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Tennessee Car Accidents Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury and Car Accidents for Tennessee on
Q: I'm being sued for supposedly hitting a vehicle door when backing out. What do I do?

No police report filed. No damage to my car. Gentleman claims I injured him by striking his door and it hitting his back. Now he has pain and suffering and lost wages.

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on May 17, 2024

If you have insurance, notify them today of the wreck and claim. If no insurance, expect to lose your TNDL, and hire an attorney to represent you. When served, you might also file a Notice of Exempt Property if you are not rich, which should curtail the plaintiff's enthusiasm. An Answer... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury and Car Accidents for Tennessee on
Q: I'm being sued for supposedly hitting a vehicle door when backing out. What do I do?

No police report filed. No damage to my car. Gentleman claims I injured him by striking his door and it hitting his back. Now he has pain and suffering and lost wages.

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jun 2, 2024

If it's still available (difficult to say after three weeks - the time of your original post), you could try to obtain and review video surveillance footage (or your insurance carrier could), if you are confident that you did not hit the door of the other vehicle. As my colleague mentions,... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents and Business Law for Tennessee on
Q: I am having trouble finding a lawyer to help with a commercial property damage claim/insurance company.

Someone drove their car into our building and it took out our HVAC unit/ductwork and damaged the metal building wall through to the inside. The insurance company refuses to pay the full amount - they approved the estimate we sent but insist on depreciating the value of the 5 year old unit which... View More

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on May 17, 2024

Hire an attorney file suit against all liable parties, such as driver, car owner, lessor, etc. If under $ 25K in damages, I would sue in Sessions to get to Court faster and cheaper. But you will probably have to try it twice that way. Owner may be judgment proof, so expect to recover from... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents and Business Law for Tennessee on
Q: I am having trouble finding a lawyer to help with a commercial property damage claim/insurance company.

Someone drove their car into our building and it took out our HVAC unit/ductwork and damaged the metal building wall through to the inside. The insurance company refuses to pay the full amount - they approved the estimate we sent but insist on depreciating the value of the 5 year old unit which... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jun 3, 2024

Unfortunately, the depreciation issue you mention does confront claimants in property losses such as yours, depending on the carrier and their philosophy toward customer service. My colleague raises a good point - explore the liability of all parties involved. Also review your policy. While the... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Car Accidents for Tennessee on
Q: Need help with a resolved insurance claim that has been reopened 15 months later.

On Aug 8, 2022, my then 18-year-old son, hit a 2014 F150 while backing out of a Texas Roadhouse parking lot resulting in a small scratch/dent in the right rear along with a broken tail light. We offered to pay for it out of pocket however, the insured would not return calls and we later received a... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 7, 2024

In this situation, you have a few options to consider:

1. Review the initial claim documentation: Carefully review the original estimate, payment receipt, and the letter from the subrogation company stating that the claim was resolved and their file closed. Check if there was any mention of...
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1 Answer | Asked in Car Accidents for Tennessee on
Q: Yes I was in an auto accident in 2012 and was said to not hav insurance when I actually did have insurance. What do I do

I have a copy of the police report that states I did have insurance at the time of the accident.

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Feb 26, 2024

Police Report is inadmissible heresay. Get a written declaration sheet from 2012 that you had insurance from the carrier by a policy number. Then start sharing a copy of it with the DOS's Financial Responsibility Section. If you got sued, then notify the insurance company to defend you... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Car Accidents for Tennessee on
Q: what's the best way to deal with the other party lying in a claim regarding a car accident?

I was driving straight on the right-hand side of the road, and the other individual in the Silverado exited a parking lot and made a left turn, resulting in a collision with the right-hand side of my car.

Both parties involved then got out of their cars and documented the incident by taking... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Feb 22, 2024

A Tennessee attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for a week. One way would be to continue to negotiate or consider suit. Another would be to accept the offer if litigating the remaining 20% is not a cost-effective route. The best way? That would be an individual decision. Good... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury, Car Accidents and Insurance Defense for Tennessee on
Q: Do I need to fill out an Financial Affidavit for an accident. Is it better to fill it out or not?

My daughter was in an accident. The car and insurance was in my name at the time of the accident. The amount of the claim is $19,500 for hospital bills. My insurance covers up to $25,000 and that is what they are asking for. I do not have any assets or extra income for them to come after. I just... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jan 6, 2024

As my colleague advises, ask your assigned defense attorney for their input. They're going to probably tell you to consult with an outside counsel whose interests are solely yours. But that can cost money. Find out as much as you can from your defense counsel what they foresee in terms of the... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury, Car Accidents and Insurance Defense for Tennessee on
Q: Do I need to fill out an Financial Affidavit for an accident. Is it better to fill it out or not?

My daughter was in an accident. The car and insurance was in my name at the time of the accident. The amount of the claim is $19,500 for hospital bills. My insurance covers up to $25,000 and that is what they are asking for. I do not have any assets or extra income for them to come after. I just... View More

Mr. James Charles Wright
Mr. James Charles Wright
answered on Jan 4, 2024

You likely have a lawyer provided by your insurer if you are at this point. the lawyer should be able to advise you as to your best next step- to provide the affidavit or not- and what to include/ disclose. If you want to get a second opinion - you would probably need to show the affidavit to a... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents for Tennessee on
Q: I am being offered a payout for my truck that is much too low.

