Few types of motor vehicle accidents are as devastating as head-on collisions. These accidents often result in spinal cord injuries, broken bones, traumatic brain damage, and even death. Those who survive may have grounds for legal action against the individual or entity responsible for causing the crash.
When you need help identifying the at-fault party and recovering maximum compensation for your damages, look no further than an experienced North Memphis personal injury lawyer at Gatti, Keltner, Bienvenu & Montesi, PLC. Call our office for a free consultation today and learn more about how the personal injury claims process works, what to expect from your insurance claim, and the value of your damages.
How Head-On Collisions Happen in North Memphis
Your head-on collision attorney in North Memphis, TN, at Gatti, Keltner, Bienvenu & Montesi, PLC, will handle all the legal details of your case. However, one of our most important tasks will be figuring out how your collision occurred and who is responsible. Head-on crashes happen when one vehicle collides with the front of another car.
These car accidents are known for being some of the most devastating types of motor vehicle crashes. Injuries sustained in head-on collisions are often life-threatening. If you hope to recover the compensation you deserve, your lawyer must thoroughly investigate every detail.
Common Causes of North Memphis Head-On Collisions
Your head-on collision lawyer in North Memphis, TN, will begin the investigation process by examining how the head-on collision happened. In some cases, the answer may be obvious, while others may require a more in-depth analysis.
Many head-on collisions are caused by negligent driving. However, careless driving in and of itself can take multiple forms. Some examples of negligent driving that could cause head-on collisions include:
- Driving over the speed limit
- Failure to yield to the right of way
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Tailgating
- Driving aggressively
- Driving while fatigued
- Failure to stop at a stop sign or traffic light
- Making illegal turns
- Failure to use a turn signal
- Distracted driving
However, negligent driving is not the only cause of head-on collisions. In fact, defective motor vehicle parts and hazardous road conditions also frequently cause car wrecks. You can rely on your attorney’s analysis of your case to uncover all parties who could have played a part in the injuries you sustained.
Get a free case review today. There`s no fee unless we win!
Who to Sue for Your Head-On Collision Damages
Once we know how the crash occurred, your North Memphis head-on collision lawyer can determine which parties should be held accountable for compensating you for your damages. If dangerous road conditions caused your head-on collision, multiple parties could share the blame.
For instance, if potholes were not filled, road construction zones were not carefully secured, or missing street signs were not replaced promptly, those government agencies and municipalities responsible for road safety could be soon. These parties could include:
- The city of Memphis
- The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT)
- Other government agencies
- Municipalities
- Safety inspectors
- Government executives and officials
Suing a Manufacturer
If your head-on collision happened because parts on either vehicle were malfunctioning or defective, nearly anyone involved in the chain of distribution of these parts could be held accountable. Examples of such parties could include:
- Auto parts manufacturers
- Vehicle maintenance workers
- Motor vehicle dealerships and executives
- Auto parts designers and distributors
- Auto parts suppliers
- Safety inspectors
Additionally, when negligent driving causes your head-on collision, you might have a chance to pursue more than just the driver who hit you. For example, if drunk driving caused your accident, you can rely on your head-on collision attorney to determine whether local dram shops or establishments served or sold alcohol to the defendant while intoxicated. If they did, you might have the right to file a claim against them under Tennessee’s dram shop liability or social host laws.
Over $500 Million
Recovered on Behalf
of Our Clients
Essential Legal Considerations
Multiple Tennessee personal injury laws should be taken into consideration as you prepare to move forward with your head-on collision insurance and civil claims:
How Insurance Claims Work
Tennessee operates under a fault-based insurance system. This means when you have been involved in a head-on collision or other car accident, you file a claim with the liable party’s insurance provider.
However, if you decided to purchase no-fault insurance as part of your personal auto insurance policy, you could file a claim with your own and shower. However, doing so could result in an increase in your premiums upon renewal.
Crucial Deadlines
You must file your head-on collision claim within one year of the accident. There may be situations where the statute of limitations could be delayed, but they are rare. If your lawsuit is not filed within one year, you will likely lose your chance to present your case before a judge and jury.
You also need to be aware of the insurance company’s deadlines. Some may be as short as 30 days. Having an experienced head-on collision attorney in North Memphis working on your case can ensure you are mindful of these deadlines and do not risk missing these critical dates.
Shared Fault Allegations
Do not worry if you are accused of sharing the blame for the head-on collision. Tennessee follows modified comparative negligence laws with a 50% threshold. If you share liability, but your portion of the fault is not greater than 50%, you can still recover compensation for your suffering.
However, it will be at a reduced rate. For instance, if you were 20% liable for your injuries because you were not wearing your seatbelt during the crash, you can expect your settlement to reflect a 20% deduction. Your attorney will ensure fault is assessed accurately so profit-driven insurance companies do not take advantage of you.
Fighting for the MAXIMUM
Money for You
Get in Touch with a North Memphis Head-On Collision Lawyer Today
The trauma of your injuries may substantially impact your life for the foreseeable future. Make sure you have access to the funds you will need to cover your outstanding expenses and set your future up for success.
With help from a reputable North Memphis head-on collision attorney at Gatti, Keltner, Bienvenu & Montesi, PLC, you can ensure those responsible for causing your injuries are brought to justice. Contact our team for a no-cost, risk-free consultation today and discuss your potential legal options, the value of your damages, and the steps you must take to recover the compensation you deserve. You can reach us by phone or through our online contact form to get started.