Goodlettsville Car Accident Lawyer
Our attorneys can help you fight back against insurance companies
Car accidents can happen in an instant and leave you facing mounting medical expenses and aggressive insurance adjusters who try to settle for less than you deserve. If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Goodlettsville, you deserve answers, support, and someone who will fight for your rights.
The legal team at the Law Office of Eric Beasley has 25 years of experience helping car accident victims recover compensation for medical bills, lost income, and other damages. Whether it’s a rear-end collision or a T-bone crash, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. We’re committed to standing up to the insurance companies and ensuring your voice is heard. Some of our key car accident case results in Tennessee include:
- $3.5 million – Post-verdict settlement for a wrongful death in a car crash with a construction vehicle.
- $1.25 million – Settlement for severe internal injuries from a head-on crash.
- $850,000 – Settlement for a wrongful death caused by a drunk driver.
- $600,000 – Policy limits settlement for a wrongful death in a car accident.
Don’t wait to get the answers you need about your case. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation. Speak directly with a skilled Goodlettsville car accident lawyer who will listen to your story, answer your questions, and fight for the outcome you deserve.
“If you are ever injured in an auto accident you need to give Eric Beasley a call. He and his team are the best. Everyone I spoke with at his office was helpful, kind and informative. The process of dealing with not only your injuries, but also insurance companies and medical bills can be overwhelming. Eric made this process feel so much easier. He took care of everything and he personally explained everything we needed to know, every step of the way. He is an expert in his field and I would definitely recommend him to anyone I know! I am so thankful that he was recommended to me!” – Emily W., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Google Average Rating: 5/5 stars, 123 reviews
FAQs About Goodlettsville Car Accidents
Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about car accidents:
- What should I do immediately after a car accident in Goodlettsville?
- What types of damages can I recover in a car accident claim?
- How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Tennessee?
- Who pays for my medical bills after a car accident?
- What if the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance?
- Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault for the car accident?
- What evidence should I collect after a car accident?
- How much is my car accident claim worth?
- Should I talk to the at-fault driver’s insurance company?
- What should I do if the insurance company offers me a settlement?
- How long does it take to resolve a car accident case?
- What if I discover injuries days or weeks after the car accident?
- Do I have to go to court for a car accident claim?
- What if I was injured in a hit-and-run accident?
What should I do immediately after a car accident in Goodlettsville?
Taking the right steps after a car accident can protect your safety and strengthen your case. First, ensure your safety and that of your passengers. If it’s safe to do so, move your vehicle out of traffic to prevent further collisions. Turn on hazard lights and set up warning signals if you have them. If anyone is seriously injured, call 911 immediately and request emergency medical assistance.
Next, you should call the police right away and report the crash. In Tennessee, you’re required to notify the police if there’s significant damage, injury, or a death. The police will document the crash and create an official report.
While waiting for the police, collect the name, contact details, driver’s license number, and insurance information of the other driver(s) involved. Also, take photos or videos of the crash scene, including vehicle damage, license plates, traffic signs, road conditions, and any visible injuries. If there are witnesses, ask for their names and contact information.
After leaving the crash scene, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. Even a minor injury can worsen if left untreated. Sometimes, injury symptoms take several days to appear. Getting prompt medical attention addresses your injury early on and helps support your claim.
In order to initiate a claim, you’ll need to report the car accident to your insurance provider as soon as possible. Be sure to stick to the facts and avoid speculation. Also, avoid speaking to the at-fault driver’s insurance company without an attorney present. An experienced Goodlettsville car accident attorney can guide you through the next steps, handle communication with insurance companies, and build a strong case to maximize your compensation.
What types of damages can I recover in a car accident claim?
After a car accident in Goodlettsville, you may be entitled to recover several types of damages. These damages fall into two main categories:
- Economic damages: These compensate for measurable financial losses caused by your car accident. That includes medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, and property damage.
- Non-economic damages: These damages don’t account for financial losses such as medical costs and lost wages. However, they compensate you for physical pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium.
How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, you generally have one year from the date of a car accident to file a claim, according to the state’s statute of limitations. This deadline applies to cases involving injuries caused by your car accident. For damage to your vehicle, you have up to three years to file a property damage claim.
