If you are not at fault and are injured then this information is imperative to understand. Remember, you are not required to speak to anyone until consulting with an experienced personal injury lawyer. Call car accident lawyer George Angelopoulos at 615-422-7171 or start your FREE CONSULTATION now.

Be Calm & Polite

Knowing how to talk with an insurance adjuster is just as important as knowing what to say. They did not cause the accident. Don’t be mad at the adjuster. You may be angry about the car wreck and your injuries, but taking it out on the adjuster only hurts you more. Most people do not treat adjusters with kindness therefore your goodwill can pay off in a few ways: Promptly assuming liability, Trusting your version of the story or offering candid advice. The best adjusters may suggest calling a car accident lawyer. This is the best advice you will receive and should follow it if this come up in your conversation. Being nice and treating the adjuster with respect makes it easy for them to actually want to help your situation.

Identify the Caller

At the start of every discussion be sure you know the name, address, insurance company name, involved party they represent, claim number and phone number of the representative. You are at the beginning of a long, complex and sometimes frustrating insurance claims process. As your claim develops knowing who you spoke with and easily being able to return contact can reduce stress.

Provide Basic Information

Be prepared to give your full name, address, marital status and telephone number. You can provide your employer’s name and your title, but there is no reason to discuss income, physical aspects or job schedule. At some point in time you will be required to provide your social security number. This allows the insurance company to notify Medicare of your claim as this is required per Federal law before settlement. George does not recommend providing your SSN on the first call because this also allows the insurance company to perform a more detailed investigation on your personal life. The more outside information the insurance company has the higher likelihood that information work against your settlement value.

Only Discuss Facts

Only talk about basic facts: where, when, the type of accident, the vehicles involved and the identity of any witnesses. It is OK to let them know your investigation is ongoing and you will discuss everything further at the right time. This is when you should be talking with car accident attorneys who can advise on whether their services can help your case. to learn more see Dealing With An Insurance Adjuster After A Tennessee Car Accident.

Do Not Discuss Injuries

The car accident insurance adjuster wants to know about your injuries. Do not give a detailed description and do not sign a medical release. Some car accident injuries show up later, you might leave something out or your injury may be worse than originally thought. If you went to the hospital after the car wreck then tell them that fact. When asked ‘what did the doctor say’ advise them you are still identifying and treating injuries. Let the know you do not have the medical records, but when you have them will share the records. Medical care is an important part of your car accident injury case.

Take Notes

The adjuster is taking notes and you should too. Knowing what to say to insurance adjuster after car accident and recalling the conversation are both important. Just after or even during the call write down all the information you received and what information you provided. Document any planned followup or pending items that were discussed on the phone call.

Do Not Settle Immediately

Fast settlements are small settlements. Insurance adjusters sometimes make a settlement offer on the first or second call. Quick settlements save the insurance company time and reduce their risk when your injury turns out to be much worse than expected. Don’t bite. A fast settlement may be tempting, but you are almost certainly not getting a full and fair value. We are happy to discuss your situation. There are some cases where you may only be entitled to a small amount of compensation.

Do Not Give Recorded Statements

Insurance adjusters will request a recorded statement about how the accident happened. Politely refuse a recorded statement. Tell them you are not comfortable with recording the call. Advise when your information is complete you will provide a written statement. Most people tense up when they are being recorded. Forgetting to say important information, or being confusing or incomplete could hurt your car accident injury claim. A verbal statement is almost never as precise as a written statement you will later provide. It can be nearly impossible later to correct or expand on what you have said in a recording.

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Should I talk to my insurance company after an accident in Tennessee?

If you are searching for what to say to insurance adjuster after Tennessee car accident then George can help. We handle the conversations, preserve the evidence and hold at fault parties accountable by demanding fair monetary compensation under Tennessee injury law. Call 615-422-7171 and George can get started today!

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Insurance companies may drag their feet when the statute of limitations is near. Insurance adjusters know if your case is not resolved or a proper lawsuit is not filed then they have no legal duty to pay. An email or letter from the adjuster indicating they are ‘reviewing your claim’ or ‘will make an offer next week’ does not matter and does not extend your deadline. Your case will either be filed, settled or legally dead once time expires.

