According to the Tenessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, there were over 200,000 car accidents in 2020. With so many accidents happening on Tennessee roads, you might find yourself in one before you know it.
Car accidents can cause devastating consequences. You may find yourself dealing with injuries that require long-term medical care, which can exhaust your financial resources. If you have been in a car accident in Tennessee, you may need to seek compensation for your long-term care.
Establish fault in the accident
After an accident, you need to establish who bears the fault for it. Tennessee applies a modified comparative fault rule, which allows you to seek compensation if your fault is less than 50%. However, the rule also stipulates that your compensation will decrease in line with your percentage of fault. If another party is wholly responsible for the accident, they should cover your long-term care expenses.
Evaluate the long-term effects of your injuries
It is also important to assess the long-term effects of your injuries. Your compensation should cover your current medical bills and any future costs. This can include ongoing treatments, therapies, rehabilitation and necessary medical equipment. A medical professional can help you understand your prognosis and estimate your recovery time.
Calculate lost income and future earning capacity
Do not forget to consider your lost income and future earning potential. If your injuries have made it impossible to work, you should seek compensation for the income you have lost. If the accident has affected your future ability to work, you may also claim compensation for loss of future earning capacity.
Include pain and suffering in your claim
Tennessee law allows you to include pain and suffering damages in your compensation claim. These damages cover the physical pain and emotional distress you have endured because of the accident. Quantifying these damages can be challenging, but they significantly contribute to your total claim.
By focusing on these aspects, your journey to recovery can concentrate on healing instead of financial stress, and the right compensation can make this possible.