Nashville Car Accident Lawyers

Nashville Car Accident Lawyers

Aggressive auto accident lawyers in Nashville

There really is no such thing as a “minor” car accident: after all, even a “fender bender” still has enough force to bend metal. With millions of cars, commercial trucks, transport vehicles, and other types of automobiles on the road, the chances of you being in a car accident are high. The real question is: when push comes to shove, don’t you want the Nashville auto accident attorney that you know and trust, filing a car accident claim on your behalf?

If you have been catastrophically injured, or a loved one has been killed in a car wreck or other automobile accident, the Nashville car accident lawyers at Rocky McElhaney Law Firm have the experience and skill to help you rebuild your life and collect the damages you deserve. We offer free consultations and have worked hard to build our reputation as skilled negotiators and aggressive litigators on behalf of those hurt in auto accidents throughout the state. Whether you come to see us on Mainstream Drive or Main Street, you can rest easy that you will find a tough Nashville car accident attorney to provide the legal representation you deserve for your car accident claim.

Cases We Handle

Nashville personal injury lawyer

How can we help?

"When I was a teenager, Dad got hurt. Insurance company wouldn't pay. We lost our house. But, Dad got a lawyer and we got justice. That's the moment I decided to become an attorney. As a lawyer, I have dedicated my life to helping injury victims."

~ Nashville car accident lawyer Rocky McElhaney

How dangerous are Nashville car accidents?

According to the Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security, through July 7, 2022, there were more than 3,000 traffic accidents in Tennessee and 633 deaths. In 2021, there were 192,959 accidents statewide, resulting in 47,046 injuries and 1,264 deaths. That same year:

  • In Davidson County, there were 8,742 vehicle accidents and 122 fatalities.
  • In Sumner County, there were 830 vehicle accidents and 20 fatalities.
  • In Montgomery County, there were 1,178 vehicle accidents and 31 fatalities.

Related: The Most Dangerous Intersections in Nashville

What types of car accidents do you handle?

Our Nashville car accident lawyers represent injured clients and families in every type of car accident including:

At Rocky McElhaney Law Firm, our personal injury lawyers send investigators to speak with witnesses, review police reports, and make a thorough study of the accident scene. In some cases, we work with traffic reconstruction experts to show how the accident happened, and who is responsible.

What are the most serious car accident injuries in Nashville?

In the best case scenario, you will walk away from a crash with little to no severe injuries – but many people are not that lucky. Our Nashville car accident attorneys have spent years fighting for people who sustained catastrophic, serious injuries in car crashes. Some of the most serious car accident injuries include:

Under the most tragic of circumstances, we have represented the families in wrongful death proceedings resulting from a car crash in Tennessee.

At Rocky McElhaney Law Firm, we have worked with hundreds of people injured in car accidents in Tennessee. We know that the type of injury you sustain can heal quickly or not at all, and that there is no set equation for how serious the effects might be on your life.

Related: This Could Save Your Life or Save Your Money: Common Car Myths De-Bunked

 

What is whiplash?

If you've been involved in a motor vehicle accident, particularly a rear-end accident, you may be suffering from whiplash symptoms. Whiplash occurs with sudden deceleration/acceleration forces. When a rear-end accident occurs, your head first goes back toward the force and then snaps back forward, depending on how fast you may have going or sitting still. When that happens, the injury occurs in the neck. It's called, in layman's terms, “whiplash,” but in medical terms a sprain or strain. A sprain or strain injury is a tearing, either large full, or small partial, to the muscles, tendons and ligaments in the neck. Now these injuries can be as painful as broken bones and can take as long to heal.

Normally, a whiplash will resolve, and the symptoms begin to fade in about two months. From two to six months, a whiplash will clear up. If it takes longer than six months, then your whiplash could become chronic and lead to a permanent injury.

What are the common causes of car accidents in Tennessee?

Most car accidents are caused by driver negligence such as:

Some car accidents are caused by defective car parts such as defective brakes, electrical systems, airbags, seatbelts, and fuel lines.