The short one year Tennessee Statute of Limitations is very important. Don’t wait because a lawyer needs time to investigate your case. Car Accident Lawyer George Angelopoulos is a civil attorney located in Franklin, TN that will explain your statute of limitations and assist you with all the details. Big or Small, Text or Call 615-422-7171 because One Free Call Could Change It All!

If you were injured in a car accident seek medical attention immediately.

What Is A Statute Of Limitations?

The Statute Of Limitations (SOL) is a law that provides a time period on how long a person has to file a valid lawsuit. Each state has their own time limits. The SOL can vary based upon what damage is claimed, age of the plaintiff (person claiming damage) and sometimes when the injury was discovered. The statute of limitations typically starts on the date that an accident or death occurs. The SOL expires or tolls when the clock stops because suit was filed, time is up or other legal nuances extend the time limit.

How Long Do Children Have To File A Lawsuit After A Tennessee Car Accident Injury?

Children have one year after reaching the age of 18 to file a lawsuit after a Tennessee car accident injury per T.C.A.§ 28-1-106. This does not mean a parent or relative should wait to file suit on behalf of a minor. Suit can be filed immediately.

Tennessee law starts the amount of time the injured child would have on the day the injured child reaches majority. This allows time as an adult to enforce their claim if their parent or guardian did not while they were a minor. Generally we adhere to the one year statute of limitations for adults when children are hurt in a car accident.

How long do you have to file a lawsuit for property damage in Tennessee?

You have three years to file a lawsuit for property damage in Tennessee per T.C.A. § 28-3-105. This included damage to your vehicle and value of personal property lost in the wreck. Generally vehicle property recovery includes the cost of repair to like quality, function and value. If full vehicle value cannot be returned then a Diminished Value Claim may be needed to make you whole.

If the cost of repair exceeds the market value then your vehicle may be declared a Total Loss. Replacement cost of personal property is the correct measure of damage, but beware the insurance company may ask you to return the property still in your possession that is claimed.

Property damage is pretty cut and dry. Many times a lawyer is not needed to quickly and fairly resolve this part of your claim. Be careful though as statements made during this phase can easily be used to minimize your injuries later. If your claim involves diminished value, antique or hard to find specialty vehicles or any personal injury then you need an experienced lawyer in your corner.

The post How Long Do You Have To File A Lawsuit After A Tennessee Car Accident Injury? appeared first on 615 Lawyer.

Many car wreck injuries do not produce immediate pain. Ligament sprains, muscle strains, whiplash or internal bleeding could have delayed symptoms. Prompt medical attention allows a physician to determine if you are truly injured and how bad after a wreck. It is also an important part of your legal situation.

Medical care is expensive. Sometimes people don’t think they are that hurt and try to avoid an auto accident doctor bill. Fortunately, you can use health insurance after a car accident injury in Tennessee. In some cases your auto insurance can cover medical expenses too. Personal Injury Attorney George Angelopoulos provides free advice and referrals to medical providers who provide accident treatment even if you can’t pay the bill today. Call 615-422-7171 or request a free case review to see if we can help today.

How long do you have to go to the doctor after a car accident?

You should see a car accident doctor within three days (72 Hours) of a Tennessee auto accident injury. The timeline between accident and first medical treatment is an important fact. Due to the shock of the car accident, adrenaline rushes through the body. This may result in masking pain or other symptoms. Sooner is always better than later. It is preferred you receive medical treatment immediately after the accident, but if you did not then it is recommend to stop what you are doing and get checked out today. Failure to do so can have bad results.

How To Find An Auto Accident Doctor

• Act now (do not wait)
• Follow referrals from any emergency medical doctors.
• Find a specialist that treats your injury and accepts car accident cases.
• If you have health insurance use it, but first confirm the specialist is in network.
  • Your health insurance carrier can provide a list of network specialists.
• If you do not have health insurance confirm the specialist works with injury lawyers.
  • Experienced car accident lawyers have referrals to providers.

