Personal Injury

Knoxville Car Wreck Attorney

Auto Accidents

Injured in a car accident? Our Knoxville auto accident attorneys fight for the full compensation you deserve after a crash.

Auto accidents can cause serious injuries and financial stress. Burks & Ogle helps you make your personal injury claim.

Injured in a Car Accident in Tennessee? Here's What You Need to Know

A car accident can change your life in an instant. From painful injuries to mounting medical bills, the aftermath is overwhelming. Insurance companies want to settle quickly and for as little as possible, but you deserve more than just a quick payout. You deserve to recover fully: physically, financially, and emotionally.

At Burks & Ogle, we fight for people just like you. We help you get the compensation you deserve, while you focus on healing.

Call (865) 522-4964 or contact us online now to schedule your Free Consultation.

Common Auto Accident Injuries in Tennessee

Injuries from auto accidents can range from minor to fatal. The most common personal injury claims involve:

  • Broken bones
  • Lacerations and cuts
  • Nerve damage
  • Whiplash
  • Spinal injuries
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Chronic pain

All of these injuries, no matter the severity, can be serious and life-threatening. If you are the victim, you may also be compensated for psychological, mental, and emotional harm.

Types of Auto Accidents in Tennessee

The type of accident often impacts the type of injuries. Common accidents include:

  • Head-on collisions: Often devastating, leading to serious injuries
  • Rear-end accidents: Very common, frequently cause whiplash
  • Side-impact collisions: Common at intersections, injuries vary based on impact location
  • Roll-over accidents: Less common, often cause head and neck injuries
  • Sideswipe accidents: Happen when cars travel parallel, often minor damage
  • Blind spot accidents: Occur when a vehicle merges or changes lanes without seeing another vehicle

Liability can often be linked to the type of accident, but thorough investigations are necessary to determine fault.

Common Causes of Auto Accidents in Tennessee

Causes usually fall into three categories: drivers, vehicles, and the environment.

Drivers:

  • Intoxicated driving (alcohol, marijuana, prescription, or illicit drugs)
  • Distracted driving (texting, eating, etc.)
  • Drowsy driving
  • Speeding or reckless driving
  • Decision errors (misjudging road conditions or other drivers)
  • Inattention
  • Poor vehicle control

Vehicles:

  • Tire or wheel issues
  • Brake failures
  • Engine, steering, or suspension problems
  • Manufacturing defects

Environment:

  • Slick roads (ice, debris)
  • Glare
  • Obstructed views
  • Missing or confusing road signs

While most crashes are caused by driver error, other factors like vehicle malfunctions or poor road conditions can play a role. Complex cases need expert insight.

Why File a Personal Injury Claim in Tennessee?

Insurance companies are in business to make money. Their goal is to settle claims quickly and for the lowest possible amount. But you deserve full compensation for:

  • Past and future medical bills
  • Property damage
  • Lost wages, past and future
  • Reduced earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress

Insurance settlements often only cover immediate expenses. A lawyer can help you fight for what you truly deserve.

Contact a Tennessee Auto Accident Lawyer Today

Auto accidents can seem simple, but the legal process is often complex. Let us help you through it.

At Burks & Ogle, we work hard to get you fair and just compensation.

Call (865) 522-4964 or contact us online today to schedule your Free Consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore answers to typical auto accident questions. For specific advice on your Tennessee situation, contact Burks & Ogle at 865-522-4964 or online.

What Types of Auto Accidents Are There in Tennessee?

The types of auto accidents are the same pretty much anywhere, and they include single car accidents or collisions between other vehicles, people, property, or animals.

  • Single auto accident
  • Multi-car accident
  • Truck accidents
  • Motorcycle accidents
  • Pedestrian accidents
  • Bicycle accidents
  • Hit and run accidents
  • Rideshare accidents
  • Public transit accidents
  • Wildlife-vehicle collisions
  • Car accidents involving pets
  • Car accidents involving children

How Do I Get Compensation for an Auto Accident in Tennessee?

One of the main things that accident victims have to worry about is being fairly compensated for their injuries. There are two main ways that this will generally happen, and each has its own pros and cons.

Settlement

In an auto accident, resolving a case in a settlement means accepting the amount of money that an insurance company offers. One of the main benefits of handling a case this way is that it will typically end a case much quicker than going through the court system. In addition, a client and their attorney have a good deal of power during this process–they can negotiate until they get the amount they want and reject any settlement that isn't acceptable.

