A car wreck can turn an ordinary day into a series of difficult questions. How will you pay your medical bills? How long will recovery take? What should you do if the insurance company pressures you to accept less than what you need? Many people in this position feel unsure about what steps to take next.
Speaking with our team at The Law Office of David E. Gordon & Elissa M. Coombs may ease some of that uncertainty. Our attorneys are familiar with Cordova car accident settlements and can explain the legal process, gather evidence, and help respond to insurance adjusters in a way that protects your rights. As a private firm, we have the time and resources to examine details that may otherwise be overlooked, from crash reports and medical records to lost income and long-term care needs.
What Laws Affect Settlements?
Several state rules shape the value and timing of a car accident settlement in Cordova. Personal injury clients must generally file a claim within one year of the collision, according to Tenn. Code Ann. § 28-3-104. The state follows a modified comparative fault system. If injured individuals are found 50 percent or more at fault, they usually cannot recover compensation. When their share of fault is less, compensation is reduced in proportion to that percentage, an important principle established in the Tennessee Supreme Court case McIntyre v. Balentine.
Compensation awards also face limits. Under Tenn. Code Ann. § 29-39-102, noneconomic compensation is capped at $750,000 in most cases and $1,000,000 for catastrophic injuries. Punitive compensation, which is meant to penalize extreme misconduct, is also capped under § 29-39-104.
Insurance coverage plays a significant role. Liability policies, medical payments coverage, and uninsured or underinsured motorist benefits often overlap. Attorneys David and Elissa understand how coordinating these layers can affect the outcome. An attorney’s experience with local judges and procedures can also influence how quickly a case progresses.
Building Your Case for a Comprehensive Settlement
The strength of a Cordova auto accident settlement often depends on the quality of evidence collected. Attorneys David and Elissa may start with police reports, photos of the scene, and data from vehicle systems. In some cases, they send letters to preserve surveillance footage or electronic records before they are erased.
Medical documentation is essential. Records that show the course of treatment, future care needs, and how injuries interfere with work and daily life can make a claim more persuasive. Employers may be asked to confirm missed wages or changes to job duties.
Practical steps that often help include:
- Following medical advice and completing recommended treatment
- Keeping track of expenses and receipts in one place
- Documenting symptoms and missed activities in a simple journal
- Saving pay stubs and benefit statements to show income loss
- Avoiding social media posts that may be misinterpreted
Many cases resolve through a settlement demand and negotiation. If liability or compensation remains disputed, filing suit in Shelby County Circuit Court will keep pressure on the other side while still allowing room for resolution outside the courtroom.
Contact Us for Help with Your Cordova Car Crash Settlement Negotiations
If you are reviewing an insurance offer or are unsure what your claim may be worth, a free consultation with one of our attorneys can provide clarity. Use this conversation to ask questions, understand rules that apply, and decide what steps to take next with no obligation.
For guidance on Cordova car accident settlements, contact The Law Office of David E. Gordon & Elissa M. Coombs. Speaking with our knowledgeable legal professionals can explain your options and help you take the next steps.
