A serious car crash can cause more harm than just dents and broken glass. If you have suffered severe injuries, doctor visits, therapy appointments, and a growing pile of bills may start to feel overwhelming, and you may consider taking legal action. You may have questions about filing a car accident claim in Cordova or wonder how to protect your rights throughout the claims process.
At The Law Office of David E. Gordon & Elissa M. Coombs, we can manage the details to build the strongest possible case, explain the legal rules, and negotiate with insurers to obtain fair compensation. While we cannot guarantee any result, having an experienced attorney by your side can make the process more manageable and provide you with the information you need to make confident choices.
How Does the Law Affect Car Accident Claims?
Timing and fault are central issues to any car accident claim in Tennessee. Most people have just one year from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit under Tennessee Code Annotated § 28-3-104. Missing this deadline could mean losing the right to pursue compensation entirely.
The state also applies a modified comparative fault rule. If an injured person is 50 percent or more at fault, they cannot recover damages. If their share of fault is below 50 percent, that percentage reduces any compensation award by that amount. This follows the standard set by the Tennessee Supreme Court in McIntyre v. Balentine.
There are also limits on how much an injured person can recover. Non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, cannot exceed $750,000 in most cases, or $1,000,000 for certain catastrophic injuries (§ 29-39-102). Punitive damages are subject to additional restrictions under § 29-39-104.
After filing, the Shelby County Circuit Court often handles Cordova car accident claims. Success usually depends on the strength of the compiled evidence, from police reports and photographs to medical records. Insurance policies, including liability, MedPay, and uninsured motorist coverage, frequently overlap, and coordinating them properly can help avoid gaps or disputes.
Strengthening Your Car Accident Claim From the Beginning
The first weeks after a crash often determine the direction of a claim. Attorneys David and Elissa can help to identify all potentially responsible parties early on, whether that is another driver, an employer, or even a vehicle owner. They may also send preservation requests to prevent the responsible parties from erasing or destroying video footage, black box data, or other electronic evidence. Acting quickly helps to avoid losing valuable proof.
It is equally important to carefully document and track all losses, including medical bills, lost wages, changes in job duties, and projected treatment needs. These records help insurers and courts see the full impact of an accident, not just the immediate injuries.
Practical steps that can help when filing an auto wreck claim in Cordova include:
- Completing medical evaluations and saving every receipt
- Photographing the vehicles, the accident scene, and visible injuries
- Avoiding recording statements with insurers without first seeking legal advice
- Logging missed work, reduced hours, and injury-related expenses
- Routing insurance communication through legal counsel
With this foundation, negotiations often proceed more fairly. However, if settlement proves impossible, litigation may be necessary. At this point, testimony from witnesses, law enforcement, and medical professionals, and compliance with Tennessee court rules become central to protecting an injured person’s rights.
Contact a Cordova Attorney for Help Filing a Car Accident Claim
Life after a serious collision often feels uncertain. If you have questions about filing a car accident claim in Cordova, the experienced attorneys at The Law Office of David E. Gordon & Elissa M. Coombs are here to help.
We can address your concerns, explain your options, review settlement offers, and prepare for litigation, if necessary. Contact our office today to arrange a free consultation and let us help you move forward with confidence.