It happened in Tennessee, and the incident was not my fault (the other driver broke the law, crossed a double line on a small two lane road while trying to pass someone.) they hit me head on and totaled my truck. Now the insurance company (hers) is offering me a payout for my truck that is much too... View More

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Oct 13, 2023

If you do not agree to their offer, then hire an attorney to sue the other driver for property damages. Hopefully the driver was cited for rule of the road violations which were adjudicated as guilty verdicts. That would make his negligence per se. Otherwise, you will have to prove his... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Traffic Tickets, Car Accidents and Juvenile Law for Tennessee on
Q: My son 17yrs has pleaded guilty to leaving the scene and has a court date of October 17th. Any advice will help

First offense

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Sep 19, 2023

If your 17-year-old son has pleaded guilty to leaving the scene, it's important to familiarize yourself with the specifics of the state laws where the incident occurred, as penalties can vary. Before the court date, gather any evidence or testimonies that might be relevant to the incident or... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents and Wrongful Death for Tennessee on
Q: My sister was killed in a car crash in Tennessee. (Wrongful Death) Can I sue along with my dad against the insurance?
Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Jul 11, 2023

Only a policy holder can sue his own insurance co. If the fatality was a 1 car accident, it could be very tough to make a claim against anyone. But an attorney should investigate it first. If another party is at fault without insurance, then you sue them and notify the carrier of UIM claims.... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Car Accidents and Wrongful Death for Tennessee on
Q: What family members have right to sue for wrongful death in Tennessee?

My sister was killed in a car crash in Tennessee. The driver is being charged with vehicular and reckless homicide. My sister (33) did not have a spouse or children. So who can sue for wrongful death? Can it be my dad, myself and my other sister together? Or is just my dad?

Mr. James Charles Wright
Mr. James Charles Wright
answered on Jul 10, 2023

I am very sorry for your loss. The statutory answer is in the below statute. I would suggest creating an estate and having the personal representative file any action. Beyond this Tennessee has a one-year statute of limitations. So be careful and don't let the time run on a claim.... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Traffic Tickets, Agricultural Law and Car Accidents for Tennessee on
Q: Is it illeagal to pass a double yellow lone on county rd to overtake a farm tractor to the leftt in tennessee?

I greatly appreciate your time and any help concerning this situation. Recently i was travelling on a tn county rd with double yellow lines. I was approaching a slow moving farm tractor (travelling less than 25 mph) , i began to slow but had sufficent sight to know there were no on coming hazards,... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jun 7, 2023

A Tennessee attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for two weeks. I hope you're okay after three vehicle flips. In most jurisdictions, you can't cross a double yellow line to pass. There are limited exceptions for turning into lots or streets. But that's only a... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury and Car Accidents for Tennessee on
Q: Average settlement amount?

I know there's no accurate amount that can be estimated here but I was wondering.

Rear ended by a negligent teenager who was texting. I received serious whiplash, cervical lordosis, cervical stenosis, a back brace. My passenger received a concussion, post concussion syndrome and... View More

Maurice Mandel II
Maurice Mandel II
answered on May 24, 2023

There is no "average" settlement amount. It all depends on how much you have been damaged and how good your attorney is in convincing the other side of the risk and exposure. The amount of insurance coverage also determines, including your own "under insured motorist" coverage.... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury and Car Accidents for Tennessee on
Q: Average settlement amount?

I know there's no accurate amount that can be estimated here but I was wondering.

Rear ended by a negligent teenager who was texting. I received serious whiplash, cervical lordosis, cervical stenosis, a back brace. My passenger received a concussion, post concussion syndrome and... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on May 29, 2023

It could be difficult to offer an "average settlement amount." There are too many variables involved. Liability appears to be clear-cut, based on your description. That makes things easier. Now it will be a matter of reviewing the medical records in detail. Those findings, and the impact... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury and Car Accidents for Tennessee on
Q: Do we need two separate demand letters ?

Sister and I were rear ended at a high rate of speed. She was my passenger. We were both injured and had medical treatment. We have decided to fire our lawyer due to lack of communication. We have also decided to negotiate with the insurance company ourselves. With that being said , do we need to... View More

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Apr 3, 2023

Those are two different causes of actions, so two different demand letters, by the respective claimants only, would be better. But you definitely need an attorney. There are tons of PI lawyers, but on a rear ender with good liability, any decent lawyer should be able to handle it. Damages are... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Car Accidents and Employment Law for Tennessee on
Q: Is my valeting car employer able to track me down to pay for damages?

I used to valet cars for work and I had a mishap that caused 6k in damages. I no longer work there but it states I am liable for half the cost of the damages, but it states it will be reduced from the paycheck. Are they able to track me down and make me pay when I no longer work there?

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Mar 29, 2023

If they sue you and get a judgment for money, then they may try to collect from you. Generally a Judgment is good for 10 years but might be extended in a few ways. As your present employer they can deduct from your salary in various ways. If sued, hire a TN attorney to defend you and possibly... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Car Accidents for Tennessee on
Q: I had a wreck in a enterprise rental car I was t boned. I received a ticket for not providing insurance. 03/23/2022

I went to court they dismissed the ticket. When I rented the car I had told them I wanted their insurance and it is on my agreement. I sent in the accident report now the state is taking my license and I have to pay for the other vehicle enterprise said if I didn’t have insurance they would... View More

Randy Bryan Ligh
Randy Bryan Ligh
answered on Mar 13, 2023

First of all, if you were not at fault in the accident then you (your insurance company) should not have to pay anything to the other driver. That said, what you need to do now is to notify your insurance company of the auto accident and let them review this matter and let you know whether or not... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Car Accidents and Personal Injury for Tennessee on
Q: i was in a three car accident

I was the last car and I could safely make the adjustments needed to avoid the accident but the car infront of the second car spun out of control and I tboned them who is at fault and should i get a lawyer to help me fight my case in court? Noone was seriously injured but we all went to the... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Feb 23, 2023

You should definitely report the accident to your automobile liability insurance company who should appoint an adjuster and attorney to assist you.

Gathering and preserving evidence at this point is vital should a lawsuit be filed in the future.

It is unfortunately not uncommon for...
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