It’s important to act promptly, as failing to file within these time limits typically means you lose your right to pursue compensation. Additionally, building a strong case takes time, as your lawyer will need to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and assess the extent of your damages. The sooner you act, the easier it will be for an attorney to gather fresh evidence and witness statements.
Who pays for my medical bills after a car accident?
The responsibility for paying your medical bills after a car accident depends on several factors, including who is at fault and the type of insurance coverage involved. If the other driver is found to be at fault, their liability insurance should cover your medical expenses. However, this process can take time, especially if the insurance company disputes the claim.
If you have Medical Payments (MedPay) coverage or Personal Injury Protection (PIP) as part of your auto insurance policy, it can pay for your medical expenses up to the policy limits, no matter who caused the crash.
A Goodlettsville car accident lawyer can help you explore all available insurance options so all your medical expenses are included in your compensation claim. Your lawyer can also handle negotiations with insurers to help you avoid out-of-pocket costs while recovering.
What if the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance?
If the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance, you still have options to recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Tennessee requires insurance companies to offer uninsured motorist (UM) coverage as part of your auto insurance policy unless you specifically opt out.
If you have UM coverage, you can file a claim with your own insurance company to cover your damages caused by the uninsured driver. If the at-fault driver has some insurance but not enough to cover your damages, underinsured motorist coverage can help bridge the gap between the at-fault driver’s policy limit and your total losses.
A Goodlettsville car accident lawyer at the Law Office of Eric Beasley can evaluate your case, identify all potential sources of compensation, and help you recover the compensation you deserve, even when the at-fault driver is uninsured.
Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault for the car accident?
In Tennessee, you may still recover compensation if you were partially at fault for a car accident, but only under certain conditions. Tennessee follows a modified comparative fault system.
If you’re 50% or more at fault, you’re barred from recovering any damages. However, if you’re found to be less than 50% at fault, you can still recover compensation. The total compensation you’re awarded will be reduced based on your degree of responsibility for the collision. For example, if your damages total $50,000 and you are found 20% at fault, you would receive $40,000 (80% of the total).
What evidence should I collect after a car accident?
Crash scene evidence can help you build a strong claim and establish fault. Both you and your attorney can gather evidence that supports your case, including:
Visual evidence
When taking pictures or videos of the crash scene, capture it from multiple angles. Include vehicle damage, skid marks, traffic signs, road conditions, and any visible injuries. These visuals help document the circumstances of the crash.
Police report
You or your attorney can also obtain a copy of the police report from the responding officer. This document includes important details about how the crash occurred and who was likely at fault. While the police report isn’t a primary piece of evidence in a car accident case, it can serve as a basis for a broader investigation. For example, if the at-fault driver was cited for speeding, your attorney may consult with a crash reconstructionist to confirm that speed was a significant cause.
Witness statements
When you get contact information from witnesses, your attorney can track them down and ask them what they saw. Their statements can be useful in your case. Plus, a witness may have captured the crash on a dashcam, which provides solid proof of the events leading to the crash.
Medical records
Keep detailed records of your medical treatment, including diagnoses, prescriptions, appointment logs, and hospital bills. These documents prove the extent of your injuries and the costs you’ve incurred.
Surveillance footage
Check for nearby cameras that might have captured your car accident, such as traffic cameras or security cameras at businesses. Ask for copies of the footage if available. If you’re not able to obtain the footage, an attorney at the Law Office of Eric Beasley can get it for you.
How much is my car accident claim worth?
The value of your car accident claim depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the extent of property damage, and the impact on your life. Every case is unique, so there’s no fixed amount.
A Goodlettsville car accident lawyer can evaluate your specific situation to provide a more accurate estimate of your claim’s value. The Law Offices of Eric Beasley will consider all aspects of your damages and negotiate with the insurance company to ensure you receive fair compensation.
Should I talk to the at-fault driver’s insurance company?
Insurance companies don’t have your best interests in mind. They may contact you to get a recorded statement and ask seemingly harmless trick questions. Anything you say to the at-fault driver’s insurance company can be used against you. Insurance adjusters may twist your words to make it appear that you’ve admitted fault or admitted that your injuries aren’t as serious as you claim.