Going to Court

If a victim doesn't receive a fair settlement offer, they may need to file a lawsuit to get their compensation. Lawsuits may result in a higher payout, but they typically take much longer, and there is no guarantee that a court will side with you.

After a Car Collision in Tennessee, Who Do I Sue?

There are many parties who might be liable for your injuries, and ultimately it will depend on the facts of your specific case. An experienced lawyer will be able to help determine who the best person or people are to seek compensation from.

If the other driver was driving under the influence or failing to obey the rules of the road, they could potentially be held liable. Additionally, a car manufacturer could be held liable if their car malfunctioned, and in some cases, a government entity could even be held liable if the conditions on the road are what causes a crash.

After a Car Collision in Tennessee, Who Do I Sue?

There are many parties who might be liable for your injuries, and ultimately it will depend on the facts of your specific case. An experienced lawyer will be able to help determine who the best person or people are to seek compensation from.

If the other driver was driving under the influence or failing to obey the rules of the road, they could potentially be held liable. Additionally, a car manufacturer could be held liable if their car malfunctioned, and in some cases, a government entity could even be held liable if the conditions on the road are what causes a crash.

Should I Release Medical Records to Another Driver's Insurance Adjuster?

Generally, it is important to remember that the other insurance adjuster involved in the case wants to pay you as little as possible. While they may ultimately need to see your records, they only need to see specific records pertaining to your accident. If records are not necessary, but the insurance company receives them, they could use any health information against you. An attorney can help edit this request to ensure that only records needed are released.

Further, it is always important to have an attorney with you when you speak to your own insurance company. You want to give only the facts. Your own insurer has its own company as its priority, too, and so it also wants to prevent a payout. This is especially true when you need to file a first-party claim with your own insurance.

If I Don't Feel Hurt after an Auto Accident, Do I Have to See a Doctor?

Certain injuries might not present symptoms immediately after an accident, and getting to a medical professional can catch those injuries. In addition, an opposing attorney or insurance adjuster might try to argue that a delay in seeking medical treatment means that a victim's injuries were not actually from the accident. Going to the doctor after an accident can cut against these kinds of arguments.

What Should I Do after an Auto Accident in Tennessee?

First and foremost, you should contact emergency services and seek medical attention. But you also want to:

  1. Exchange information with the other parties to the accident, which includes names, insurance, driver's license, phone numbers.
  2. Gather evidence, like pictures and video of the scene, the surrounding location, the vehicles, property damage, injuries (if any).
  3. Get the names and contact information of any eyewitnesses as well as a brief recorded statement, if you are able to do so because their recollection will be best on the scene and preservation of it will be best if recorded either in writing or by video.
  4. Consult with an attorney so that you can obtain a good understanding of whether you have a compensable case and how to go about pursuing what you are legally owed.

What Should I Not Do After an Auto Accident in Tennessee?

In juxtaposition to what you should do if in a car collision, here is what you should not do.

  1. You should never leave the scene of an accident. If you leave a scene, especially when someone is injured, it is a hit and run, a criminal offense. You must stay with your vehicle and contact emergency personnel if someone is injured.
  2. You should not leave your vehicle where it can pose a risk to others. If you can, move the vehicle to a safe location. If you cannot move it on your own, contact someone who can.
  3. You should not ignore calling 911. Even when no one is injured, you should still contact 911. The police will investigate and write a report that can later be used to help identify liability.
  4. Do not forget to exchange information. Try not to let fear or anxiety get the best of you. You really need to obtain contact and insurance information from the other party involved in the collision. Insurance will be critical to recovery of compensation.
  5. Do not underestimate your injuries. Some injuries are delayed (like whiplash) while other injuries may not seem serious (like bruising as there may be internal bleeding). You should get checked out by a doctor.
  6. Do not admit fault. Even if you think or know you are at fault, do not admit it. The other party may have contributed in some way, too. In comparative negligence states, you can still recover in most situations if both parties contributed to the accident.
  7. Do not contact or give a statement or documents to the other party's insurance company. You must speak to your own insurance company, but you are not obligated to do the same with any other insurance company. To do so could jeopardize your case. Either your attorney or your own insurance company can communicate with the other party's auto insurer.

More Than A Firm. Your Legal Partners.

Don't Just Take It From Us.

We encourage you to take a look at our testimonials to see the experiences of those that have placed their trust in our firm.

Connect With Us Today.

Every case begins with a conversation. Tell us what you’re facing, and we’ll help you understand your options and if we’re the right fit to represent you.

Thank you
Your message has been submitted.
Oops! Something went wrong.