Auto Accident Lawyer Memphis, TN
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A top auto accident lawyer Memphis, TN has to offer at Patterson Bray can help. We have been involved in all types of car wreck and personal injury cases ranging from cervical strain, to paralysis, to spine injuries, to a broken arm or broken leg, and even death. We can help you sort through the insurance red tape and get you the help you need and deserve.
The good news is that almost every Memphis, Nashville, or Tennessee automobile accident and car wreck is preventable. Unfortunately, though, many drivers are too busy or simply don’t give appropriate attention to the road. In today’s hurried world, speeding, eating on the go, cell phone usage, texting while driving, road rage, and/or reckless driving are often contributing factors in accidents. And sometimes, drugs and/or alcohol are involved.
RETAIN AN EXPERIENCED CAR ACCIDENT LAWYER MEMPHIS TN CAN TRUST.
As an auto accident lawyer Memphis, TN respects might explain, auto accidents can be financially and emotionally devastating for a family. Obviously, catastrophic injuries such as paralysis, broken limbs, and herniated spinal discs create tremendous challenges and struggles. And believe it or not, these types of injuries are more common than one might think.
But even relatively minor physical injuries can be overwhelming and require medical treatment, and often multiple physical therapy sessions and doctor visits are required. Medical treatment can be quite expensive, and it can often result in lost wages due to time off from work.
As a skilled auto accident lawyer Memphis, TN trusts, our philosophy is quality over quantity, and we would urge you to seriously question any claim that you will be automatically compensated merely because you have experienced an injury. That simply is not the law. You need and deserve qualified and experienced help to get you the recovery you are entitled to. View FAQs.
Tips for Civilians at the Scene of a Car Accident
When a civilian comes upon an accident, they may be wondering what the best course of action should be. In fact, good Samaritans can prove to provide tremendous amounts of assistance in the immediate moments following an accident. For accident victims, contacting an auto accident lawyer from Patterson Bray in Memphis, TN can prove invaluable. Not only will you be unsure of the best course of action, but you will also need an attorney to help you navigate the legalities surrounding your case.
For a good Samaritan who has come upon an accident, chances are you would like to be able to help in the best way possible. However, fear for how you could be legally held accountable may be at the back of your mind. Here are some tips from an auto accident lawyer for Memphis, TN regarding how a civilian should respond at the scene of an accident:
Tip #1 Park a Distance Away from the Accident
Make sure that you have left plenty of distance between your vehicle and the accident site. Also, ensure that you have pulled out of traffic so that you are out of the way of anyone who may be passing by. Additionally, leave plenty of space for emergency responders to be able to pull closer to the accident.
Tip #2 Turn on Your Emergency Hazards
Your emergency hazards can signal to oncoming traffic that they should slow down when approaching. This can help to ensure that you are visible on the road and help to prevent further accidents.
Tip #3 Take a Few Deep Breaths
Car accident scenes can be horrific and traumatic for those who respond to a scene. You never know what you may fall victim to. This is especially true when you hear people in immense pain or bear witness to their suffering. Although nothing can prepare you for what you may actually be about to experience, gathering yourself and taking a few breaths may help you to better respond.
Tip #4 Call 911
Calling 911 as soon as possible will solidify that help is on the way. This should occur when you are still in the car. This is the safest place for you to be. Report to the dispatcher everything you are able to observe from where you are sitting. You can let them know the severity of the accident from your viewpoint. You can always provide them with updates later on should you discover that no one is seriously injured. It may also be helpful to pass this information along to a Memphis, Tennessee auto accident lawyer working on the case.
Tip #5 Check for Immediate Threats
Never approach a vehicle until you have made sure that there are no possible hazards to your person. Make sure there are no electrical wires down and that the car is not on fire.
Tip #6 Only Administer Medical Care within Your Knowledge Base
When you approach the accident victim, let them know that help is on the way. Do not administer medical care that is beyond your abilities. You don’t want to risk making injuries worse when trying to help.
Thankfully, over the years, states have enacted good Samaritan laws to protect people who find themselves at an accident scene. However, it’s important to have awareness of these laws in the state you reside in should you have concerns.
For accident victims, the time surrounding a traumatic event such as a car accident can feel like a dark time. Auto accident lawyers know that in many Memphis, TN cases, civilians can play a key role in contacting law enforcement and medical care to an accident scene. If you believe that the accident you were in was the result of a negligent driver, Patterson Bray can provide the support and experience you may be desperately in need of. Contact us today to speak with a knowledgeable auto accident lawyer serving Memphis, TN.
Could a pre-existing medical condition affect my car accident claim?
If you have been injured in a car accident, the insurance company for the at-fault party will begin to process your claim. While they do so, it is possible that they may argue about any injury sustained in the accident was actually the result of a pre-existing medical condition. If the insurance company believes your pre-existing condition caused, or worsened, the injuries sustained in the accident, they might first demand your medical records. If you do not hand them over, and you should not do so, they might seek a subpoena to get a copy. If they find records that are similar to your current injury, there is a risk that your claim will be denied or significantly reduced.
Bear in mind that even if you sustained injuries in a car accident that are similar to ones you’ve sustained in the past, it does not mean the at-fault party can escape liability altogether. That being said, it may be possible that you’ll have to go to extraordinary measures to defend your injury. In general, if you are in a situation like this, it is highly recommended that you consult an auto accident lawyer in Memphis, TN for help and advice.
