If you have been injured in a Kingsport, Tennessee automobile accident it could be beneficial for you to contact a Tennessee personal injury attorney who will work zealously to ensure you receive compensation for your injuries and any damages to your vehicle. Having an attorney by your side lets insurance companies and others you must deal with know you are serious, and that you will not accept lowball offers which will leave you injured and with outstanding medical expenses. The city of Kingsport is located in Sullivan and Hawkins counties—with most of the city being in Sullivan County.
During 2014, there were 24 vehicles involved in fatal accidents, with 13 people dying in those accidents. Five of the fatal accidents involved a drunken person. Additionally, one pedestrian was involved in a fatal auto accident. These fatal accidents occurred all across the city, however, the following streets and roadways had more than their fair share of accidents: SR-93 John B Dennis Hwy, US-11 and E Stone Drive, SR-36 Ft. Henry Drive, West Stone Drive and by an impaired driver.
Sullivan County ranked 29th among all the counties in Tennessee for the overall number of auto accidents between the years of 2012 and 2016. For fatal injuries, the county ranked 81st, for auto accident injuries, the county ranked 34th, and for the number of motorcycle accidents, Sullivan County ranked 60th. Sullivan County ranked 86th for alcohol-impaired accidents, 41st for auto accidents involving excessive speed, 30th for auto accidents among those between the ages of 15 and 24, and 20th for auto accidents among seniors—those over the age of 65.
You, like most people, were probably shaken up following your car accident. Unfortunately, when you are in such an emotional state, you may not make the best decisions for your future. Further, injuries which seemed relatively minor at the time, may have turned out to be a long-term medical issue. Having a legal advocate by your side from start to finish who will protect your rights and your future is crucial following a car accident. For more detailed information regarding auto accidents, click here to read our Car Accident Guide. Below you will find additional answers to your questions about auto accidents.
What if The Other Driver and His or Her Insurance Company Denies Liability?
Insurance companies avoid paying out any more than they absolutely have to on auto accident claims. After all, despite what you may have heard on the television commercials, the insurance companies are not your friend—even your own insurance company is going to care more about their financial bottom line than about your injuries, or what you will drive while your car is being repaired. Therefore, if the at-fault driver’s insurance company denies responsibility, it becomes your job to prove liability.
If you are fortunate enough to have a clear, comprehensive police report, it could go a long way in helping you do just that. However, if the police report does not make liability clear, it is almost certain that the insurance company will offer you much less than the full value of your case. This is why it is so important to have an experienced attorney by your side—someone who will stand up for your rights, and be your advocate throughout the process.
What if the Auto Accident Was My Fault?
It is important to remember that following an auto accident, you may not be in the best position to determine exactly how the accident occurred, or whose fault it was. If you accept blame now—or even apologize to the other driver—you may find later you are unable to get the settlement you need to pay for your injuries. Further, following your accident, you should absolutely not discuss your accident on social media, or to your friends or family members. Talk to your attorney before you talk to anyone else, then keep quiet about the accident until you have received your settlement.
Why Do I Need to See a Doctor After My Auto Accident—I Feel Fine
Immediately following your auto accident, your body is pumping with adrenaline. This can mask the symptoms of an injury. While you might think you are “fine” following your auto accident, don’t be in such a rush to make that determination. If you tell everyone at the scene of the accident you are fine, then later realize you are not, the insurance company may deny your claim, based on what you said immediately after the accident.
It is always better to see a doctor and be thoroughly checked out before you say you are “fine.” When you do see the doctor, make sure you mention any complaint you might have, no matter how minor you think it might be. If you were not the cause of the auto accident, the law allows you to receive compensation for your medical expenses, so make absolutely sure you are fine before declaring it to others.
If you were injured because of the negligence of another driver, it is important that you speak to an experienced Kingsport personal injury attorney from the law firm of Martinson & Beason, P.C.
Our attorneys have been protecting those injured in auto accidents since 1937, and they will protect you, and look out for your future. Call us today for a free consultation to find out how we can help you during this difficult time.