Be honest when talking with your auto accident doctor. Provide examples of what causes pain and describe limitations to your daily life. The better your doctor understands your situation, the better they can accurately document, diagnosis and treat injuries.

Follow the prescribed treatment plan. Gaps in treatment are a gift to insurance companies and defense lawyers. Even if your reasons are valid the other side can argue that you are less injured than claimed or even made it worse by not following doctor’s orders.

What kind of doctor should I see after a car accident?

The type of doctor you see depends on the severity and type of injuries. Emergency room doctors, urgent care doctors, primary care physicians and medical specialists are all options.

Emergency Room Doctors

Obvious and serious injuries should be evaluated ASAP. Call (or have someone call) 911 and let Emergency Medical Technicians take you to the closest emergency room. The ER is usually the best option if your auto accident occurred late at night and your injuries got worse quick. Emergency Room Doctors are available in hospitals 24 hours a day, seven days a week and every day of the year. Hospitals have all the diagnostic tools and staff to diagnose and treat injuries.

Urgent Care or Primary Care Doctor

Not all injuries are serious enough to warrant a trip to the hospital. If you decline the ambulance ride then get in front of a local urgent care doctor. Drive yourself, get a ride or hail an Uber. Urgent care clinics usually stay open late and accept walk in patients.

Unfortunately, many primary care doctors do not see patients with car accident injuries. However, if you think you can wait for an appointment and your doctor is willing to evaluate your injury this is an option. Keep in mind, we recommend an initial appointment within 3 days.

Medical Specialist

Doctors may refer you to a medical specialist for treatment or evaluations.This is a sign that your injuries are serious. Medical specialists can reduce the amount of time required to recover. They focus on specific body parts, injury types and are trained on the most effective treatment methods. As an example, Orthopedic doctors help with fractures and ligament or tendon injuries. Chiropractors can help with whiplash and pain management. Neurosurgeons can help with spinal cord injuries.

How Auto Accident Doctors Help

Obviously car accident doctors help those injured recover from injuries. However, it is important to know how car accident doctors can help your legal situation too:

Medical Records

Auto accident doctors made detailed notes about what their patients tell them. This helps the doctor remember what happened and provide a record for subsequent providers. Additionally, medical records are important evidence in personal injury cases. Every doctor keeps a medical record that documents your complaints and provides an independent analysis of your condition. Staying at home or trying to get better on your own does not provide this record. The extent of your injuries, diagnosis, causation and reasonable medical care recommendations are all included. The doctor’s documented opinion of your injuries will have a significant impact on your compensation.

Medical Bills

Auto Accident Doctors can be expensive. The medical bills ssessed by car accident doctors are economic damages recoverable from the at fault party. The extent of your medical bills will impact the amount of money you are eligible to receive. In addition, your doctor may be able to predict how your injury will affect your life in the years to come, which may affect the amount of compensation you receive.

Additionally, your doctor may be able to forecast how your injury will affect your life down the road. Future medical care and limitations are all factors to consider when seeking fair compensation under Tennessee law.

Contact 615 Lawyer

Car accidents can cause a wide range of injuries ranging from scratches to serious injuries. If you were injured in an accident caused by another driver get legal help. Searching for an auto accident doctor means you likely have other questions. Call 615-422-7171 to tell car accident lawyer George Angelopoulos what happened. You can tells us what happened to start your free case review today.

The post Should I Go To An Auto Accident Doctor? appeared first on 615 Lawyer.

Yes, Medicaid pays for auto accident injuries in Tennessee. TennCare is Tennessee’s Medicaid program. The government healthcare program provides medical benefits to qualified individuals. Properly coordinating insurance benefits, including Medicaid, can make a big impact on net personal injury compensation. TennCare recipients injured in car accidents may wonder how to handle the medical bills. 

George Angelopoulos is an experienced Tennessee Car Accident Lawyer who navigates the claims process and ensures you follow the Medicaid rules. Our 615 Lawyer Reviews speak volumes about the quality of representation you can expect. We work with Medicaid recipients, Medicaid medical providers and Medicaid subrogation vendors to maximize compensation after auto accident injuries.

