Car Accident Lawyer in Arlington

Car accidents can happen in any city, and Arlington, TN, is no exception. At Gatti, Keltner, Bienvenu & Montesi, PLC, we offer a personal injury lawyer in Arlington, TN, to those needing comprehensive legal services. We have a track record of success, representing clients who have suffered serious injuries in car accidents.

Common Car Accident Injuries in Arlington, TN

According to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, more than 200,000 traffic accidents happen in Tennessee annually. The type and severity of injuries depend on several factors, such as the speed of the vehicles involved, the angle of impact, the size and weight of the vehicles, and whether the occupants were wearing seat belts. This section will discuss some of the most common injuries sustained in car accidents.

Whiplash

Whiplash can cause damage to the neck muscles, ligaments, and tendons, resulting in a common injury known as whiplash. Symptoms of whiplash typically include neck pain, stiffness, and headaches. In some cases, whiplash can also cause shoulder pain, back pain, and dizziness. 

While whiplash is often considered a minor injury, it can be extremely painful and take weeks or even months to heal.

Broken Bones

Broken bones are a common injury in car accidents, particularly in high-speed collisions. Broken bones can occur in any body part, and a broken bone may require immobilization in a cast or brace or surgical repair. Recovery from a broken bone can take weeks or even months when the injured person cannot work or perform daily activities.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can affect a person’s ability to function independently. Symptoms of a TBI can include headaches, dizziness, nausea, confusion, memory loss, and mood changes. In severe cases, a TBI can cause coma, paralysis, or death. 

Recovery from a TBI can be a lengthy and costly process involving hospitalization, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical treatment.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Injuries to the cervical spine (neck) can result in quadriplegia, which affects all four limbs, while injuries to the thoracic spine (chest) or lumbar spine (lower back) can result in paraplegia, which affects the legs and lower body. Spinal cord injuries can be life-changing and require ongoing medical treatment and rehabilitation.

Burns

Burns can occur from a car fire or contact with hot metal or other objects in the car. Burns can require skin grafts or other surgical procedures. In addition to physical pain and scarring, burns can cause emotional trauma, particularly if the injured person undergoes a lengthy recovery process.

Internal Injuries

Internal injuries can result from the force of impact in a car accident. These injuries can be difficult to detect, including internal bleeding, organ damage, and fractured ribs. Symptoms of internal injuries may not be immediately apparent, and delayed medical treatment can result in serious complications or even death.

Economic & Non-Economic Damages in Car Accident Cases in Arlington, TN

In car accident cases, damages are typically categorized as either economic or non-economic. Economic damages are quantifiable losses that can be calculated based on objective evidence, such as bills, receipts, and pay stubs. Non-economic damages, on the other hand, are losses that are more subjective and are often more difficult to quantify. 

Here are some examples of economic and non-economic damages in car accident cases:

Economic Damages

Economic damages include:

• Medical Expenses: This refers to the costs associated with hospitalization, surgery, medication, rehabilitation, and any other medical treatment related to the accident.
• Lost Wages: You might be entitled to compensation for lost wages, which includes the wages you have already lost and any future earnings you may lose due to your injuries.
• Property Damage: If your vehicle or property was damaged in the accident, you might be eligible to receive compensation for the cost of repairs or replacement.
• Loss of Earning Capacity: If you cannot earn as much as you did before the accident, you might receive compensation for the loss of earning capacity.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages include:

• Pain and Suffering: Pain and suffering refer to physical and emotional distress caused by the accident. This can include chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and other mental and emotional disorders resulting from the accident.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries prevent you from participating in activities you once enjoyed, you may be entitled to compensation for loss of enjoyment of life.
• Emotional Distress: Emotional distress refers to the psychological impact of the accident, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
• Loss of Consortium: If the accident has resulted in a loss of companionship, intimacy, or support from a spouse or family member, you may be entitled to compensation for loss of consortium.
• Punitive Damages: In cases where the other driver acted recklessly or intentionally, you may be entitled to punitive damages. These damages are intended to punish the at-fault driver and discourage similar behavior in the future.

To determine the number of damages you may be entitled to, a car accident attorney in Arlington, TN, will evaluate the facts of your case and calculate your economic losses. They will also consider the accident’s impact on your life and seek compensation for your non-economic damages. An experienced lawyer can help you negotiate with insurance companies and seek compensation through a personal injury lawsuit if necessary.

How to Prove Negligence

Proving negligence is a crucial aspect of a successful car accident claim. Proving negligence requires collecting and presenting evidence demonstrating the other driver’s responsibility for the accident. 

The first step in proving negligence is establishing that the other driver had a legal duty to exercise reasonable care while driving. This involves demonstrating that the driver was obligated to follow traffic laws, drive at a safe speed, and avoid actions that could put others at risk.

Once you have established that the other driver had a legal duty to exercise reasonable care, the next step is to show that the driver breached that duty. This means demonstrating that the driver failed to act as a reasonable person would under similar circumstances. For example, if the other driver was texting while driving, they may have breached their duty of care. Proving a breach of duty can be challenging, as it requires demonstrating that the other driver’s actions were below the standard of care expected of a reasonable driver.

Finally, to prove negligence, you must show that the other driver’s breach of duty caused the accident and your injuries. This means demonstrating that the other driver’s actions were the direct cause of the accident and that you would not have been injured if not for their actions. Proving causation can be complex, as it often requires expert testimony and a thorough analysis of the facts of the case.

Contact Gatti, Keltner, Bienvenu & Montesi, PLC for a Car Accident Lawyer in Arlington, TN

It is essential to seek the advice of an experienced car accident lawyer in Arlington, TN, from Gatti, Keltner, Bienvenu & Montesi, PLC. An attorney can help you navigate the complex legal system and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with a car accident lawyer.