A good Memphis, TN auto accident lawyer can review your medical records, as a doctor to provide testimony, and help to prove that your injury or medical condition was already healed at the time of the car accident. If it was not fully healed, further defense may need to be provided.
While your auto accident lawyer in Memphis, TN is working hard to build a case that defends your pre-existing condition, it will be up to the defending side to show a burden of proof that your pre-existing condition is related to your current injury. This might also be demonstrated with testimony from a doctor.
If however, a doctor working with the defending side uncovers a condition like arthritis that was not already in your medical records, it may not limit your damages.
Insurance companies have many goals in mind, but their number one goal is to make a profit. They do this by limiting claims to the minimum. When they believe they have an opportunity to pay a lesser amount, you can count on them to take full advantage of it. Unfortunately, pre-existing medical conditions are one of the easiest ways for an insurance company to argue its way out of a fair and just settlement. This is why you should not try to challenge them on your own. Regardless of what the circumstances of the case might be, if you have a pre-existing medical condition of any size or type, it is prudent you seek a legal advocate who can defend you against the very people who will likely try to pay you less than what you need or deserve.
Passenger Car Accident
When you are driving down the road with your friend as a passenger in their car, you may not be thinking that any second you could get into a car accident. It is important to remember that even if your friend is a very safe driver, being a passenger in someone else’s car could put you more at risk of getting injured in an accident. It is a driver’s natural instinct to make sure they do not get hit and in doing so, they may swerve the car in a way that would cause a passenger to get injured more than the driver. By moving the car away from an oncoming car, this could put any other passengers at serious risk. If you have been injured as a passenger in a car accident, do not hesitate to reach out to our team today. We can help you determine who to file a claim against and what kind of compensation you should be getting for your injuries.
Uninsured and Underinsured Motorists
Unfortunately, there may come a time when you’re involved in an accident and you find out the other party could be uninsured or underinsured, as a Car accident lawyer Memphis, TN trusts can attest. What’s the difference? An uninsured motorist is someone who currently does not have insurance, while an underinsured motorist is someone who has insurance but the coverage won’t be enough to pay for the damage. If you get involved in an accident with either, you could have to pay out-of-pocket for any medical or property damage expenses.
There are three options when handling an accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist:
- You can pay out-of-pocket for all expenses from the accident.
- You can file a personal injury lawsuit with a Car accident lawyer Memphis, TN residents turns to, to recover compensation.
- You can proactively purchase Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage.
Why You Should Not Accept A Fast Settlement
Pay Out-of-Pocket
The first option would be to not take any action and be forced to pay entirely for an accident that was not your fault. This is a poor option since you are already paying for car insurance to ensure that if you were at-fault, you would be responsible to take ownership.
Personal Injury Lawsuit
The second option would be to file a personal injury lawsuit. When a driver is found at-fault for an accident, they are responsible for all the losses that occur from the accident. This could include property damage, medical bills, loss of income, pain and suffering, among others. By contacting a personal injury attorney, like a Car accident lawyer Memphis, TN victims need, you are taking an important step to seeking compensation from the responsible party. We will work hard to ensure the maximum possible outcome for your case.
Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage
A third option would be to purchase Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage. With UIM coverage, you would file a claim with your insurance company and they would be responsible for recouping the money from the other party. Although your insurance company is working for you, their primary interest is getting the claim as quickly and cheaply as possible. Your insurance company may also deny your claim or offer you a settlement that does not cover your expenses. Working with insurance companies can be a daunting task; however, you can have support when dealing with them. An attorney, Car accident lawyer Memphis, TN can count on, can work on your behalf to ensure your insurance company works in your best interest.
Dealing with a car accident is always a frustrating task. The task becomes even more exhausting when the other driver did not take the necessary steps to become properly insured. Contact a Car accident lawyer Memphis, TN victims trust, today and take the first steps to getting the care and compensation you deserve without having to go through this process on your own.
How do I know who is at fault for the accident?
We understand you want to know who is at fault so that you can move on and get treatment for your injuries. The good news, unless you did something to intentionally cause the accident, you are likely not going to be the one on the hook for it. There are usually going to be three parties who could be responsible for the accident:
- The driver of your car. The truth is, if you were driving with a friend or a loved one, it can be really uncomfortable if you believe they were responsible for the accident you were in. However, you should speak with your lawyer if you suspect that your loved one was the cause and file a claim against their insurance. A personal relationship should not get in the way of you getting help.
- The driver of the other car. If you suspect the other driver was responsible for the car accident, you and the driver of your car may both be filing claims against them.
- There is a third party involved. It is also possible that there is a third party involved in the accident. If a car part malfunctioned in your friend’s car, it may not be your friend’s fault. It could be a mechanic. Or, the local government may be responsible if the roads were not in a safe condition to drive.
CONTACT Patterson Bray TODAY IF YOU NEED A MEMPHIS TN CAR ACCIDENT LAWYER TO FIGHT FOR YOU.
An attorney at Patterson Bray would be honored to review your case free of charge. Please either submit an online request for a Free Case Review or call to speak with an auto accident lawyer Memphis, TN deserves at 901.372.5003.