Car Accidents
 | In the State of Tennessee, if a person is found to be negligent in an automobile accident, that person is generally held responsible. Negligence could mean that the driver violated a Rule of the Road. The drivers actions could also fall under the category of not reacting in the manner in which a reasonable person would have under the same circumstances.
At the law offices of T. Verner Smith, we have years of experience representing the victims of traffic accidents. These accidents have involved motorcycles, cars, and trucks. We represent victims who have been injured, or even those whose loved ones have died in accidents, to be sure they have a legal possibility of recovering from the driver who was at fault. If a driver whose careless actions have caused harm to someone else, they should be held responsible for what occurred and victims are entitled to restitution for their losses. To discuss your particular situation, call our offices at (731) 423-1888. |
REAR-END ACCIDENT
A rear-end collision occurs if two vehicles of any type are moving in the same direction on the same road, highway or interstate. If the trailing vehicle runs into the vehicle directly in front of them, that is classified as a rear-end collision. Typically the driver in the rear is primarily or totally at fault.
Injuries from these types of accidents vary due to types of vehicles, age/health of people, locations in the vehicle, etc. Injuries may range from whiplash, back pain, muscle tears, or even more serious injuries or death. In Tennessee, every driver has a responsibility to maneuver their vehicle in a manner which is reasonable and safe. There are specific Tennessee laws which vary the determination of what is deemed reasonable and safe based on particular roadways and/or situations. These laws can be used by attorneys to assist in proving who was at fault. Be aware that not all rear-end accidents are 100% the fault of the trailing driver. There are instances in which the courts may determine the lead driver may have behaved improperly, or the trailing driver may have failed their responsibility to obtain proper vehicle maintenance. The law offices of T. Verner Smith have handled all sorts of rear-end accident cases and have successfully represented clients in both circumstances. If you, or someone you know, have been involved in a rear-end traffic accident, contact us at (731) 423-1888. | HEAD-ON COLLISION
A head-on collision is typically a violent type of accident in which two vehicles hit each other after traveling in opposite directions. The injuries each person receives in this sort of accident are typically extremely high. Only 2% of traffic accidents are head-on, however the typical injuries are so catastrophic that 18% of all fatal non-intersection accidents are head-on collisions.
Tennessee law expects all drivers to drive responsibility and react reasonably to avoid an accident. Those responsibilities include getting off of the road/highway when sleepy, scheduling proper tire and vehicle maintenance to ensure the vehicle is safe to drive, etc. The law also requires that drivers stay on the right half of the road, unless an exception to the rule applies. Proof in court regarding which driver crossed into the opposing lane of traffic is done via police reports, witnesses, drivers, passengers, and in some complex cases, by accident reconstructionists. The law offices of T. Verner Smith have handled all sorts of head-on accident cases and have successfully represented clients in all circumstances. If you, or someone you know, have been involved in a head-on traffic accident, contact us at (731) 423-1888. | SIDESWIPE COLLISION
Sideswipe accidents occur when two vehicles traveling beside each other in the same direction make contact. Sideswipe accidents typically occur when one driver attempts to make a lane change without properly looking. Other situations may involve a driver carelessly drifting into the adjacent lane, talking or texting on a cell phone, distracted by a passenger, sleepy, or even intoxicated. Other sideswipe accidents occur in a merge-lane scenario, or on/off ramps.
Sideswipe accident injuries can range from minor to severe as vehicles are generally designed to protect drivers and passengers from rear-end or head-on collisions. A vehicle’s bumpers, air bags, and seat belt restraints are primarily designed for protection from front or rear collisions. Sideswipe accidents can also dramatically change a vehicle’s direction causing them to veer off of the road or even into oncoming traffic. Tennessee law requires that each driver be cautious and be aware of nearby vehicles and behave responsibly in attempting to avoid a collision. The law also requires that drivers keep their vehicle in one lane, except under certain circumstances. It is illegal for a driver to move into another lane, or merge into another lane without having first checked to be sure it is possible and safe. The law offices of T. Verner Smith have handled all sorts of sideswipe accident cases and have successfully represented clients in all circumstances. If you, or someone you know, have been involved in a sideswipe traffic accident, contact us at (731) 423-1888. |