Many are concerned about the cost of hiring a car wreck lawyer after an accident. There is no fee unless we recover compensation. We advance all expenses and never send our clients a bill. Call 615-422-7171 or request a free personal injury attorney review of your options after a car accident today.

How Medicaid Works After a Tennessee Car Accident

If the auto accident was not your fault then the other driver can be held responsible. Their insurance company should pay your bills. However, car wreck personal injury settlements can take over a year to finalize. Your medical bills need to be paid and most providers may not wait that long for payment.

If you qualify for TennCare we push medical providers to submit the bills to Medicaid. This results in a contractual payment of around 15% of the gross medical bill. The remainder is typically written off. The good news for Medicaid auto accident injury victims is Tennessee follows the Collateral Source Rule and the at fault driver still owes the full amount of the bill.

Should I Use Medicaid to Pay My Hospital Bills?

Yes, you should use Medicaid to pay hospital bills after a Tennessee car accident. Medicaid (TennCare) ensures you get necessary medical treatment after an auto accident injury. Knowing how to proceed is important. Medicaid is payer of last resort, which means if third party liability insurance is available then Medicaid should pay after all other coverage is exhausted. 

An experienced car accident lawyer knows how to identify immediately available third party coverage and how to employ ‘pay and chase’ provisions. When TennCare or the MCO knows a personal injury attorney is representing the Medicaid recipient they know the attorney will reimburse their costs. 

One of the first things we do is put everyone on notice of representation. Not only does this stop the phone calls and letters, but it allows everyone to know their interest will be protected. George works to have all personal injury medical bills paid with the lowest amount of repayment at settlement time.

Repaying Medicaid After a Car Accident

If your car accident injury claim is successful, you will have to reimburse Medicaid for payments made, not the original bill. TennCare is entitled to reimbursement under Tenn. Code Ann. 71-5-117. Subrogation or reimbursement rights extend to Medicaid (dental & pharmacy) and Managed Care Organizations that facilitate claims like traditional health insurance. United Healthcare, BlueCross Blue Shield and Amerigroup are the current providers in 2019.

TennCare and MCOs will reduce the amount of reimbursement in many scenarios. The statutory reduction is calculated by looking at comparative fault, reasonable attorney fees and reasonable expenses tied to case representation. Reimbursement reductions flow to the bottom line net settlement increasing the money received for personal injury victims.

George Angelopoulos will enforce your rights, maximize compensation and ensure your benefits continue after an auto accident injury. Call 615-422-7171 or request a free personal injury attorney review of your situation.

The post Does Medicaid pay for auto accident injuries in Tennessee? appeared first on 615 Lawyer.

Involved in an accident while driving your personal vehicle for work? Tennessee law allows workers compensation car accident victims to file two claims: Work comp benefits and a personal injury claim against the at fault driver. Employees cannot sue their employer for a car accident injury sustained on the job. If you were working and a third party caused the injury then personal injury law and workers compensation law overlap. 

Workers Compensation will not pay for your vehicle repairs and will not provide a rental car on your behalf. Work Comp is typically an injured employee’s only way to recover benefits for Tennessee work accidents. When both claims are available and pursued properly the employee receives the most protection available under Tennessee personal injury law. Call Car Accident Lawyer George Angelopoulos at 615-422-7171 or complete our free case review to get started today.

Driving To Work Accident Workers Comp 

Tennessee law covers employees while on the clock or performing job functions. Unfortunately, driving to work accident workers comp claims are not considered part of most job functions. This means commuting to work is not part of most jobs. Demonstrating the accident occurred in the scope of employment is required for work comp benefits to apply.

For example, running errands for your boss after work when the crash occurred helps your employer therefore work comp benefits should apply. If the errands were done and the employee stopped for dinner on the way home when the car wreck happened then the service to your employer was complete. Here work comp benefits would not apply. This does not mean your third party car accident claim would lose.

