The relationship between mechanical problems and car accidents has been a hot topic this year because of the General Motors lawsuits, but the issue persists. According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, mechanical failures and manufacturing defects cause approximately 12 percent of all car crashes in the United States. In many cases, poor maintenance causes these wrecks, which often turn fatal.
Accident-Lawyer News: Drunk Driver Rampages Through Park
July 17, 2014 By
One of the more frightening aspects of the drunk-driving epidemic is the number of repeat offenders. According to the Tennessee Department of Safety, the state has more than 59,000 third-time DUI offenders and more than 17,000 five-time offenders. The reality of the situation is that many of these drivers continue to get behind the wheel while intoxicated until they cause an accident or end up behind bars.
Good Samaritans Track Down Hit-and-Run Driver, and Other Accident-Lawyer News
June 18, 2014 By
Hit-and-run accidents are on the rise in the United States, and Tennessee is no exception to the trend. According to AAA, the majority of drivers who leave the scene of accidents either do not hold a valid license or are impaired. Either way, most hit-and-run drivers have something to gain by fleeing.
Ways That The THP Is Targeting Negligent Drivers
March 18, 2014 By
All over the United States, lawmakers and law enforcement are making efforts to curb distracted drivers. Tennessee was the 10th state to institute a texting and driving ban. Five years later, the legislature is set to augment the ban, making it even tougher on distracted drivers, but our politicians aren’t the only ones who take the issue seriously.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) has been doing its part to enforce the ban and make the highways safer for everyone. In fact, there were three news stories this week about different efforts that the THP is making to catch distracted and impaired drivers. Below, you’ll find a quick summary of each article.
If you have been injured by a distracted, impaired or reckless driver, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries that can be put toward paying for medical care. At Grimmett Law Firm, PLLC, we take pride in helping Tennesseans find justice through personal injury lawsuits. If you are looking for a dedicated accident lawyer in Nashville, Call Us At 1-877-900-4878 Today!
1. Through Enforcement Campaigns That Target Distracted Drivers
WMCTV reports that THP plans to conduct a 12-hour, sweeping campaign of Tennessee. During the campaign, it will use the due-dare law, which is a vague piece of legislation that allows law enforcement to ticket reckless drivers.
The patrol plans to use the law to look for drivers who aren’t wearing seatbelts or who are distracted by their cell phones or GPS. Depending on how the campaign goes, the patrol may incorporate the due-dare law into everyday use.
2. Using Helicopters
According to WBBJTV, the THP has created a plan, dubbed “Operation Smoke,” which aims to curb distracted driving using aerial support. The THP helicopter will be put to good use, flying up and down the highways looking for reckless and distracted drivers.
The agency has made it clear that they are looking for any type of distracted driving. Although texting is a dangerous offense that must be addressed, the patrol will cite any driver who is eating, applying makeup or otherwise not focusing on the road.
3. Increasing Patrols Over St. Patrick’s Day
WBBJTV reports that last St. Patrick’s Day 13 Tennesseans died in car accidents. In an effort to decrease the number of fatalities this year, THP plans to increase the number of traffic officers looking for impaired drivers.
In 2014, THP has already been cracking down on drunk drivers, arresting 1,535 drivers for DUI so far this year.
If you’ve been injured by a distracted or impaired driver, you know that a ticket or a DUI charge doesn’t feel like justice. Sure, it serves to punish the driver, but it does nothing to help the victim who suffers constantly from their injuries. If you find yourself in that situation, let us help you decide is a personal-injury lawsuit is warranted. Call Us At 1-877-900-4878 Today!
3 Questions People Frequently Ask Their Car Accident Lawyer
February 5, 2014 By
WBIR News reports that there was a 2.7 percent decrease in the number of Tennesseans killed in traffic accidents between 2012 and 2013. Still, new statistics released by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security indicate that 988 lost their lives in those accidents. Also, 9,145 people were injured in car accidents last year in our state, meaning that an average of 25 people suffer injuries every day.
If you are one of those unlucky 25 drivers and your accident was the result of another motorist’s negligence, you will likely have more questions than answers about what comes next. The first step to take is to take care of your injuries. Then, give us a call.
At Grimmett Law Firm, PLLC, we specialize in pushing large insurance companies to do the right thing and pay for our clients’ injuries. If you find yourself in need of an accident lawyer in Nashville, we would love the opportunity to meet with you and offer our expert advice during a free initial consultation. To learn more about our services, Call Us At 1-877-900-4878 Today!
1. Who Should Or Shouldn’t I Talk To About The Accident
This is the most commonly asked question regarding car accidents because most people have heard that speaking to certain parties before contacting a lawyer may affect their chances of a positive outcome in court. You can and should speak with the police about your accident in order to ensure that their report is balanced and complete.
Likewise, you shouldn’t hesitate to give your insurance company basic information about the wreck. But make sure you contact an attorney before you speak with another driver’s insurance company because their primary goal is to pay you less, and they are not afraid to use anything you say against you to justify a lower payment.
2. What Information Should I Gather About The Car Accident?
Get a notebook to record every possible detail about the crash. First, collect the names, phone numbers, insurance information and license plate numbers of every driver involved. Then, if you are able, try to collect the contact information of a few witnesses.
Next, write down details about the medical attention that you receive, your interactions with the police and any correspondence with insurance companies. Don’t forget to include dates!
3. Why Should I Contact An Attorney?
Insurance companies that owe you money are not on your side. They are concerned about their bottom-line, and any money that they can get away with not paying you is money in their pockets. When it comes time to negotiate with or file a claim against an insurance company, you need someone on your side who knows the law thoroughly.
At Grimmett Law Firm, PLLC, we have helped more than 1,000 Nashville residents seek justice through personal-injury lawsuits. To learn more about our practice or to schedule a no-cost consultation, Call Us At 1-877-900-4878 Today!
