You may be required to appear in court after you file your car accident claim. At Banks & Jones, we understand that most car accident victims would prefer to avoid court appearances. We’ll explain when you might have to go to court, such as when you’re called to give a deposition - and when it might be in your best interest to go to court, such as when insurance companies are not making a fair settlement [...]
A car accident settlement is a formal agreement between the victim and the insurance company to pay your claim for damages. In return for a cash payment, you agree that the settlement is final – that you won’t seek any more money from the defendant’s insurance company. You should never negotiate a settlement on your own. The insurance company for the defendant is not your friend. They want to pay you as little as possible. [...]
In many car accidents where two or more drivers are involved, more than one driver may be responsible for the accident. When there are allegations that two more drivers are partially responsible for a car accident, Tennessee uses the concept of comparative negligence to determine who should be responsible for paying a claim. Multi-vehicle accidents often involve a chain reaction or a series of separate accidents. Our car accident lawyers are skilled at showing what happened [...]
If a mechanic or auto repair business fails to fix brakes that aren’t working, windshield wipers that don’t get rid of the rain, or any other part of your car– you may be able to file a personal injury claim when the failure is the cause of your car accident. You may also be able to file a personal injury claim if the mechanic or car shop failed to conduct routine maintenance. Examples of improper car [...]
Drivers in Tennessee convicted of a DUI-related offense, including driving with a blood alcohol content level of .08 or higher (.04 if the driver is a commercial driver), can be ordered to use an ignition interlock (IID) device for up to one year. A driver may also request to use an IID in order to obtain a restricted license for an offense that wouldn’t normally require an IID; this allows them to drive without geographic restrictions [...]
When motorcycles collide with cars, trucks, other motorcycles, or just the roadway, the riders are usually severely hurt. Often, a motorcycle rider or passenger collides with another vehicle and then strikes the ground. Many riders see their lives flash before their eyes. Motorcyclists often need emergency room care. Many motorcycle accident victims need to be admitted to the hospital for surgeries. Common injuries include broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, paralysis, and traumatic amputations. [...]
Many people are accused of crimes they didn’t commit. The reasons people file false complaints or the police file charges they know they can’t support vary. What doesn’t vary is that if you are accused of committing a crime, whether you committed it or whether you are perfectly innocent, you need to ask to speak to your lawyer. You should not give a statement to the police, because that statement could be used against you. You [...]
Car accidents can cause many different types of chest injuries. The manner of the accident is one contributing factor. Higher-speed accidents, head-on crashes, broadsides, and side-impact collisions can all cause chest injuries. How the driver or passenger reacts is another factor. Drivers who come into contact with the dashboard, steering wheel, or other car occupants are more likely to experience chest trauma. Airbags that deploy after an accident are another known cause of chest injuries. According [...]
While they are both dangerous types of motor vehicle accidents, there are several critical differences between car accidents and truck accidents. Those differences can affect how a case proceeds through negotiations or in trial, and they can certainly affect how a treatment plan proceeds for an injured person. Here are seven of the most important differences between a truck accident and a car accident. 1. The injuries can be far worse in a truck accident [...]
Whether on television, in movies, or in real life, most people have heard the phrase “attorney/client privilege” at some point or another. But what does this term actually mean? Is everything a client says to their attorney protected? Can an attorney ever legally reveal something their client told them? Understanding what attorney/client privilege is and what you can tell your attorney without fear of it being shared with others – including law enforcement, the government, or [...]
Most of us have experienced car accidents like fender benders. But don’t be fooled: even “minor” accidents can cause serious injuries. After all, if the impact was enough to bend your fender, then it was enough to cause you harm. If you’ve been injured in a fender bender, seek medical help immediately and contact an experienced personal injury attorney. What is a fender bender? A fender bender is a term used to describe a automobile [...]
Marijuana convictions in Tennessee can carry consequences that extend beyond the courtroom. While the legal penalties for marijuana offenses are significant, you may face a variety of consequences that can affect many aspects of your life. Today we want to talk about the collateral consequences of a marijuana conviction. Employment restrictions Employment opportunities can be severely limited for individuals with marijuana convictions in Knoxville. Many employers conduct background checks as part of their hiring process, and [...]