If you were driving to work and involved in a crash contact Car Accident Lawyer George Angelopoulos today. Even if we cannot pursue a Workers Compensation claim we can still pursue the third party and enforce your rights under Tennessee personal injury law.

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Car wreck injuries may result in lost wages. Unfortunately, many do not have comp, sick or vacation time available. Unpaid absences can create serious cash flow problems. In addition to medical bills (deductibles and co-pays for those with health insurance) you may need to initially pay for rental cars and vehicle repair bills. Not to mention the rent or mortgage and basic living expenses. 

You may wonder whether you will be reimbursed for the lost benefits or missed hours. Yes, loss of earnings after car accidents can be reimbursed. In fact, Tennessee law requires fair monetary compensation after sustaining a personal injury. This includes loss of earnings after a car accident.

Car Accident Lawyer George Angelopoulos recovers compensation for injury victims across Tennessee. We work with doctors to ensure proper documentation to protect this important compensation right. Failure to properly document loss of earnings after car accidents can result in a denial of lost wages. Call 615-422-7171 or complete our case review request to begin your free auto accident consultation.

Types of Lost Wages

Loss of earnings includes actual missed income and what would (not could) have been earned on the job. The money or benefits lost can add up quickly. This can get tricky.

• Lost income is the amount that you earn at work. Whether you are paid hourly, weekly, or monthly we must definitively calculate your loss of earnings. The before tax value of your time at work times the number of hours, weeks or months missed equals your car accident loss of earnings. Overtime is an important factor. Many insurance adjusters will only offer the straight time, but if you have a history of overtime hours (1.5x), shift premiums or bonuses in play then the stakes are higher.
• Lost Benefits is the value of the amount that you earn at work used in the form of a benefit. Comp time, paid sick time or vacation hours can protect cash flow, but this is time not allocated for car accident injury recovery. As with lost income, we determine the cash value of the time missed times the amount of time missed to determine how much value you lost.

Car Accident Lost Wages Self Employed

Loss of earnings after car accidents for the self employed require a little more work. Those who work for themselves do not have a vacation bank to draw from that replaces income. Missed meetings, a sales vehicle in the shop or the inability to meet an important client before signing a big contract can be costly.

The self employed are not entitled to recoup the lost revenue. Self employed loss wages after a car accident is based upon lost revenue less the cost of doing business. Self employed recover profit because recovering the revenue without the associated cost would be more than what you would have earned if the accident never happened.

Self employed lost income claims generally require existing arrangements or definitive contracts that are missed. In most cases, we rely on tax returns to prove lost wages for the self employed.

How Much Tax Do I Pay On A Settlement

You will not pay any federal income tax on a car accident settlements resulting from physical injury. Tennessee does not have a state income tax. Therefore, you will not receive a 1099 after a car accident settlement because personal injury settlements are not taxable income. This applies to money received because of a physical injury. However, money that is specifically attributed to lost income (or confidentiality – covered elsewhere) is to be reported on personal tax returns. There are scenarios where tax benefits were received because of medical expenses when the general rule does not apply. We do not provide tax advice and suggest every client to seek a CPA’s opinion on their specific tax scenario. 

Have Loss of Earnings after Car Accident?

It seems like simple math, but there is more than just adding up numbers. Overlooking a detail can be costly. Car Accident Lawyer George Angelopoulos wants you to get every dollar you are due. Call 615-422-7171 or complete our case review request to begin your free auto accident case review. We can guide you through the process every step of the way.

The post Claiming Loss of Earnings After Car Accident in Tennessee appeared first on 615 Lawyer.

Yes, car insurance covers medical expenses in Tennessee if medical payment coverage is on your policy. This optional benefit pays for medical bills up to the policy limit. Even though Tennessee is a fault state for car accident liability purposes, Medical Payment Coverage (Med Pay) is available for all car wreck injuries. No fault means it does not matter who caused the collision for the benefit to be available. Med pay is usually available for every occupant in the vehicle when the car wreck happened.

