Chattanooga Car Accidents at Intersections and Stoplights
NST Lawyers Serve Motor Vehicle Crash Victims in Chattanooga
In the United States, over 40,000 people died as a result of car accidents in 2016, making it the deadliest year for American drivers since 2007. Many of these accidents occurred at intersections and stoplights, as nearly 2.5 million intersection crashes occur every year according to the Federal Highway Administration. Many of these accidents are caused by confusion amongst drivers, which leads to arguments between them as to who had the green light or right of way. The Chattanooga car accident attorneys of Nahon, Saharovich & Trotz understand the complexities of car accidents at intersections and stoplights and can guide you through the legal process. If you have been injured or lost a loved one due the negligent actions of another driver in Chattanooga or Hamilton County, call our office today for a free consultation. As the largest personal injury law firm based in Tennessee, we have the resources and experience to actively pursue your claim and provide you with a personalized route towards recovery.
Recovering After an Intersection Accident
To recover fair compensation after an accident in Tennessee, you will likely need to show that the defendant acted negligently under the circumstances. Proving negligence is often accomplished by establishing four key elements by a preponderance of the evidence. First, you must show that the defendant owed you a duty of care. When someone gets behind the wheel of a moving vehicle, that duty is created. Second, you must show that the defendant breached that duty of care by failing to drive safely. This is normally shown by witness testimony, police reports, and citations given to the at fault party. Third, you must show causation, both direct and proximate. Lastly, you must show that you suffered damages as a result of the accident. For instance, if you were driving on Belvoir Avenue and crossing over Ringgold Road, and another vehicle that was speeding turned left onto Ringgold Road and crashed into the your driver’s side door, negligence will likely be established.
Car accidents at intersections and stoplights often result in conflicting statements amongst the parties involved. This could result in the responding officer from the Chattanooga Police Department choosing not to cite anyone for the accident or citing both parties involved. Under Tennessee law, for you to recover after an auto accident, it must be proven that you were 49% or less responsible for the accident. For example, after leaving the Chattanooga Zoo, assume you and another driver approach a four way stop at the same time. You proceed to go straight and the defendant makes a left turn in front of you and a collision occurs. You both blame each other. Here, there is the potential that 50% of the blame will fall on you, unless an independent witness can corroborate your version of events. In Tennessee, this situation will most likely prevent either party from recovering due to equal fault being assessed on each. An experienced car accident attorney in the Chattanooga area will be able to identify weaknesses in the other party’s story, obtain witness statements, and work to minimize any allegations of comparative fault against you.
Get Legal Help After a Car Accident in Chattanooga, Tennessee
Car accidents at intersections and stoplights often result in some of the more serious and life-altering accidents on the road today. Many times, injured parties are left with thousands of dollars in medical bills and without the means to pay for them. At Nahon, Saharovich & Trotz, our lawyers understand the impact an unexpected accident can have on you and your family and are available to discuss your legal options with you today. We represent individuals and families across Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas, Missouri, and Kentucky, including in Chattanooga, Memphis, Nashville, Knoxville, Jonesboro, Little Rock, Jackson, Meridian, Tupelo, Columbus, Grenada, Starkville, Oxford, Hayti, and Caruthersville. We are available 24/7 to take your call. For a free consultation with a car wreck lawyer, contact our office toll-free by calling 800-529-4004 or by completing our online form. We look forward to discussing with you why NST is the way to go.