After suffering an injury in an accident, you may hear a lot of unfamiliar legal and insurance terminology. One of these terms is “lost earning capacity,” which is not the same as loss of income. Lost earning capacity is a general category of damages that compensates for your ability to earn money in the future. It refers to the money you could have made but are unable to because of an injury that prevents you from working. Loss [...]
Criminal defendants often face a critical juncture in the criminal justice process – whether to accept a plea bargain or proceed to trial. In some cases, a plea bargain may be in your best interests. However, you should never accept a plea bargain without first speaking with an experienced Knoxville criminal defense attorney who can answer all of your questions. This decision carries a variety of implications, which can shape your case and determine its outcome. [...]
After being in a car accident, motorcycle accident, or any other type of accident, you may be curious to know what type of evidence will help you build a strong case against the individual who is responsible. This is great thinking, as you want to ensure that you have everything ready and in order when reaching out to an attorney about your case. One of the first and most valuable pieces of evidence that your Knoxville [...]
Almost everyone has seen their fair share of arrests on television shows. You watch a police officer handcuff a person, state their Miranda Rights, and then push them into the backseat of a police vehicle. While you may think that this is what happens in real arrests, it is important to remember that what you saw is based on television, and what happens on television shows does not typically play out the same way in real [...]
A blind spot accident occurs when two vehicles are involved in a crash because one driver was unable to see the other vehicle. Large commercial trucks and 18-wheelers have several large blind spots, meaning that it is very common for truck drivers to fail to see other drivers. Therefore, if you are driving next to, behind, or in front of a semi-truck, you should be aware of the fact that you may be in their blind [...]
If you are caught driving with drugs in your system, the consequences may be extremely serious. You may be charged with driving while under the influence (DUI), which is a serious criminal offense that can change your life and lead to long-term repercussions. However, it is important to remember that an arrest or charge does not necessarily make you guilty, and your attorney will do everything they can to protect your rights and prove your innocence. [...]
When a driver is involved in any type of car accident and law enforcement is called, the responding officers are required to fill out and submit a car crash report before leaving the scene. This report usually explains to authorities what happened during the crash, what the officer saw at the scene of the accident, and who may be liable. Several days after your car accident, you may start to think about what legal routes [...]
Motorcycle accidents are usually severe, traumatic, and life-altering due to their much smaller size compared to trucks and automobiles. In fact, motorcycle riders often suffer catastrophic injuries, which may cause them to cope with pain and suffering for the rest of their lives. When going through a tough and time-consuming recovery from a motorcycle accident, you may feel lost and overwhelmed about how to navigate the motorcycle accident insurance claim process in Knoxville, TN. When this [...]
Many innocent people across the United States have been wrongfully convicted of crimes they did not commit. Even though some of them are later freed, this continues to be an issue in the city of Knoxville and the rest of the country. The reason for this is because the justice system often fails our citizens and finds innocent people guilty. When this happens, the individual and their families suffer devastating and traumatic consequences for many [...]
People around the United States depend on commercial trucks to provide their products, foods, and other goods. Therefore, big rigs and 18-wheelers are an essential part of American life. These trucks are in charge of transporting necessities across various states and cities to ensure that businesses and individuals receive their daily items. However, with more trucks on the roads in Knoxville and other cities, we are seeing more and more traumatic, devastating, and deadly truck accidents, [...]
When a person is caught driving while drunk or intoxicated, they may be arrested on a driving under the influence (DUI) charge. If convicted of this type of charge, the individual will need to pay large and hefty fines, they may lose their license, and may even spend time in jail. If you are facing a DUI charge, it is crucial that you reach out to a Knoxville DUI defense lawyer who knows how to represent [...]
Honda has been in the news recently for a huge recall of their vehicles due to issues with the rear cameras. This information may be beneficial to individuals who have been involved in an accident or struck by a driver who was operating a Honda vehicle. Even though rearview cameras have been placed in all newer model cars, it is important to remember to still look over your shoulder and check your blind spots when the [...]
Multi-car pile ups are traumatic incidents that can result in some devastating consequences for those involved. For an injury victim, determining liability in these accidents is important, as it can determine who is responsible for the damages and all the injuries sustained by everyone involved. These types of chain-reaction accidents are when a car crashes into the back of another car, causing that car to smash into the car in front of it, and the chain [...]
