Gallatin Car Accident Lawyers

When she’s not engaged in her legal practice, Flora is out in the community, helping in the schools, charities, and fundraising events. Flora and mascot Poppy enjoy being part of the community and met many wonderful people in Gallatin at the Christmas parade. She was recognized as Attorney for Justice by the Tennessee Supreme Court for her pro bono services, as well as the Melvin Jones Fellow Award for her dedicated humanitarian services through Lion’s Club International.

OUR TEAM OF EXPERTS

Our accident injury attorneys have longstanding relationships with investigators, accident reconstructionists and expert witnesses. They obtain statements from the at-fault parties and any witnesses, photograph the scene or vehicles involved. Our expert reconstructionist and engineers can help prove liability against the at-fault party, whether it be a semi-truck, commercial vehicle, motorcycle or passenger car. It is important that you contact our firm right away, so that our team can get started examining evidence before it is lost or destroyed. Evidence is essential to prove your case.

OUR RELATIONSHIPS

Our attorneys have years of experience handling cases, and it is very common for us to encounter the same insurance companies and adjusters on multiple occasions or even a consistent basis. It is a tremendous advantage if your attorney has experience with a particular insurance company or adjuster, so they can better advise you on the actions or offers that the adjuster may make.   They know we will fight for our clients.

OUR EXPERIENCE

Flora Templeton Stuart has four decades of experience, working hard on behalf of her clients; winning jury trials, litigating, negotiating, and settling thousands of cases over the years. Flora Templeton Stuart is licensed in Tennessee and Kentucky and has been recognized by the Tennessee Supreme Court with A Tennessee Pro Bono Award. Flora is a member of numerous national and state trial associations and is a member of The Academy of Truck Accident Attorney Litigation Group. Flora is also recognized as a “Super Lawyer” and honored with awards throughout her career.

Her partner, Accident Injury Attorney Kent R. Brown has over a decade of experience fighting for his clients, both inside the courtroom and out. Kent is a member of the Kentucky Bar and The Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys and has negotiated hundreds of cases with years of trial experience.

DAMAGES AVAILABLE IN GALLATIN TENNESSEE CAR COLLISION CASES:

The value of each car accident case in Gallatin, Tennessee is determined by several factors, which are unique to each case. The amount our Gallatin attorney’s collect depends on the severity of the injuries, medical treatment, any lasting disabilities or permanent injuries, lost income when disabled from work, level of physical pain and the amount of insurance available to collect. In Tennessee, available damages include:

• Economic damages: Hospital bills, ambulance fees, medical bills, and other treatment that is medically necessary for the injuries sustained. This can also include future medical expenses if the injury causes permanent disability or requires long-term treatment. There is no cap on non-economic damages in Tennessee.

• Non-econonmic damages: Pain and suffering. You are entitled to receive damages for pain and suffering related to the injuries you sustained. Unfortunately, the state of Tennessee has capped non-economic damages at $750,000 for most injuries. C.A. § 29-39-102(a)(2).

• Lost Wages: In Gallatin Tennessee, parties may recover lost income compensation if the collision requires them to miss work for a period of time. This may also include future lost wages if the injury is permanent or significant enough to keep someone from working in the future.
• Property Damage: This can include repair or replacement cost to the damage caused to your vehicle, as well as damages caused to personal property within the vehicle that were damages as a result. You may also recover damages for expenses for rental cars or tow fees.

• Punitive damages: These are non-economic damages that a jury may award to a Plaintiff for punishment of the defendant’s behavior. These damages are only awarded if the jury finds that the defendant acted “maliciously, intentionally, fraudulently or reckless.” Punitive damages may be collected in certain circumstances, however in most instances the Tennessee legislature has capped the amount of punitive damages that injured parties may recover from the negligence of another party. Simply put, punitive damages are generally limited to $500,000 or two times the compensatory damage award, whichever is more. There are exceptions to that cap in instances where the defendant was under the influence of drugs or alcohol or where the defendant intentionally caused the injury to the victim.

SHOULD I HIRE A LAWYER IF THE ACCIDENT WASN’T MY FAULT?

Tennessee follows a “modified comparative fault” or the “49% rule” which means as long as you are not 50% at fault or more, you may recover damages for the collision.

Our firm moves quickly to open all claims for potential insurance coverage and fight to establish liability against the at-fault party.

As a matter of law, Tennessee requires motorists to carry some level of minimum liability insurance. The bare minimum car insurance requirement for drivers in Tennessee is:

• $25,000 for each injury or death per accident
• $50,000 for total injuries or deaths per accident
• $15,000 for property damage per accident.

At the Law Firm of Flora Templeton Stuart, our attorneys leave no stone unturned to collect damages from the insurance companies. We do an extensive investigation into all available insurance coverage, whether its policies covering the at-fault driver, or potential uninsured or underinsured coverage through your own insurance. Our firm runs background asset checks on at-fault drivers to determine the likelihood of recovering any judgment above applicable insurance policy limits.

What is “Med Pay” or “Medical Payments” insurance coverage in Tennessee?

Med Pay is optional insurance coverage that is often part of an automobile liability insurance policy in Tennessee. While not required, Med Pay can be very beneficial to you and your loved ones should you get in an accident in Tennessee. Med Pay benefits will pay towards the reasonable medical bills associated with your wreck, even if the wreck was your fault. This coverage is typically in increments of $5,000 or $10,000, but can go as high as $25,000. If you have Med Pay coverage, our office will work to make sure your insurance pays those reasonable medical bills associated with your claim.

How long do I have to file a claim in a Gallatin, TN auto accident injury case?

If you are seeking compensation for injuries sustained in a Gallatin, TN collision, you have one (1) year form the date of the collision to settle or file a lawsuit for your claim.

