Surrounded by beautiful rolling hills and pastureland, Tennessee has among the most scenic drives in the US. But before getting too thrilled about it, you should know that some Tennessee roads have treacherous curves and turns.
Winding roads and unpredictable weather in the state increase the likelihood of motor vehicle accidents. That’s particularly dangerous if you are unfamiliar with the terrain. In 2022, Tennessee recorded a total of 435,012 traffic accidents. Of these crashes, 5,882 were suspected serious injuries, and 1,340 resulted in fatalities.
The figures indicate how deadly the roadways are in the state. As the midpoint between the two largest cities in Tennessee, Jackson is one of the common places where accidents occur. Numerous highways and interstates run through the city, including Interstate 40.
Because of its heavy traffic, winding roads, and steep hills, Interstate 40 is one of the deadliest highways in Tennessee. Following safe driving practices will help reduce your risk of getting into an auto accident. However, you can’t control how other motorists behave on the road.
Suppose you or a loved one sustained injuries in a car accident in Jackson, Tennessee. In that case, you can pursue damages from the at-fault party. But you may need an experienced personal injury attorney specializing in car accident claims to get fair compensation.
Insurance companies are not your friend and will do everything to avoid paying the full value of your claim. Fortunately, with an experienced car accident lawyer in Jackson, you can protect your rights and acquire what you legally deserve.
The Personal Injury Center is where you get the legal help you need for your car accident case. We offer a free consultation for injured accident victims to connect them with the right car accident attorney in their area.
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Different Types of Auto Accidents in Jackson
The impact of collision may affect the scope and nature of car accident injuries, which determine the claim’s value. Typically,
Each of the following types of car accidents can result in various injuries and influence the worth of your personal injury claim in Jackson.
Rear-end accidents
Rear-end collisions are the most frequent car accidents but tend to be the least fatal. It’s because they often happen at lower speeds, and the driver in the lead car is further from the impact point.
Most rear-end accidents often take place at stop signs or on congested highways. Typically, they occur when the vehicle in front suddenly stops, and the driver behind is following too closely.
Determining fault in this type of accident depends on specific conditions. However, in many instances, the tailing driver is often presumed to be liable for rear-end collisions. This is due to the universal traffic rules that require motorists to follow vehicles at a safe distance.
It’s worth noting that it’s not always the case for all rear-end collisions. Suppose the front driver fails to use proper precautions or violates traffic rules. In that case, they may also bear responsibility for the crash.
Side-impact accidents
Also known as T-bone collisions, side-impact crashes often occur at intersections when a car crosses a street or roadway. In most side-impact accidents, the driver likely committed one of the following traffic violations:
- Failing to yield to another motorist
- Making an improper turn
- Texting while driving
- Running stop lights or stop signs
Because the sides have less structural protection than the front and back, the impact of these collisions can be devastating. The side of the car may buckle, causing severe injuries or even death of the driver or passenger.
Head-on collisions
While these car wrecks are the least common, head-on collisions are responsible for many traffic fatalities. They usually occur when two vehicles coming from opposite directions collide. There are also instances where a car drives straight into a road barrier or any other stationary object.
The force of the impact in head-on collisions is often substantial. Depending on the traveling speed of a vehicle, the impact force may crumple the hood and result in catastrophic injuries. The damage is more significant when one of the vehicles is larger or traveling at a higher speed.
Determining fault in two-vehicle head-on crashes is usually straightforward because one of the drivers was likely going the wrong way. Unless other factors cause a driver to go in the wrong direction, they will most likely be liable for the accident.
Rollover accidents
Several factors can cause cars to roll over, but most rollover accidents occur due to tripping. A curb, soft soil, or uneven ground shifts the vehicle’s weight to one side, causing it to roll forward or sideways. These crashes may also result when a driver takes a sharp turn at high speed.
All types of vehicles can roll over. But SUVs and pickups are more prone to flip over due to their narrow designs and higher center of gravity. When this happens, the force of a rolling car may eject the occupants. With no time to react, the resulting injuries are most likely catastrophic.
