Being in an accident can be a distressing experience, especially if you’re injured as a result. It can mean costly repercussions on your end, such as lost income and incurred medical bills. Filing for personal injury claims can help mitigate these expenses. Below are answers to a few commonly asked questions about this process.

What to Know About Personal Injury Claims

What should I do after the accident?

You’ll need evidence to prove that you were, in fact, injured during the accident, so get medical attention immediately. Closely follow your doctor’s orders—go in for follow-up appointments and take necessary medications while focusing on personal care.

Also, take photos of your physical injuries, and if possible, of the accident scene. Write down as many details about the accident as you can remember—it will help with your case.

Do I still file for claims if I’m not hurt or partly at fault?

Even if you don’t think you were injured, it’s still crucial to seek professional care to determine whether or not you may have physical disorders in the future. Seemingly minor injuries like whiplash or concussions can develop into serious health issues if they go unaddressed after the accident. If you don’t file for personal injury claims promptly, you may miss the opportunity to be compensated. 

If you think you’re at fault, you can still recover a portion of the damages. Tennessee is a modified comparative negligence state, which means that your role in the accident may reduce the amount you’ll get.

How much time do I have to file a case?

The statute of limitations is the time limit you have to file a case. In Tennessee, you have up to one year to file a personal injury case after the accident; otherwise, it may be dismissed.

Is there a specific amount I can get?

There’s no average or set settlement amount of money you will be awarded, as it can vary per case. Compensatory damages, or the amount of compensation, come in two types—economic and non-economic. The former depends on tangible costs and losses, including damaged property, lost income, and medical expenses. Non-economic damages are subjective and are designed to account for pain and suffering.

Does it take long to receive a settlement?

Like the settlement amount, the time frame for payment varies as well. Some personal injury cases do not go to court, especially those without complicated scenarios and sizeable compensation, which means they’re swiftly resolved in a few weeks. Others can drag on for years.

Working with an attorney eases the process and confusion of filing a personal injury claim. For experienced legal counsel, turn to Estep & Estep. As a long-standing law firm in Tazewell, TN, they’ve provided legal representation to clients of personal injury cases throughout the area since 1953. Call (423) 626-3525 for an initial consultation or visit them online today.