How to Maximize Your Car Accident Settlement in Greeneville

A man and woman standing next to a car with the hood open, discussing a car accident issue.

Have you been injured in a car accident and are now facing the pressure of not working while dealing with mounting bills and expenses? If you were hurt in a crash caused by a negligent driver, you can seek compensation for medical bills, your lost wages or salary, and many other types of damages. 

Under Tennessee law, all drivers owe a duty of care to the rest of us on the road. When someone speeds, illegally change lanes or otherwise drives recklessly, they violate that duty of care and can be held responsible for the harm they cause. Unfortunately, car insurance companies don’t just automatically pay out the full value on personal injury claims. To maximize the value of your car accident case, you need an experienced attorney on your side. 

At The Terry Law Firm, our talented Greeneville car accident lawyers can help you demand the full, fair amount you deserve. If you accept an insurance settlement without a lawyer, you may be agreeing to far less than what you need or deserve. Don’t let that happen. Contact The Terry Law Firm today to understand the types of compensation you can expect. 

Types of Compensation You May Claim After a Car Accident in Greeneville 

After your crash, you may wonder how much money your case is worth. In truth, no one can answer that without looking at the details of your case closely. Car accident injury settlement amounts vary widely depending on the severity of your injuries and other losses you’ve incurred. You could be owed compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. 

Economic damages can include:

  • Past medical bills
  • Future medical bills
  • Missed salary or wages
  • Reduced earning capacity for the future
  • Property damage

Non-economic damages can include:

  • Pain
  • Suffering
  • Disfigurement
  • Loss of consortium

Not all of these will apply to every car or truck crash. That’s why it is so important to contact a lawyer who can document all of your damages and make a strong legal argument on your behalf. The Terry Law Firm has the experience and resources to investigate your claim and build a strong case for maximum compensation. 

How to Prove Pain and Suffering After a Greeneville Car Accident

Pain and suffering damages may make up a large part of your car accident case settlement amount. Our attorneys at The Terry Law Firm will help you document and prove your pain and suffering so that it can be added to your demand from the liable party and their insurance company. 

In Tennessee, $750,000 is the maximum amount you can be awarded for pain and suffering unless you’ve suffered a catastrophic injury like an amputation. In that case, a judge may award you up to $1 million. 

Usually, your lawyer will calculate the economic costs of your injury, and then document your physical discomfort, emotional turmoil, and other kinds of suffering. You might seek counseling for your post-traumatic stress disorder. 

Sometimes, your loved ones might notice that you’re not sleeping, eating, or otherwise behaving differently. If they testify to it, they can help build your case that you have suffered significant emotional and physical pain. Having official documentation of these kinds of symptoms of pain and suffering will strengthen your case and help your lawyer prove that you deserve just compensation for it. 

Tips to Maximize Car Accident Case Value

The legal team at The Terry Law Firm has the skills to help pursue maximum payment in your car accident case. To help with your claim, you can also take a few steps in the moments after your crash: 

    • Call the police or non-emergency line. Always report your accident to the authorities, and be honest about what happened. The police report will be important evidence for your case. 
    • Gather documentation. Take photographs of yourself, the scene, your car, and anything else that may be relevant. Get contact information from any witnesses. 
    • Go to a doctor as soon as possible. Get a thorough checkup and be sure to keep any medical records. Follow the doctor’s advice carefully and schedule additional appointments if you have any new or worsening symptoms. 
    • Call an experienced car accident attorney immediately. Our attorneys at The Terry Law Firm can get to work on your case right away, investigating the crash scene and managing communication with the insurance company.

Mistakes to Avoid in a Car Accident Claim

There are some things you should avoid so that you do not accidentally hurt your case for compensation. This includes:

  • Avoid discussing blame about the crash. At the scene of your accident, it’s not a good idea to get into an argument with the other driver, even if you believe strongly that he or she was at fault. On the flip side, do not say sorry, even out of politeness, as this can be mistaken for admission of fault. 
  • Don’t describe your symptoms unnecessarily until you have a doctor’s report. It’s also important to avoid saying that you feel OK or think you’ll be fine. You won’t know that until your doctor gives you a thorough examination of invisible injuries like concussions and internal bleeding. 
  • Don’t talk to insurance companies until you have legal representation. Remember that insurance companies, both your own and the other drivers, are businesses. They want to maximize their profits, and they do that by not paying settlements. They may contact you and ask you for a statement. Don’t talk to them until you’ve discussed it with a lawyer. 
  • Don’t settle without a lawyer on your side. Sometimes, insurance companies will immediately offer you a settlement after your crash. Again, their job is to make money, not pay money. This early settlement offer will likely be minimal compared to the total losses you will suffer. A lawyer can ensure you are not being taken advantage of. 

Call The Terry Law Firm Now to Discuss Your Greeneville Car Accident Claim

With a skilled and experienced car crash lawyer on your side, you can demand the full and fair compensation you need to recover. Contact the dedicated car accident attorneys at The Terry Law Firm now to begin your free, no-obligation consultation.