Those only seeking compensation for property damage are allowed up to three (3) years from the date of the collision to settle or file a lawsuit.

What can a Gallatin car wreck lawyer do for me in my auto accident injury case?

If you have been injured in a car wreck, your top priority should be getting better. Leave the rest to The Law Firm of Flora Templeton Stuart. After consulting with the client, our Gallatin, TN auto wreck attorneys move quickly to investigate and preserve evidence. We often hire investigators and reconstructionist to do a thorough investigation of the facts.

This also may include photographing the scene, performing vehicle inspections, obtaining statements from witnesses or at-fault parties. Our Gallatin accident attorneys will help you get into doctors and specialists you need to properly treat your injuries. We can help you get compensation for your lost wages and assist with your property damage claim or acquiring a rental vehicle.

We handle all negotiations with the insurance companies on your behalf to make sure you get a fair settlement. If needed, we will take your case to mediation, arbitration, or even before a jury if the insurance company will not pay what is fair. If you have been injured in a car accident, contact us to learn what we can do for you.

I am injured and can’t travel, will you meet me at my home or another location?

If you have been injured in a car accident, we can meet you at our office located at 126 E. Main St, Suite A, in Gallatin TN. If you can’t come to us, we will meet you at your home or in the hospital. You can call us 24/7 or fill out our online contact form.

What types of injuries can result from an auto accident?

You should immediately seek medical attention for any personal injury sustained in a Gallatin, TN automobile accident–even if you think it is minor.

Our number one goal in any auto wreck case is to help our clients recover as fully as possible by facilitating their medical treatment with quality doctors and specialists.

Injuries caused by car wrecks can range from minor (cuts and bruises) to catastrophic (head/brain injuries, spine injuries, burns).

Common Injuries

In our 42 years helping injured car accident clients fight for justice and compensation, we recognize several injuries that are the most common:

• Back, spine and neck injuries– The spinal cord can suffer many injuries in a crash, including a fracture, severed spine or herniated disk. Spine injuries can cause significant pain and disability. A survivor may suffer chronic back pain or more serious disability, such as paraplegia or quadriplegia.
• Broken bones– fractures of the skull or spinal cord can cause catastrophic, life-altering injuries. Broken bones in other places can cause temporary or permanent disabilities as well.
• Soft-tissue injuries– The muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the body may be unable to withstand the forces of an auto accident. Soft-tissue injuries such as muscle sprains or whiplash can be painful and at least temporarily debilitating.
• Head and brain injuries- Car accident victims can suffer from skull fractures and/or traumatic brain injuries.
• Concussions, diffuse axonal injuries, hematomas, edemas, and hemorrhages can give a survivor lasting problems such as physical or cognitive disabilities.
• Internal injuries– damage to the lungs, kidneys, liver and/or other internal organs can be fatal. If the victim survives, he or she may permanently lose function in the affected organ. Internal bleeding is also a serious complication that can arise from an auto accident.
• Scarring- Serious lacerations may require stitches and cause permanent scarring.

If you suffered any type of injury in a car accident in Gallatin, Tennessee, schedule a free case evaluation with one of our attorneys to discuss your situation. We can review your case at no cost or obligation and let you know if you have grounds for a claim. If so, we will fight for fair financial recovery for your injuries and losses.

How do I pay for an attorney in an auto wreck injury case?

The Law Firm of Flora Templeton Stuart works on a contingency fee basis. That means we only get paid if you win your auto wreck injury case. Call Flora Templeton Stuart at (888) 782-9090 for a free initial consultation twenty-four hours a day/seven days a week.

Does the Law Firm of Flora Templeton Stuart help finalize any liens against my case?

Medical liens can be a very complicated process. That’s why you need experienced attorneys to help make sure all liens are paid. Whether it’s Medicare, Medicaid, or private health insurance, our experienced attorneys negotiate liens in order to maximize the recovery you receive from your settlement. The Law Firm of Flora Templeton Stuart works hard to protect you against liens whenever possible and contest liens that should not be paid. Tennessee has special laws regarding Tennessee Hospital Liens.

What is a Tennessee Hospital Lien?

Tennessee law provides that Tennessee hospitals shall have a lien for all reasonable and necessary charges for hospital care, treatment and maintenance of ill or injured persons upon any and all causes of action, suits, claims and demands. These facilities must “perfect” their lien within 120 days after the patient is discharged from medical treatment, by filing in the office of the clerk of the circuit court of the county in which the hospital is located.

If this lien is perfected, the hospital’s lien is limited to not exceeding one third of the damages obtained or recovered by the injured party from the at-fault party. You need an experienced Gallatin Tennessee car accident lawyer to help you navigate these complex issues and protect your interest.

Knowing Your Legal Rights in GALLATIN, TN Car Accident Cases

Knowing your rights when injured in Gallatin, TN car wreck is invaluable in pursuing a personal injury claim. We are ready to navigate Tennessee statutes with case law to achieve the best possible results for your case. If you hire the Law Office of Flora Templeton Stuart you can gain access to legal professionals who have dealt with state car accident laws for decades.

Having an experienced Gallatin, TN car accident lawyer on your side is crucial when it comes to collecting the damages you deserve. At Flora Templeton Stuart, no stone is left unturned and we will evaluate your case for free with our contact form or call us 7 days a week at (888) 782-9090. We are local and we care!

We have offices in Gallatin, TN, as well as Bowling Green, Kentucky. When called, we travel throughout Kentucky and Tennessee to meet with our clients who have been injured in vehicle accidents or personal injury claim. We are here with you every step of the way, from the initial phone call to the very end of your case, our experienced personal injury attorneys are here to help!