Nashville Personal Injury & Car Accident Attorneys
When you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, the physical pain is often just the beginning. The mounting medical bills, lost wages, and emotional stress can quickly become overwhelming. At Bill Easterly & Associates, we understand that this is one of the most difficult times in your life, and we are here to help you navigate it.
Based in Nashville, our firm is dedicated to fighting for the rights of accident victims across Tennessee. With years of experience and a proven track record of securing favorable outcomes for our clients, we have established ourselves as a trusted legal resource in the community. Our commitment goes beyond legal representation; we strive to provide the compassionate support and personalized attention you need to rebuild your life.
Understanding Personal Injury Law in Nashville
Navigating the legal landscape after an accident can be confusing, especially when you are trying to recover from injuries. Personal injury cases in Nashville are governed by Tennessee state law, which sets specific rules for how these claims are handled. Understanding these laws is crucial for protecting your rights and maximizing your chances of a successful recovery.
The “At-Fault” System
Tennessee operates under an “at-fault” system for car accidents and personal injury claims. This means that the person who caused the accident is responsible for paying for the damages. Unlike “no-fault” states, where your own insurance covers your medical expenses regardless of who caused the crash, in Tennessee, you must prove that the other party was negligent to recover compensation.
To successfully prove negligence, four elements must be established:
- Duty of Care: The other party had a legal obligation to act reasonably (e.g., a driver must obey traffic laws).
- Breach of Duty: The other party failed to meet that obligation (e.g., the driver was speeding or texting).
- Causation: That failure directly caused your injury.
- Damages: You suffered actual losses, such as medical bills or pain and suffering, as a result.
Damage Caps in Tennessee
Another critical aspect of Tennessee law involves caps on damages. While economic damages — such as medical expenses and lost wages — are generally not capped, non-economic damages are limited. Non-economic damages cover subjective losses like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Under Tennessee Code Annotated § 29-39-102, non-economic damages are generally capped at $750,000. However, in cases involving catastrophic injuries — such as spinal cord injuries, severe burns, or the amputation of a limb — this cap may increase to $1,000,000. Understanding these nuances is essential when evaluating the potential value of your claim.
Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle
At Bill Easterly & Associates, we have extensive experience handling a wide variety of personal injury cases. No two accidents are the same, and we tailor our legal strategies to the specific details of your situation.
Car Accidents
Car crashes are among the most common causes of injury in Nashville. Whether it involves a rear-end collision on I-40 or an intersection accident downtown, we help victims hold negligent drivers accountable.
Truck Accidents
Collisions involving commercial semi-trucks are often devastating due to the sheer size and weight of these vehicles. These cases are complex, often involving federal regulations and multiple liable parties, such as trucking companies and cargo loaders.
Motorcycle & Bicycle Accidents
Motorcyclists and cyclists have little protection against passenger vehicles. We aggressively represent riders who have been injured by drivers failing to share the road safely.
Slip and Fall Accidents (Premises Liability)
Property owners have a duty to keep their premises safe. If you slipped on a wet floor in a grocery store or tripped over uneven pavement, you may have a claim for premises liability.
Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrians are incredibly vulnerable in traffic accidents. We advocate for individuals who have been struck by vehicles while crossing the street or walking on sidewalks.
Workers’ Compensation
If you were injured on the job, you have rights. We help injured workers navigate the workers’ compensation system to secure benefits for medical care and lost income.
Wrongful Death
Losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence is a tragedy no family should endure. We handle wrongful death claims with the utmost sensitivity, helping families seek justice and financial stability during their time of grief.
Other Practice Areas
Our firm also handles cases involving:
- Construction Accidents
- Boating Accidents
- Product Liability (Defective Products)
- Dog Bite Injuries
- Brain Injuries
- Catastrophic Injuries
Why Choose Bill Easterly & Associates?
Choosing the right attorney is one of the most important decisions you will make after an accident. Here is why clients across Nashville trust Bill Easterly & Associates:
- Focused Skill: We are experienced in personal injury and car accident law. This focus allows us to stay ahead of legal trends and strategies that benefit our clients.
- Client-Centered Approach: You are not just a case number to us. We provide personalized attention, keeping you informed at every stage of the process.
- Proven Results: Our history of successful settlements and verdicts speaks for itself. We are committed to maximizing compensation for our clients so they can focus on healing.
- No Fee Unless We Win: We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay any attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.
The Statute of Limitations: Why You Must Act Quickly
Time is of the essence in personal injury cases. Tennessee has one of the shortest statutes of limitations in the country. Under Tennessee Code Annotated § 28-3-104, you generally have only one year from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit.
If you miss this deadline, you will likely lose your right to seek compensation forever. While there are rare exceptions — such as the “discovery rule,” which may apply if an injury was not immediately apparent — it is risky to rely on them. The sooner you contact an attorney, the sooner we can begin preserving evidence and protecting your legal rights.
Contact Bill Easterly & Associates Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident or due to someone else’s negligence in Nashville, do not wait to seek legal help. The insurance companies have teams of lawyers working to protect their profits; you deserve a dedicated team fighting for you.
Contact Bill Easterly & Associates today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let us handle the legal burden so you can focus on what matters most — your recovery.