Chattanooga Personal Injury Lawyer
6.3 million auto accidents were reported on America's highways last year, claiming the lives of 41,000 individuals and injuring 3.1 million more. [ More Info ]

Chattanooga Auto Accident FAQ

Chattanooga Auto Accident Lawyer

The following is a list of helpful answers to commonly asked questions regarding Chattanooga auto accidents. If you have been involved in such an accident, contact Attorney Johnny L. Woodruff today for a free consultation.

If I am involved in a Chattanooga auto accident, must I stop?

Yes. Tennessee state law requires that all individuals involved in an auto collision stop at the scene, regardless of whether that accident involves a pedestrian, a moving vehicle, a parked car, or an individual's property. Do otherwise, and you run the risk of being charged with "hit and run," regardless of whether you were at fault in the incident. The penalties of such a charge can be quite severe and can include fines, jail time, or both.

It is important that you exchange the following information with all those involved in the incident: your name, driver's license number, vehicle identification number (VIN) of the car(s) involved, the name and contact information of the vehicle's owner, the name and address of your insurance company, as well as your insurance policy number.

If you are involved in an auto accident with a parked car or other property, attempt to locate the owner in question. If you are unable to locate the owner, state law says that you may leave the scene, but only after leaving behind the above information in a prominent place. You must also notify the Tennessee State Highway Patrol as soon as possible.

If someone is injured, what should I do?

Tennessee state law requires that you give reasonable assistance to injured persons. You may need to call an ambulance, take the injured individual(s) to a doctor or hospital, or give first aid (if properly trained).

Unless you have received proper first aid training, do not attempt to move any one who has been badly hurt, as it is possible to make the injury worse; However, you may move the individual if they are in serious peril of receiving further injury by remaining in the same place.

In an attempt to prevent further auto accidents, it is important that you attempt to warn other motorists of any road obstructions. This can be accomplished with the assistance of flares or hazard lights. Most importantly, try not to panic.

What is the best way to get help?

As soon as you possibly can, call 911. Give the operator a detailed description of what is happening, along with specific directions on how to find your location. You should indicate to the operator whether an ambulance or fire truck should be dispatched. Stay on the line until the operator tells you that it is okay to hang up. If you are unable to find a telephone, attempt to flag down passing motorists, if it is safe to do so, as they may have a cell phones available to them.

If I think the accident may be my fault, should I say something?

Do not volunteer any information regarding who was at fault in the auto accident. It is not unheard to feel as though you are to blame, only to later learn that the other drive is as much or more at fault than you are. It is important that you first speak with a Chattanooga car accident lawyer, an insurance agent, or both. Anything that you say to the other driver or to the police can be used against you later in court.

What should I do if I receive a ticket?

Sign the ticket. By signing the ticket, you are not admitting to any guilt or innocence. By signing, you are only agreeing to appear in court at a later date, or to pay a fine, if you so choose.

Should I receive a physical checkup after an auto accident?

A physical checkup may be a smart decision if you or any of your passengers have any concerns about your physical health. It is important to remember that it is possible to be injured and not be immediately aware of it. Your insurance provider may pay for some or all of the resulting fees. Contact your insurance provider for more information.

Should I have auto insurance?

Tennessee state law requires that you have a valid insurance policy and that you keep written evidence of this policy in your vehicle at all times.

If I am involved in auto accident, who will pay for the damage?

The responsibility for restitution depends on who is at fault in the accident, whether the parties involved have insurance, and what type of insurance they have. The two major types of insurance are: liability and collision.

Liability Insurance - If you are found to be at fault in a Chattanooga auto accident, your liability insurance will pay for the other driver's personal injury and property damage up to the limits of your policy. If you are not at fault, the other driver's liability insurance will pay for the damage to your car or any personal injuries up to the limits of their policy.

Collision Insurance - Regardless of who is at fault, your collision insurance will pay for damages to your car minus your policy's deductible.

What if the other driver does not have insurance?

If the other drive involved in your Chattanooga car accident does not have insurance, your policy can pay for your personal injuries - if you have "uninsured motorist" or "medical payments" coverage, up to your policy's specified limits.

If your insurance policy does not include these types of coverage, you may sue the other driver; However, you cannot be certain that the other individual has the money to pay, should you win your case. Contact Johnny L. Woodruff, a Chattanooga personal injury attorney, for more information.

What if I am sued?

Contact your insurance company immediately. In most cases, your insurance company will assign a lawyer to your case. If you are sued for more money than your insurance policy covers, or if your insurance provider indicates that they may not cover you for everything, you may be required to locate your own Chattanooga injury lawyer. Johnny L. Woodruff, Attorney at Law, is ready to assist you in such instances.

What constitutes a drunk driving offense?

You are guilty of driving under the influence if you are found to be in control of a motor vehicle while having a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08% or more.

What are the penalties of a drunk driving offense?

Jail sentences can range from 48 hours to 11 months, 29 days, with a minimum fine of $350. State estimates suggest that a first offender's fines could total nearly $5,000 when all fines, fees, and extra charges are considered. In addition, your driver's license can be revoked for up to one year.

It is also important to note, that should you be found liable in an auto accident while driving under the influence, you may be subjected to civil litigation.