault isn’t an issue and the insurance company isn’t fighting your accident claim. When this happens, go ahead and celebrate. This is super rare since insurance claims tend to run into a few hiccups. Pretty sure you’re never going to get into a car accident. 

Did you know Nashville reported 24,300 total traffic accidents in 2022? So, when do you know if you should partner with an accident lawyer or handle the claim on your own? We’re looking at some of the common signs indicating it’s time to contact a Nashville accident attorney.

You Injuries Are More Than Minor Scratches

Some vehicle collisions don’t result in significant injuries. Think of a minor fender bender in a parking lot. Sure, you probably have a few sore spots from the seatbelt and whiplash is a common complaint. Even though you’re definitely feeling a little sore and banged up, your injuries are relatively minor. Some over-the-counter pain relief and rest are usually all you need to make a full recovery.

Minor injuries typically require limited medical treatment. You visit your healthcare provider immediately after the accident and maybe another time or two to check your recovery process. In this scenario, your medical expenses are pretty cut and dry. You’re not likely to need ongoing treatment and you’re also probably not going to be hit with surprise medical bills several months after the accident. Settling this type of injury claim is usually pretty easy even without an attorney’s assistance.

It’s different when your injuries are serious. Your medical expenses are higher and you may even have ongoing costs for things like long-term or lifetime care. You should expect the insurance company to balk at paying out higher-value accident claims. This is standard and it’s also when you should probably partner with a Nashville accident attorney. 

You’re also dealing with the Tennessee personal injury law. This is a set of rules regulating injury claims. You’re probably going to need an attorney to navigate the various rules and ensure you can recover compensation.

The At-Fault Driver Is On The Job

Vehicle collisions caused by drivers on the job introduce a whole new set of Tennessee laws. The Volunteer Star state is relatively infamous for its confusing and occasionally contradictory work injury laws. This applies whether you’re injured in a traffic accident while on the job or by someone who is.

There’s a chance you’re dealing with worker’s compensation regulations. This tends to apply if your injuries occur while you’re on the clock. So, if you’re running a work-related errand and are injured in a car accident, worker’s compensation typically picks up the tab. You may not need an attorney to handle a worker’s compensation claim. However, if your employer or their insurer tries to deny your injury claim, get in touch with a Tennessee worker’s compensation attorney.

When you’re injured by someone performing their work duties, get in touch with an experienced accident attorney. Not only are you trying to navigate Tennessee personal injury laws but you’re also taking on the organization’s insurance company. Think of the big guys. These are probably the ones looking for any reason to deny your accident claim.

This can also apply if you’re involved in an accident with a company-owned vehicle. Don’t try to take on the company without an attorney by your side.

Determining Fault is Becoming a Big Problem

Tennessee is both an at-fault and a modified comparative negligence insurance state. To sum it up. You file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance provider. So far, nothing seems too complicated right? Unfortunately, it’s about to get a tad more confusing. Since Tennessee follows modified comparative negligence guidelines, more than one driver can be liable for causing the same vehicle accident.

What does this mean for your car accident claim? Your potential compensation amount is reduced by your percentage of fault. You can still file a claim even if you’re assigned blame, as long as your percentage of fault isn’t over 50%. Guess who frequently has a hand in assigning fault. If you guessed the insurance adjuster, you win a door prize. This can also mean you’re being unfairly assigned blame.

Working with a personal injury attorney can help ensure you’re not taking on more blame than your actions deserve. From hiring accident scene investigators and reconstruction specialists to subpoenaing surveillance camera footage, your attorney can help ensure your potential compensation isn’t being unfairly reduced.

The At-Fault Driver is a Minor

Just when you start thinking Tennessee vehicle accident laws can’t get any more confusing, try tossing a minor into the mix. Laws are significantly different for minors, especially when it comes to filing a personal injury claim.

All drivers with vehicles registered in Tennessee must carry at least the state’s minimum liability insurance requirements. This applies to minors whether it’s a learner’s permit or driver’s license. You simply can’t legally get behind the wheel in the Volunteer State without having car insurance.

Since the minor is probably insured, what’s the big deal about filing an accident claim? The big deal is you’re still dealing with a minor and not a legal adult. The parents or legal guardians may hold the insurance policy. The minor is simply an add-on driver. Yep, this can make the claim process a little more confusing. The law may also prevent you from filing a lawsuit against the minor. You guessed it. This also complicated the compensation process.

To make your life a little easier, it’s usually a good idea to have legal representation anytime you’re filing an injury claim against a minor and their insurance provider.

Working with an Accident Attorney Simplifies the Accident Claim Process

While Tennessee laws aren’t trying to make recovering compensation a frustrating process for accident victims, it’s kind of the intended result. Since most vehicle collisions are exactly minor incidents, it’s usually best to plan on retaining legal counsel.