Car Accidents | The Evans Law Firm
Tennessee Personal Injury
& Civil Litigation
Knox, Jefferson, Sevier, Blount, Loudon, and other counties in East TN.
Car Accident Law in Tennessee: Your Complete Guide to Recovery
Knoxville Car Accident Attorney
Injured in a Car Accident? Let The Evans Law Firm Fight for the Compensation You Deserve
A car accident can change your life in seconds.
One moment you're driving to work, picking up your children, or running errands. The next, you're dealing with painful injuries, mounting medical bills, missed time from work, and insurance companies that seem more interested in protecting their bottom line than helping you recover.
If you've been injured in a car accident in Knoxville or anywhere in East Tennessee, you do not have to navigate the claims process alone.
At The Evans Law Firm, we help accident victims pursue compensation for their injuries, lost wages, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other losses caused by negligent drivers. Our goal is simple: help you recover physically, financially, and emotionally while we handle the legal process.
If you were injured in a car accident, contact The Evans Law Firm today for a free consultation.
What Should You Do After a Car Accident?
The hours and days following an accident are critical.
Taking the right steps can protect both your health and your legal claim.
1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Your health should always come first.
Even if you feel fine immediately after the collision, many injuries do not appear until hours or days later.
Common delayed injuries include:
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Concussions
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Whiplash
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Soft tissue injuries
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Back injuries
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Internal injuries
Prompt medical treatment also creates important documentation linking your injuries to the accident.
2. Call Law Enforcement
A police report often becomes one of the most important pieces of evidence in a personal injury claim.
The report may contain:
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Witness information
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Driver statements
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Insurance information
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Officer observations
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Initial fault determinations
3. Document the Scene
If you are able, gather:
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Photographs of all vehicles
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Road conditions
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Traffic signs
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Visible injuries
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Vehicle damage
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Witness contact information
Evidence can disappear quickly after an accident.
4. Avoid Discussing Fault
Do not apologize or speculate about what happened.
Even innocent statements can later be used by insurance companies to reduce or deny your claim.
5. Contact an Attorney Before Giving a Recorded Statement
Insurance adjusters often contact accident victims shortly after a crash.
Their job is to protect the insurance company's interests—not yours.
Before providing a recorded statement, consider speaking with an attorney.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Tennessee
Most car accidents are preventable.
Some of the most common causes include:
Distracted Driving
Texting, phone use, GPS devices, and other distractions contribute to thousands of crashes every year.
Speeding
Excessive speed reduces reaction time and increases the severity of injuries.
Drunk Driving
Drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs create significant risks for everyone on the road.
Failure to Yield
Many serious accidents occur when drivers fail to yield the right-of-way at intersections and while turning.
Aggressive Driving
Tailgating, weaving through traffic, and road rage frequently lead to collisions.
Fatigued Driving
Drowsy drivers often experience slowed reaction times and impaired judgment.
Common Car Accident Injuries
The physical consequences of a collision can range from minor discomfort to life-changing injuries.
Common injuries include:
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Whiplash
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Neck injuries
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Back injuries
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Herniated discs
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Broken bones
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Concussion
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Traumatic brain injuries
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Spinal cord injuries
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Internal injuries
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Burns
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Permanent disability
Some injuries require months or years of treatment and rehabilitation.
Tennessee Car Accident Laws
Tennessee follows an at-fault system for motor vehicle accidents.
This means the driver responsible for causing the accident is generally responsible for the resulting damages.
To recover compensation, injured victims must typically prove:
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The other driver owed a duty of care
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The driver breached that duty
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The breach caused the accident
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The accident caused damages
Evidence often includes:
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Police reports
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Medical records
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Witness statements
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Surveillance footage
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Vehicle damage
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Expert testimony
Comparative Fault in Tennessee
Tennessee follows a modified comparative fault system.
This means compensation may be reduced if an injured person is partially responsible for the accident.
For example:
If a jury awards $100,000 but finds you 20% at fault, your recovery would be reduced to $80,000.
Insurance companies frequently try to shift blame to injured victims.
Our firm works to challenge those arguments and protect your claim.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
Depending on the circumstances, accident victims may be entitled to compensation for:
Medical Expenses
Including:
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Emergency room treatment
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Hospitalization
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Surgery
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Physical therapy
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Future medical care
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Prescription medications
Lost Wages
If your injuries prevent you from working, you may recover compensation for lost income.
Loss of Future Earning Capacity
Serious injuries can affect your ability to earn a living for years to come.
Property Damage
Including vehicle repairs or replacement.
Pain and Suffering
Compensation may be available for physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life.
Permanent Disability
Long-term injuries often result in additional compensation.
Dealing with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies are businesses.
Their goal is often to settle claims quickly and for as little money as possible.
Many injured people receive settlement offers before they fully understand the extent of their injuries.
Accepting an early settlement may prevent you from recovering additional compensation later.
At The Evans Law Firm, we handle communications with insurance companies so our clients can focus on recovery.
Uninsured and Underinsured Drivers
Not every driver carries adequate insurance coverage.
If the at-fault driver lacks insurance or carries insufficient coverage, you may still have options through:
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Uninsured motorist coverage
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Underinsured motorist coverage
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Additional insurance policies
We help clients identify every available source of recovery.
Why Hire The Evans Law Firm?
Insurance companies handle claims every day.
You deserve someone on your side who understands the process and knows how to fight back.
Our firm helps by:
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Investigating accidents
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Gathering evidence
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Obtaining medical records
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Working with experts
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Calculating damages
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Negotiating with insurers
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Filing lawsuits when necessary
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Taking cases to trial when appropriate
We focus on maximizing recovery while reducing stress for our clients.
Car Accident Cases We Handle
We represent clients injured in:
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Rear-end collisions
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Intersection accidents
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Head-on crash
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T-bone accidents
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Multi-vehicle accidents
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Distracted driving accidents
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Drunk driving accidents
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Highway collisions
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Catastrophic injury accidents
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Wrongful death claims
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to hire a car accident lawyer?
Most personal injury cases are handled on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney's fee unless compensation is recovered.
How long do I have to file a claim?
Tennessee generally has a one-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims.
Should I accept the insurance company's first offer?
Not before understanding the full extent of your injuries and consulting with an attorney.
What if I was partially at fault?
You may still be able to recover compensation under Tennessee's comparative fault rules.
How much is my case worth?
Every case is different. Factors include medical expenses, lost wages, future treatment needs, and the impact of injuries on your daily life.
Do I need a lawyer for a minor accident?
Even seemingly minor accidents can result in significant injuries and disputes with insurance companies.
Contact The Evans Law Firm Today
A serious accident can leave you overwhelmed, frustrated, and uncertain about the future.
You should not have to fight insurance companies while trying to heal.
Let The Evans Law Firm handle the legal process while you focus on recovery.
Contact The Evans Law Firm today for a free consultation and learn how we can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
