Nashville, TN Car Accident Lawyer

Tennessee law provides very little time to file a lawsuit after a car accident. Under Tennessee Code § 28-3-104, you only have 1 year to make a claim against the at-fault driver. The same time limit applies if the victim dies as a result of injuries sustained in the accident, with the clock starting to run on the date of your loved one’s death.

One year is not a lot of time to sue after a car accident. Evidence needs to be gathered, witnesses need to be interviewed, and your losses need to be calculated. Don’t try to deal with recovering from your injuries and preparing a legal case on your own; Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers can help.

We immediately investigate the accident and collect evidence against the defendant(s). Our team also works closely with your doctors to understand the nature of your injuries. This enables us to waste no time preparing your case and bringing a Nashville car accident lawsuit within the filing deadline.

You can absolutely ask a Nashville car accident injury attorney how much your case is worth. They will answer this question based on their extensive experience handling auto accident claims, as well as the details of your situation.

Key factors an accident lawyer will use to determine how much your case may be worth include:

• How serious your injuries are
• The total value of your medical expenses
• Income & benefits you’ve lost to date
• Physical pain you experience on a regular basis
• Emotional trauma from the accident (anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, etc.)
• Long-term & permanent effects of your injuries
• Your degree of fault for the accident, if any

At Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers, we believe in Keeping It Real. Our attorneys will talk about your case in detail and ask thoughtful questions. This helps us determine the potential amount of compensation you are due.

No. In fact, it is not in your best interest at all to provide the other driver’s insurance company with a recorded statement.

Insurance companies have an agenda when they ask claimants to go on the record. They want you to say something that allows them to avoid liability, such as admissions of fault, comments that downplay your injuries, etc. Even seemingly innocent comments (“I’m fine,” “I’m sorry,” etc.) can be used against you later.

You have no obligation to speak with the other driver’s insurer. If they contact you and ask for a statement, politely decline and tell them to direct any questions to your lawyer. Don’t have an attorney yet? Contact Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers today!

When you’re in an auto accident, the adrenaline kicks in almost immediately. This helps you deal with the stress of the event, but it can also turn down the volume on the body’s pain signals. You might feel sore right after the crash, but the full extent and severity of your injuries may not be apparent.

This is why you should see a doctor or go to the emergency room after a car accident. Symptoms of a head injury, whiplash, internal trauma, and even broken bones may not become fully obvious until time has passed. By then, what might have been a treatable injury could be much worse.

Another reason to seek medical care promptly is to establish the injuries you suffered right away. Insurance companies like to dispute claims on the basis that the injuries are not as serious as claimants say, usually citing a delay in medical treatment. Going to the doctor right away ensures that your injuries are documented promptly and helps preserve your legal rights.

Don’t feel guilty or worried if you didn’t seek medical attention immediately. There’s a lot to think about in the aftermath of an accident, and injuries make it difficult to think clearly. You should see a doctor as soon as possible, as well as consult a car crash lawyer in Nashville.

If the accident occurred in Nashville or elsewhere in Davidson County, you can request a crash report online from the Metro Police. Reports are generally available within 5–7 business days after the accident. You will need to provide the last name of an involved party, the date of the accident, and the report or reference number.

Accidents on state and interstate highways are investigated by the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP). Crash reports can be purchased online via the Tennessee State Government website, by mail, or in person at a THP district office.

The crash report may contain pertinent details about the wreck, including the officer’s observations at the scene, citations issued, etc. A Nashville car accident lawyer can help you obtain a copy as part of preparing your case.

We strongly caution our clients against posting about the accident on social media. In today’s digital era, insurance adjusters often scrutinize social media profiles for information they can use to avoid paying claims. Anything you post online, be it about the wreck, your injuries, your role in the accident, etc., could be used by the insurer to dispute your claim or deny you compensation.

Posting about the crash on social media might seem cathartic and give you an outlet to talk about what happened, your injuries, etc. Just remember that family and friends may not be the only ones who see your posts, and what you share can damage your car accident case.

Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers can help if you’re feeling stressed, anxious, or depressed in the aftermath of the accident. Our team goes the extra mile for clients. We can connect you and your loved ones with resources and support to help with the mental and emotional turmoil you may be feeling.

People often contact our Nashville car accident firm reeling from the denial of their claim. The sad fact is that the other driver’s insurance company is looking out for its best interest, not yours. Even cases where the other driver was clearly at fault may be met with resistance.

If you are facing this situation, you need a plaintiff’s car accident attorney who is committed to holding the insurance company accountable and obtaining the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages. At Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers, we pursue Real Justice for our clients.

A truly just outcome requires Real Advocacy. This may mean intense negotiations with the insurance adjuster and potentially taking the case to trial. Our attorneys are trial-tested. We prepare cases for court from the beginning and advocate for the maximum award at trial if the insurance company continues to deny your claim.

The Tennessee Supreme Court’s decision in McIntyre v. Balentine established the state’s modified comparative fault system. Under this rule, you may still obtain compensation for the accident if your proportion of fault is less than 50%.

Any damages you are due will be reduced according to your percentage of fault. For example, say your damages from a car accident are $100,000. If you are found to be 10% at fault for the accident and the other driver is responsible for the remaining 90%, the maximum compensation you would be entitled to is $90,000.

