You’ve likely heard the saying that most car accidents occur "close to home," but did you know a substantial number also happen in parking lots? It might be tempting to assume that parking lots are safe and secure due to their simple layouts and slow speed limits, but in reality, parking lots pose a number of hazards and safety concerns for drivers across the country. In Tennessee, parking lot accidents are treated with the same seriousness [...]

You’ve probably encountered your fair share of reckless drivers if you live or regularly travel through Tennessee. As more people move to this part of the country, traffic congestion is on a steady incline, as is the number of car accidents reported each year. In fact, the National Traffic Research Group recently reported that traffic fatalities in the state of Tennessee have increased by roughly 35% over the last decade. One unfortunate cause of motor vehicle [...]

Over the last 50 years, the number of children killed in car accidents each year has declined significantly thanks to states’ adoption of more stringent legislation pertaining to motor vehicle safety. Nevertheless, parents and guardians of young children are responsible for the safety of any minors in their care, and failing to comply with established traffic safety laws is a surefire way to put young lives in jeopardy. Tennessee is one of 20 states that require [...]

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Knoxville, one of the first things you should understand is the state’s fault laws. Fault laws determine who’s responsible for the accident and who pays for damages, and they can have a big effect on the outcome of your claim. Tennessee’s fault laws are based on a concept called “comparative negligence,” and you need to understand them if you’re considering filing an insurance claim or lawsuit. What [...]

Being injured in a car accident can cause a lot of emotional and financial concerns. You’re likely dealing with medical bills, car repairs, and the stress of recovering from your injuries. We understand that you don’t want to add the cost of a lawyer into that mix. However, the good news is that hiring a lawyer is often much more affordable than you might think. Contingency fee agreements The most common way lawyers charge for [...]

Two people have been identified after a DUI crash in Knoxville. The individuals, a 76-year-old from Virginia and a 45-year-old from Knoxville, were killed, and three others were injured in the accident. 6 News on Your Side reports: Based on an investigation, it is believed that two vehicles traveling east on I-40 were involved in a rear-end crash just after 5:30 a.m. on Saturday. The first vehicle came to a rest in a lane of [...]

If you're involved in a car accident in Tennessee that's not your fault, taking the right steps can protect your interests and help you manage the situation effectively. However, not everyone knows what to do in the aftermath of one of these traumatic experiences. Here’s a quick guide to help you know what steps to take. A post-accident checklist Following a crash, take each of these steps to protect yourself and others and to preserve [...]

The Eddie Conrad Act, enacted in 2024, is a Tennessee law designed to combat distracted driving among drivers under 18. By imposing stricter penalties for violations of the Hands-Free Law, this legislation aims to address the growing issue of distracted driving in the state. Does Tennessee have a distracted driving problem? Yes. According to 2023 USAA data, Tennessee ranks #8 among the states with the highest number of distracted driving incidents. The other top 10 [...]

If you’re involved in a car accident in Knoxville, Tennessee, filing a police report is crucial for insurance claims and potential legal actions. The responding officer will typically file an accident report, which you can later obtain from the local police department, sheriff's office, or the Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security. Here’s a comprehensive guide on what to do: Ensure safety and medical attention Ensuring safety and determining whether medical attention is needed [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

Seat belts are super important when it comes to car accidents—and there is a reason they are required by law in just about every state. When you wear a seat belt, it keeps you securely fastened in your seat, reducing the chances of serious injuries or even worse outcomes in the event of an accident. Like most states, Tennessee has a law that requires everyone to wear a seat belt. However, that does not mean that [...]

A new study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) shows multiple midsize SUVs rate badly for backseat safety in crash tests. The IIHS tested 13 midsize SUVs for front crash protection and gave a “poor” rating to six models. Per the organization: “IIHS recently updated its longstanding moderate overlap front crash test to add a rear passenger dummy positioned behind the driver. Although the test still includes a driver dummy, rear passenger protection is [...]

When we are in a car, there is some protection offered by the vehicle itself. Unlike a pedestrian, bicyclist, or motorcyclist, drivers of (and passengers in) sedans or trucks are surrounded by thick, hard metal that may offer some shielding against an object or other vehicle that it crashes into. While it can provide that protection during minor crashes, in more severe accidents, the car itself can become a dangerous weapon surrounding you. The steering wheel [...]

As beautiful as our state is, Tennessee is no stranger to some less-than-beautiful weather. Our prime location means we get a taste of all extremes depending on where we are. This doesn’t always mean life-threatening twisters or hurricanes, but that inclement driving weather is nothing too new to us locals. Whether it’s simple rain, slippery leaves, ice and snow, or a terrible mix, our commutes can easily get much more dangerous. Ideally, we just avoid driving [...]

There has been a pronounced uptick in people purchasing larger and larger vehicles. The main reason that is cited for this increase is safety. However, buying a large car does not mean that everyone else around you is safe. It only means the people inside the vehicle are secure. As a pedestrian, you should be wary of all vehicles, especially large vehicles around you. Pedestrians and cyclists on the road are in mortal danger when large [...]

For a lot of us, driving is a daily chore we have to take part in to get to where we need to go. Whether it’s a commute to work, school, or wherever your errands take you, you get there behind the wheel of a car. While newer drivers may still get to enjoy the novelty of the open road, more seasoned folks typically have a more apathetic view — if not an outright distaste. Driving, [...]