A motor vehicle crash can change everything in an instant. Many people are left unsure about medical care, insurance deadlines, or how to recover lost income. If you are in that position, understanding the common causes of car accidents in Cordova is often the first step toward finding answers.
The Law Office of David E. Gordon & Elissa M. Coombs can explain how the state’s traffic laws apply, gather evidence before it is lost, and manage conversations with insurers so you do not have to. Choosing a car accident attorney from a private firm can also mean more individualized attention and insight into how local courts handle these cases. Speaking with legal counsel does not erase the stress, but it may give you a clearer path forward and the confidence to protect your rights.
Frequent Factors in Traffic Collisions
Auto accidents in this area often stem from the same familiar behaviors. State law, for instance, prohibits drivers from using handheld cell phones while driving. A driver breaking that rule and their subsequent distraction leading to a wreck may form the basis for negligence.
Other situations are more straightforward, including impaired driving, tailgating, or running red lights at busy intersections. Road conditions, heavy traffic along Germantown Parkway, and wet pavement during summer storms add another layer of risk.
Some of the most common causes of car crashes in Cordova include:
- Texting, dialing, or focusing on in-car screens
- Speeding or following too closely during rush hour
- Fatigue or alcohol-related impairment, especially at night
- Failure to yield at intersections and highway merges
- Abrupt lane changes near commercial trucks
- Weather-related issues, such as slick roads or reduced visibility
In these cases, investigators look at police reports, dashcam footage, or even event data recorders from the vehicles themselves. Witness accounts can also shed light on what happened. If a driver violated a safety law, state courts may recognize that as negligence, which can make proving responsibility easier. Once the investigation addresses liability, medical records, treatment plans, and employment documentation are used to link the crash to specific financial and personal losses.
Building a Claim Under State Law
Legal recovery after a car accident depends heavily on state law. In most cases, the injured person must file a personal injury claim within one year, making deadlines critical. The state of Tennessee also uses a modified comparative fault rule. Someone found 50 percent or more responsible for a crash cannot receive compensation. If the fault is less than 50 percent, compensation is reduced in proportion to that share. Courts apply this system consistently, following precedent such as McIntyre v. Balentine.
Available compensation may include medical expenses, future treatment needs, lost wages, and diminished earning ability. Non-economic damages, such as pain or reduced quality of life, are capped in most cases, with exceptions for catastrophic harm. State law also restricts punitive damages. Insurance coverage layers, including liability, medical payments, and uninsured motorist benefits, often overlap, requiring careful coordination.
Regardless of the cause of a car accident, legal claims in Cordova commonly proceed through Shelby County courts, where local knowledge of procedures and timelines can help streamline the process. David and Elissa have the experience to walk you through this entire process.
Contact a Lawyer After a Cordova Car Accident Caused by Negligence
If you were recently involved in a traffic collision, you may feel uncertain about what steps to take. At the Law Office of David E. Gordon & Elissa M. Coombs, we can review your circumstances, explain the applicable laws, and help you understand possible options. Speaking with a lawyer does not guarantee a certain outcome, but it can give you a sense of direction.
To learn more about how the common causes of car accidents in Cordova may relate to your situation, reach out today. A free initial consultation can help you protect important evidence, meet filing deadlines, and move forward with greater clarity and peace of mind.