Car Accident Lawyer George Angelopoulos knows to search for all available types of insurance policies after a wreck. Each policy has its own benefits. Proper utilization (coordination of benefits) depends on what is available. Most med pay policies have a $3,000 or $5,000 limit. Preserving this benefit for unforeseen medical care has substantial benefits when coordinated to protect your families cash flow and assets. The last thing you want to do is exhaust a benefit early when you may need it later. Call George at 615-422-7171 or complete our free case review request to discuss your situation today.

Do I have to pay back Med Pay?

Yes, you will be required to pay back Med Pay. Every medical payment policy in Tennessee includes a right of Subrogation. This means your auto insurance company is reimbursed for money paid as a benefit after an auto accident injury. This right springs to life only when the injured beneficiary receives a third party injury settlement.

In most situations we do not recommend using med pay after an auto accident injury because of their strict subrogation rights. Sometimes we have to use the policy or benefits have already been drafted. That is OK. We play the hand we are dealt after an unfortunate auto accident injury. The sooner we can review your case the better we are at navigating your claim to maximize your bottom line.

Who Pays My Medical Bills after a Car Accident if I don’t have Med Pay?

You will initially be responsible to pay medical bills after a car accident in Tennessee if you don’t have med pay. Ultimately, the at fault driver or their insurance policy is required to pay the cost of reasonable and necessary medical bills, but this will not happen until you reach a car accident injury settlement. Personal injury settlements can take a long time to complete. Multiple insurance policies may be in play, including your health insurance and third party liability insurance. Each wants to minimize their expenses.

In most situations we recommend using your health insurance for initial medical bill payment after a car accident. Call George at 615-422-7171, start a live chat or complete a contact form on any page to get started. There is no fee unless we recover compensation. We advance expenses and since 2014 have only represented injured Tennesseans, never the insurance companies.

The post Does my car insurance cover medical expenses in Tennessee? appeared first on 615 Lawyer.

If you believe you could be at fault after a car accident or dog bite contact Tennessee Personal Injury Attorney George Angelopoulos first. It’s possible your insurance carrier will be able to help defend a claim, but it is also possible we need benefits from your insurance to provide compensation. If the other insurance company calls we suggest not to say anything until you speak with an experienced accident lawyer.

Every accident is different. Initial legal consultations are quick and most occur over the phone. Text or Call 615-422-7171 or request a free accident case review here.

What should I say to my insurance company after an accident?

Stick to the facts: Who, What, When and Where. When reporting a claim the first line of defense is a call center staffed 24/7 with employees trained to obtain information. They will listen to what happened and open a claim in their system. The person on this call is not your adjuster. There is no reason to divulge anything but the basic and obvious facts. 

There are a lot of unknowns early after an accident.  More detail will be needed once an adjuster is assigned. The worst thing you can do is tell your insurance company you are not hurt. When asked about accident injuries tell them you plan to be checked out by a doctor. 

Injuries, particularly from car accidents, can manifest days after a car wreck, even a minor one. Statements can be used against you later on. It is possible the at fault driver is without insurance or has insufficient coverage for your losses. This means uninsured motorist coverage may be needed to recover compensation. This benefit is included in your Tennessee auto insurance policy unless you declined it in writing per Tennessee law. 

These insurance companies are pretty efficient. Before you hang up on this initial call an adjuster may be assigned by the representative on your case. Write down your claim number, your adjuster’s name and number (if available). You should receive a letter documenting your claim in the next few days.

When should I call my insurance company after an accident?

When possible, contact your insurance carrier within two days of the accident. Your policy may contain a specific deadline, but two days seems pretty reasonable.

If any of this creates apprehension or you are searching for information on behalf of a loved one after an accident then George can help. We handle the conversations, preserve the evidence and hold at fault parties accountable by demanding fair monetary compensation under Tennessee injury law. Call 615-422-7171 and George can get started today!

The post Should I talk to my insurance company after an accident in Tennessee? appeared first on 615 Lawyer.