Let one of our experienced attorneys handle all communications and negotiations with insurance companies, so they don’t take advantage of you.
What should I do if the insurance company offers me a settlement?
If the insurance company offers you a settlement after a car accident, it’s important to approach the situation carefully. It may be tempting to accept their offer quickly, especially if you’re starting to feel financial stress.
Insurance companies often offer low initial settlements, hoping you’ll take the money without fully understanding the value of your claim. Accepting too soon may leave you under-compensated for future medical expenses or other damages.
Consider whether the settlement covers all your expenses, including medical bills, property damage, lost income, and pain and suffering. Keep in mind that some injuries may require ongoing treatment, which should also be factored into the settlement amount.
An experienced Goodlettsville car accident attorney at the Law Office of Eric Beasley can review the settlement offer, assess your case, and determine whether the amount is fair. If the offer falls short, our legal team can negotiate on your behalf for a better outcome.
How long does it take to resolve a car accident case?
The time it takes to resolve a car accident case can vary widely depending on several factors. Some cases may settle within a few months. However, those involving severe injuries or disputed liability can take a year or more to resolve.
Additionally, insurance companies often delay car accident claims to make it more difficult to obtain compensation and potentially keep their costs down. If a fair settlement can’t be reached, your case may go to court. The litigation process includes filing the lawsuit, discovery, pretrial motions, and possibly a trial, all of which can extend the timeline.
A Goodlettsville car accident lawyer can provide a better estimate based on the specifics of your case. They can ensure that the process moves as efficiently as possible while fighting for the compensation you deserve.
What if I discover injuries days or weeks after the car accident?
It’s common for some injuries, such as whiplash, concussions, or soft tissue damage, to appear days or even weeks after a car accident. The adrenaline from the crash can initially mask pain, while certain injuries may take time to develop noticeable symptoms. If this happens, you can still take steps to protect your health and your right to compensation.
Once you notice symptoms, visit a doctor or another medical specialist as soon as possible. Keep a record of when symptoms began, how they’ve progressed, and how they’ve impacted your daily life.
Also, inform your insurance company about your newly discovered injuries. Avoid giving recorded statements without a lawyer present, as your words can potentially hurt your claim.
Do I have to go to court for a car accident claim?
Most car accident claims are resolved without going to court. In many cases, the parties involved reach a settlement through negotiations with the insurance company. Settling out of court is often faster and less stressful than pursuing a lawsuit, and a skilled Goodlettsville car accident lawyer can help get fair compensation during this process.
However, there are situations where going to court may be necessary. For example, if the at-fault party or their insurance company denies responsibility for your car accident, taking the case to court may be required to prove who was at fault. Additionally, if the insurance company offers a settlement that doesn’t cover your damages, filing a lawsuit can put pressure on them to negotiate fairly or risk a court verdict.
If your case must proceed to court, one of our Goodlettsville attorneys can handle all aspects of the legal process, including filing the lawsuit, presenting evidence, and advocating for you before a judge or jury.
What if I was injured in a hit-and-run accident?
Being injured in a hit-and-run accident can feel overwhelming, but you still have options to seek compensation for your injuries and damages. If you’re involved in a hit-and-run accident, report it to the police immediately. Provide as much information as possible about the other vehicle, including make, model, color, license plate (even partial numbers), and the direction it was traveling.
Also, look for anyone who might have seen the hit-and-run accident and ask for their contact information. A witness may have captured the hit-and-run driver’s license plate number or recorded the crash on a dashcam.
If the hit-and-run driver can’t be identified, your UM coverage can compensate you for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages (if you have it). Other options for seeking compensation include PIP coverage, MedPay, or health insurance (if you have any of those policies).
A Goodlettsville car accident lawyer can help your case
A Goodlettsville car accident lawyer at the Law Office of Eric Beasley can be your strongest advocate. We can guide you through the process of pursuing compensation and protecting your rights. Our law firm knows how to gather indisputable facts to support your claim and establish fault.
When you choose our firm, you're not just hiring a lawyer, you’re getting a strong legal advocate who can handle every aspect of your case while you focus on recovery. We work on a contingency fee basis, so there’s no upfront cost to you, and we only get paid if we win. Contact us online or call our Goodlettsville law office today to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward justice.