Multi-vehicle car accidents
Some car accidents may involve three or more vehicles. It usually occurs when a line of cars is driving too close, and something goes wrong in the leading vehicle. When traveling too fast or close to another vehicle, drivers can’t stop on time to avoid crashing.
In many multi-vehicle collisions, drivers either hit the brakes too late or swerve into other lanes because of panicked driving. Inclement weather is another common cause, as it can reduce road visibility or cause vehicles to skid on the road.
With multiple vehicles involved, these car wrecks can be particularly devastating. Car accident victims may suffer from various injuries, from neck and back pain to brain injuries and sometimes even wrongful death. Additionally, it may be challenging to determine liability for damages.
Common Car Accident Injuries Sustained in Jackson
Besides the types of car accidents, several factors can affect the severity of injuries sustained after a crash. These can include impact location, body position, and occupant’s pre-existing injuries. That’s why individuals involved in the same crash can suffer different injuries.
Note that regardless of the type of your injuries, it’s essential to get prompt medical attention. Some symptoms may not be visible right after the collision, making it crucial to seek medical care. Physicians are trained to look for specific injuries and their warning signs and symptoms.
The circumstances of each collision are different and are also likely to result in an array of injuries. However, there are common injuries that occur in many auto accidents, such as the following:
Soft-tissue injuries
These are the most common injuries resulting from an auto accident. A sudden trauma from a car crash can damage soft tissues, which include the body’s muscles, ligaments, and tendons. While soft tissue injuries are usually minor, they can also significantly affect an individual’s range of motion.
These car accident injuries can take many forms but listed below are the most frequent ones:
- Sprains
- Strains
- Whiplash
- Contusions
- Lacerations
Neck and back injuries
The force of impact from a car wreck can cause the neck and head to go forward and backward rapidly. This sudden motion can cause damage to the neck and upper back.
Neck and back injuries can also occur if you’re thrown from the car during impact. Victims may sometimes crash with an object inside or outside the vehicle.
No matter the cause, injury to the neck and back may result in significant and debilitating pain. It may prevent an individual from engaging in income-generating activities temporarily or permanently.
Some people may suffer the symptoms of pain and swelling right away. But other car accident victims may not know anything is wrong until days or weeks after the car accident.
Arm and leg injuries
The physical force of a car collision can cause damage to different parts of the body, including the extremities. Injuries to the arms and legs are common in car accidents that involve pedestrians.
Accident victims also frequently sustain these injuries in side-impact and head-on collisions. For instance, if you are in a side-impact crash, the force may throw your arms and legs against the car door.
Some arm and leg injuries may be as minor as a mild sprain. However, they can worsen if you don’t get proper medical treatment, making it hard to retain your former mobility.
Traumatic brain injuries
A traumatic brain injury or TBI happens when the impact of a car crash causes a violent blow or jolt to the head. It can also occur when a foreign object pierces the skull, damaging the brain tissue.
Some TBIs are mild and have temporary effects. However, more severe impacts can lead to permanent physical damage to the brain. Even mild forms of TBI can be life-threatening if not properly diagnosed and treated. In the worst cases, these types of car accident injuries can result in death.
Spinal cord injuries
A traumatic blow from a car crash can cause damage to your spinal cord and surrounding tissues. That includes the ligaments, discs, and vertebrae. When this injury occurs, it can cause chronic pain in many different areas of the body.
Some spinal cord injuries are minor and will heal over time. Unfortunately, others can be more serious and lead to life-altering injuries, such as paralysis. That can result in losing the ability to feel sensation or control movement.
It’s worth noting that a minor spinal cord injury may worsen without prompt medical attention. They can lead to medical complications and the need for surgical intervention. To prevent this from happening, accident victims must see a doctor even if they don’t feel any symptoms.
Why do you need a Jackson car accident lawyer?
