Chattanooga
Personal Injury Lawyer
At NST Law, our mission is to provide unwavering support and relentless advocacy for those who have been injured due to the carelessness of others in Chattanooga and beyond. We understand the profound impact personal injuries sustained in accidents can have on your life, and our dedicated legal team is here to guide you through the claims process with compassion and expertise.
Whether you’ve been involved in a car crash, slip and fall accident, or any other type of personal injury incident, we are committed to fighting tirelessly to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve. With our Chattanooga personal injury lawyers fighting in your corner, you can rest assured that your case is in capable hands. While you focus on your recovery, we will handle the rest. Contact NST Law today to schedule your free consultation.
Table Of Contents
- Personal Injury Lawyers in Chattanooga, Tennessee
- Representing Personal Injury Victims in Chattanooga
- What Are the Statutes of Limitations for Chattanooga Personal Injury Cases?
- Pursuing Compensation for Personal Injury in Chattanooga
- How Can A Lawyer Help in a Chattanooga Personal Injury Case?
- Contact Our Chattanooga Personal Injury Attorneys for a Free Consultation
Personal Injury Lawyers in Chattanooga, Tennessee
Chattanooga, the seat of Hamilton County, is located on the Tennessee River in one of the most beautiful parts of the state, the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Residents and visitors can enjoy the vistas from Lookout Mountain and explore important historical sites nearby.
Chattanooga is a mid-sized city with a small-town feel. Sadly, even in this picturesque city, the risk of accidents cannot be reduced to zero. When accidents happen, victims’ lives can change drastically in a matter of seconds. They face not only the direct physical impact of their injuries but also the stress of pursuing a personal injury case.
If you or a loved one were injured due to someone else’s carelessness, partner with an experienced personal injury lawyer at NST Law. We have the skills, resources, and expertise to handle your case from start to finish.
Dangerous Intersections in Chattanooga
Traffic in Chattanooga can be heavy, especially around the intersection of Interstate 24 and Interstate 75. The Tennessee Transportation Commissioner called it the worst intersection in the state. Smaller streets can also be dangerous, especially around crowded shopping centers, restaurants, and Chattanooga’s colleges and schools.
For example, in December 2023, Anna Shaw, a student at the Chattanooga School for the Arts & Sciences, suffered severe injuries after being struck by a car on the crosswalk at 3rd Street and Collins Street near the CSAS campus. In her letter to the city published in the local news, she explained:
“As you know, this is an incredibly dangerous intersection. The crosswalk is poorly marked, and there is a constant flow of traffic going over the speed limit in both directions. It is a common complaint of CSAS students and families that the traffic on 3rd Street never slows down for pedestrians, and cars even honk at walkers in frustration when someone tries to cross the street.”
Representing Personal Injury Victims in Chattanooga
Personal injury law is more diverse than many people think, and each claim should be handled on a case-by-case basis by an experienced personal injury lawyer. Our legal team has extensive experience handling a wide variety of personal injury case types, including:
- Car accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Commercial truck accidents
- Defective and dangerous products
- Medical malpractice
- Nursing home abuse and neglect
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Amputations and disfigurement
- Severe burns and abrasions
- Dog bites
- Slip and fall accidents
- Wrongful death
At NST Law, our personal injury lawyers are renowned as Champions for the Injured. When you are hurt in an accident, they are standing by to ensure you know your full legal rights and receive the high-quality legal representation you deserve.
Car Accidents
In 2022 alone, there were 12,667 traffic crashes in Hamilton County. Forty-seven of these crashes resulted in fatalities and 2,874 injuries. In the state of Tennessee, there were 185,602 crashes, with 1,315 resulting in fatalities and 46,299 resulting in injuries.
After a car accident, prioritize safety by checking for injuries and moving to a safe location if possible. Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver, and gather evidence such as photos, videos, and witness statements. Report the accident to the police so they can prepare an accident report and dispatch emergency responders if needed.
Seeking medical attention promptly after a car accident is also crucial. Even if your injuries seem minor, they are often more serious than they appear immediately after an accident. Delaying medical care can also worsen injuries and complicate recovery. Finally, your treatment records will turn into essential evidence for insurance claims and potential legal action.
Truck Accidents
The interstates and state highways that run through or near Chattanooga mean increased truck traffic. Sadly, because of the enormous size and weight of many commercial trucks, truck accidents are often characterized by catastrophic injuries and losses.
Liability may fall on various parties, including the truck driver, trucking company, vehicle manufacturer, or even third parties like contractors or maintenance providers. Factors such as driver error, fatigue, mechanical failures, improper loading, or violations of safety regulations can contribute to liability. Investigations of truck accidents typically involve examining driver logs, vehicle maintenance records, black box data, and witness statements.
Motorcycle Accidents
In 2022, there were 2,928 motorcycle crashes in Tennessee. Hamilton County accounted for 190 of those crashes. In 2021, there were another 161 fatal motorcycle accidents. In that year, there were also 686 motorcycle crashes with suspected serious injuries and 904 with suspected minor injuries. Injuries from motorcycle accidents are often extremely severe because motorcyclists and their passengers don’t have the same protections offered by an enclosed vehicle.
Drunk Driving Accidents
As we all know, intoxicated driving is extremely dangerous and illegal. From December 2022 to November 2023, one in three fatal crashes in Tennessee involved a DUI. Impaired drivers were also involved in one-seventh of all serious injury crashes.
After a drunk driving accident, contact law enforcement to report the incident and gather evidence, such as witness statements and videos showing signs of intoxication. Responding officers will have the tools needed to confirm the at-fault driver’s intoxication. Refrain from confronting the intoxicated driver.
Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice lawsuits involve legal action taken against healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, and hospitals, when their actions or omissions result in harm to a patient. To establish a medical malpractice claim, plaintiffs must demonstrate that a healthcare provider breached the standard of care of their profession and specialization.
This breach of duty may include misdiagnosis, surgical errors, medication mistakes, birth injuries, or failure to obtain informed consent. These cases can be factually and legally complex, often requiring expert testimony to prove negligence.
Wrongful Death
Wrongful death occurs when a person dies due to the negligence, misconduct, or wrongful act of another party. Close relatives and estate representatives can bring wrongful death claims in Tennessee. Surviving spouses and children are prioritized. You can also bring a wrongful death claim on behalf of a child. Common causes of wrongful death include car accidents, medical malpractice, workplace accidents, defective products, and criminal acts such as homicide.
What Are the Statutes of Limitations for Chattanooga Personal Injury Cases?
The statute of limitations is a legal deadline that sets the maximum amount of time allowed for someone to file a lawsuit against another party. Subject to a few exceptions, the statute of limitations in Tennessee requires that most personal injury cases be filed within one year:
- Personal Injury – One year from the date of injury, which is much shorter than in most states. Certain exceptions may apply, such as in cases involving minors or plaintiffs of unsound mind.
- Medical Malpractice – One year from the date of the malpractice, though the discovery rule often pauses the countdown until the date the malpractice could reasonably have been discovered (e.g., in cases involving foreign objects left in the body). Except in cases involving fraudulent concealment of the malpractice, there is a once-and-for-all deadline of three years.
- Products Liability – Within one year from the date of injury and in no event more than six years after the injury, 10 years after the initial purchase of the product, or within one year after anticipated expiration, whichever is shorter. Other narrow exceptions may apply.
- Wrongful Death – One year from the date of death.
It’s essential for individuals to be aware of the statute of limitations applicable to their potential legal claim and to take prompt action after an injury. Once this governing deadline expires, the individual loses the right to pursue the legal claim, and the presiding court will typically dismiss any attempt to file a lawsuit.
Pursuing Compensation for Personal Injury in Chattanooga
In a personal injury case, damages are the compensation awarded to make up for the harm caused to the injured person. Damages come in two main types: economic and non-economic.
Economic Damages
Economic damages in a personal injury case refer to the financial losses incurred by the injured party as a result of the underlying accident. These damages are typically quantifiable and may include:
- Medical Expenses – This includes costs related to hospitalization, surgery, medication, doctor’s visits, physical therapy, and any other necessary medical treatments.
- Lost Wages – Compensation for income lost due to the inability to work as a result of the injury, including both past and future lost earnings.
- Property Damage – Reimbursement for the repair or replacement of damaged property, such as a vehicle in a car accident.
- Other Financial Losses – This may include out-of-pocket expenses for transportation to medical appointments, home care, medical equipment, and any other expenses directly related to the injury.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages in a personal injury case are the compensation awarded for intangible losses that do not have an easily quantifiable monetary value. These damages are meant to address the emotional and non-financial impacts of the injury on the injured party’s life. Some examples of non-economic damages include:
- Pain and Suffering – Compensation for the physical pain and discomfort endured as a result of the injury.
- Emotional Distress – Damages for the psychological effects of the injury, such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and loss of sleep.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life – Compensation for the loss of ability to participate in and enjoy activities and hobbies that the injured party used to engage in before the injury.
- Loss of Consortium – Damages awarded to compensate for the negative impact of the injury on the injured party’s relationships with their spouse.
Non-economic damages are subjective and vary widely depending on the individual circumstances of each case. However, do not underestimate the value these damages can add to your claim. Our compassionate personal injury attorneys will listen to your story carefully to understand the full impact of your injuries and calculate the damages you are owed.
How Can A Lawyer Help in a Chattanooga Personal Injury Case?
Navigating the settlement process and legal system can be difficult. When you hire the personal injury attorneys at NST Law, you get our decades of combined experience, fierce commitment to our clients, proven negotiation and litigation skills, and extensive resources to strengthen your claim. Among other things, our Chattanooga personal injury lawyers will:
- Provide you with a free initial consultation to assess your case.
- Make sure you know your full legal rights and options.
- Conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances of your injury.
- Evaluate your case to determine its strengths and weaknesses.
- Gather evidence, including medical records, witness statements, and accident reports, to support your case.
- Negotiate with insurance companies and opposing parties on your behalf to reach a favorable settlement.
- Represent you in court proceedings, including trials and hearings, if necessary.
- Prepare and file all necessary legal documents on your behalf.
- Develop effective legal strategies tailored to the specifics of your case.
- Advocate for your rights and interests throughout the legal process.
- Work tirelessly to maximize your compensation, including damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and suffering.
- Answer your questions and make sure you remain fully informed about the progress in your case.
How Much Does a Chattanooga Personal Injury Lawyer Cost?
At NST Law, we take cases on a contingency basis. This means our fees will be calculated as a pre-negotiated percentage of the amount we secure for you in compensation. This ensures that there are no surprises and that you pay nothing unless we win your case. Further, because we offer free consultations, there is no downside to having your case reviewed by one of our skilled Chattanooga personal injury lawyers.
Contact Our Chattanooga Personal Injury Attorneys for a Free Consultation
Though the aftermath of a personal injury can be stressful, remember that you do not need to handle it alone. Our seasoned team of attorneys is committed to fighting for your rights and securing the compensation you deserve. Trust NST Law to be your closest ally throughout the life of your case. Take action now and let us help you move forward with confidence.
Our Chattanooga personal injury law firm is ready to evaluate your case in a free consultation. Schedule yours today by calling (800) 529-4004 or filling out our online contact form.
Contact us for a free consultation now so that we can review your case and decide how we can best help you.