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Who is responsible for a Nashville car accident?

At Rocky McElhaney Law Firm, we file claims against all responsible defendants. The defendants include one or more of the following:

  • A driver
  • The owner of the car if different than the driver
  • An employer of the driver
  • A manufacturer of a defective auto part
  • The Tennessee Department of Transportation or any entity/agency responsible for the design and maintenance of the road
  • A seller of alcohol to a minor or someone who was visibly intoxicated

Other defendants may also be liable depending on how the Nashville car accident happened.

What do I do if bad roads caused my car accident in Nashville?

Not every car accident involves another driver’s negligence. Sometimes, we get phone calls from people involved in single-vehicle wrecks who are trying to find out if there is any way to recover due to “bad” roads. The short answer is that in some cases, we have been able to help people involved in single-car accidents caused by a dangerous road condition. It may be possible to recover from the entity that is responsible for maintaining the area of road where the injury occurred.

What steps should I take after my Nashville car accident?

Each case begins with proving that someone else caused your accident. If a person is seriously injured, he/she will likely be taken to the emergency room. Ideally, before going to the ER, the victim or a friend will:

  • Get the name, address, driver’s license, and insurance information from the other drivers. The police will also routinely ask for this information.
  • Get the names and contact information of any witnesses. This includes names, addresses, and phone numbers.
  • Call the police. Local law enforcement should speak to the drivers and witnesses, describe the scene, and help anyone who suffered any type of injury. Police reports are an essential piece of evidence.
  • Take photographs. If possible, pictures should be taken of the scene and of the damage to the vehicles. The location and extent of the damage to the vehicles can often show who was at fault for the accident.
  • Keep medical records. The car accident victim should document each health care provider he/she sees, when the visit took place, and the reason for the visit. Patients should also keep a journal of their daily pain, frustrations, and loss of life’s pleasures.

Our seasoned Nashville car accident attorneys work with your treating doctors and independent physicians, if you are injured, to properly document your medical treatments, physical pain, and emotional suffering to file a personal injury claim for fair compensation.

Should I see a doctor immediately after a car accident in Nashville?

Delay can hurt your case legally. If you wait to see a doctor after any type of personal injury, the insurance company and defense counselors will argue that you’re faking or a malingerer. They’ll say that if you were really hurt, you would have seen a doctor immediately. Don’t give the defense an advantage. It’s good medical and legal practice to see your family doctor or go to the ER after any type of accident – even if you’re feeling fine.

How much is my Nashville car accident worth?

Every car accident case is different, so we can’t say how much a case is worth until after we’ve reviewed all your injuries with your doctors, your employers, and most importantly – you. Our Nashville car accident lawyers demand compensation for all your current and future damages including:

  • Medical bills
  • Lost income and benefits
  • Physical pain and emotional suffering
  • Scarring and disfigurement
  • Property damage
  • Loss of function, loss of life’s pleasure, and loss of consortium
  • Funeral and burial expenses (in cases of the wrongful death of your loved one)

In some cases, we demand punitive damages. These are not awarded often; only in cases where the negligent party was found to be especially reckless.

We handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis which means we only receive compensation if your case settles, or there is a verdict in your favor. We offer free consultations.

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If I’m partially at-fault for my car accident, should I still call a lawyer?

Truth be told, you may have no idea who was more at fault for the wreck, or what the exact percentage of fault is on either party. This percentage is dependent upon all the facts of your case that develop through investigation and litigation leading up to trial. If you have been hurt or injured in the wreck and have found yourself in this very complicated situation, take heart. You don’t have to wave your white flag just yet. Our experienced car accident attorneys can help.

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How long do I have to file an auto accident lawsuit in Tennessee?

With some limited exceptions, the statute of limitations to file a car accident lawsuit in Tennessee is one year from the date of the accident, but as we may need time to bring in experts and research your case, the sooner you contact us, the better. Your case may have a shorter statute of limitations, or – for minor victims – it could be longer. The best thing you can do after a crash is call one of our Nashville car accident lawyers so we can get started right away.

