Tennessee Car Accident Lawyer

How Much Does a Car Accident Lawyer Cost in Tennessee?

Most Tennessee car accident lawyers work on contingency fees, which typically amount to 33-40% of your settlement. However, the exact percentage can vary based on an attorney's experience and your case's specifics, such as whether it goes to trial.

Contingency fees can be highly beneficial to injured individuals. Not only does a contingency agreement make quality legal representation accessible regardless of your financial situation, but your attorney will also be motivated to fight hard. They only get paid when you get paid. In most cases (but make sure to check with the attorney), they will also advance case expenses, like filing costs, expert witness fees, and others.

How to Hire a Tennessee Car Accident Attorney

Don't make the mistake of picking the first law firm you see on a billboard. A little research can pay off. Make sure to hire an attorney who has experience and a track record of successfully handling car accident claims. Look for someone who communicates clearly and has trial experience (even if your case likely settles).

During your free consultation, ask questions about the lawyer's experience with cases similar to yours and results achieved for past clients. And don't forget to clarify whether they work on contingency. Listen to your gut feeling, too. You may be spending a lot of time with your lawyer and will want to work with someone who is communicative and empathetic, and who openly answers your questions.

What Is the Average Car Accident Settlement in Tennessee?

No two car accident settlements are the same, as payouts depend on the extent of the victim's injuries and damages. However, the average car accident settlement as of 2025 is around $30,000. That said, for catastrophic injuries, the figure can be much higher, from $500,000 and upward.

Your specific settlement will depend on several factors, including medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and Tennessee's modified comparative fault rules. Unfortunately, insurers know that unrepresented victims typically settle for far less than their cases are worth, which is why having a seasoned advocate by your side is crucial for recovering what you need and deserve.

Filing a Car Accident Lawsuit in Tennessee

Tennessee's legal system has specific requirements and deadlines that can make or break your car accident claim. Here's what to know:

Deadline for Filing a Lawsuit

According to Tennessee Code § 28-3-104, you have only 1 year from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. This is one of the shortest statutes of limitations in the nation. But waiting too long could damage your case as evidence disappears.

Tennessee Modified Comparative Fault Rule

Tennessee follows a "modified comparative fault" rule with a 50% bar, meaning you can recover damages even if you're partially at fault—as long as you're less than 50% responsible. However, your compensation will be reduced by your fault percentage.

Minimum Insurance Requirements

Tennessee requires drivers to carry liability insurance of:

• $25,000 per person for bodily injury
• $50,000 per accident for total bodily injury
• $25,000 for property damage per accident

Police Report Requirements

You must file a police report within 30 days if the accident involves injuries, fatalities, or property damage exceeding $400.

Tennessee Damage Caps

Tennessee generally has no caps on economic damages, and non-economic damages (pain and suffering) are typically capped at $750,000 in most personal injury cases.

How Does a Car Accident Lawsuit Work in Tennessee?

Tennessee car accident lawsuits follow a clear sequence. Once your attorney files the petition, the defendant has 30 days to respond. This typically results in a discovery phase where both sides exchange evidence and depose witnesses, which can take several months.

Most cases settle during this period, but if the parties can't agree on a resolution, a case will proceed to trial, where a judge or jury decides the outcome. Throughout this process, your car accident lawyer handles the legal aspects while you focus on recovery.

Types of Car Accident Cases in Tennessee

Tennessee roads see various accident scenarios, each with unique legal considerations:

Rear-End Collisions

Rear-end crashes are common in cities and on congested highways like I-40 and I-24.

T-Bone Crashes

T-bone accidents may involve contested liability, requiring witness testimony or traffic camera footage to determine who had the right-of-way.

Head-On Collisions

While less common than other accident types, head-on crashes often involve substantial compensation for severe injuries or wrongful death.

Drunk Driving Accidents

DUI crashes can involve both criminal charges and civil lawsuits, and could include punitive damages against the intoxicated driver.

Commercial Truck Accidents

Crashes with trucks can be complex and involve multiple defendants, like the trucking company or a repair shop. They require specialized attorneys who understand federal regulations.

Tennessee Car Accident Statistics

Understanding Tennessee's accident patterns can help emphasize the importance of safe driving and quality legal representation:

• Total accidents in 2023: 178,154 car accidents, with 4,968 resulting in serious injuries and 1,322 fatalities
• Fatal crashes by county: Shelby County (Memphis) recorded 748 serious or fatal accidents, followed by Davidson County (Nashville) with 598
• Most dangerous times: Afternoon rush hour (3-6 PM) consistently sees the most accidents, with Saturdays experiencing the highest volume
• Deadliest months: August and September typically record the highest fatality rates
• Age demographics: Drivers aged 16-25 comprised 61,699 incidents

Tennessee Car Accident Laws You Should Know

At-Fault System

Tennessee is an at-fault state, meaning the driver who caused the accident is financially responsible for damages and injuries arising from the incident.

Modified Comparative Fault (50% Rule)

If you're found to be 50% or more at fault for the accident, you cannot recover any damages. If you're less than 50% at fault, your damages will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Financial Responsibility Law

Under the James Lee Atwood Jr. Law, Tennessee uses an electronic insurance verification system. Driving without insurance can result in:

• $300 misdemeanor fine (increased from $100)
• License suspension requiring a $65 reinstatement fee
• Vehicle registration suspension
• Vehicle impoundment in certain circumstances