Victims are often hesitant to make a car accident injury claim if they believe they are partly at fault. The good news is that you may still be able to recover some compensation, provided the other driver is found to be more at fault.

Rideshare accident claims involve unique legal challenges. Compensation may be sought from both the Uber or Lyft driver as well as the rideshare company. However, the available insurance coverage depends on whether the driver is signed into the rideshare app and whether they had a passenger at the time of the crash.

Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers has been closely following legal developments since the popularity of rideshare services has exploded across the U.S. Some companies, such as Uber and Lyft, provide a minimum of $1 million in liability coverage under certain circumstances. Substantial compensation may be available if you are injured due to the negligence of a rideshare driver.

From truck drivers to delivery drivers, many people on the road operate a motor vehicle as part of their job. If they cause an accident through negligence and you are injured, you may have a claim against the driver, their employer, and potentially other defendants.

In truck accident claims, for example, we investigate the truck driver’s actions as well as the role of the trucking company in causing the crash. The trucking company may be held liable under the doctrine of vicarious liability (i.e., fault is conferred on the employer for the actions of an employee) and/or for its own negligence. Parties involved in the manufacture, maintenance, and loading of the truck may also be liable if they contributed to the accident.

Other vehicles may be used for commercial purposes as well, from delivering food and packages to transporting passengers and beyond. Drivers may use their own personal vehicles or be provided a vehicle by the company. If they were on the clock when they caused the crash, a Nashville car accident lawyer can explore your rights and bring a commercial vehicle accident claim on your behalf.

You need a personal injury attorney who makes representing car accident victims a major focus of their practice. The lawyer you choose should have a strong track record negotiating settlements with insurance companies, as well as achieving awards at trial.

Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers has earned more than $1 billion in recoveries for clients nationwide. We have Real Experience with the court system in Nashville and extensive local knowledge of the roads where accidents often occur. These qualities are critical for representing you effectively.

If you were injured in a car accident that was not your fault, you are entitled to fair compensation. Damages may be recovered through a settlement with the at-fault driver’s insurance company; this is usually how cases are resolved. However, it may be necessary to file a lawsuit if the insurer won’t make a fair offer.

Having been through an accident that left you seriously injured or resulted in the wrongful death of your loved one, you know the financial toll and heartache that can result from a driver’s negligence. Taking legal action is also a means of holding defendants accountable and possibly preventing someone else from going through what you have.

At Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers, we believe in Real Justice. Our clients have been wronged, and we take aggressive action to try to make them whole again. Whether negotiating a fair settlement or championing your case at trial, we are committed to fighting for an outcome that makes a positive difference in your life and sends a clear message.

Not all car accident attorneys are created equal, and working with the wrong one could cost you. People make a few common mistakes when hiring lawyers for car crashes—and honestly, it’s understandable. This is probably the first time you’re dealing with something like this, and you’ve already been through a huge shock and trauma.

We recommend avoiding the following common mistakes:

• Hiring an attorney who won’t go to trial. Insurance companies are aware of which firms settle fast and which will take them all the way to court. If your auto injury lawyer isn’t ready to fight, you’re already at a disadvantage.

• Choosing a lawyer who isn’t upfront about fees. Hidden costs and vague handshake agreements can leave you with a lot less than you need and deserve. You should be clear on how and when your attorney will get paid.
• Picking an auto injury attorney who treats you like just another case number. If they don’t take the time to hear your story, how can they advocate for your best interests? Transparency, trust, and personalized service matter.

At Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers, we take your case personally. We will push for every dollar you deserve and never lose sight of your best interests. Contact us today to set up a FREE consultation with one of our car accident lawyers in Nashville, TN.

Car accidents are, unfortunately, all too common. Tennessee’s roadways see a significant number of accidents and tragic fatalities each year. The Tennessee Department of Safety reported 24,092 car crashes throughout Davidson County alone in 2024. There were 100 deaths in Nashville car accidents that same year, accounting for roughly 8% of the statewide fatalities (1,198).

Behind these numbers are families whose lives are forever changed by sudden tragedy. If you’ve been impacted by a crash here in Tennessee, reach out to our car accident attorneys for compassionate support and guidance.

Getting the best settlement after a Tennessee car crash isn’t always easy—but having an attorney with Real Experience on your side makes all the difference.

Insurance companies are notorious for undervaluing car wreck claims and pressuring accident victims into quick, unfair settlements. At Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers, we counteract these tactics by thoroughly investigating your accident, meticulously documenting your injuries and losses, and preparing your case as if we’re going to trial from day one.

Our aggressive negotiation skills—backed by extensive courtroom experience and a strong reputation among insurers—put you in the strongest possible position. With clear communication and relentless dedication to your best interests, we consistently achieve favorable outcomes.

When your future is on the line, choose car accident attorneys who are known for getting Real Results through Real Advocacy. Contact us today to schedule your FREE, no-obligation consultation.

Every car accident case is different, so we don’t like to make blanket statements about timelines without knowing the details of your experience. But typically, settlements can take anywhere from several months up to a year or more.

Factors such as the severity of your injuries, disputes over liability, and negotiations with insurers can all influence how long it takes. At Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers, we understand the urgency of your situation. Our determined auto wreck attorneys focus on moving your case forward efficiently without sacrificing the thoroughness and attention to detail needed to secure the compensation you truly deserve.