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How to choose the right personal injury lawyer in Chattanooga
Key Takeaways
Chattanooga rests at the feet of mighty Appalachia. The Tennessee River splits the city down the middle as it meanders on through the mountains. All of its natural beauty has earned the Tennessee metropolis the nickname ‘The Scenic City.’ The last view one expects while admiring the mountains and the wild river is a car wreck, but with so many people living and working in the area there is little doubt you will eventually see a scene of twisted metal and sparkling shattered glass. Someone wasn’t paying attention as the light turned yellow then red and found themselves plowing into the side of your vehicle. Because of their mistake, your life was forever changed.
What is personal injury law?
Personal injury law is a vast field of law that governs many different accidents generally caused by the negligence of another person. This includes auto accidents, dog bites, slip and falls, wrongful death, and much more. These accidents can lead to serious injuries that drastically change the victims way of life and often require expensive medical treatments, rehabs, medications, home modifications, or other accommodations for the victim to live.
When these or similar tragic accidents occur, insurance companies are supposed to offer the injured party fair compensation but that rarely happens. When you need help to get your life back on track, that is when you call a personal injury lawyer who understands the needs of an individual navigating the specific laws and regulations of Chattanooga.
When will I need a personal injury attorney in Chattanooga?
After an injury from an accident it can be hard to process just what comes next. You’re left wondering if you will ever enjoy the things you loved doing in the same way. Will I be able to work? Pick my kids up from school? Spend time with friends and family in the same way? While you’re trying to heal and get back to living your life, the last thing you need to wonder about is whether you will be able to pay your bills. Then you think, all this could have been avoided if the individual or organization who caused your injury would have taken the proper care.
If that sounds like your experience, then you need to find a personal injury lawyer.
Not only can an injury lead to you missing work and bills going unpaid, it will inevitably lead to medical bills arriving and joining the rest. Negotiating with insurance companies to make sure you have the compensation you need to stay above water can only add to the burden. All the while you’re in pain – whether it be physical or mental – and just wanting something to go right. That is when you reach out to a Wettermark Keith personal injury attorney.
Statute of Limitations in Chattanooga
It is important to not delay after your injury when seeking legal representation. Every state's statute of limitations for personal injury is different. In Tennessee, you are given one year to file a lawsuit from the date of injury. If you do not file within this time frame, you will be refused by the courts and unable to recover the compensation you need to keep your life moving forward.
There are a few exceptions to this rule:
- If the injured party is a minor, their parent or legal guardian has one year to file a claim on behalf of the minor. If the parent or legal guardian never files a claim for the minor, the minor can file a claim when they turn 18 and would have to file the lawsuit by their 19th birthday.
- If the victim succumbs to their injuries days, weeks, or months after the accident, the statute of limitations may extend to one year from the date of the victim’s passing to allow the family of the victim more time to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
- If the person at fault for the injuries is also associated with criminal charges, the statute of limitations may extend from one year to two years for the victim to file a claim.
It is important to understand the statute of limitations of Chattanooga so you do not miss out on fair compensation. Things can get hectic after a traumatic injury, but the one thing you cannot put off is contacting a qualified attorney to represent you and file your claim before the year is up.
How to choose the best personal injury lawyer for your accident
When deciding what lawyer to represent you, it is important to make sure the attorney is qualified to take on the type of case you are calling about. Not every attorney is a personal injury lawyer and not every personal injury lawyer will be the right person to take on your specific personal injury. When you have found the right attorney with experience relating to your injury, you might then discover that they only focus on settlements outside of court. If your case can’t receive the fair compensation you deserve in a settlement, your case will need to go to court. An inexperienced or bad attorney may pressure you to accept a lowball offer. Researching the track record of your attorney beforehand will help ensure that you get the right person for your accident case.
At Wettermark Keith, we are fully prepared to go to court if the insurance company does not meet our demands. We won’t be swayed to take a weak settlement offer. You deserve nothing less than a fair amount for any suffered damages.
Take advantage of our free consultation: let us help with filing your injury claim
Choosing the right attorney to represent you can be difficult. It can be hard to navigate the dozens of lawyers and attorneys all trying to take on your case, regardless of whether their experience matches your needs.
Call Wettermark Keith at (877) 715-9300 or through our website chat or web form to schedule your free consultation today. We will then have our attorneys contact you immediately to start working on your case.
Your attorney will listen to your story and provide answers to any questions you have regarding your personal injury rights. We are committed to fully understanding the unique challenges posed by your injuries. Our personal injury attorneys are skilled in negotiating with insurance companies to secure a settlement that truly reflects the gravity of your situation, allowing you to begin the process of rebuilding your life.
Should the initial offer prove unsatisfactory, our lawyers will boldly confront the insurance company, advocating relentlessly on your behalf to ensure you receive the full compensation you are rightfully due—pursuing litigation if necessary. Wettermark Keith will be perfectly aligned with your circumstances and your needs.
Protect Your Rights: Call Wettermark Keith's Chattanooga Personal Injury Lawyers Today
At Wettermark Keith™, we have an excellent reputation as one of the most accomplished personal injury firms in the country. We offer a diverse range of practice areas, including personal injury cases, auto wrecks, trucking wrecks, nursing home abuse, medical malpractice, on-the-job injuries, social security, and VA disability, to name just a few. At Wettermark Keith law firm, we believe in taking cases personally. Our purpose is to practice with care and compassion - to tell our clients' stories and make their voices heard. We achieve this by building strong relationships based on constant communication and an unwavering dedication to truth and trust.
Frequently Asked Questions
Personal injury law includes auto accidents, dog bites, slip and falls, and much more. These accidents can lead to physical injuries, brain injuries, broken bones, cuts, cruises, burns, lacerations, and wrongful death. If severe enough, it can also include mental injuries such as anxiety, PTSD, sleepless nights, and more.
Selecting a proficient injury claim attorney involves looking for someone with a strong track record in handling cases similar to yours. The search for a capable attorney might feel overwhelming, but at Wettermark Keith, we streamline the process for you. We offer a free consultation to thoroughly understand your situation, ensuring that we match you with one of our attorneys well-suited to meet your specific needs and effectively advance your case.
It is possible to settle your case without going to court. However, if you are unsatisfied with the insurance company’s settlement offer, our attorneys are prepared to take your case to court if needed.
After a serious injury, you should seek medical help first. When your well being is taken care of, you should reach out to a qualified lawyer who can help in collecting evidence and start building a strong case. If you are able, it is also a great idea to collect as much evidence at the scene as you can such as pictures, videos and witness names and testimony.
The statute of limitations for personal injury cases is the same in Chattanooga as the rest of the state of Tennessee. The deadline to file your personal injury case is 1 year from the date of the injury. It is important to speak with an accident attorney as soon as possible to ensure your claim is filed in time.
It varies case by case. There are many different interested parties involved in a case that includes the defending lawyer, the defendant, insurance company, and more. All of these entities working cooperatively can lead to a timely resolution. In most cases, a settlement can be reached within 6 months but it can carry on for potentially longer if it goes to court. If a case does go to court, it means your attorney is fighting hard to get the compensation you deserve.
Ready to work together? Contact us today for a free consultation.
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