Do I REALLY need a Lawyer for my Car Wreck Case in Tennessee?

Posted on behalf of Daniel Clayton in Car Accidents

Do I need a Lawyer? From time to time I am asked that question by people who have been involved in a car accident.  The answer is not always the same.  Sometimes you do need an attorney. Sometimes you don't. I have been handling car accident injury claims in Tennessee for over 25 years, and I have no problem telling people that they might not need a lawyer.

Generally speaking, whether you need an attorney depends on what happened and what injuries were suffered, and to whom. If you and your family members have not been hurt, then most likely you do not need an attorney. If you or a family member have been significantly injured in the car accident, then you likely will need one.

Oftentimes, a simple fender bender where nobody is hurt can usually be appropriately handled through your insurer.

Remember, most attorneys who handle car wreck in Tennessee offer a free initial consultation.  That consultation should give you an opportunity to see whether you like the attorney and you want that attorney to handle your potential claim.  Likewise, the attorney should be deciding whether or not he or she wants to represent the client.  Attorneys - or at least good, reputable attorneys - do not agree to take every case that comes in the door.

Contacting an attorney who deals with personal injury (especially relating to auto accidents) can provide you with the peace of mind that no stone gets left unturned.

Here are some tips for when you should consult an attorney who handles car wreck injury cases in Tennessee early on:

• An injury has occurred where there has been serious injury, broken bones, hospitalization, or where injuries are likely to be permanent (paralysis);
• Any kind of brain injury;
• A death has resulted from the accident;
• The accident occurred in a construction area;
• Your accident involves a trucking company and injuries are involved;
• Your insurer involves its own attorney;

If possible, there are several things that should be done following an accident, including:

• Get the other driver's insurance information
• Get the other driver's personal information
• Contact the police
• Contact your insurance carrier

Also, please keep in mind that you have a time limit in which to file a lawsuit involving a car accident.  Those time limits differ from state to state.  In Tennessee, under most circumstances, an adult has one year from the date of the car accident in Tennessee to file a lawsuit, otherwise, his or her claim will be forever barred.

In another post, I will go into more detail as to the things I suggest you look for in hiring an attorney to represent you for your car accident in Tennessee.  But, in a nutshell, I suggest you consult with an attorney who has all of the following credentials:

1. Rated AV- Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell
2. Listed in Best Lawyers in America
3. Certified as a Civil Trial Specialist

Tags: Car Accidents, Do I need a Lawyer