White car with smashed bumper from accidentAuto Accident Lawyer Memphis, TN

If you were hurt in an auto accident, it’s important to discuss your case with an auto accident lawyer in Memphis, TN. You may be entitled to receive compensation for your losses. Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about auto accidents.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Auto Accidents?

Thousands of people get into auto accidents every year in the U.S. While some of the accidents occur due to poor road conditions or bad weather, many of them are the result of driver error. If motorists act negligently while behind the wheel, they are more likely to cause an accident. Common causes of auto accidents include speeding, drunk driving, tailgating, drowsy driving and distracted driving.

Should I Take Photos of the Accident Scene?

If you are physically able to, you should definitely take photos of the auto accident scene. Clear photos are one of the strongest pieces of evidence you can have for your case. Take photos of all the vehicles involved in the accident, skid marks on the road and traffic signs.

Is It Okay to Give a Recorded Statement to the Insurance Company?

No, this is not a good idea. If the at-fault driver’s insurance company contacts you and asks you to provide a recorded statement, politely decline. If you agree to give a recorded statement, the insurance company may try to twist what you say to get out of paying you what you deserve.

How Much Will an Attorney Cost Me?

Unfortunately, some people shy away from hiring an auto accident lawyer in Memphis, TN because they assume they can’t afford one. However, you will be relieved to know that most of these lawyers work on a contingency basis. This means your lawyer will take a fee out of your settlement at the end. If you don’t win your case, you won’t owe any money.

What Damages Can I Seek?

If you were injured in an auto accident caused by another motorist, you may be eligible to receive a variety of damages, including medical bills, lost wages and emotional distress. If you suffered a permanent disability from the accident, you may qualify for future medical costs and loss of earning capacity. 

Why Do I Need a Car Accident Lawyer?

When an accident occurs, the last thing you want to think about is hiring a car accident lawyer. Unfortunately, when someone else causes a car accident it’s important for you to think about their insurance company, medical bills, and lost wages.

You will need to hire an auto accident lawyer in Memphis TN because they know how to negotiate with the insurance companies. They are able to give you an estimate of how much your case is worth. This can help you decide whether or not you want to pursue legal action against the at-fault party.

How Long Does It Take To Settle A Car Accident Case?

This depends on how complicated your case is. Many cases can be resolved in months or even weeks, while others last years and require multiple court dates and depositions. In some cases, it may be clear who was at fault, but in other instances, you will not know what really happened until an investigation is conducted. You can trust your attorney to keep you informed throughout the process so that you understand exactly what he’s doing to help you get compensated fairly.

How do I know if I need a lawyer for an auto accident?

There are multiple types of compensation you may be entitled to receive after an accident. If your injuries are minor, then you may be able to resolve your case on your own without the need for a lawyer’s help. But if your injury is more serious, then you will want to hire a personal injury attorney to help you.

How much do car accident lawyers charge?

Auto accident lawyers in Memphis, TN generally work on a contingency fee basis. This means that they charge only if they win your case. When they win, they take a percentage of the money they recover for you as their fee. This varies from one lawyer to another but is typically around 33% of the amount recovered. … It is important to note that you will still have to pay costs associated with your case even if it does not win.

Many people are reluctant to contact a lawyer after they have been injured in an auto accident. There are a number of commonly held misconceptions about what the process will be like when working with an attorney, and many people worry that the legal issues involved in their case will be too complex for them to understand.

But it is important to remember that you do not need to be afraid of your own case and you are never required to make any decisions about your legal options without first consulting your own auto accident lawyer in Memphis TN from Darrell Castle & Associates and getting the answers you need.

How Much Is My Auto Accident Worth?

If you’ve been injured in an auto accident in Memphis TN your first thought may be, “How much is my accident worth”? The worth of an auto accident personal injury varies from case to case. Each driver’s injuries are different, some being far more severe than others. The severity of your injuries, how thorough an investigation is conducted, what evidence is produced, and other factors play a significant role in calculating your recovery amount. But, in general, you can expect a larger recovery amount the greater your injuries. For example, someone with a traumatic brain injury is likely to receive more than someone who has minor injuries.

Aside from the natural cost of your damages (e.g., medical bills, ambulance transportation bill, lost earnings), your recovery amount is based on whether you played a role in the accident, whether another driver or commercial company is at fault, and whether you also sue for punitive damages. But whatever you sue for, the judge has the final say on what to award you. Thus, it is always ideal to include as much as you can and to be specifical and thorough regarding any damages you sustained.

Damages Are Broken Into Three Categories

There are three categories under which you may seek financial compensation following your auto accident. They are compensatory damages, punitive damages, and nominal damages. Compensation damages include lost earnings, medical bills, car repair bills, pain and suffering, etc. Punitive damages are damages that you seek to punish the at-fault driver for reckless, wanton, or malicious behavior, such as the at-fault driver trying to purposely run you off the road due to road rage. A judge will only award you punitive damages if you’re at first awarded compensatory or nominal damages. Nominal damages can be as low as $1. This is monitor compensation that you get when you weren’t injured, but you would still like to prove that negligence occurred and your rights were violated. Rather than tackle these alone, let an experienced auto accident lawyer in Memphis TN handle this for you.

How Does Comparative Fault Work?

Tennessee follows a comparative fault law. It is also known as comparative negligence. Under this law, your recovery amount will be reduced based on the percentage of fault you’re responsible for in causing the accident. If you are more than 49% at fault, you’re prohibited from seeking recovery. This is why hiring the reputable lawyers of Darrell Castle & Associates is in your best interest. You can depend on us to conduct an investigation that proves you’re not 50% or more at fault. 

Bear in mind that comparative fault can be split amongst multiple parties. For example, if the at-fault driver is 60% responsible because of speeding, that driver can turn around and say the car’s manufacturer is 30% to blame for installing faulty brakes.

How Do I Prove Negligence?

You prove negligence by showing that:

  1. The at-fault driver owed you a duty,
  2. The at-fault driver breached that duty,
  3. The at-fault driver’s breach resulted in an accident, and
  4. That accident is the proximate cause of your injuries.

If you sustained an injury in an auto accident, schedule a consultation with an auto accident lawyer in Memphis, TN from Darrell Castle & Associates today.