No matter how safe a driver you are, you could still be involved in a back-end crash due to the recklessness or negligence of another motorist. While some auto collisions result in only minor injuries—or none at all—rear-end car accidents in Bartlett can leave you dealing with drastic physical and personal consequences.
If this describes a situation that recently happened to you, and you suffered injuries in the wreck, you may still be trying to determine how to deal with the aftermath. Consulting with a knowledgeable motor vehicle crash attorney could be a vital step in your recovery. An experienced lawyer from Reaves Law Firm, PLLC could delve into the accident details and assess your potential case, next steps, and what types of damages you might be owed for your injuries.
One of the first things to know after being rear-ended and injured in an auto accident in Bartlett is that claimants are only afforded a relatively short window of time under the law to initiate a lawsuit seeking compensation. According to Tenn. Code Ann. § 28-3-104, this window is typically limited to one year.
While less common, there are some caveats to the one-year deadline. For instance, if the injured party is a minor or the defendant fled the state following the collision, this can result in an extension to the filing deadline.
Nonetheless, if someone is injured in a rear-end crash but waits more than 12 months to get a claim started, they may be left without any options for financial recovery. This is why it is usually best to seek out a seasoned lawyer as soon as feasible who could determine what legal remedy or remedies may be available.
In the days and weeks following a rear-end car crash in Bartlett, the events of the wreck may become less clear, and valuable time to initiate a claim will start ticking. In the immediate aftermath of the accident, getting medical treatment for injuries sustained is one of the most important first steps.
If the police do not arrive at the accident scene and create a report, it is also vital to contact the local precinct to file a report documenting the events of the collision. Tennessee law requires that a police report be filed no more than 20 days out from when the wreck occurred.
The injured party should safeguard any evidence connected to the crash, such as photos of physical injuries and property damage, ambulance bills, and hospital bills. If the facts of the case warrant a personal injury claim, all forms of evidence will prove vital to pursuing a favorable damage award. Besides obtaining necessary medical treatment and filing a police report, consulting with an attorney with significant experience and understanding of the applicable state laws is key to ensuring that the injured party preserves their ability to pursue financial recovery.
Rear-end car accidents in Bartlett may seem like a run-of-the-mill occurrence. However, you should not wait to seek legal advice if a negligent driver has injured you.
A knowledgeable lawyer from Reaves Law Firm, PLLC could provide the answers and clarity you seek while helping you understand your legal options and whether you may be entitled to monetary compensation. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation.
