Many people wonder whether they should hire a lawyer after an auto accident in Brentwood, TN. While not everyone will require legal representation, it’s always wise to consult an attorney to discuss the specifics of your collision.
You may be surprised by what you learn during a free consultation with a Brentwood car accident lawyer. Some people are unaware of the damages they can pursue under Tennessee law. Others may be facing pushback from an insurance company and are unsure how to proceed.
Below, we discuss the benefits of hiring an attorney after a collision in Brentwood, including how legal representation can help you secure a higher payout.
A Thorough Investigation of Your Car Crash
One of the first steps your attorney will take is to fully investigate the circumstances of the car accident. They’ll likely begin this process as soon as you hire them because evidence fades over time.
For example, your lawyer may do the following:
- Speak with you in-depth regarding your account of what happened
- Visit the accident scene to take photos and videos
- Obtain a copy of the crash report
- Interview eyewitnesses
- Request surveillance footage that captured the crash
- Obtain copies of your medical records
The evidence-gathering process is essential to the success of your car accident claim. If there are questions regarding liability or other complex issues, your Brentwood car accident attorney may also consult expert witnesses.
For example, an accident reconstructionist can provide insight into how a crash occurred. This can help identify the at-fault driver and other pertinent information.
An Accurate Assessment of Economic and Non-Economic Damages
Under Tennessee personal injury law, a car accident victim is entitled to pursue compensation for both economic and non-economic damages, including:
- Medical bills for treatment
- Future medical expenses
- Physical therapy
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Lost income and benefits
- Reduced earning capacity
- Emotional distress
- Diminished quality of life
- Loss of companionship
As you can see, many people can seek recovery for future damages. For example, you may have suffered an injury that requires ongoing medical treatment. Your future earning potential may be negatively affected due to your injuries.
It can be challenging to accurately assess these losses without an attorney’s assistance. Non-economic damages like pain and suffering are also difficult to quantify.
Experienced Brentwood personal injury lawyers know how to determine what your case is worth. They may even work with financial experts in some cases.
You only have one chance to pursue a financial recovery. The goal is to get you fully compensated for your car accident injuries, past and future.
A Skilled Negotiator To Deal With Aggressive Insurance Adjusters
Once your attorney has identified and calculated your economic and non-economic losses, they’ll begin the negotiation process. This usually starts with sending a demand letter to the at-fault driver’s auto insurance company.
Most times, an adjuster will respond with a settlement offer that is lower than you deserve. There may be several rounds of back-and-forth communications between the parties.
In some cases, an insurance adjuster will attempt to shift blame to the car accident victim. In doing so, they’re trying to use Tennessee’s modified comparative negligence law to limit (or deny) liability.
Under this theory, your compensation can be reduced or barred altogether, depending on your apportioned fault. Your attorney will protect you from unsubstantiated claims and demand proof of your alleged fault. They won’t allow an insurance company to take advantage of you.
A Tennessee car accident claim is typically resolved when the parties enter into a settlement agreement. However, your case may proceed to the litigation phase if the insurance company refuses to settle for the amount you deserve.
An Advocate To Pursue Your Brentwood Car Accident Case in Court, If Necessary
If settlements break down or the Tennessee statute of limitations is near, your attorney will likely file a formal personal injury lawsuit with the court. This will begin the discovery process, which could include depositions and exchanging information.
The parties may reach an agreement during this phase, or the case may proceed to trial. The lawsuit could be resolved anytime before a jury renders a verdict.
A skilled Brentwood personal injury attorney will represent you throughout this process and at trial. You’ll want legal representation to help you navigate the Tennessee courts and civil procedures involved.
Schedule a Free Consultation With an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer in Brentwood, Tennessee
As you can see, an attorney has many roles during the process of a car accident case. If you’re unsure whether you need legal services, it’s best to schedule a free initial consultation with a few lawyers. That way, you can make an informed decision on how to move forward.
Harlene Labrum is the founder of Labrum Law Firm Personal Injury Lawyers, a personal injury law firm with offices in Brentwood. Her legal team has nearly a decade of experience representing accident and injury victims throughout Tennessee. Contact them today to schedule a free initial consultation.