Do you have a car accident lawyer near me?

Rocky McElhaney Law Firm has two convenient locations in Nashville. We do make alternate arrangements for clients who cannot come to our office because of their health.

Nashville Location
545 Mainstream Dr #105
Nashville, TN

East Nashville Location
615 Main St., B21
Nashville, TN

Our Tennessee car accident lawyers are known for our dedication to our clients, our preparation, our persuasiveness, and our strong record of settlements and verdicts.

What are some of the most dangerous highways in Nashville for car accidents?

Nashville, Tennessee, has several major highways where car wrecks are particularly common due to high traffic volume, commuter congestion, and roadway design.

Interstate 24 (I-24)

  • Key Accident Zones: The stretch between Briley Parkway and downtown Nashville is particularly accident-prone due to high commuter traffic and congestion. The convergence of vehicles entering and exiting around key interchanges also contributes to frequent car wrecks.
  • Contributing Factors: Heavy commuter flow, especially during rush hours, leads to rear-end collisions and sideswipes as vehicles rapidly change lanes. Additionally, I-24 is a common route for trucking, adding a layer of risk due to longer stopping distances and limited maneuverability for larger vehicles.

Interstate 40 (I-40)

  • Key Accident Zones: The I-40 stretch through downtown Nashville, particularly near the I-65 interchange, experiences high accident rates. The area around the I-440 loop and the merge lanes leading into downtown are also hotspots.
  • Contributing Factors: Nashville’s location on a major cross-country interstate means I-40 sees high commercial truck volumes. Accidents involving trucks are common in congested areas, especially as drivers navigate interchanges where quick lane changes are frequent. Construction zones and narrow lanes can further elevate the risk.

Interstate 65 (I-65)

  • Key Accident Zones: The stretch between Harding Place and downtown Nashville, as well as the I-65/I-40/I-24 interchange (known as the “downtown loop”), are high-risk zones. North of downtown, near the Trinity Lane and Dickerson Pike exits, accident rates are also elevated.
  • Contributing Factors: This highway’s heavy commuter load and central location in Nashville lead to high congestion and frequent merging issues. The downtown loop, where three interstates converge, is notorious for complex interchanges and abrupt lane changes, contributing to increased collision risks.

Interstate 440 (I-440)

  • Key Accident Zones: I-440 sees frequent car wrecks around the Hillsboro Pike and West End Avenue exits, where merging traffic can lead to sudden slowdowns. The loop’s interchanges with I-40 and I-65 are also accident-prone.
  • Contributing Factors: As a key connector for traffic bypassing downtown Nashville, I-440 sees heavy rush-hour congestion and merging issues, especially near exits that connect to busy areas like West End. Rear-end and sideswipe collisions are common in these zones.

Briley Parkway (TN-155)

  • Key Accident Zones: The area around Nashville International Airport and the Opry Mills shopping center has high accident rates, especially near exits and interchanges leading to I-40 and I-65.
  • Contributing Factors: Briley Parkway is a primary route for tourists visiting the Opryland area and Nashville International Airport, leading to unfamiliar drivers navigating complex interchanges. High traffic volume, mixed with unfamiliar drivers, results in increased accidents near these exits.

Let Rocky and his team of Nashville car accident lawyers fight for you today

Call Rocky at 615-425-2500 or contact the firm to schedule an initial consultation. The Rocky McElhaney Law Firm represents clients throughout the state of Tennessee, including Nashville, Hendersonville, Murfreesboro and Clarksville. Our experienced Nashville car accident lawyers are ready to provide you with the legal representation you deserve.

Visit our Nashville Offices

Rocky McElhaney Law Firm: Car Accident & Injury Lawyers
545 Mainstream Dr., #105
Nashville, TN 37228
Phone: (615) 425-2500

Rocky McElhaney Law Firm: Car Accident & Injury Lawyers
615 Main St., B21,
Nashville, TN 37206
Phone: (615) 393-8585