The lawyer will usually charge a percentage of the car accident settlement in Tennessee. At 615 Lawyer we charge a contingent one third (⅓) fee for all car accident cases that settle without filing a lawsuit. Contingency fees allow personal injury victims to have representation without paying an upfront attorney fee. Car Accident Lawyer George Angelopoulos evaluates the merits of each case because our time and resources in funding litigation are on the line. Clients never get a bill for services or expenses. Any personal injury attorney fee and expense reimbursement are clearly itemized on the settlement statement.

What is a contingency fee?

Contingent is defined by Merriam-Webster as, ‘dependent on or conditioned by something else.’ The contingency fee is only earned if the client is paid money. The money comes from a personal injury settlement or from damages awarded at trial. The attorney fee is therefore contingent on a client victory. This provides motivation for the attorney to increase the amount of your car accident settlement. A personal injury’s job is not only to increase the top line, but to also increase the bottom line, or net compensation, clients receive.

Tennessee rules of professional conduct authorize contingent attorney fees. ‘A fee may be contingent on the outcome of the matter for which the service is rendered’. There are a list of exclusions that do not apply to car accident cases if, ‘the total fee is reasonable.’

How is the contingency fee calculated?

A one third (⅓) contingency fee is calculated by dividing the amount of total compensation by 3. For example, if a car accident victim’s case settles for $90,000 then the attorney fee is $30,000. I know, this seems a large fee. Keep in mind, it is expensive to be a lawyer. Paying for staff, office space, insurance, licensing and not to mention the cost of law school. In addition to business expenses we also shoulder litigation expenses for numerous cases. If the attorney loses then a loss occurs, not to mention the amount of time that each and every car accident case requires.

A car accident attorney working on a contingency may earn more than the attorney would have received if fee was paid on an hourly basis. Most cases do not result in million dollar settlements. However, some do and when this happens the attorney fee can be quite large. George Angelopoulos charges a ⅓ fee for cases where no lawsuit is filed. The attorney fee is 40% for cases where a lawsuit is filed. This is all explained on our simple one page retainer agreement. We are happy to send a copy for review. Just ask.

Who pays expenses and costs?

Personal injury cases are expensive. Car accident clients do not pay expenses as they are incurred. George Angelopoulos advances all litigation expenses. These expenses are itemized and reimbursed at the conclusion of your personal injury case in addition to the attorney fee. If we don’t win, you don’t pay the contingent attorney fee or expenses. It is our cost and risk of doing business.

Typical expenses and cost examples are as follows: Filing the lawsuit & Service of process ~$350; Medical Records ~$250; Mediation ~$1,000; Court Reporters ~$750; and Doctors or experts ~$3,000 – $7,000. We also may incur travel expenses, hiring investigators and consultants when needed. Understanding the arrangement prior to signing is important. We are clear in the agreement and try to make your recovery as easy as possible.

Don’t let these expense dissuade your car accident case. Consultations are free. We handle the stress and manage the process from start to finish. Call George at 615-422-7171 and we can get started today.

The post How much does a lawyer charge for a car accident in Tennessee? appeared first on 615 Lawyer.

No, you are not required to hire a lawyer after a car accident in Tennessee. However, having an experienced car accident lawyer in your corner will likely improve your outcome. The Insurance Research Council’s report titled ‘Auto Injuries: Claiming Behavior and Its Impact on Insurance Costs’ found 85% of all personal injury dollars are paid to those who hired a lawyer. According to the Consumer Panel Survey of Car Accident Victims, ‘Paying for Auto Injuries,’ settlements for car accident victims were 40% higher with the assistance of a car accident lawyer than without representation.

You don’t know what you don’t know. Searching the internet, attending free consultations and talking with confidants will not replace a car accident lawyer‘s detailed approach to your personal injury case. Obtaining admissible evidence is required. Producing medical records and bills may not be enough to prove your damages. Tennessee requires proof of fault to recover compensation.

