Being rear-ended is one of the most frustrating things that can happen to you as a driver. You were stopped and minding your own business, so why didn’t the driver behind you stop in time? The good news is that if they were impaired, distracted, following too closely, or going too fast, they may be liable for the crash and on the hook for compensating you for your losses.
The Greeneville rear-end collision lawyers at The Terry Law Firm can help you hold them accountable. We have over 90 years of combined legal experience and a successful track record in complex personal injury claims. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to learn more about how we can provide the support you need while you focus on healing.
Where Rear-End Crashes Happen in Greeneville and Greene County
Rear-end accidents can happen anywhere. Heavy traffic makes these collisions more likely, as slowdowns, sudden stops, and other unexpected changes leave drivers with insufficient time or distance to avoid a collision. Bad weather and poor visibility can also contribute, as can driver distraction or impairment. Some of the places where rear-end car accidents are most likely to happen include the following:
- Stoplights and stop signs where drivers fail to notice stopped traffic
- Parking lots and business entrances with frequent turning traffic
- Construction zones where lanes narrow or traffic patterns change
- School zones and residential areas where drivers may need to brake quickly
How Tennessee’s Following-Too-Closely Rule Decides Fault
Tennessee law requires drivers to leave a reasonable and prudent distance between their vehicle and the one ahead. A driver may not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable based on traffic speed, road conditions, and other circumstances.
This rule plays an important role in rear-end accident claims. If a driver follows too closely and cannot stop when traffic slows or stops, that conduct may support a finding of negligence. A Greene County rear-end car accident lawyer may gather additional evidence to establish fault, including photographs of the vehicles, witness statements, traffic camera footage, police reports, and information about whether the rear driver was speeding or distracted.
That said, the rear driver isn’t automatically solely responsible for every rear-end collision. Under Tennessee law, multiple parties can share fault, and the court may reduce an injured person’s compensation in proportion to their percentage of responsibility. If an injured person is found 50 percent or more at fault, they generally can’t recover compensation.
This rule can have significant implications for your rear-end car accident case. To avoid a larger payout, the other driver’s insurance company may look for reasons to blame you for the crash. For example, they may argue the following:
- You stopped suddenly without a good reason
- Your brake lights weren’t working properly
- You changed lanes directly in front of the other vehicle
- You were driving unusually slowly for the conditions
- Another vehicle or outside event caused the rear driver to collide with you
The rear-end crash attorneys in Greeneville from The Terry Law Firm can push back when an insurer tries to assign you more blame than the facts support.
When More Than Two Vehicles Are Involved in a Rear-End Pileup
A rear-end collision in heavy traffic can quickly lead to a chain-reaction collision that makes an injury claim more complex. While one driver may have caused the initial impact, others could contribute to additional collisions by following too closely. More drivers can mean more insurance policies and a more involved process of assigning fault, as insurers may each dispute how much responsibility their policyholders should bear.
A Greeneville tailgating accident lawyer can review the sequence of events, identify the available insurance coverage, and pursue compensation from all parties whose actions contributed to the crash.
Medical Bills, Hospital Liens, and What Your Claim Can Cover
Rear-end accidents can cause severe injuries that require extensive medical treatment. Bills can add up quickly. Unfortunately, you also have limited time to protect your right to seek compensation from the responsible parties. Under Tennessee law, you typically have just one year from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit, and missing the deadline can prevent you from recovering the compensation you deserve.
You may also be wondering how to pay your bills in the meantime. The good news is that many hospitals will work with injured people who are pursuing claims against at-fault parties. The hospital may place a lien on your financial recovery, but under Tennessee law, this amount can’t exceed one-third of what you recover. Hospitals have 120 days after discharging you to file a lien, and must notify you within 10 days of filing. Additionally, attorney fees take precedence over hospital liens. Your Greeneville rear-end collision lawyer can help you understand how these processes work so you’ll know what to expect.
Why Greene County Families Hire The Terry Law Firm After a Rear-End Crash
After an accident, you need a rear-end crash attorney in Greeneville with experience and a track record you can feel confident about. The Terry Law Firm has served area clients since 1960 and recovered millions for deserving individuals, including $3.1 million for a client rear-ended by a commercial truck. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
At The Terry Law Firm, we prioritize communication and availability. We’re here 24/7 to take your call, and our rear-end accident attorneys in Greeneville, TN, are committed to providing personalized legal support at every stage of your case. As one client said of their experience with us:
“The Terry Law Firm is incredible. Denise and her team are nothing short of amazing. They fight for you and along side of you. They ensure that you get the assistance you need in a timely manner. I will always recommend them.”
– J.R.
We understand the financial strain you’re under after a rear-end accident. Fortunately, there’s no financial risk in working with our Greene County rear-end car accident lawyers: we work on contingency, charging attorney fees only if and when we recover compensation for you.
Talk to a Greeneville Rear-End Collision Lawyer at The Terry Law Firm
If you got hurt in a rear-end accident, The Terry Law Firm is ready to help you pursue the compensation, accountability, and justice you deserve. Contact our office right away to schedule a free, no-pressure consultation with an experienced rear-end accident attorney in Greeneville, TN. Your case review is fully confidential, and you pay nothing unless we successfully resolve your matter.