Car accident cases in Jackson, Tennessee, can be tricky to navigate. Legal complexities can affect your personal injury claim. These may include determining who is at fault, when to report a motor vehicle crash, and deadlines for filing a lawsuit.
While hiring experienced Jackson car accident attorneys is not a requirement for filing a lawsuit, working with one is always beneficial. If you still need to figure out why, a few ways lawyers can help your car accident case are below.
Prove fault and collect evidence
Proving liability is essential to make
An experienced car accident lawyer will use several strategies to determine liability for the accident. They will investigate every aspect of your crash and gather evidence to show that you’re not at fault.
An attorney will collect the following to build and strengthen your personal injury case.
- Police report
- Medical records
- Photos and traffic video footage
- Eyewitness accounts
- Reports from expert witnesses
Meet critical legal requirements and deadlines
Not all car accident claims are valid. There are critical requirements and deadlines that you need to fulfill before you can file a claim or a lawsuit.
For instance, under § 55-12-110 of the Tennessee Code (Code), injured accident victims must show proof of damages sustained. They must submit an affidavit or an accident report indicating the amount of damages they suffered.
Additionally, there’s a statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit. Based on § 28-3-104, victims have one year to maintain a cause of action for personal injuries. Meanwhile, you have three years to file a claim for property damage under § 28-3-105.
An experienced car accident attorney knows all the personal injury laws and rules relevant to your car accident case. They can give you legal advice about your situation and what is the best possible action. Lastly, lawyers will ensure that you comply with the state’s legal requirements and limitations.
Secure fair car accident compensation
The
Section 29-39-102 of the Code stipulates that car accident victims who sustained injuries can recover economic and non-economic damages. Examples of economic losses may include medical expenses, property damage, and lost wages. Meanwhile, non-economic damages may cover pain and suffering, disfigurement, loss of enjoyment, and mental anguish.
A personal injury attorney considers all that when assessing the full value of your claim. Thus, they know precisely what fair compensation should be. With the car accident attorney’s experience and negotiating tactics, they can help you secure fair compensation.
Represent you in court if necessary
You can make a car accident claim from the
Accident victims may opt not to hire a lawyer. But without legal representation, the risk of losing the trial is exceptionally high. Let a personal injury attorney represent and handle your case if you want to increase your chances of getting a favorable verdict.
Injured in an Auto Accident? Go to The Personal Injury Center
The aftermath of a car wreck is usually stressful and devastating. Besides the physical and emotional pain that accident victims endure, there are also financial burdens. Fortunately, you don’t have to go through it alone.
With the help of an experienced car accident attorney, you can get monetary compensation for your injuries and losses. A lawyer can advocate for your legal rights while you’re recovering. Through The Personal Injury Center, finding a reliable attorney to handle your case is easier than ever.
Obtain a free case evaluation from us today. We will connect you to a reputable law firm with experienced personal injury lawyers.
FAQs on Jackson Car Accident Lawyer
What are the critical qualities to look for in a car accident lawyer?
Car accident lawyers have different backgrounds and personalities. But when looking for the best one to handle your case, here are the critical qualities you should consider:
- Knowledgeable of the state and federal laws relevant to your car accident case
- Has years of experience in handling car accident claims
- Possesses strong communication and negotiation skills
- Has significant trial experience
- Has an excellent track record of car accident settlements and verdicts
What steps should you take if you are in a car accident?
Your actions after a car crash or truck accident can significantly affect your case. If you are in an auto accident, be mindful of the following:
- Don’t leave the accident scene.
- Contact emergency services, especially if someone gets injured.
- Report the incident to the police department.
- Exchange personal information with the other motorist involved.
- Take photos and videos of the crash scene.
- Inform your insurance provider about the accident.
- Consult with an experienced car accident lawyer.
How much is the average car accident award?
The compensation you get after a car accident depends on critical factors. These include the type of injuries, the state's caps on damages, and shared fault. But with some exceptions, the most you can recover for non-economic damages in Jackson, Tennessee, is $750,000.