Missing deadlines can end your car accident case. Tennessee has a one year statute of limitations for personal injury claims and three years for property. Failing to file your lawsuit on time and in the right court will terminate your right to car accident compensation. Insurance company promises do not extend timelines. An experienced car wreck lawyer knows how to navigate deadlines established under Tennessee law. Not to mention Tennessee Rules of Civil Procedure (currently 72 rules excluding sub rules)

Personal Injury Damages require proper calculation. It’s hard to know whether you received a fair settlement offer if you don’t know how to calculate damages correctly. Internet damage calculators are not a reliable source of information. Full compensation requires an understanding of the proper amount in your situation. An experienced car accident attorney will make sure no insurance money is left on the table.

Negotiation is a skill acquired by experience. Most Tennessee auto accident injury cases are settled before trial. However, maximizing settlement requires knowing how to get the top dollar offer. Understanding The likelihood winning, the value assessed to similar cases and the coverage of the defendant’s insurance or assets must be weighed at various stages.

Injury Attorney Fees & Costs are only due if you win. Represented clients generally recover more based upon insurance industry reports should make the decision easy. Navigating the legal system alone is called acting ‘Pro Se’. A car accident lawyer is not required to file a lawsuit and obtain a judgment, but keep in mind the insurance company already has a team of lawyers working against your case. If you can obtain more net compensation without the work why would you want to take this risk?

Should I get an attorney after a car accident?

If any of these situations apply to you then call Car Accident Lawyer George Angelopoulos at 615-422-7171. If your situation below is not listed, but you have questions we are happy to listen, tell you what we think and how you should proceed.

1. Your auto accident injuries are serious.

• If you have broken bones, cuts, bruises or other serious injuries then you should retain a personal injury attorney. If you are reading this because there was a car accident fatality then you definitely need a lawyer. Minor soft tissue injuries still hurt and you are still due compensation. However, some may do better on your own than with a lawyer in the simplest of minor injury clear liability cases.

2. The insurance company is not repairing your vehicle.

• If the insurance company does not promptly initiate the process of providing a rental car and start your vehicle repair then this is a sign you need a car accident lawyer. We tell our clients the property repair is the easy part. Tennessee law is cut and dry. Our job here is to make sure clients get what they deserve. The attorney does not earn a fee on the vehicle property repair. Should the insurance company make the easiest part of the process difficult imagine what it will be like when you ask them for fair compensation.

3. The adjuster says you are at fault for the car wreck.

• When the adjuster says you are at fault for the wreck do not loose your cool. The adjuster’s job is to investigate and specifically find things that help their employer, not you. Denying the claim can be legally correct if an injured party failed to prove the other driver was at fault. You have the burden to provide admissible evidence. They have a duty to investigate a claim and issue a response, but the do this from a call center. Lets take a closer look, gather evidence and show them you mean business.

4. You can not go back to work because of the accident.

• Most everyone I know has a job. Income to pay the mortgage or rent, put food on the table and live life is required. If you cannot go back to work because of car accident injuries then the outcome of your case will likely change your future. Don;t leave this to chance. Put cases where serious economic damages occur in the hands of a trusted and experience car accident lawyer.

5. You were working when the car accident happened.

• Tennessee law allows third party liability recovery and a workman’s compensation claim to run simultaneously. Work Comp covers the medical care as long as you follow the rules. At the end your employer, through their carrier or case manager, is reimbursed through subrogation. Additionally, this is the opportunity to obtain lifetime care for your injuries and immediate compensation for your losses. A skilled personal injury lawyer knows how to leverage all the benefits to maximize your position after someone else caused you harm.

6. A minor was injured in the wreck.

• Tennessee courts are required to approve minor settlements in excess of $10,000. The court will decide how the funds will be preserved for the minor. Knowing how to navigate this required process is important. You can do it alone, but you can expect better results on the front end during settlement negotiation and back end court approval process with a lawyer. George Angelopoulos has represented numerous satisfied families with minor children who unfortunately sustained injuries.

George can tell if you need help.

Just ask. At 615 Lawyer if we think you are better off (meaning you get what you need and will likely obtain more money without us) then we will tell you. George is not here to waste your time. This is part of the free consultation. We provide value to our clients. Just look at our long list of 5 star reviews.

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