What You Need to Know About Liability After a Crash
If you are involved in a car accident in Tennessee, you need to know how the state determines fault. Tennessee is an at-fault state meaning a driver that is found to be at fault for the accident can be held liable for any damages to another person. To fully understand how fault is determined in the state, you need to speak with an attorney.
At Aubrey Givens & Associates, PLLC, we provide dedicated representation for individuals who have been seriously injured in car accidents throughout Nashville and the surrounding areas. Our legal team believes in fighting for justice for our clients. If you have been injured in a car wreck, contact our office to schedule a free consultation.
What Does At-Fault Mean?
States are classified as either at-fault or no-fault insurance states. An at-fault insurance state means that the party or parties that are responsible for the accident can be held liable for the damages caused to another person. Determining fault, however, can be challenging without the help of an attorney.
While liability may be straightforward in some cases, it can also be extraordinarily complicated. In many instances, it may take an independent investigation to determine who is at fault for the accident. If another driver is found at fault for the accident, an injured party may file a claim against their insurance for any damages.
What Is a No-Fault State?
Unlike an at-fault insurance state, where the at-fault driver can be held liable for any damages, in a no-fault state, the driver would file a claim against their own insurance company regardless of fault. Only if the damages were extensive due to serious injuries would a driver be able to pursue a claim against an at-fault party.
What Is Comparative Negligence?
Many states, including Tennessee, recognize the legal principle of comparative negligence. This means that if a driver is found partially at fault for an accident, they may still be able to obtain damages from another liable party. In Tennessee, however, a person will not be able to recover damages if they are found to be 50% or more responsible for the crash.
In any case, if an injured party is found partially responsible for the accident, their recovery may be reduced in proportion to their percentage of the fault. A car accident lawyer can further help you understand comparative negligence and how you may be affected if you were partially to blame for your injuries.
Injured in a Wreck? Contact Our Office.
Were you injured in a car accident in Nashville, Tennessee, or the surrounding communities? Contact our office to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. Let us fight for you and your recovery. There are no fees unless we win.
Contact our office today to get the legal help you need now. Our firm has been proudly serving the Madison and Nashville area since 2001. We are a full-service personal injury law firm that will help you understand your rights and work to obtain the largest recovery possible in your case.
